Small Dog Breeds & Information

To find the perfect puppy, it is always best to do your research on the particular breed you are interested in before bringing home a new addition to the family... just to make sure that it's the right puppy for you. Here you will find some helpful information on most of the small dog breeds we carry at TeaCups, Puppies & Boutique icluding:

Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Chihuauas, Shih Tzu, Pugs, Pomeranians, Miniature Pinschers, Miniature Dachshunds, Poodles, Brussels Griffons, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Boston Terriers, Papillons, Chinese Cresteds, English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pekingese, Havanese, and Mini Schnauzers.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier originates from Yorkshire, a rugged region of Northern England, where they were used to hunt vermin in the textile mills and coal mines in the 1870's. The Yorkshire Terrier quickly became a popular pet in the late Victorian Era. The breed was introduced to America in 1872, as Americans embraced Victorian customs, they too embraced the Yorkie. Today, the Yorkshire Terrier is the second most popular breed in the United States.

The Yorkie is a brave little dog, highly energetic and eager for adventure. They are demanding and require lots of human attention! While they may be leery of strangers, they are very affectionate with members of their own family. This Toy Breed makes an excellent watchdog, defending its territory. Due to their true terrier heritage, Yorkies can be aggressive toward strange dogs and smaller animals, so they must be socialized at an early age. Unaware of their small size, a Yorkie may even challenge larger, tougher dogs. Unfortunately, their bold nature and self confidence may get them into trouble, as small dogs can be seriously injured. For similar reasons, Yorkies do not make suitable pets for very young children. While this breed can be a bit stubborn, they are generally responsive to commands and easy to train. The Yorkie sheds little to no hair and requires regular grooming and trimming of their long, silky coat.

Maltese

The Maltese is among the gentlest mannered of all Toy breed dogs. Bred for companionship, Maltese thrive on love and attention. They are gentle, trusting and devoted to their master, as well as lively, cheerful, and energetic. Due to their high level of intelligence, the Maltese learns tricks easily. They are also courageous and will bark if they hear a suspicious noise. The breed sheds little to no hair, and is highly recommended for those who suffer from allergies. The Maltese requires regular grooming, bathing to prevent their beautiful white coats from staining, and trimming of the coat.

The Maltese is an ancient breed with a history that can be traced back many centuries. Darwin, the father of the Theory of Evolution himself, believed the breed to have originated in 6000 BC. The Maltese is believed to be a descendant of a Spitz type dog found among the Swiss Lake dwellers, and bred down to obtain its small size. Although there is some evidence that the breed may have originated in Asia, the Maltese is usually associated with the Isle of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. The little dogs were favored by the wealthy and royalty alike. Some royals that purportedly owned Maltese were Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria, Josephine Bonaparte and Marie Antoinette. The Maltese has been known by a variety of names throughout the centuries, including "Majestic Creature", "The Comforter Dog", "Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta", and "The Roman Ladies' Dog". However, women weren't their only admirers! Publius, the Roman governor of Malta, prized his Maltese "Issa" so much that he commissioned a portrait of the famous little dog and even had poetry written about her. Today, the graceful breed is an adored pet and sought after show dog!

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is one of the oldest breeds of dog, with recent DNA analysis proving the breed to be at least 10,000 years old. Originated in China, the Shih Tzu was a favorite of the Chinese Imperial Court. For many years, China refused to sell or trade these sacred dogs with the Western World. It wasn't until 1930 that the Shih Tzu was imported to England. In 1946, the breed was officially recognized in Britain, and in 1969, the breed was oficially recognized in America.

Bred to serve as a companion, the Shih Tzu is a cheerful, outgoing, and affectionate dog. They are spunky, full of spirit, and possess good character. They are naturally dignified and sometimes have a tendency to appear arrogant. They are gentle and kind, and fairly quiet. The Shih Tzu is known for its flat face and luxurious long coat. They may require more maintenance than other breeds due to these distinctive features, including washing of the face after feeding to prevent staining, regular grooming, and trimming of the coat. The Shih Tzu sheds little to no hair, and is highly recommended for those who suffer from allergies. The breed requires little excercise, and does not do well outdoors. They are considered to be brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs, and so they are very sensitive to high temperatures.

