Miniature Schnauzers are loosely curly, long-haired dogs that require regular grooming. There are so many creative haircuts for little dogs, how do you choose?
To slim the list, we rounded up 7 hairstyles just for Schnauzers—though you can branch out and get unique, sprucing up their look with bows and bow ties.
Maintenance Between Grooming Sessions
Invest in a gentle yet effective dog shampoo if you want to keep your Miniature Schnauzer’s coat fresh between trims. A regular at-home bathing and brushing schedule will keep their dander and shedding at bay, hydrate their skin, and keep their fur soft and fluffy.
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Bathing your dog may be challenging, but selecting the right shampoo can help make the process a bit easier. Our favorite products come from Hepper's Shampoo product line, offering natural, pet-friendly solutions meticulously designed to gently cleanse your dog's skin and coat without any risk of irritating or drying them out. These formulas are free of harmful additives such as dyes, soaps, sulfates, and phthalates. The Deep Cleansing Shampoo is a great option for pet owners who have difficulty neutralizing tough doggy odors. Hepper's Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is a great way to treat your pet to aloe vera and oatmeal's calming benefits while you revel in the delightful and refreshing scents!
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The 7 Miniature Schnauzer Haircuts
1. Traditional Cut
The Schnauzer’s traditional cut is a hallmark hairdo for the breed. Whether you have a mini, standard, or giant, this cut immediately identifies the breed.
In this style, the fur is short across the belly and body. The head is very short, while the beard is neatly long. The legs sport a medium length, creating a clean but fluffy look.
2. Teddy Bear Cut
Even though many teddy bear cuts are favorable among fluffy breeds like the Bichon Frise or Poodle, it works on a Mini Schnauzer too.
The head is cut in a rounded, fluffy shape to promote that round-eyed, teddy bear look—hence the cut’s name. All over, the hair is kept moderately long and fluffed.
3. Summer Cut
Consider the summer cut if you want a light, airy, and hassle-free option. It doesn’t necessarily have to be summer to enjoy this cut, though it can make them cold in winter months (depending on where you live).
This practical hairdo is short all over the body and head, with a trimmed, shorter beard and leg hair. It’s a terrific choice to keep cool in the summer and ward off mats and tangles.
4. Asian Fusion
This new, trendy hairstyle is really gaining traction. While many dogs might try out this hairdo, many groomers will agree it looks quite striking on your Mini. It gives your dog a very uniform, dainty coat that is precisely cut.
The cut is meant to mimic a plush toy, making your Schnauzer look innocent and huggable!
5. Long Pants
The long pants cut might not surprise you at all—it’s exactly as it sounds. In this hairstyle, the fur on the legs remains very long while the hair on top stays very short. The beard stays relatively long, too. Think of it as a traditional cut with longer hair on the legs.
While this cut is pretty simple, it requires frequent brushing to prevent mats and tangles. It would be best if you cleaned the beard regularly to remove debris as well.
6. Puppy Cut
The puppy cut is a practical, low-maintenance hairstyle to try out. It is easy for the breeder, and you don’t have to brush it a ton. For the puppy cut, the hair stays the same length all over the body—roughly ¼ inch long.
Once your pup’s coat is trimmed, it is a clean, crisp look that gives a wavy appearance—much like a puppy’s. As the name implies, it gives off a more youthful appearance.
7. Kennel Clip
Let us introduce you to the most practical and hassle-free of all coat cuts: the kennel clip. This trim says to heck with all the upkeep and trims your Schnauzer down to the shortest cut all over. This one isn’t about aesthetics but utility.
If you don’t want to fiddle with daily brushing and routine grooming visits, the kennel clip grows out more evenly for longer periods.
How Often Do Schnauzers Require Grooming?
To keep your Schnauzer looking spiffy and tidy, it’s best to give them a haircut every 4 to 6 weeks. Some Schnauzer coats will grow faster than others, and certain haircuts will lose their shape quicker than others, too.
