The Parti Schnauzer is a unique and captivating breed that's sure to steal your heart. Their distinctive markings and loyal nature make them a popular choice for many dog owners.
They come in two main varieties: salt and pepper and black. The Parti Schnauzer, however, has a distinctive white marking on its face, body, or legs.
This breed is known for its intelligence, energy, and loyalty. They thrive on interaction and mental stimulation, making them a great companion for active families.
With proper training and socialization, Parti Schnauzers can grow into well-behaved and loving dogs.
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About the Breed
The Parti Miniature Schnauzer is a stocky dog with a bold and loyal personality, known for its intelligence and engaging nature. They have a unique coat pattern with a mix of their base color and white patches.
These dogs are not a specific breed, but rather a variation of the miniature schnauzer with a rare pigmentation pattern. They were bred from the standard schnauzer, which also gave rise to the giant schnauzer breed.
Parti Schnauzers have a rich history, dating back to the 15th century, and were originally bred by German farmers to be barnyard ratters and farm dogs. They were crossed with other breeds like the Affenpinscher and Pomeranian to create the miniature schnauzer we know today.
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History of
The Parti Schnauzer has a rich history that dates back to the 15th century, when German farmers bred the standard schnauzer down to miniature size to create barnyard ratters and farm dogs.
The breed was created by crossing standard schnauzers with other breeds, including the Affenpinscher, poodle, Pomeranian, and miniature pincher. This resulted in the miniature schnauzer we know today.
The Parti Schnauzer's distinctive coat markings were accepted as part of the breed standard in 1880 by the Pinscher-Schnauzer Klub of Germany.
The first Parti Schnauzer was registered with the Pinscher-Schnauzer Klub in 1929 at Abbagamba Kennel by Countess Kanitz.
In 1933, the club banned Parti Schnauzers and their breeding, listing the parti pattern as penalized in their breed standard.
Countess Kanitz and others fought to get the breeding rights and recognition of Parti Schnauzers back, but the club never followed through due to the rise of the Third Reich and World War 2.
Unfortunately, Parti Schnauzers are still disqualified from show rings and discriminated against today due to their coat color.
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Facts About
Each dog's parti pattern is unique, so no two Parti Schnauzers will display the same patterns.
The Parti Miniature Schnauzer displays all the great attributes and characteristics that make an excellent family pet, just like their purebred solid-colored brethren.
They're smart and trainable, fearless, tough, and muscular without being aggressive.
This breed was bred to hunt small rodents first and foremost, a trait that still remains today, so they're prone to wanderlust if something catches their eye.
They're very vocal and make great little watchdogs and loyal family companions.
As natural-born diggers, they have a tendency to chew.
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Physical Characteristics
The Parti Miniature Schnauzer is a compact canine companion with a distinctive physical appearance.
Their bushy beard and eyebrows are a notable feature, adding to their adorable charm.
With a long head and rectangular-shaped muzzle, they have a unique facial structure.
Their small almond-shaped eyes are a sweet addition to their overall appearance.
Their V-shaped, drop-down ears are a characteristic feature of the breed.
Temperament and Personality
Parti Schnauzers are hard-wired working dogs, bred to perform specific tasks, but they're not given a fiery temperament. They're spirited but obedient dogs.
They're overtly friendly and willing to please, making them great companions. These little dogs are tough and muscular, not aggressive, and generally get along with some animals and older children if properly socialized.
Parti Miniature Schnauzers are friendly, playful, and affectionate, with a high prey drive, ideal for catching vermin. They're intelligent and respond quickly to positive reinforcement training.
As pets and companion dogs, they thrive in busy and active households with plenty of attention. They don't tolerate being left alone very well and can get into mischief if left for extended periods.
Their temperament is partly genetic, but also influenced by how they're raised. Meeting puppies with their mom and understanding the breeder's plans for socialization are crucial steps in getting a well-adjusted parti Miniature Schnauzer.
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Health and Care
The Parti Miniature Schnauzer is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. They are more susceptible to liver disease (hepatitis) than some other breeds.
Their wiry top coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Brushing their coat twice a week will suffice, but their beards and ears need more regular attention.
Bathing your Parti Miniature Schnauzer every four to six weeks is recommended, but be careful not to overbathe, as this can strip natural oils from their skin and coat.
Some Parti Miniature Schnauzers tend to tear up a lot, so regular gentle wipes around the eyes are necessary to prevent stains on their face. Regular brushing of their teeth is also crucial to prevent gum disease and tooth rot.
Here are some health conditions to be aware of when considering a Parti Miniature Schnauzer:
- Degenerative myelopathy, a neurological condition
- Elbow dysplasia, a joint disorder
- Eye diseases
- Heart disease
- Myotonia congenita, a muscle disorder
- Mycobacterium Avian Complex, a bacterial infection that affects the lungs
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Purebreds
Purebreds can be a bit confusing, especially for first-time dog owners.
Even though they are recognized as purebreds, Parti Schnauzers, with their coat pattern, are not acceptable in show rings according to the American Kennel Club breed standards.
Their purebred status is a result of careful breeding practices, but it doesn't necessarily guarantee their health or temperament.
Health
The Parti Miniature Schnauzer is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. They are more susceptible to liver disease, also known as hepatitis, than some other breeds.
They can also present with degenerative myelopathy, a neurological condition, and elbow dysplasia, a joint disorder. These conditions can be managed with proper care and attention.
To keep your Parti Miniature Schnauzer in top health, it's essential to have them screened for potential health threats. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals recommends screening for eye diseases, heart disease, myotonia congenita, a muscle disorder, Mycobacterium Avian Complex, a bacterial infection that affects the lungs, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Here are the specific health conditions that your Parti Miniature Schnauzer may be at risk for:
- Eye diseases
- Heart disease
- Myotonia congenita, a muscle disorder
- Mycobacterium Avian Complex, a bacterial infection that affects the lungs
- Progressive retinal atrophy
A good quality breeder will have already had their breeding dogs tested for these conditions and will be able to provide proof of the results.
Food and Diet
When it comes to feeding your Parti Miniature Schnauzer, it's essential to get it right to prevent weight gain. They don't require a lot to eat, but it's crucial to provide high-quality food.
Adult mini schnauzers need only one cup of dry food daily, divided into two meals. This is because they are moderately active, despite their small size.
Food should be chosen based on the dog's age, metabolism, and size. A good mix of meat, vegetables, fruit, and grains without fillers is ideal.
As a general rule, it's best to avoid fillers in dog food, opting for a more natural and balanced diet instead.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does parti mean in schnauzers?
The term "parti" in schnauzers refers to a coat pattern with white patches. It can be combined with any other color, literally meaning "with white patches
Are parti colored schnauzers recognized by AKC?
Yes, AKC recognizes Parti colored Miniature Schnauzers, which must be accompanied by photos and AKC paperwork.
What color Schnauzer is most expensive?
The darkest shade of Red Schnauzer is typically the most expensive due to its rarity. This color variation is highly sought after by breeders and buyers alike.
Sources
- Parti Schnauzer Dog Breed - Small Dogs Big Personalities! (worldanimalfoundation.org)
- Colors & Sizes (loveysminiatureschnauzers.com)
- Black and White Parti Schnauzers (spoiledrottenschnauzers.com)
- Parti mini schnauzers in the Philippines (minischnauzersphilippines.com)
- Parti Miniature Schnauzer - Is It The Patchy Dog For You? (thehappypuppysite.com)
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