Do Schnauzers Shed?

Schnauzers: the dogs with beards, so legendary they could star in a Viking saga. This is probably the reason the breed was named after the German word for "snout", which colloquially means "moustache". You may think that with a beard this big and prominent, you may see its traces lying on the floor everywhere they go. But spoiler alert! They are surprisingly very low on the shedding spectrum. 

If you search top 10 dogs that do not shed, there is a high chance that you will find a Schnauzer in that list. It is not that they do not shed at all. Every dog sheds. But while most dogs give a very hard time to the vacuum cleaners, these dogs barely shed. 

Schnauzers come with a double coat – a wiry topcoat that is water resistant, which also acts as a barrier against dirt and debris and a soft cotton-like undercoat that helps regulate their body temperature. These coats come in different color combinations including salt and pepper, black and silver, and pure black. You may find a white variant as well, but the American Kennel Club does not allow white as the breed standard. ⁽²⁾

The wiry double coat is primarily the reason for less shedding in these dogs. The wired structure naturally traps loose hairs and minimizes visible shedding. This makes them a popular choice of breed among people with allergies. ⁽¹⁾

These dogs do come with grooming expectations, though. Just like any other double coat, theirs is also prone to knotting. Hence, it must be brushed at least once a week with a soft-bristled or slicker brush and a medium-toothed comb on the legs and face. Once a pup turns 1, it will begin to develop its adult coat. It is important to brush them daily during this period to prevent their puppy hair from tangling up and matting with their newly grown adult hair. 

What Kind of Schnauzer Doesn’t Shed?

It doesn’t really matter whether you are talking about the standard Schnauzer or the Mini Schnauzer. When it comes to shedding, both shed minimally. Nowadays, you may even find three different types of coats in this breed – traditional, super and mega. 

The traditional one is the standard one. The super one has a little more volume than the standard one. The mega variant is the thickest one with the most volume. Both Super and Mega are usually soft. Mega can even grow out to the floor all the way around if you let it grow out. You can go for any of the coat types and be assured that it won’t shed much. ⁽⁴⁾

Do Mini Schnauzers Shed?

Mini Schnauzer is the smaller version of the Schnauzer. The difference between the two breeds is only the size. The coat type, wiry textured hair, etc., are all the same in both breeds. Hence, a Mini Schnauzer sheds just like a standard Schnauzer – minimal. You can get this breed in toy and teacup sizes as well. And again, no matter the size, none of them shed. 

The toy and teacup sizes, however, are not considered to be breed standards as they are ill-bred Miniature Schnauzers. 

Are Schnauzers hypoallergenic?

While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, the fact that they shed very little lessens the chance of having an allergy attack, as it’s the dander present in the saliva and skin that causes the allergy. Dogs with a textured wiry coat like that of a Schnauzer release fewer allergens into the air. Hence, you won’t find much dander on your clothes, furniture, and other places around your home. ⁽¹⁾

How to groom a Schnauzer? 

The traditional way to groom a Schnauzer is to strip their coat by hand. It is a technique that involves removing dead hair from a dog's coat by hand. It helps remove the hair from the root, hence stimulating the growth of a new, coarser, and brighter coat. The best time to do it is usually during spring and autumn. It is highly recommended to seek professional help before doing it all on your own, as you can make the process very uncomfortable and painful for your dog if not done correctly. ⁽⁵⁾

More About Spot Pet Insurance

Talking about grooming, there is another thing that requires your attention when it comes to owning a Schnauzer – their health. These dogs are prone to certain medical conditions during their lifetime. These include – ⁽³⁾

All of these may not be severe, but some can even be fatal. Hence, it is important to ensure regular vet visits to detect the onset of any condition in its early stage. The treatment cost, however, can put a big dent in your savings at times. Pet health insurance can help you save up to 90% of it. With Spot Pet Insurance, you can save costs related to surgery, prescription diets, alternate therapies, and much more. 

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. 

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