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HomeTrending Dog StoriesDo Schnauzers Get Along With Other Family Pets?

Do Schnauzers Get Along With Other Family Pets?

Last Updated on May 2, 2022 by Dogs Vets

Do Schnauzers Get Along With Other Family Pets?

With their conspicuous looks and unique personalities, Schnauzers have gained huge popularity during the past two decades both in our homes and hearts.

Literally meaning “snouter“, because of the canine’s distinctive mustache, this award-winning breed originated in Germany from the 14th to 16th centuries.

Schnauzers are sometimes referred to as “the grumpy dog” and might look unfriendly at first, but they are actually very friendly and affectionate with humans.

This begs the question, however, How good are schnauzers with pets in the house such as other dogs, cats, and smaller animals? Keep reading to find out the details about this dog breed’s ability to share a life with other house pets.

Do Schnauzers Get Along With Other Pets?

The answer to the question is not as black and white as you may expect, partly because Schnauzers come in different varieties – miniature, standard, and giant size – with each displaying temperaments and behaviors that slightly vary.

While larger breeds are more laid-back, miniature breeds are sometimes more prone to showing who is the boss by means of growling and barking.

Plus, their degree of integration with other animals depends on how well you socialize and train them. The good news is that it is possible to have your Schnauzer get along with other dogs and cats. However, training will be needed for little animals.

Schnauzer Personality

With this breed, predicting temperament can be challenging. Schnauzers are intelligent and loyal dogs that need a good amount of daily exercise.

can schnauzers get along with other pets

These dogs are stubborn and display strong personalities, but with patience and regular training, they can become well-behaved in little time. Indeed, they tend to pick up commands much quicker than other breeds.

Most Schnauzers have chasing instincts that may affect their socialization skills when confronted with other animals.

Like other breeds, they need to socialize early on to avoid negative traits. And while they can become your cat’s or other dog’s best mate, they don’t do so well with small pets such as rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs.

Do Schnauzers Get Along With Other Dogs?

In general, Schnauzers can get along with other dogs. Mini Schnauzers do get assertive towards bigger dogs, even if they might be erratic at first. That’s because they were bred to be guard dogs and hunters before being kept as your average pet.

On the other hand, Giant Schnauzers might require some training to avoid fighting with other dogs.

You can train both to make them effectively get along with other dogs. However, your dog’s personality might affect his behavior and social skills.

Tips to introduce a schnauzer to another dog

Here are 5 tips and principles to introduce your schnauzer to another dog for the first time:

  • Keep your schnauzer on a leash at all times and speak gently to your dog during the approach phase
  • If other dog owners are comfortable and there is no sign of aggression of your schnauzer or the other dogs, allow them to get closer to each other
  • Continue talking gently and monitor all dogs’ comfort level
  • Be prepared for any aggression by having a way to separate the dogs if the need arises
  • Reward your schnauzer for any good behavior during the encounter by means of strokes and/or treats
  • What other dog breeds get along with other dogs?

 

Some dog breeds have a naturally easygoing personality and do better at getting along with other dogs.

Here is a list of dog breeds that are particularly good at being a good pal to their dogs in a home:

  •  Barbets
  • Golden doodle
  • Basset hound
  • English foxhound
  • Maltipoo
  • Saint Bernard
  • Whippet
  • Cocker spaniel
  • Great Dane
  • Pug

 

Do Schnauzers Get Along With Cats?

Schnauzers might need some time to get along with cats but, with patience, they will understand they are part of the family. This is because Schnauzers have a high prey drive and their bossy yet playful nature sometimes results in bullish behavior.

Cats also have the tendency to play hide and seek with other family pets, which might result in a lot of chasing around or even fighting.

Cats, however, have the ability to defend themselves and generally have nothing to worry about an excited schnauzer.

The first introduction will be crucial in setting boundaries from the start. In general, Schnauzers accept kittens better than older cats.

What Precautions Should You Take?

If you own a cat, the first thing you must do is ensure your cat has somewhere safe to escape if he feels uncomfortable. During the first encounters between your dog and cat, you’ll want to watch how they interact closely.

It’s best to keep the schnauzer and the feline separated from each other at least for the first few days so that they can get used to each other’s scent.

If one or both animals are crate trained, they could spend part of the day or night in the same room.

After a few days, you may bring them closer to each other in the same room and reward positive behavior. Always provide a way for the cat to escape, like a chair, an open window, or a cat door, to help divide the spaces between the two animals in case one of them becomes overexcited.

What other dog breeds get on well with cats?

If you are a cat lover are really want a dog breed that will be a great pal for your feline, here is a list of alternatives to schnauzers that will be great cat companions:

●Golden retriever

●  Shetland sheepdog

●  Beagle

●  Maltese

●  Boston Terrier

●  Bichon frise

●  Basset Hound

●  Labrador retriever

●  Poodle

 

Do Schnauzers Get Along With Other Small Pets?

The equation is slightly different with cats and dogs than it is with smaller pets. While most dogs get on well with ferrets, rabbits, and other small pets, some breeds will need more time to adjust to the presence of a much smaller furry housemate.

Schnauzers – especially miniature schnauzers – belong to this category. Because of their chase instinct, Schnauzers might not do as well with small exotic pets as they do with cats or fellow

canines. Obedience training might help eliminate the habit, but you may need to deal with plenty of stress to avoid your dog doing some harm to your small pets.

The same applies to birds and reptiles, which you may want to keep separate from your dog, at least during the first months. As things can escalate quickly, you must slowly introduce your pup to the other animals in the house and ensure they get proper training.

If you have smaller pets, make sure you introduce them slowly to your dog.

Make sure you do not leave them alone even after they seem to be used to each other to avoid any issues.

 

Are schnauzers good family pets?

You might be wondering if schnauzers are all-around suitable family pets, especially if you have kids at home. The good news is, that schnauzers are generally great pets for kids, whether you have toddlers or teenagers. They are intelligent, loyal, and even hypoallergenic.

Schnauzers may be a bit wary about strangers at times, especially at the beginning, but this can be a positive trait especially if you have small kids that you want to keep safe.

Miniatures does have a high pitch bark which might be difficult for sensitive ears, but with proper obedience training, it’s possible to reduce the barking to a minimum.

Because of their energetic temperament, they will need to exercise moderately for at least 30-minutes every day, which can be good if you have kids who are equally full of energy.

They can be trained and do well with mental stimulation. Keep in mind, though, that because of their natural stubbornness you might need to assert your authority more than you would for calmer breeds.

 

The Bottom Line

It is undoubtedly possible for your Schnauzer to share its spaces with other animals. However, you’ll have to take some precautions and ensure your dog gets proper training to learn how to socialize correctly without becoming aggressive.

While these dogs shouldn’t have problems with dogs and cats, you might have to be super careful if you own smaller pets. As for all dogs, proper training is always key t a good relationship between all family pets.

 

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