Pug

The Pug originated in China in 1600 BC, bred to adorn the laps of the Chinese sovereigns during the Shang dynasty. The Pug's popularity spread to Tibet where they were mainly kept by monks, and then finally to Europe in the 16th century. The breed was popular among artists, as a companion in monasteries, and as fashion accessories during the Victorian era. They quickly became a favorite pet of the wealthy.

Bred to serve as a companion, the Pug is sweet and cheerful, and very friendly - even with strangers. Although they usually get along well with other animals, Pugs generally prefer the company of humans and require a great deal of attention. They are very intelligent and highly trainable, but also independent and stubborn. Most Pugs are sensitive to the tone of a human's voice, so harsh punishment is unnecessary. They are known for their highly expressive facial features and their flat, wrinkly nose. The Pug is considered to be a brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dog, and so they are very sensitive to extreme temperatures, hot or cold

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is the oldest breed on the continent of North America, and the smallest breed in the world! The history of the Chihuahua has been very difficult to trace and is based largely on speculation and theory. However, through folklore, legend, and archaeological finds, there is sufficient evidence to prove, without a doubt, that the Chihuahua is an ancient breed originating from Pre-Columbian Mexico. The most common theory is that the Chihuahua descended from the Techichi, a companion dog favoured by the Toltecs, bred with miniaturised Chinese dogs brought to the Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors. Native to Mexico, the breed was named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The Chihuahua finally made its way to Europe at the end of the 19th century.

The Chihuahua is courageous, extremely lively, alert, and proud. They give and demand affection. The Chihuahua is strong-willed, intensely loyal, and very attached to their owners. Especially protective, the Chihuahua will follow its owner's every move when strangers are present, keeping as close as possible. They recognize their own breed and sometimes disapprove of others. All Chihuahuas should be properly socialized at a young age to avoid excessive aggressiveness. They are very intelligent and learn quickly, but are most receptive to gentle training and positive reinforcement. The Chihuahua doesn't like to be poked, pestured or teased, and may snap if provoked. Because of their small size, they will resort to using their teeth if they feel threatened. Despite their small size, the Chihuahua loves to excercise and should not be confined to very small spaces. They are also very sensitive to the cold.

Pomeranian

The Pomeranian descended from the Spitz family of sled dogs used in Iceland and Lapland. The breed was named after the historical region of Pomerania (which is now present day Germany and Poland), not because they originated there, but because that was where it was bred down to size. In its larger form, the Pomeranian weighed as much as 30 lbs. and served as a sheep herder. Breeders in Pomerania bred down the size to about 20 lbs. through selective breeding. The Pomeranian was first brought to England by Queen Charlotte in the late 17th century, but the breed became popular in 1888, when Queen Victoria returned from Florence, Italy with an unusually small one named Marco. Marco grew to only 12 lbs. at adult weight, which was tiny compared to the average 20 lb. Pomeranian in the 18th century. Because the Queen was a popular monarch, the breed's popularity grew as well as the desire for the smaller size. Queen Victoria became such a fancier of the breed, that she established her own kennel for their breeding in the late 1800's. Through selective breeding over the years, Pomeranians have been bred down to a mere 7 lbs. or less! Other famous owners of these dogs include Marie Antoinette, Mozart, Michaelangelo, and Martin Luther. Today, the Pomeranian is a coveted companion and beautiful show dog.

The Pomeranian is lively, intelligent, and eager to learn. They are bold, willful, and loyal to their owner. Most Pomeranians have a propensity to be leery of strangers, and will bark excessively at people they have never seen before. Pomeranians usually get along well with other animals. They are very independent, alert, curious, and proud. If spoiled or improperly trained, they may become demanding and willful. They are docile, even-tempered, and affectionate, and they appeal to many people who normally don’t care for toy dogs.

Miniature Pinscher

Contrary to popular belief, the Miniature Pinscher is not at all related to the Doberman Pinscher. In fact, the Min Pin is a much older breed than the Doberman Pinscher. Although very similar in appearance, the two breeds share no ancestors in common. Recorded facts from the year 1875 state that the Miniature Pinscher was developed by crossing a smooth coated Dachshund with an Italian Greyhound. The Dachshund was a German favorite with excellent ratting skills, and the Italian Greyhound was also a ratter used on farms where open fields required a faster dog to chase down rats and mice. The original Miniature Pinscher was a working breed left to the barn with minimal human contact, much like feral cats on farms today. This created the unique independent trait in the breed that is still found today.

