The Miniature Schnauzer is a breed of small dog that originated in Germany. Miniature Schnauzers are obedient and intelligent pets, suitable for keeping indoors. Their average life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.
Miniature Schnauzers belong to hypoallergenic breeds; they are less likely to stimulate allergies in people which makes them a good choice for people with allergies.
Do Miniature Schnauzers Have Health Issues?
Miniature Schnauzers are generally healthy dogs. However, they may have certain health issues. The health issues that have been reported in this breed over the years:
- Orthopedic issues: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, panosteitis, osteochondritis, luxating patella, cruciate ligament rupture, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Eye disorders: entropion, ectropion, cherry eye, distichiasis, cataract, keratoconjunctivitis sicca/“dry eye”, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Skin problems: demodectic mange, Schnauzer comedo syndrome/Schnauzer bumps, atopic dermatitis
- Neurological diseases: Wobbler syndrome
- Heart diseases: mitral valve disease
- Hereditary disorders: Von Willebrand’s disease, myotonia, cryptorchidism, portosystemic liver shunts
- Urinary tract problems: bladder stones, bacterial and viral bladder infections
- Hypothyroidism
- Cushing’s syndrome
- High cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)
- Pancreatitis
- Cancer
- Obesity
- Epilepsy
- Allergies
- Diabetes
Note that health issues from this list are not ranked according to any special criteria, i.e., it does not mean that Schnauzers are more susceptible to diseases that are at the top of the list than those at the bottom and vice versa.
This list has been compiled for the purpose of informing the owners of Miniature Schnauzers about potential health problems their pets may face throughout their lives. However, this does not mean that the above-listed diseases will surely occur in all dogs of this breed, but it is good to be informed about them in order to spot potential problems in time.
Although it’s impossible to predict whether and when a dog will get sick, by purchasing Miniature Schnauzer puppies from responsible breeders it’s possible to reduce the risk of hereditary diseases.