The last two years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club saw dog ownership soared over the pandemic.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wishlists is the Miniature Schnauzer – they were one of the UK’s 10 most popular dog breeds in 2020 and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the breed.
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Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
![The name Schnauzer comes from the German word 'schnauze', meaning a snout or muzzle - a perfect name for this dog with its cute square face.](https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjQ1MTI2ODM0LThhNzItNDE1Ny1iZGEzLTMwZWRhMjFhMTAyNjo5NmYxNTYwZS04NjRmLTRjMzctYjRkMC1kNmNiMjkwYzZiMmY=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
5. What's in a name?
The name Schnauzer comes from the German word 'schnauze', meaning a snout or muzzle - a perfect name for this dog with its cute square face. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
![Miniature Schnauzers come in four different colours. Most commonly they have a salt and pepper coat, but they can also be black, white, or - in rare cases - brown.](https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmU2MTg3NWQxLTllYzktNDI3NS04NzFlLTBlNTJlNTg4NDY1NjpjZGM5ZGVkOS1jODlhLTQ5ZWQtYWRhNC01MjYxMzIzYzg5YzI=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
6. Four colours in their coats
Miniature Schnauzers come in four different colours. Most commonly they have a salt and pepper coat, but they can also be black, white, or - in rare cases - brown. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
![The Miniature Schnauzer's bushy beard may be incredibly cute, but it also served an important function. When matted together, they protected the dog from being bitten or scratched by the rats they were tasked with hunting.](https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjU3YjMzMTVlLTU4NDMtNGI4ZC05YThkLWIwMDVkMjM4NzllMjplNTkxNmEzNC1jN2JmLTRjNTItYWVmNi1mODIxZWIzZDQxM2M=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
7. Cute and useful
The Miniature Schnauzer's bushy beard may be incredibly cute, but it also served an important function. When matted together, they protected the dog from being bitten or scratched by the rats they were tasked with hunting. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
![Miniature Schnauzers make excellent watchdogs - they rate as the fifth best breed to bark warnings to their owners about any potential danger.](https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjEzY2Q3MjQ0LTAwZjktNDk5ZC1iYjAyLTM4Yzk4ZjQyNWY4ZToxMTliMDI3NC00YTMzLTQ1ZDktYjJhYS1lOTI4ODI2NTdkOGE=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
8. Burglars beware
Miniature Schnauzers make excellent watchdogs - they rate as the fifth best breed to bark warnings to their owners about any potential danger. Photo: Canva/Getty Images