When Do Mini Schnauzers Reach Maturity?

True to their naming, miniature schnauzers are indeed small, both in comparison with other schnauzers and with totally different breeds. Mature male and female miniature schnauzers usually weigh 13 to 15 pounds, with heights at the shoulder of 12 to 14 inches.

Miniature schnauzers usually mature sexually before they finish growing. Female miniature schnauzers generally go into their first estrus or heat cycles when they're roughly 7 months of age. Male miniature schnauzers typically become sexually mature when they're between 5 and 6 months in age. When male and female miniature schnauzers become sexually mature, you might start to notice the emergence of classic hormonal behaviors. When the females are in heat, they often behave in uncharacteristic antsy manners, with reduced focus levels. When males become sexually mature, they often start marking with urine and behaving more aggressively around other male canines.

Miniature schnauzers generally reach full size around 12 months of age, which is actually a little later -- two months or so -- than many dogs their size. This is also around the time when they should usually begin eating commercial adult dog foods rather than puppy formulas. Talk to your veterinarian about when specifically your schnauzer youngster needs to start eating adult food. As puppies, these furry guys have more substantial caloric needs. When miniature schnauzers reach around a year in age, their caloric needs start to match those of adults.

Although miniature schnauzers usually are fully grown at approximately a year old, don't assume that all of their growth and development is completely done. It's not uncommon for miniature schnauzer youngsters to, at this point, begin adding a little additional weight onto their frames, taking on a slightly broader, sturdier and more "adult" appearance.