The Miniature Pinscher is hearty, playful, and proud. They are very energetic and thrive on owner interaction. They are spirited, demanding, and very loyal to their master. Min Pins are outgoing, responsive and clever. They are highly intelligent and capable of learning very quickly. They are very protective of their owners, and are sometimes leery of strangers. This protective instinct will manifest as barking and challenging postures. Originally bred for ratting, the Min Pin will bark at anything they deem a threat. They should be socialized at an early age to avoid excessive aggressiveness, especially towards other dogs of the same sex.

Miniature Dachshund

The Dachshund originated in Germany hundreds of years ago. The breed’s initial purpose was to hunt and follow badgers. The word “Dachs” is actually the German word for “badger”, and the word "hund" is the German word for "dog". After many years of performing this task, the Dachshund gradually evolved with shorter legs that helped the breed go down into burrows and dig with more efficiency. These smaller Dachshunds were bred for the purpose of hunting stoat and hare.

The Miniature Dachshund is a playful, fun dog, known for its propensity to chase small animals, birds and tennis balls with great determination and ferocity. The Mini Dachshund is affectionate and full of energy. They are courageous, mischievous, and sometimes stubborn. They have a tendency to try and train their owner(s). The breed is loyal and devoted to their family, and has moderate protective instincts. Miniature Dachshunds should be socialized at an early age to avoid excessive aggressiveness toward other animals.

Poodle

The FCI has listed the Poodle's country of origin as France, but the breed's true origin is the subject of lively dispute in the dog world. Some experts believe the Poodle may have originated in Russia or Iberia; Germany is also frequently cited because the breed's name comes from the German word pudel, short for pudelhund, which means "splashing dog." This reflects the working breed's use as a water bird retriever. Many sources believe that the Poodle's show clips evolved from working clips, which provided warmth to major joints, while the rest of the body was shaved down for less drag in the water. However, most sources concur that the French are responsible for developing the modern breed into its current three sizes, all determined by shoulder height: standard, miniature, and toy. Others believe the French Circus is where the entertaining, but highly impractical, show clips originated. The Poodle is an elegant breed, taking top honors in many show rings of today.

Poodles are intelligent, alert, and active. Historically, their aptitude has made them ideal for performing in circuses across the globe for centuries. Otherwise notable is the breed's keen sense for instinctual behavior. In particular, marking and hunting drives are more readily observable than in most other breeds. Even Toy Poodles will point birds. Poodles are extremely people-oriented dogs and generally eager to please. They make excellent watchdogs, but don't usually become "one-person" dogs like other working breeds when they are part of a family. Poodles are adaptable, easy to train, and learn very quickly. Potty training can be difficult with many dogs, but not with the Poodle.

Brussels Griffon

The Griffon Bruxellois, or Brussels Griffon, is a toy breed, named after Brussels, Belgium, the city of their origin. The rough coated, short nosed Brussels Griffon originated in Belgium in the 1800's. Not in royal palaces, but in coach houses. Belgian coachmen used the Brussels Griffon to help keep rats away from their stables. These Affenpinscher-like dogs were friendly and became popular in the late 1800's with both workers and noblemen in Belgium. Queen Marie Henriette was a dog enthusiast who visited the annual dog shows in Belgium religiously. She became a breeder and booster of the Brussels Griffon, giving them international fame and popularity and indirectly leading to two Griffon Bruxellois clubs starting in England and America. The First World War and Second World War proved to be a disastrous time for the breed. War time is difficult on any dog breed, and the recovering numbers after the First World War were set back by increased vigilance in breeding faults such as webbed toes. By the end of the Second World War, Belgium had almost no native Griffon Bruxellois left, and it was only through the vigilance of dedicated breeders in England that the breed survived at all. The breed is generally uncommon in the United States of America, although there has been a recent increase in interest due to the appearance of a Brussels Griffon in the movie, As Good as It Gets, starring Jack Nicholson.

