The average Miniature Schnauzer lifespan is around 12 years old, however there are frequent reports of Mini Schnauzers hitting their eighteenth birthday. And even a rare few dogs reaching the great age of 20 years old! The difference between a good lifespan and an extreme one is a combination of genetics and care, with diet, exercise and safety all playing their part.
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Why Do Some Dogs Live Longer Than Others?
Purebred dogs live an average of 11 years, but the Miniature Schnauzer often hits far bigger numbers than this. And a lot of factors play their part.
There are some things common to all Mini Schnauzers, like size. Small breeds tend to live longer, while giant breeds usually have shorter lifespans. They also have a good long muzzle shape that helps with respiration, and a balanced back to leg ratio that keeps their joints in fair shape.
Then there are the factors that we can influence on an individual level, like avoiding diseases and providing a proper diet and plenty of exercise.
Health Problems that limit Miniature Schnauzer Lifespan
Miniature Schnauzers can have problems with their teeth because of their tiny mouths. They are prone to infections, which can cause a variety of other problems! It’s important to brush your dog’s teeth regularly if possible, and take them for regular teeth cleanings.
Schnauzers can also have allergies. They may also develop “Schnauzer bumps.” This condition is actually called Comedo Syndrome, and it causes blackheads, hair loss, and scabbing along a dog’s back. They are also prone to skin tumors.
Common eye conditions Schnauzers can develop are cataracts, Progressive Renal Atrophy, lens luxation, and glaucoma.
Miniature Schnauzers are prone to ear infections. However, these are easily treated by a veterinarian. They can often be prevented by cleaning out a dog’s ears regularly.
Any of these issues can cause pain and therefore limit a dog’s life if a veterinarian helps you to make an ethical decision related to comfort. However, there are other more serious medical issues that can lead more directly to early fatalities.
Serious Health Issues
- Urinary stones
- Pancreatitis
- Hypothyroidism
- Myotonia Congenita
- Cushing’s disease
- Heart disease.
- Von Willebrand’s
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
How to Increase Miniature Schnauzer Lifespan
There are several ways to increase Miniature Schnauzer lifespan. The best way to tackle any problems is head-on, from the very beginning. This means going to a reputable breeder. Avoid puppy mills at all costs, and don’t buy from pet stores.
Healthy Puppies
The first step you take towards a long live for your dog is choosing a healthy puppy. Go to a breeder that health tests the litter’s parents for any relevant diseases to the breed. They should be happy to show you clear test certificates, and discuss their pet’s medical histories openly.
Good breeders are happy to answer multiple questions from potential puppy owners, and for you to meet both the parents where possible.
(paid link) Diet
Feeding your dog a high protein, high fat, low carbohydrate diet is a great way to promote good health. Make sure that you follow the feeding guidelines on the packet, and if your pup looks a bit chunky then slightly reduce their servings until they have a slim waist.
Exercise
Staying fit is another great way to live longer. Regular exercise doesn’t just have to be walks in the dog park, Miniature Schnauzers excel at agility, playing fetch and those all important training games too.
Safety
A safe place to live is essential for good health, but so are things like security when outdoors. A harness and leash combination for areas with vehicles will keep your dog from getting into trouble on the roads. And a great recall command proofed against the wildlife and other people and dogs will enable you to protect your dog off leash too.
Carol says
Our Jubilee is 15 years and 2 months. I can’t imagine life without his sweet personality. He’s a pure white schnauzer with dark skin that makes him look like velvet. Dimming eyes, tons of skin issues but he has been an incredible member of our family. He was the easiest dog to potty train and has recently started having accidents. I need to take him in but I’m so scared of the answers.
Thank you for sharing all your stories. Schnauzers are amazing. I hope our little guy can be helped and lives many more years. If not I’m so glad we have had him this long. He’s precious, loyal and loving.
Gayle Gray says
My Brody, 10 years old, quit jumping onto the couch and bed….Vet can’t find anything wrong with him…He seems sad that he can’t do what he always did….This happened very quickly….is it just age?
Lisi says
Oh my:
The same thing just started in my Elke, 8 yes old this August. She hesitates to jump up on her couch.
KARINE E BORELLY says
Hi Gayle, what about the barking, many people stated that they bark a lot.
