The Miniature Schnauzer is one of the most popular small breeds—and for good reason! With their signature bearded look, lively attitude, and loyal heart, these pint-sized pups make wonderful companions. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Mini Schnauzer, from its origin story to grooming tips and health facts.

📜 Origin: A German Creation

The Miniature Schnauzer originated in Germany in the late 19th century. Breeders set out to create a smaller version of the Standard Schnauzer, and did so by crossing:

• Standard Schnauzer
• German Pinscher
• Affenpinscher

Some believe the Miniature Poodle was also part of the mix. 

🎯 Purpose: Born to Be a Ratter

Originally bred as a farm dog, the Mini Schnauzer’s main job was to hunt and catch rats and small vermin. Their:

• Agility
• Fearless personality
• Compact size

...made them ideal for the job of fitting into tight spots and getting the job done. They were also used as watchdogs and herders on the farm.

✂️ Coat Care: Low Shedding, High Style

Mini Schnauzers are known for their wiry, double-layered coats. While they shed very little—great news for allergy sufferers—they do require regular, daily grooming:
Grooming Tips:

• Daily brushing helps prevent matting and keeps their coat clean
• Professional grooming or clipping is needed at least twice a year
• Face and leg trimming keeps them looking tidy and helps to maintain their coat all year round

Their unique coat makes them one of the more hypoallergenic dog breeds.

❤️ Temperament: Energetic, Loyal & Loving

Mini Schnauzers are known for their confidence and loving nature. Here’s what to expect:
Personality Traits:

• Energetic and thrive on daily walks or playtime
• Adaptable—great for apartments if exercised daily
• Social, especially when well-socialized from a young age
• Protective—may be standoffish with strangers, but deeply loyal to their family
• Smart and trainable, often excelling in obedience competitions

However, without proper leadership, they may develop:

• Separation anxiety
• "Little dog syndrome" (aka, big attitude in a small body!)

They need a calm, consistent pack leader to stay balanced and happy.

🏥 Health: Long Life

Mini Schnauzers tend to live around 15 years, often maintaining their playful energy well into old age. Like all breeds, they have some genetic predispositions:
Common Health Concerns:

• Diabetes
• Eye conditions
• Liver disease
• Kidney stones
• Weight gain (especially without proper exercise)

A balanced diet and regular activity are essential to keeping them healthy and happy.

​Origin:
The original Poodle, the Standard Poodle, doesn’t have a confirmed origin. Named the ‘French Poodle’ for many years, they were thought to have originated there, however others believe they originated in Germany. Over time, the Standard Poodle was developed into smaller sizes, creating the Miniature, Toy and Teacup Poodle. These smaller breeds came about due to the popularity of the breed among Royal families, wanting a smaller lap dog. It’s believed to have been in the early 20th century that the Toy Poodle came about.
The name Poodle is believed to have derived from the German word ‘Pudel’ which means ‘one who plays in water’ relating to the Poodles love for the water.  

Purpose:
The Toy Poodle was bred as a companion dog but was also used in circus performing. Being a highly intelligent breed and also driven by a want to impress their owners, they were the perfect dog to train for tricks.

Coat care:
The poodle is popular for anyone with allergies and is the reason the breed has been cross bred with hundreds of other breeds in recent years. Grooming is high maintenance for a Poodle as their coat is actually considered hair and not fur. It continues to grow, as does human hair, and requires bathing and clipping at least every 6 – 8 weeks. They do not shed any hair and for this reason it must be clipped and brushed daily, to help remove dead skins cells and maintain a clean coat.
They are prone to wax build up in the ears so require the hair inside their ears to pulled when groomed. There are a number of clips suitable for the breed, with the well known Poodle clip very popular. This keeps hair around the ankles and bracelets and tail and hips. This clip was originally used for working Poodles, to keep their extremities warm and protected when in the water.
Trimming around the eyes and snout helps to keep eyes clean and avoid too much build up from eye discharge too.  

