Do Schnauzers Shed?

Written by: Milica Brzakovic
Schnauzer comes in three different sizes and each type sheds in different amounts. In this article, you will find information on shedding in Schnauzers and how to keep their shedding to its minimum.

Do Schnauzers shed?

Can you have a Schnauzer in your home without having a large amount of dog hair inside, or this popular breed comes with low-shedding qualities? Or maybe Schnauzers are heavy shedders?

Schnauzer shedding is something that you should think about, especially if you are allergic to dog hair, or you want to keep your home free from dog hair.

If you are on the lookout for dogs that don’t shed, know that there are many to think about.

On the other hand, if you have already set your eyes and heart on a one-of-a-kind Schnauzer keep on reading to learn if Schnauzers shed, and if they do, how much do Schnauzers shed?

Do Schnauzers Shed?

The answer to this question is – yes, Schnauzer shed, but they shed very little.

Even if some people who have Schnauzers claim they don’t shed, this is not completely true as all dogs with fur and coat shed.

The only difference is in the amount they’re shedding.

Sometimes the shedding is so light you don’t even think about it while with some dogs it’s all you seem to notice.

Why Don’t Schnauzers Shed Much?

Schnauzers are double-coated, like many other dogs. When this is the case, they will usually shed their inner coat at the beginning of the spring. Then they grow a new coat during winter.

However, this is not the case with Schnauzers.

They don’t shed this amount of hair, which is why most owners claim that their Schnauzers don’t shed. They don’t even notice it!

How much they shed will also depend on their size! Did you know that Schnauzer comes in three sizes?

3 Types Of Schnauzers

There are three types of Schnauzers:

  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • Standard Schnauzer
  • Giant Schnauzer

As you can probably guess, the name reveals their size. The miniature Schnauzer is the smallest one and they’re the most common ones.

As these three types are different, the shedding will be different as well.

Let’s take a look at all three types and learn how much different Schnauzers shed!

Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest Schnauzer and has a double coat. The outer one is coarse and wiry, while the undercoat is soft and fluffy.

Do Miniature Schnauzer shed? These miniature dogs shed very little and they’re also one of those great dogs that don’t produce much smell.

However, they do need regular grooming and maintenance.

When it comes to this breed, regular maintenance means brushing him at least twice a week to prevent matting.

When it comes to grooming, having him trimmed with clippers every six to eight weeks by a professional groomer will do wonders for your Mini Schnauzer shedding.

The coat will be softer and maybe even lighter in color with regular care.

Standard Schnauzer

Standard Schnauzer is very similar to the miniature one, except for the size of course.

When it comes to the coat, it’s pretty much the same as the coat of their smaller version.

Standard Schnauzer has a double coat, which makes them shed very little and they require pretty much the same grooming and care.

If you’re not a fan of small dogs, but still don’t want your dog to ruin your apartment, this dog might be a good solution for you.

Does Standard Schnauzer shed a lot during the shedding season? Schnauzers may shed a bit more in spring and autumn, seasons that are known as shedding seasons.

Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzer is the largest member of the Schnauzer family.

When it comes to the largest of the three, their coat is the same type as the previous two. But, just because of their size, their shedding is more noticeable than what it is with Miniature and Standard Schnauzers.

Of course, it’s not as bad as breeds that shed the most, like collies or shepherds, but you will still notice hair falling off. Don’t despair, there are ways to keep it down to a minimum!

How Do I Stop My Schnauzer From Shedding?

If you’re good at brushing and grooming your Schnauzer and do it regularly, you will manage to keep it down to a minimum.

You can’t stop it completely of course, and you will most likely find hair on carpets, floors and so, but you will still see a difference.

Check out some of our tips for grooming and maintenance!

Schnauzer Grooming Tips

Since we know now that Schnauzers do shed, knowing how to groom them properly is crucial. The wiry coat is rather easy to groom and maintain and should be done regularly!

To prevent mats from occurring, daily maintenance with a wire brush are the best way to go. If mats were to appear, they should be cut away.

Miniature Schnauzer shedding should be taken seriously, just like the one in Giant type, as they all need a proper brushing to keep them well-groomed.

The coat should be cut in the spring and fall, as that’s the time they shed the most.

The hair around the eyes and ears should be trimmed on regular basis with blunt-nosed scissors.

Clean the whiskers after the meals. Make sure to be very careful, as eyes and ears are very sensitive.

Clipping and trimming your Schnauzer will reduce the shedding noticeably. Follow these tips and you won’t even notice it!

However, you can notice your dog shedding even though you’ve done your research and know that Schnauzers shouldn’t shed much.

Why Is My Schnauzer Shedding?

What factors can affect if your Schnauzer is going to shed and how much?

The shedding depends a lot on genetic factors. In other words, if the parents of your dog didn’t shed much you’re lucky as it will probably be the same for their kids as well.

So, when you’re buying a Schnauzer, make sure to ask the breeder whether the parents were large shredders or not if this is an important issue for you.

Explain that you know that Schnauzers shed, but tell that you want to know how much they shed.

Also, even though schnauzers in general don’t shed much, it can happen that they shed an unusually large amount. This is mainly when they’re stressed.

For instance, a young schnauzer you’ve just bought will probably be a bit stressed and shed all over your car seat. Don’t worry, this is normal and will not happen often, if at all!

Conclusion

Yes, Schnauzers shed like all dogs. However, they shed much less than some other dogs and this will probably not be a problem. Also, the bigger the Schnauzer, the more it sheds.

Make sure to inform yourself about the size, and its parents and don’t forget to groom and maintain its coat.

Not sure which Schnauzer type is the best match for you? Compare them and see which type suits your lifestyle the best.

The Schnauzer is a dog that doesn’t smell or shed much so you can consider yourself a lucky future Schnauzer owner!

Let’s see what others want to know about Schnauzers and their shedding.

Frequently Asked Questions About Schnauzer’s Shedding

1. Are Schnauzers Hypoallergenic?

Miniature Schnauzers are considered to be hypoallergenic dogs, as they produce fewer allergens.

As such they are often seen around people who have mild to low allergies.

Hypoallergenic dogs do not shed a lot, or at least not as other dogs do. We know that Miniature Schnauzers shed a bit, but they are the lowest shedders among the Schnauzer family.

2. Are Schnauzers High Maintenance?

When choosing a breed it is important to think about maintenance.

If you are not a fan of regular and time-demanding grooming, you should focus on getting a low-maintenance breed.

As for Schnauzers, they are high-maintenance dogs who need daily brushing to keep them looking neat and clean. A haircut should be performed every six months.

3. Are Schnauzers Good For Allergies?

As mentioned above, Miniature Schnauzers are best suited for homes with mild allergy residents.

Still, getting a dog when you (or your family member) suffer from allergies, isn’t something that should be taken lightly.

Always discuss this decision with your doctor, as you don’t want to have to remove the dog later on from your home.

4. Do Schnauzers Have Pet Dander?

All dogs produce pet dander and Schnauzers are no exception.

Schnauzers produce less pet dander than other dog breeds do, but they still need regular grooming and brushing to keep their coats dirt-free and skin clean and soft.

If you opt to brush your Schnauzer make sure that you have the right grooming tools on hand.

5. What Is The Best Pet For Someone With Allergies?

This will depend on the person’s allergies.

In some people, allergies might be mild and can handle having a dog around, while some may suffer from severe allergies and cannot stand any pet around, but fish, if any.

Still, some of the most common pets seen in people with allergies are frogs, hair-free cats, fish, hamsters, and iguanas.

In most cases, reptiles and amphibians do not cause allergic reactions, but this is something that should be discussed with your doctor first.