Thank you
Jim Milton says
My Buu Buu just turned 10 on 1/29/24. Earlier this week he was at the vet and an xray showed his spleen was double in size, not bleeding yet apparently. Blood work showed low red blood cells and something else i cant remember at the moment. An ultrasound showed many lymphocytes I think they said and was told have maybe 1 to 2 months left with him provided stays on prednisone that they prescribed. Said likely caused by cancer, but dont know for sure without biopsy and spleen removal which i have no resources for. Im devestated and dreading the fast approaching day I have to put him to sleep.
Dana says
My mini schnauzer turned 18 in December.
Kept her off a leash from day one after cuddling her for 15 minutes. She has followed me at my heal and listened to my command “no” and “sit” even when tempted by squirrels. On day one she learned to stop at the curb and could have learned many more commands had I tried. I lived in many places with her including New York and Miami. She loves the cold weather and hanging out outside in the park.
I think this breed was kept very healthy through the years. One thing is their aggressiveness was not bred out (see German Shepards). Seems this quality helps keep a dog healthy. I dunno.
MJ Barron says
I would buy her Natural Balance with brown rice and lamb.
Darrin Haynes says
My Baxter will be 16 in December. He has a large fat pocket on his right rib cage, is deaf, and has bumps all over. But he still chases rabbits in the yard and jumps up and down from the sofa. I’m believing that he will be one of the “rare 20-year-olds”!
Patrick says
We have 3 mini schnauzers. I’m hoping ours will live that long.
MJ says
Astrid my beautiful 11.5-year-old mini Schnauzer passed this last week. She was the smallest of her litter, but when I saw her she was the one. She was elegant and tiny. She was allergic to chicken so I had to check out every ingredient on any snack and kibble I gave her. It was worth every bit of effort. The vet heard a murmur in her heart two years ago and he treated her with all the meds she needed, but this summer the meds just weren’t working as well. Two trips to the emergency room within 10 days. She passed the second time. I miss her so much. I also have a 7 yr old mini Schnauzer male that also misses his girl so much too. I’m mourning her passing so much!!! God love them. Schnauzer mom forever!!
Terry says
What dry food did you give her? Mine is allergic to chicken too!
Edna Davis says
Schnauzers are the best. My Gordy was a black/silver mini schnauzer…weighed 20 lbs. He was very healthy up until 6 months ago…he was having belly issues and bathroom issues. It turned out to be liver cancer. He crossed the rainbow bridge yesterday. I had an in home passing. I highly recommend it…it’s the most peaceful and dignified procedure. They give us unconditional love and devotion and that’s the least we can do for them when their time comes. Good luck with your 7 yr old.
Lorraine says
How do you do an in home passing. I would love to have done that, but I didn’t know it was possible.
Cheryll Woodall says
Nicole Says;
August 2023
We have 2 brothers, Gus and Ben, Gus being the oldest and slighlty bigger than Ben who is the loudest barker. They will be 15 next month but over the last year have gone tumor removals, teeth extractions, eye infections, loss of appetite at some point but better now,liver problems,etc, One day Gus came to me and tried to get me to come to room where Ben was and I thought they both just wanted to go potty, but Ben would not move – so I carried him outside. He could not walk – had to finally have his back leg taped for3 weeks until it went back in socket. which lasted until this writing – he doesnt drag and can walk but there is an occasional slide. When one is sick and won’t eat or drink – neither will the other one. One day one will go and we know the other will follow to the Rainbow bridge – Do I want them both to go together ?? Not really – just not my choice –
Monika Zielke says
My little Bailey is 13.4 years old. I got her at two months as a surprise that my husband brought home. I’m a German Shepherd lady but have had to send so many over the years to the rainbow bridge I just couldn’t do it anymore. Bailey changed all that. My husband has since passed and she literally saved me. Bailey is the last connection that I have with him and this is going to be the toughest passing ever. She has suffered from IBD for 3 years and it’s an ongoing trial. She is currently experiencing a particularly bad flare and I have a bad feeling about this one as nothing seems to help. She wants to eat only people food and won’t touch her dog food. She’s on steroids and normally eats anything she can find. Not now. She does drink and always follows me everywhere. She truly is a trooper but I think my days with her are numbered and I’m crying as a write this. I know I will get another one…a rescue…for she will leave me with so much love in my heart that I will honor her by sharing it with another dog.
Linda Crawford says
I am going through this right now. I lost our second baby over a year ago and i am so sad without her.I have just been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and i cried for my babies! I am 74 and dont want a puppy. I would like about 4 to maybe 6 or 7 or maybe even older. I am very partial to salt and pepper females. I want to rescue and give an older dog a good life. My friends are all for itt but my entire family is against it. Does anyone have any advise or help?