The Brussels Griffon is known to have a huge heart, and a strong desire to be with their master. They are very emotionally sensitive, and should be socialized carefully at a young age. The Brussels Griffon is alert, inquisitive, and interested in its surroundings. They tend to get along well with other animals in the house, including cats, ferrets, and other dogs. However, they can get into trouble because they have no concept of their own relative size and may attempt to dominate dogs much larger than themselves. Some say that having a Brussels Griffon means having a true constant companion.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

For many centuries, small breeds of spaniels have been popular in the United Kingdom. Some centuries later, Toy Spaniels became popular as pets, especially as pets of the royal family. In fact, the King Charles Spaniel was so named because a Blenheim-coated spaniel was the children's pet in the household of Charles I. King Charles II went so far as to issue a decree that the King Charles Spaniel could not be forbidden entrance into any public place, including the Houses of Parliament. Such spaniels can be seen in many paintings of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. These early spaniels had longer, pointier snouts and thinner-boned limbs than today's. Over time, the King Charles Spaniel was bred with short-snouted, dome-headed dogs of Asian descent, such as the Pug and Japanese Chin. The King Charles Spaniel remained popular at Blenheim Palace, home to the Dukes of Marlborough, where the brown and white version was the most popular, resulting in the name Blenheim for that color combination. In the 1920s, an American named Roswell Eldrige offered twenty-five pounds as a prize for any King Charles Spaniel of the old-fashioned type, with a longer nose, flat skull, and a spot in the middle of the crown of the head. So, the breed was developed by selective breeding of short-snouted Spaniels. The result was a dog that resembled the childhood pet of the future Charles II of England ("Cavalier King Charles"), hence the name of the breed.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is eager, affectionate, and playful. They are lively, outgoing, and they constantly aim to please. They are very intelligent, responsive to commands, and they are usually easy to train. They are naturally well behaved and almost always get along well with other pets and animals. They sometimes possess a chasing instinct and shouldn’t be left off a leash out in the open. They make excellent companions and they perform well in competitive obedience. They have a great sense of smell and sight, and they can be utilized in short hunts over open country.

Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier was the first US breed to be recognized by the American Kennel Club, and originally bred for the purpose of dog fighting. The Boston Terrier breed originated around 1870 when Robert C. Hooper of Boston purchased a dog named "Hooper's Judge." The dog was of English Bulldog and White English Terrier (now extinct) descent. Hooper's Judge was inter-bred with the French Bulldog, providing the foundation for the Boston Terrier. Originally up to 44 lbs., the Boston Terrier was then bred down to its modern size of 25 lbs. or less. By 1889, the breed had become so popular in Boston that fanciers formed the American Bull Terrier Club. Shortly after, at the suggestion of James Watson, a noted writer and authority, the club changed its name to the Boston Terrier Club. In 1893 the Boston Terrier was admitted to membership in the American Kennel Club, thus making it the first US breed to be recognized. It is one of a small number of breeds to have originated in the United States. Throughout the 20th century, a stronger emphasis was placed on physical appearance, coat color, and markings. Terrier only in name, the Boston Terrier has lost most of its ruthless desire for mayhem, preferring the company of humans, although some males will still challenge other dogs if they feel their territory is being invaded.

The modern Boston Terrier of today is friendly, alert, and good-natured. They are full of character, energy, and enthusiasm. Highly intelligent and well-mannered, the Boston Terrier is a comparatively easy breed to train. They are independent and free-willed. The Boston Terrier makes a good watchdog and likes to bark only when they sense a threat. They like to feel like part of the family. Some male Boston Terriers may be dominant towards other male dogs, but they generally get along well with other pets.

Papillon

The history of the Papillon is traced through works of art. The earliest Toy Spaniels resembling the Papillon were originally found in Italy. Tiziano Vicelli painted these small dogs in many famous paintings including the Venus of Urbino in 1542. Other well known artists who featured them in paintings are Watteau, Gonzalez Coques, Fragonard and Mignard. In a painting after Largillierre in the Wallace Collection in London, a Papillon is clearly shown in a family portrait of Louis XIV. Papillons were also found in paintings of royal families across Europe, and in paintings of merchant class families. The breed was popular in England, France, and Belgium which are considered countries of origin by the FCI. The Papillon is still officially referred to as the Epagneul Nain Continental (ENC) in Non-English speaking countries. This dog was said to have been nicknamed Papillon, meaning "butterfly" in French, based on its impressively large, erect ears that resembled the wings of a butterfly.