Health & Temperament:
The Poodle is a very intelligent, loving and sweet breed of dog. They are said to be one of the most trainable breeds of dog so can quickly adapt to a new household with good leadership and boundaries. They are very versatile and do great in small apartment living as well as with a large space and area to roam around in. They are very happy to snuggle up on the couch with you and laze around the house, providing they have received enough exercise, with a daily walk being suitable. When socialised well and from a young age, they get along well with other dogs and pets. They can be good with children but are best to be supervised with smaller children and most ideal for a house hold with older children.
Being small and adorable, the Toy Poodle can often be treated like a human baby, which leads to Little Dog Syndrome and serious behavioural issues. These behavioural issues are not natural traits of the Toy Poodle, however are brought on by poor leadership and guidance.
They are, in general, considered a very healthy breed of dog and have a life span of 14+ years.
 
 

​Origin:
The original Boston Terrier is very different from the one we know and love today. Sadly, the breed was bred for pit fighting as such, was originally a much larger dog, weighing around 20kg.
They are one of the few breeds of dogs that have originated out of America, and as their name suggests – they originate from Boston in Massachusetts. The breed was created by crossing the English Bulldog with a English White Terrier (the latter now being an extinct breed.)
The original Boston Terrier, known as the Olde Boston Bulldogge, was then bred down over time by cross breeding with French Bulldogs and then leading to the Boston Terrier that we know today. It was in 1893 that the ‘Boston Terrier’ was first recognised by the American Kennel Association. Thankfully, the breed we know today is a very VERY distant relative of its original breeding.
 
Purpose:
As mentioned, the original Olde Boston Bulldogge was bred for a pit fighting dog. Thankfully, overtime they have bred into smaller companion dogs making them ideal for families as well as being great therapy dogs.

Coat care:
The shorthaired and smooth coat of the Boston is easy to maintain, requiring brushing at least once a week and bathing only when needed. Their eyes will require more attention and should be wiped and cleaned gently daily to avoid any build up. They are prone to catching grass seeds in their ears, so should also have these checked daily. They are a breed that produces little to no doggie odour and is only an average shedder.


Health & Temperament:
This happy little dog is very gentle, keen and intelligent. Training, with the correct approach, is easy although they are known for being a little challenging to toilet train. Their small size should not fool you, they are little pocket rockets who require a good amount of daily exercised. Without this, they can become quickly bored and destructive. Prone to small dog syndrome, they love to be a part of the family but it’s important they know they are not the boss, this can quickly lead to serious behavioural issues.
With the right balance, the Boston makes for a wonderful family pet and are fantastic companions for children and the elderly. When well socialised from a young age, they get along well with most other animals too.
The protruding eyes of the Boston do mean that they require extra care. The breed is prone to a number of eye conditions including juvenile cataracts, glaucoma, corneal ulcers, cherry eye, dry eyes, late-onset cataracts just to name a few. They are also prone to deafness, luxating patellar (dislocation of the knee caps) and tumours. Breeding parents should be well researched and health reports conducted when looking for a pup.
Being a brachycephalic breed (short, squished faces) they are a breed that struggles in extreme weather changes, both hot and cold so need to be watched closely when exposed to high and low temperatures.

​Origin:
Although the Labradoodle is not recognised as a purebred, the first recorded, intentionally bred Labradoodle is believed to have been created here in Australia, by Guide Dog trainer, Wally Conron in 1989.
 
Purpose:
Mr Conron confirmed that the breeding of a Labrador with a Standard Poodle was done for a blind woman in Hawaii, who needed a guide dog but her husband was allergic to dogs. He spent 3 years and tested 33 Standard Poodles in their care, being that the Poodle does not shed hair, however none were suitable as Guide Dogs. This led him to cross breed his boss’s Poodle Harley with his own Labrador, Brandy. Little did he know what this creation would unleash, with this successful breeding and successful Guide Dog that did not bother anyone’s allergies, began the world-wide phenomenon of Poodle mixed breeding. Sadly, Mr Conron has said this cross breeding is one of his life regrets, given the ‘Frankenstein’ monster that has been created with some cross breeding that has been created since. His only hope was to help those who needed a support dog but could not because of any allergies within the home, not a designer dog disaster around the world.