Fred says
My parents are your age, my dad a bit older and my mom a bit younger, their last dog passed away 2 years ago.They weren’t going to get another but they recently rescued a dog from their neighbour. Both they and they dog are extremely pleased with the situation.
Dianna Blumrick says
It is your life & if you think you can take care a dog then you should do it. Make yourself happy. God bless you. Prayers of healing for you. Hugs
Sanjay says
Our sweet girl Lucy just passed away at 15 years and 3 months. She had a stroke on Thanksgiving day but she made a tremendous recovery in 2 weeks. But in the last 6 months since, age caught up to her and she even stopped enjoying her food the last couple of days.
leni says
I am 14 years old and Otto is 14 years old we have been by each others side since we were young ,he’s on my bed right now as I’m writing this ,he’s sweet kind understanding and caring he’s helped me to get through the difficult things that happens at school I love him a lot does anyone know what medication my parents can get him to live linger without pain I love him so much we both understand each other , he just started licking his paws then he gave me a cheeky side eye I love Otto so much I give him lots of hugs kisses and love 🙂 love you otto
Rebecca M says
We just lost our lovely Hebe ‘baked potato’ at aged 12. She had HSA the most aggressive cancer which started in her heart. However, after diagnosis we had her for another amazing 6 months where she was super happy and eating like a horse right up till a few days before she went to the rainbow bridge. For ref our experience and what we did can be summarised as follows:
– first she collapsed with a pericardial bleed which was drained and then HSA diagnosed
– she had 5 x IV chemo 3 weeks apart which she tolerated very well – just a day tired afterwards
– I gave her Turkey Tail mushroom powder every day as this has been clinically proven to help limit HSA (later I gave her I’m Yunity and Yunnan Baiyao too and she never had another bleed)
– she was after chemo on Thalidomide every other day
– I fed her a keto type diet with very limited starch/carbs just brocolli and veg no kibble!
She was on amazing form and living her best life right up to the end when we discovered the HSA had spread to her lungs – we knew it would spread but devastating nevertheless.
So look out for HSA and do your research on what the latest treatments are as you may be able to buy your dog another 6 months of good life as we did for our precious Hebe xx
Dorine says
We have a 6 yr old MURPHY.we love him so much. We lost our first one MANNY IN 2017 he was 10 yr 10 months old. Our hearts were broken. Along came Murphy. He filled our hearts with joy, love and happiness. Still miss Manny. God bless all Schnauzers
howard hayes says
my Zoe turned 13 in january 2023. she suffers from several of the things mentioned above. but dam it she is one of the greatest doggies ever. im tearing up as i write this because she is going to the rainbow bridge soon. just wanted to let you all know you arent alone when the sad part comes. love them till their last breath because they love you.
Amy says
My miniature schnauzer is 16 and in prime health other than her cataracts ❤️ she enjoys her strollers rides to new and exciting parks. I have her on a diet of raw chicken and salmon
G says
We lost our beloved buddy
He was the best our family could ask for he was 13 1/2
Letty Moreno says
Molly is my 12 yr old schnauzer. She has under gone hernia repair and spleen removal, plus many, many stitches due to wanting to hang with the big dogs and tell them what to do! But she is a spunky girl and even after all that, she is just as hyper and active as a pup. I hope she gives us many, many more years.
Paul Dunagan says
Lost my miniature schnauzer Sam on December 27, 2021 age 20 years 7 months and three days had him since he was a pup. Loving and loyal .
Jamel b says
Wow!! Sorry to hear this. He lived a long life. Been a mini schnauzer owner of 4 in the last 20 years. And losing our baby girl Izzy Bella last night. From lymphoma at the young age of 11yrs old. I would like to know what did you feed your fur baby to live such a long life.
Regina says
My boy, Teddy passed at 19 years and 10 months. It crushed my heart to make the decision to let him go. It will 4 years this coming July. On a happier note I now have a 4 month, his name is Journey.
Dave says
I had mini schnauzers growing up and they all lived about 15 years. They were great dogs and good watch dogs. We currently have two a 9 yr old and a 3yr old and they are best buddies. Schnauzers are great additions to the family !!