The Papillon has the appearance of a dainty toy breed, but many owners will claim that their Papillons are "big dogs in little dog suits." One aspect of the Papillon that has led many to believe the "big dog" assertion is this breed's surprising athletic ability. Perhaps people are surprised that in contrast to its staid and stately representation in the Old Master portraits, the Papillon is highly energetic and intelligent, ranking eighth in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs. Provided their genetic structure is sound and they are healthy, Papillons are built for movement, and most do not need any encouragement to apply their energy to athletic activities.

Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested exists in two distinct varieties, the Hairless and the Powder Puff. The Hairless Chinese Crested is hairless except for its head, feet, and tail, while the Powder Puff Chinese Crested has a long coat of soft hair. Both types of this unusual breed come in a variety of colors that are solid, mixed or spotted all over. Both varieties of the Chinese Crested are often seen in the same litter. The Chinese Crested originated in Africa, where they were called "African Hairless Terriers." The ancient Aztecs kept them as bedwarmers and, believe it or not, did eat them. When Chinese trading ships made stops in Africa along their routes, they picked up the little dogs and brought them along to serve as ratters aboard their ships. These sailors renamed the breed “Chinese Crested”, and the name has stuck ever since. This unusual breed was given full recognition in 1991 by the AKC. The Chinese Crested has been gaining popularity throughout the United States and England, and it is predominately used today as a companion dog. This breed is one of four types of hairless dog breeds that are known throughout the US.

The Chinese Crested is a very rare breed with a sweet temper and lively, playful disposition. They are very cuddly and loving, and they love to hug. Chinese Crested puppies should be socialized from an early age to prevent the onset of timid behavior. This breed generally gets along well with other pets. They become very attached to their owners and have difficulty adjusting to a new one. They crave constant attention and loving companionship.

English Bulldog

The English Bulldog is a descendant of the ancient Asiatic Mastiff, but the breed’s development actually took place in Great Britain. The name “Bulldog” is medieval in origin and refers to the brawny build of the breed, and the aggression and power with which the Bulldog originally attacked bulls in arenas around 1568. This combative practice was outlawed in the nineteenth century.

Despite the English Bulldog's grumpy facial expression, they are one of the kindest and gentlest of all dog breeds. They seek human affection and are constantly striving for attention. Owners of this breed should make sure to devote time and energy to their English Bulldog so they don’t become lonely. Bulldogs make excellent companions and they usually get along well with other pets, but they can become leery or feisty towards strange dogs. As puppies, Bulldogs are very vibrant and full of energy, but they mellow out and slow down as they become older. Bulldogs are known for their guarding abilities. They are also known for drooling and snoring very loudly.

French Bulldog

According to the FCI, the French Bulldog falls under the domain of France as the country of origin. Other breed historians argue that the Americans and British played a larger role in the development of the breed. The most prevalent opinion appears to be that around the mid 1800s, Normandy lace workers from England took smaller sized Bulldogs with them when they sought work in France. In the farming communities where the lace workers settled, the little Bulldogs became very popular as ratters and loyal companions, and their population began to swell. As the new, smaller Bulldogs gained popularity in France, they became favorites of the Parisian "Belles De Nuit" - the street walkers. One reason for this is that when strolled, the exotic looking dogs brought attention to their owner, and gave potential customers a legitimate reason to chat with her. Another is that the docile breed was content to nap for short stretches when brought to hotel rooms, without making a fuss. Breed historians can still sometimes turn up notorious French Postcards bearing images of scantily clad French prostitutes posing with their little "Bouledogues Français." The aura of notoriety that ownership of the little dogs conveyed made them a fashionable way for the well to do classes to show off how daring they could be, and they soon became favorites of the "artistic" set across Europe. It is inarguable that without the influence of dedicated, turn-of-the-century American fanciers, the breed would not be what it is today. The Americans organized the very first French Bulldog Club in the world, and it was they who insisted that the "bat" ears associated with the breed today were correct. Until that time, French Bulldogs were shown with either the "bat" or "rose" ear. The French Bulldog, commonly referred to as the Frenchie is now bred only for companionship.

The French Bulldog is a cheerful, fairly low-maintenance companion dog. They are pleasant, affectionate, sweet, and they have a propensity to be very clownish. They are alert, curious, and even-tempered. This breed usually forms a strong bond with one person. While they are generally accepting of strangers and other animals, some males of this breed may be aggressive towards other dogs of the same sex. The French Bulldog needs human companionship and attention. If left ignored or unattended for long periods of time, they can become mischievous and depressed. Although somewhat willful at times, they can be trained relatively easily by a patient owner. The French Bulldog is not a loud or hyper breed, but they are very enthusiastic and persistent. As a flat faced breed, it is essential that owners understand that French Bulldogs cannot live outdoors. Their bulk and compromised breathing system makes it impossible for them to regulate body temperature efficiently, making it easy for them to overheat. In addition, Frenchies are top heavy and therefore have a difficult time swimming.