Coat care:
Coat care for the Labradoodle can vary, as depending on how they are cross bred can depend on them having more of a Labrador or more of a Poodle style coat.
Each Labradoodle will need different coat care, some will require regular clipping and others may need it more often than that. Daily brushing will help to avoid matting especially around the face and underarms. They should be bathed only as needed and may need their ears plucked from time to time.  

Health & Temperament:
With cross breeds, it can be hard to give an exact direction that each dog’s temperament and health will go in, as it all depends on what generation of breeding they are and the health of their parents, however it is common that the Labradoodle is a happy, fun loving pooch. Both the Labrador and Poodle are intelligent breeds of dog, easy to train (especially if they have the Labrador food drive) and willing to please their owners. Providing there is a good amount of Poodle still in the blood lines, they will shed little to no hair so are ideal for those with allergies or dog hair sensitives. They are an ideal companion dog and for this reason do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They enjoy plenty of exercise and are very social dogs, so daily walks at a minimum are needed to keep their mind, body and social levels met.
The breed can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Breeding parents’ health records and joint scores should always be requested when looking into a breeder to avoid any health issues later in life.   
 

Origin:
The Cavi is named after King Charles II and is a descendent of the original King Charles Spaniel. In the 1600’s, it was a goal to create a smaller dog then the King Charles Spaniel that had a flatter nose, rounder head, protruding eyes and upturned face, so the King Charles Spaniel was bred with Pugs, creating a dog that’s face looked similar to the Pekingese we know of today.
In the 1920’s, Roswell Eldrige, an American, offered up prize money when in London to anyone who could bring him a King Charles Spaniel with a long nose, the same as shown in Van Dyck’s painting of King Charles II surrounded by his Spaniels. Thankfully, through American breeders, Eldrige’s hope of bringing back the original King Charles Spaniel, prior to the Pug being bred in, lived on and although the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel we know today is slightly different to that of the original they are still the true royal spaniels of King Charles.
Due to the differentiation between the King Charles Spaniel and the modern breed we know today, the prefix of Cavalier was added to the breed name in the 1940’s, as they are classified as two separate breeds.
 
Purpose:
The original King Charles Spaniel was bred to hunt and kill weasels, lynx and bobcats however as the breed gained popularity and a level of status after being owned by King Charles II they quickly moved to trophy dogs, being ideal to snuggle on the laps of the wealthy when in their drafty castles or when travelling on carriage rides.

Coat care:
Daily brushing is required for the Cavi, focusing around the long fur between their pads, (unless this is clipped) their chest, underarms, ears, and feathers. The inside of their ears should be checked daily and cleaned as required. Cavi’s with particularly protruding eyes will need extra attention too. They should be bathed only as needed and ensure that they are thoroughly dry.

Health & Temperament:
The Cavalier is a gentle, loving, affectionate and happy little dog. Their sweet nature should not distract you from the fact they are also a fearless little dog that can often behave bigger than they actually are. Their willingness to please and love for their owner and food makes them easy to train. Their love is not restricted to just their humans, Cavis love all other animals, including dogs, cats and other small pets. They enjoy being an active part of a family so are not suited for outdoor only living. They do well in apartments or living without a yard providing daily exercise is provided. Being a social dog, they enjoy getting out and about to explore and meet everyone that is willing to give them a pat. They are a breed that is prone to weight gain so regular exercise is essential for their health.
Due to their breeding in the past, they are prone to eye issues, luxating patella (dislocating kneecaps) ear infections, spinal troubles, and early onset of deafness. Their average life expectancy is broad as breeding standards play a huge role in the health of the breed; they can live anywhere from 9 – 14 years. 