Amy says
What a fabulous age! My girl is 16 I count every day is a blessing and hope and pray she makes it to 20. I feed her raw diet chicken and salmon. She loves it. And dried sardines for treats.
David R. says
Monkey, my mini schnauzer/yorkie looks just like this little guy! I took a new picture and my iPhone 13 is so smart that it showed several pictures of look alike dogs, and the first one was your little guy!
Kimberley Smith-Maxwell says
We have a 13 y.o. male named Scotty – he is black and just little bits of gray around his mouth and chin. Just a cutie for sure. We just found out he has a liver mass – not yet confirmed cancer. I’m hoping and praying not — he is not eating like normal and I thought it might be a tooth or gum infection — and on the dr. visit the liver mass was found. He is such a sweet dog – I love Schnauzers (my first one), I actually rescued him – as I found him outside of a shopping strip mall – so cute – but very thin and full of fleas. He didn’t have a chip in him and the vet said he was 3 or 4 — so while I shared he is 13 – he could actually be 14. His energy is very low – but still his ears go up when I say walk or he hears the leash sound. He walks much slower now – but today was a really good day as he was able to walk quite a lot. I’m hoping that he doesn’t have cancer — but the vet seems pretty sure – I’ll find out tomorrow. I’m so blessed – though – to have this wonderful little dog – my Scottie in my life. I actually thought I was a cat person – but since rescuing this Scotty — I’m both a cat and dog person. I also have another dog – Ralph – a beagle/corgi mix who is 9 — and he is a rescue too. It was really nice to read through all the stories of people sharing about their furbabies. God bless all of you — and God bless you furbabies too.
Lilly says
We had a mini schnauzer Charles Stewart Dunsmuir he was 15 1/2 when he passed 2 years ago and as I write about him today I’m crying 😭 He was such a trooper last few days of his life he never gave us a problem and he passed peacefully with no issues. We got him at 6mos old and he was a trip every day wheather he was in the yard patrolling the fence line and barking at every little sound or teaching our 3 other dogs actually his brothers and sister how to go potty outside. He is surely missed and was loved very very much! 🐾❤️🐾❤️🐾
Roy J LeBlanc says
I have 6 mini schnauzers. I’m not a breeder. My dogs was slowing down 4 years ago.My oldest was 10. They Could not jump on furniture, and skin issues. I took them off Blue Buffalo, and put on 4 health. Same issues. I started cooking boiled chicken breast, livers, or sliced Guzzards with Brocolli, carrots, Cauliflower, scrambled eggs, sometimes a lil boiled rice, and within 2 months, they were jumping, and running around, and came back to life. My older is now 14.5 years. I lost my male 2 days ago to congestive heart and kidney failure. in 1 month he would have been 13. I sometimes feed them a few raw sliced carrot snacks, and we grow carrots for them. Not too many at one time, and slice them, to help them digest. They love veggies over any store bought snack, which I took away store bought dog snacks 4 years ago.
Vanessa says
I have a miniature Schnauzer she about to be 12 years old… Is there any medication I can give to her? I don’t want her to leave us… 😭
Lindsay says
My Jasmine is 12 and has slowed down and needs her eyes checked. Looks like cataracts. She has some arthritis and doesn’t let us pick her up anymore. All her teeth went bad and vet extracted all but left one tooth. She is still the sweetest girl and tries to play with the other two dogs. She loves to be scratched and massaged. She’s very sweet to my 7 and 9 yr old boys and loves my husband.
Rachael Castro says
Our little old man Cody will be 16 in October 2021. I didn’t know the life expectancy was 12! He has been a loyal friend to my son since we got him in 2005. He’s eyes were the first to get a little foggy and he has trouble seeing if the room is too dark. He had urinary stones twice about 5 years ago. And up until now except for slower walks and sensitive skin he’s been ok. He licks his paws a lot and I thought it was an allergy. But no it wasn’t. He broke open a pad on his paw. And after 3-4 weeks it still wasn’t healing. Come to find out he has what the VET called carcinoma of the toenail which is a malignant tumor/mass. His advice is to put him to sleep. Even if we amputated the toe the cancer could be in his leg, lungs, body ect. His teeth have also been an issue for a few years now even thought I tried my best to get the cleanings done. He didn’t pass the blood work the last two time so no cleaning could be approved. He lost a few teeth in the pas two years 🙁 but still eats and drinks a lot and still does his ‘business’ as always. The walks are slower now, and he has a small sock/on 24-7 which I change daily. We have an oncology appointment this Monday Aug 23, 2021. I am looking for a second opinion. I need to set my mind at ease that ending his life is the better choice for him if he is in pain. Which I am most certain the open toe is painful. He’s on meds currently. I need to hear from the specialist that it’s okay to say goodbye to our dear Little furbaby.
