Miniature Schnauzer: Your Happy Healthy Pet

by Elaine Waldorf Gewirtz

Overview

Miniature, but mighty protective. Bearded, but beguiling. Affectionate, but somewhat independent. Traditionally among the AKC's 15 most popular breeds, Miniature Schnauzers pack a lot of personality into their sturdy, compact frames. This guide fills you in on their needs and attributes, covering:
* The history and traits of the breed
* How to select your pet
* Things you'll need to make your pup feel at home
* Feeding, exercise, training, and healthcare
* Grooming the double coat and the characteristic bushy beard, mustache, and eyebrows
* Bonus chapters available on companion Web site


Typically sociable and loyal, your Miniature Schnauzer will probably want to stay by your side—whether you're taking a walk or taking a nap!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780471748281
Publisher:	TURNER PUB CO
Publication date:	01/01/2006
Series:	Happy Healthy Pet , #44
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	298,361
Product dimensions:	5.54(w) x 8.56(h) x 0.55(d)

About the Author

Elaine Waldorf Gewirtz is the author of or a contributor to Pugs For Dummies, Your Yorkshire Terrier’s Life, The Dog Sourcebook, Dogs: The Ultimate Care Guide, and Dogspeak. She has also written numerous magazine articles about dogs. She is a multiple winner of the Dog Writers Association of America’s Maxwell Award for Excellence, and the recipient of the ASPCA Special Writing Award.
A graduate of UCLA’s Masters in Writing program, Elaine is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, and the Independent Writers of Southern California. She has lived with Miniature Schnauzers and other breeds all her life. Elaine writes the Dalmatian breed column for the AKC Gazette, breeds and shows Dalmatians in obedience and conformation, and teaches all-breed conformation classes.
She shares her home in Westlake Village, California, with her husband, Steve. The couple has four grown children: Sameya, Sara and husband Ryan, Seth, and Beth-Jo.

Table of Contents

Part I: The World of the Miniature Schnauzer.

Chapter 1: What Is a Miniature Schnauzer?

A Small, Versatile Terrier.

The Ideal Miniature Schnauzer.

Chapter 2: The Miniature Schnauzer’s History.

Developing the Miniature.

The Move to America.

Gaining Admirers.

Chapter 3: Why Choose a Miniature Schnauzer?

Is a Mini Right for You?

Understanding Natural Instincts.

Playtime!

Chapter 4: Choosing Your Miniature Schnauzer.

Buying from a Breeder.

Adopting from a Rescue Group.

Puppy, Adolescent, or Adult?

To Show or Not to Show?

Part II: Caring for Your Miniature Schnauzer.

Chapter 5: Bringing Home Your Miniature Schnauzer.

Shopping for Your Dog.

Mini Schnauzer Essentials.

Choosing and Using a Pet Carrier.

Puppy-Proofing.

Puppy-Proofing Your Home.

Finding a Veterinarian.

Chapter 6: Feeding Your Miniature Schnauzer.

Water.

Choosing a Dog Food.

Reading Dog Food Labels.

Choose an Eating Area.

Stick to a Schedule.

How Much to Feed Your Mini Schnauzer.

Avoid Bad Table Manners.

Chapter 7: Grooming Your Miniature Schnauzer.

Grooming Equipment.

Training Your Puppy to Like Grooming.

Eye Care.

Teeth and Gums.

Nail Clipping Tips.

Tending to the Ears.

Coat Care.

Preventing Fleas and Ticks.

Making Your Environment Flea Free.

The Bath.

Chapter 8: Keeping Your Miniature Schnauzer Safe and Healthy.

Inherited Diseases.

Internal Parasites.

Common Problems.

When to Call the Veterinarian.

Poisoning.

How to Make a Canine First-Aid Kit.

Part III: Enjoying Your Miniature Schnauzer.

Chapter 9: Training Your Miniature Schnauzer.

Understanding Builds the Bond.

Practical Commands for Family Pets.

Training for Attention.

Teaching Cooperation.

Chapter 10: Housetraining Your Miniature Schnauzer.

Your Housetraining Shopping List.

The First Day.

Confine Your Pup.

Watch Your Pup.

Accidents Happen.

Scheduling Basics.

Appendix: Learning More About Your Miniature Schnauzer.

Some Good Books.

Magazines.

Publications.

Clubs and Registries.

Web Sites.

Index.