​Origin:
One of the oldest spaniels known, the English Cocker Spaniel was originally known as the general spaniel and the only one recorded as being imported into England many centuries ago. They were then separated into 7 different individual spaniel breeds. These were;
- English Springer
- Cocker Spaniel
- Clumber Spaniel
- Sussex Spaniel
- Welsh Springer Spaniel
- Field Spaniel
- Irish Water Spaniel
All of which are still well-known and kept breeds todays. It was not until 1946 that the Cocker Spaniel was first recognised as two separate breeds, being the American and English Cocker Spaniel.
Their name comes from the bird the Woodcock, a bird that the breed was fantastic at flushing out, leading them to be named the ‘Cocker’ Spaniel.

Purpose:
The Cocker Spaniel was breed for a working dog. They were used as hunting gun dogs and were able to travel easily through wet and dry land and harsh environments. Their key talent is to flush out and retrieve game very gently and without damage. Along with hunting and retrieving, the Cocker is also great at agility and obedience work as well as making a brave watchdog.

Coat care:
The Cocker Spaniel can be kept in full coat, breed cut or trimmed all over.
When kept in full or breed coat, they will require daily brushing, sometimes twice daily, to avoid matting especially around their pants and underbelly. Being low to the ground they can pick up burrs and twigs very easily. They can also matt very easily on their feet and between their toes so special focus should be made on these areas too.
Their long ears can also pick up grass seeds easily so should be checked after being out in any areas of long grass. They can also hold a lot of moisture so should also be checked often for signs of infection.
They should be bathed only as needed.

Health & Temperament:
Don’t let their small side fool you, the Cocker Spaniel is a strong, sturdy and very smart little dog. Being bred as a working dog, they love to run and play and need a decent daily walk at a minimum. They can be very gentle with their family and love to play, making them great with children. When well socialised from a young age, they make for a very confident dog who enjoys being around other people, dogs and cats. They thrive on plenty of physical and mental stimulation as well as having rules and boundaries in place, to avoid any dominance issues.
They are a breed who can gain weight easily, so diet and exercise need to be well managed. They are often prone to ear infections so any Cocker owner needs to be confident in checking ears regularly and knowing the signs of an infection beginning. The breed has no serious hereditary issues and on average they live for 12 – 15 years. 

Origin:
The exact origin of the Chihuahua is somewhat unknown, with a number of theories floating around. Some believe they originated from China, others believe they were brought from the islands of Malta and then brought to Mexico. Another theory, and given their name this is the most popular, is that they originated in the town of Chihuahua in Mexico. They are recorded as the smallest breed in the world as well as the oldest breed on the American continent. The breed was considered sacred to Pre-Columbian Indian nations and were considered a sign of wealth or status for the upper class.

Purpose:
The Chihuahua was bred as a companion dog and a status symbol for the wealthy. Their level of devotion and protection of their owners led for them to have a level of spiritual significance for the Aztec’s, who believed a Chihuahua could guide souls through the afterlife with protection.

Coat care:
The Chihuahua comes in two coat options, short or long hair. The short haired coat offers easy maintenance that can be brushed every so often or as needed and wiped over with a baby wipe or damp cloth as required.
The long coat will require daily brushing, focusing under the arms and around the ears to avoid small knots. They can also be wiped over as needed to remove any mess from the coat. The Chihuahua requires bathing only when extremely dirty. They can be prone to ear infections so water should be avoided around the ears.

