In the German city of Stuttgart there is a statue dating back to 1620. It depicts a watchman and a dog that looks like a Mittelschnauzer. This is a vivid testimony to the fact that representatives of this breed have long been valued not only as companions, but also as sensitive watchmen. In addition, they were used as rat-catchers and helpers for the ferrying of cattle.

Mittelschnauzers are naturally very noisy dogs. They are sure to bark at the guest and carefully watch his every movement, periodically reminding about themselves with a loud voice.

Character Features

Representatives of this breed are very active and mobile dogs. They can be both cute and affectionate, and very serious.

Mittelschnauzer does not need to be taught how to protect the territory. Rather, the owners will have to restrain his excessive enthusiasm in this matter. Dogs are very distrustful of strangers, but they make excellent watchdogs. Even small puppies are ready to defend the house from those who are considered suspicious. With age, the qualities of born guards only increase, so it is important for dogs to be socialized in time. Then the pet is still mistrustful of guests, but if he is convinced that they are friends of the household, he quickly gets used to them.

A natural leader

Dogs of this breed quickly become attached to the owner, but their respect must be earned, because they are natural leaders with a very stubborn and willful character. Mittelschnauzers love to compete, so from the first days of appearance in the family will claim the role of leader.

Keeping and care

An undeniable advantage of this breed is that its representatives have almost no specific dog odor. In addition, they practically do not shed. However, care for these dogs still takes quite a lot of time, so it is desirable not to get them for those who can not pay enough attention to the pet.

The Mittelinausser should be clipped several times a year. This procedure makes it much easier to take care of the pet. In addition, the body, head and neck should be plucked about every six months. This is a lengthy procedure that many people prefer to leave to the experts. Masters in the salon will bring the dog in order in about 1,5 - 2 hours.

It is also desirable for owners to regularly wipe the dog's beard, otherwise all the residues of food or dirt that the pet picked up on the street will be on the carpet and pieces of furniture.

By the way

The dog's hair should be brushed 3-4 times a week with a special brush in the direction of growth. Enough attention should be paid to the undercoat, which can become tangled.

Training

If the owner inspires respect in the Mittelschnauzer, there will be no problems with training. The pet tends to please the owner in everything, so it easily accepts training. However, representatives of this breed can be quite stubborn, so it is desirable to get them to those who already have experience in keeping dogs.

For the Mittelschnauzer is suitable for a confident and determined owner, who will give the pet sufficient mental and physical exercise. Without them, the dog may begin to misbehave.

However, the upbringing of the Mittelschnauzer should be quite gentle. If the pet is often scolded and punished, he may become withdrawn. The owner should show the dog who is in charge, but at the same time, he should make him comfortable with himself. Commands for obedience should be given insistently, but not harshly.