Pekingese

The Pekingese has a very interesting history throughout its native country of China. They were once regarded as a manifestation of the legendary Foo Dog that was believed to drive away spirits. Commoners were required to bow to them, and people were punished by death for stealing one. Whenever an emperor died, his Pekingese would be sacrificed so that it could travel with him to the afterlife. It wasn’t until 1860 that the Pekingese reached the West. When British and French troops invaded the Summer Palace in China during the Second Opium War, Chinese Imperial Guards were ordered to kill the Pekingese in order to prevent them from falling into the hands of "foreign devis." Only 5 survived. They were taken to Queen Victoria, and from those 5, the Pekingese descended. They were first show in Britain in 1893, and were recognized in the United States in 1909.

The Pekingese is feisty, courageous, and independent. A brave little dog, loyal, and very affectionate with its master;  loving to the point of jealousy. They are affectionate and sensitive, and thrive on human attention. Pekingese are leery of strangers, and sometimes they can be a bit stubborn. They are loyal and tend to be very protective of their owner. It is important to socialize Pekingese at an early age to avoid aggressiveness towards other animals. The Pekingese is a large dog in a small body. It expects to be respected and will not tolerate being treated otherwise. A combination of regal dignity, intelligence, courageousness and self-importance make for a good natured, opinionated and affectionate companion to those who have earned its respect.

Havanese

The Havanese developed in Cuba, and eventually traveled back to Europe where it found brief favor in the late 19th century as a circus dog and a court companion. As part of the Cuban Revolution, many trappings of aristocracy were culled, including the fluffy family dogs of the wealthy land owners of Cuba. Even though many upper class Cubans fled to the United States, few were able to bring their dogs, nor did they have the inclination to breed them. Indeed, when Americans became interested in this rare and charming breed in the 1970s, the gene pool available in the US was only 11 animals. With dedicated breeding, the Havanese has made a huge comeback with recognition by many major kennel clubs suck as the American Kennel Club. They have also acquired a certain level of trendiness due to rarity, good temperament, and publicity by famous owners such as Barbara Walters.

The Havanese has a happy and friendly attitude, getting along wonderfully with everyone including strangers. They love attention and know how to get it!  The Havanese loves playing with other dogs no matter how big they are, and also gets along well with cats and smaller animals.  This breed is definitely considered a “social butterfly.” Training the Havnese is generally easy since they are so eager to please and love being the center of attention.

Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer originated in Germany in the late 1800s. They were originally bred for guarding herds, small farms, and keeping rats and other vermin out of the barn. In the Mini Schnauzer's earliest stages, several small breeds were employed in crosses to bring down the size of the well-established Standard Schnauzer, with the goal of creating a duplicate in miniature. Crossing to other breeds, such as the Affenpinscher, Poodle and Miniature Pinscher, had the side effect of introducing colors that were not considered acceptable to the ultimate goal. As breeders worked towards the stabilization of the gene pool, mismarked particolors and white puppies were removed from breeding programs. In 1926, The Mini Schnauzer was accepted by the American Kennel Club as part of the Terrier group.

The Miniature Schnauzer is alert and spirited, yet obedient to command. They are friendly, intelligent and willing to please. The Mini Schnauzer makes an excellent watchdog. They are often guarded of strangers until the owners of the home welcome the guest, upon which they are typically very friendly to them. Miniature Schnauzers are not aggressive by nature, as some other Terrier breeds are. They should be relatively fearless. Once mature, the Miniature Schnauzer has a strongly developed territorial instinct. He is an ideal guard dog as he defends vocally rather than physically. A good Mini Schnauzer will bark at anyone who may appear a threat to his home. They are not random, incessant barkers. They are discriminating and intelligent guard dogs that assume this duty naturally. Miniature Schnauzers are highly intelligent and generally easy to train. They are playful dogs, and if not given the outlet required for their energy they may become bored and mischievous. Schnauzers are highly prey driven and may attack other small animals such as birds and rodents.