Lenore says
My Rudi is 19 and a half. He is definitely showing signs of aging. But he walks (usually in circles) every day, has a good appetite, and navigates the house pretty well, despite his impaired vision. When he was a puppy, the vet informed me he had a heart murmur and might not live long. His current vet told me he was the oldest dog she has ever treated and “really remarkable”. He’s still with me, my little “man of men”.
Denise says
My Bailey Bones will be 15 in July. He was the runt of the litter but surprise to me, he is an amazing companion… curious, thoughtful, serious, loyal, intuitive, and cuddly with a loud and deep bark. He’s a dapper fellow. He tells me when it’s bedtime and won’t go to bed without me. He’s slowed down so much in the past few years. He trips a lot and falls down if he’s been walking too much. We must cart him around because he can’t walk far/long. He loves it though… he darts his head around and it bobs as we move him in the stroller… he’s so cute. I’ve raised him since he was a puppy and he has been by my side through so many milestones, so many new homes, and relationships. I sense his day is coming… he appears to have dementia. Pees randomly anywhere, even by his food while eating… he walks into a room and then stops, stares for a long time, then continues. Sometimes he can’t hear commands or is coming up behind him and he can’t see too well. He such a trooper though. He just recently moved with me two states away from our home… his home of many years. He’s adjusting but I know he’d prefer to be back in our old home. It makes me sad to think he’d rather have been there to live out his last years. Miniature schnauzers are truly a wonderful breed. So human… he won’t even entertain other dogs. When I take him to the dog park he spends more time checking out the people and after a short while he leaves towards the exit, once he’s had his fill. I love him so much even if he pees in the house once a day.
Denise says
Just an update: my Bailey Bones is still going strong at 17 next month! He still loves his French fries and popcorn and once in a while hopping around like a bunny.
Kim says
The same age as my Roxy 17 also next month, she has similar aging issues. Pacing mostly and obsessive with treats. Still passionate about walks although struggles some days but still she insists. If she not feeling up to it she will be very slow so we return home. I have recently purchased a back pack however she prefers to walk still. I have had to carry her home and she did not resist that day. Normally she would be pushing to get down again. Blessings and such a will to enjoy life, even as she struggles with her age, sight and hearing.
Fred says
Red is 17 and a half, he’s blind and deaf, has had hyperthyroidism for years and has seen cancer and chemo come and go. He’s still going fairly strong – we keep thinking that it can’t be too much longer now, but we’ve been thinking that for years. Specially planned home cooked food for most of his life, the last few he’s been on vet-ordered low fat prescription diet (Hills).
Joanne lester says
My boy is 13. He has fought pancreatitis all his life through no fault of care it takes nothing to tip the scales. He is fighting for his life tonight but I feel him with me as I write this
Sheryll says
We lost our Lil Bit December 30,2022 due to pancreatitis, hepatitis and irregular breathing. Upon ultrasound they found a stone in his bladder. He got real sick just in days. He spent the night and day over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We brought him home, he never got better. He was 12 years old and 2 months. We got him when he was 2 months old. We had an appointment for follow up with his veterinarian on 12/30/22 at 0830, he passed away on our bed as my husband was petting him like he always does in the mornings. He was such a good boy, trained well, he had several accidents in the house in the past 6 months. Such a shock he’s gone. We are going to give it a year or two before we get another dog. We love him and he loved us back.
Michele says
I have a cutie…she is a 12 year old female named Sophia…she is slowing down a bit…but her bark is still big…she is a cuddler and I love her to death.
Joe says
Don’t use dog food that contain lentils or garbanzo beans regardless of the words grain free. U and your dog are what u eat. Lentils hurt animals systems
Sherri Owens says
I have a wonderful n loving Female Schnauzer name Lexus she will be 15 yrs young this November, I definitely see sign of her getting older, as with a lot of people that have this Breed they are Loyal n the best Companion I could Ever ask for, I’m going to be Soooo Heart Broke 💔 when her time come , I Love My Baby Lexus
Eddie says
Are one was 18 years old Eddie passed away on Halloween night 2020 of cancer