Health & Temperament:
Don’t let their tiny frame fool you, the Chihuahua is full of personality and energy.
They are active little dogs who require daily walks and will also enjoy playtimes with their family.
The Chihuahua is a breed that immediately from a young age require boundaries and good socialisation, to avoid neurotic issues, aggression, anxiety issues and small dog syndrome. They are a fantastic companion dog who is fiercely protective and loyal. Although this can be cute, it can lead to a dog that will bite, so needs to be managed from a young age.
A well socialised and confident Chihuahua is happy to play and interact with other dogs. They have a poor reputation with children and can be known for being snappy, however this is only because of the way they are raised. Chihuahuas, along with other toy breeds of dogs, are often treated more as babies instead of dogs and this leads to serious behavioural issues. If raised with boundaries and treated like a dog that is a member of the family, not a human, a Chihuahua can be a very well behaved, loving pet.
Unfortunately, as the Chihuahua is prized for it’s tiny size and over the years has been bred, interbred and cross bred to create a teeny tiny dog, the Chihuahuas of today can sadly have an array of health issues. This includes eye issues, central nervous system issues, gum problems as well as knee, joint and muscle issues.
It’s essential to do your research into breeders and view their breeding dog’s health history prior to purchasing a puppy. All Chihuahua owners should be well educated in the health issues that can occur with breed, so they can be aware of signs and begin treatment as it’s needed, for a happy and healthy dog.

Origin:
The Golden Retriever was developed by a Lord in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s. They were created by cross breeding a yellow Flat Coated Retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel, the latter now being extinct. Later in time he bred in the Bloodhound and the Irish Setter, naming the new breed the ‘Golden Flat Coat.’ It’s unsure at what time their name changed to Golden Retriever. They are now one of the most popular breeds around the world.
 
Purpose:
As their name would suggest, they were used for retrieving. They were used for collecting and returning birds, mostly water birds for hunters. They are confident in retrieval both on land and in the water.   

Coat care:
The Golden Retriever’s beautiful coat requires regular care, to avoid matting, hot spots and to remove any debris they may collect on their adventures. Their long, double coat will require daily brushing. They will require bathing only as needed and a strip out from a professional can help throughout the warmer months too.  

Health & Temperament:
The Golden Retriever is a well loved family pet. They are fantastic as companions and also thrive in activities such a hunting, tracking, obedience as well as sniffer dogs and service/assistance dogs.  As with any dog, they thrive well with structure and rules and still need to be exposed to new situations, people and other animals from a young age, to avoid any anxious or nervous behaviours.
They are an active breed of dog, loving to get out and play with the family. Daily walks are a minimum, they will also enjoy a run in an open area or keeping up beside a runner or a bike. They are an easy to train dog and with the right exercise for their body and mind are a very happy, easy-going, laid-back dog.
The breed is unfortunately prone to cancer. They can suffer from skin allergies, hip dysplasia, heart problems and eye issues. Due to their popularity, it’s important to do your research into breeding parents before purchasing a puppy, to avoid any serious hereditary health issues. 

​Origin:
An ancient breed, the Italian Greyhound is depicted in drawings and artefacts from over 6000 years ago. This includes being included on Egyptian tombs and art from the Mediterranean.
They were known to be owned by noblemen and people of higher class.
In the 16th century, the breed was brought to Europe where it’s popularity continued to grow. From here they made their way around the world.
 
Purpose:
The Italian Greyhound was bred as a companion dog to be owned by families of wealth and to be used as a sign of stature within the community. They have also been known throughout history to hunt small game however this was never their intended purpose.

Coat care:
One of the easiest breeds to groom, the Italian Greyhound requires very little coat care. They are covered in a very fine, silky fur that repels dirt and smells. You should avoid bathing them unless absolutely necessary as they feel the cold very easily and also have natural oils to keep their coat and skin healthy. Bathing too often only damages these oils and can cause them to smell.

Health & Temperament:
Don’t let their small size deceive you, these little pocket rockets require good daily exercise. They love getting out to explore, run and play. Boundaries and rules are best to be put in place from a young age, to help them grow into a confident and well socialised little dog and to avoid little dog syndrome.
They are very affectionate breed and great as companion dogs.
There are, unfortunately, a number of health conditions the breed is prone too, including epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, fractures of the bones and slipped stifle. Until fully grown they can be very fragile due to their tiny frame and can easily break a bone.