Schnauzers Don’t Shed Much
One awesome thing about a Miniature Schnauzer is its low shedding levels. People with mild allergies often choose dogs like Miniature Schnauzers because they don’t tend to trigger their allergies as much.
What is interesting is that although they don’t shed very often, these dogs have a double coat. Typically, dogs with double coats have major blackout periods each year and shed pretty significantly throughout the times in between, but not this little guy!
Cost of Professional Grooming
Professional grooming can get a little pricey, but it’s a great way to pamper your dog. They are extremely skilled at specific cuts, and it’s an opportunity for your dog to socialize.
Typically, breeders charge based on breed size and complexity of the cut. For a Miniature Schnauzer, a typical grooming session costs an average of $55 to $200, depending on the services you choose.
Learning to Groom at Home
Grooming is a skill you can absolutely learn to do at home, permitting you to have the correct supplies and a visual demonstration. Learn at your own pace, and make sure you are prepared. Difficulty depends on your skill level and your Schnauzer’s temperament.
Learning Resources
Finding the right learning resources can help you groom your dog at home. Whether you have a professional breeder show you in person how to get the job done or you watch YouTube tutorials, you can certainly figure it out.
Tools Needed for Grooming
To groom your Schnauzer successfully at home, you must have all the right tools! You probably know the basics, like shampoo, nail trims, and doggy towels. But when it comes to giving your Schnauzer a trim, you’ll need the right set of clippers, brushes, and combs as well.
Shampoo
When buying dog shampoo, it’s always best to get a species-specific, fragrance-free option to lessen the chance of irritation. Some choose to buy conditioner alongside shampoos, but you can find plenty of 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner combinations as well.
Brushes
Brushes will be an essential part of grooming sessions. You can brush your Schnauzer every 1 to 3 days to sport a healthy, tangle-free coat. Different brushes have their particular strengths. You can have an everyday brush, or one of each. It’s up to you.
Bristle Brushes
Bristle brushes are excellent maintenance brushes that smooth the coat and evenly distribute the oils. They can be synthetic or made of animal hair—usually something firm, such as boar hair.
Slicker Brushes
Slicker brushes are terrific brushes for detangling the fur and keeping the coat shed-free. Most have retractable bristles for easy cleaning; others, you have to clean manually. Slicker brushes can come in different designs, but all the bristles are generally the same length for even brushing.
Deshedding Tools
You won’t need the deshedding tool often, so use it with caution. Generally, you can utilize the deshedding tool when your Schnauzer needs a deep shed removal—roughly every 4 to 6 weeks. Some owners deem it unnecessary, but they can be a good resource when used correctly.
Clippers
Your Schnauzer’s toenails will get sharp and long before you know it. After each bath, following up with a much-needed nail trim is a good idea.
Never try to use human clippers on your dog’s paws. Human clippers cut at an angle. Dogs need even pressure around the nail to prevent breakage and ensure a precise cut.
Have a Helper
If your pup is a little rambunctious, or you could just use an extra hand, you can always get a helper! Have somebody in the household help you out or invite a friend to come over. It’s best to properly restrain the dog to prevent injury and haircut mishaps.
Final Thoughts
You can make your Schnauzer’s long hair look super snazzy with all sorts of haircuts. Try out a few or make it different each time you groom. Even try coming up with your own if you’re ever comfortable enough behind the clippers.
No matter what hairstyle you choose, we know your Mini Schnauzer will rock it!
Featured Image Credit: Ihar Halavach, Shutterstock
Maintenance Between Grooming Sessions
2 Responses
my mini schnauzer is 7 Mos. and pacing parking feverishly after I come in from walks? I'm almost in tears for the last month 1/2 does anyone know of this? she is high strung and has lots of problems. ahe a beaten if that helps. she is healthy as I can see. e maiĺ talierciodonna@gmail.com