Many people ask me, “How much do toys weigh?” They think toys and Minis are actually sized by weight. Nothing could be farther from the truth. If you read the breed standard, Miniature Schnauzers are measured in inches not pounds. The standard for a regular size mini is from 12" to 14" tall at the top of the shoulder blade, which are called withers. On a toy that would be up to 11" at the top of the withers. There is no room for micro, pocket, tiny toy or anything else some breeders have come up with to extract more money from the buyer.

The best reason you cannot use weight to measure this breed's size is, especially in toys, there is so much difference in bone structure which equates to a big difference in dogs weights of the same height. I've seen a 10 # dog that's 12" to 13" tall. Some breeders call that a toy. It's no toy! That's a full size mini. I've seen 9" tall dogs weigh 12 # and they are obese usually with a large frame. Lets face it... dogs are skinny, overweight, heavy boned and light boned. The dog's framework will have a lot to do with it’s weight.

This very obese black dog is an example of 'size by weight'. This old dog was 9" tall as a young adult. Unfortunately the owners have fed her till she's gained enough fat that her height is actually pushing 10" tall as an old dog! By weight she is not a toy because she's over 12# when this photo was taken. By height she is a toy.

In my early days of breeding toys I understood very little of the genetics for color or size. I soon found out when breeding any dogs with more than 2" difference in height, some or all of the pups could be long bodied and have short legs. If this trait continues to be bred on, I've seen [from studying mine and other breeder's dogs] the front legs tend to bow out at the elbow and the front toes tend to point out. Front legs should be straight with toes pointing forward. Long legs are a dominate trait so breeding the short legs to short legs will result in more short legs. Soon this trait is "set" and very difficult to correct. Although this is liked by some it's not correct and should not be bred for. Breeders should strive to make their toys look like the regular size Mini.

Here is an example of the short legs and a long body. The head is in proportion and the front legs are straight. The vet docked her tail way too long but that's not what this example is about.

If you are searching for a toy there are some things you should consider. Make sure you ask for a pedigree before you put a deposit on a pup/dog or buy it. Some breeders have inbred their dogs far too much. Take a good look at the parents. This is what your pup will look like. If you have small children or larger pets you have to realize toys are not a good choice.

Toy sized Miniature Schnauzers are just as active as the regular size ones. They will chew, dig, and bark with all the gusto any good Mini possesses. They are just as smart and enjoy doing tricks and obedience. There's nothing different but size. With the variety of colors and their smaller size, you may find you will want a whole "pack" of these lovely little "mini" Mini Schnauzers!!!