The Signature Schnauzer Look
Let’s be honest — that iconic Schnauzer look is probably one of the things that drew you to the breed in the first place. The grand beard, the expressive eyebrows, the clean lines… it’s stylish, striking and unmistakably Schnauzer.
But here’s the thing — that look doesn’t happen by accident.
Ever seen a Miniature Schnauzer go too long between grooms? They start to resemble a shaggy little hair monster. Not quite the sharp, dignified dog they’re meant to be.
When left unkempt, their furnishings (that’s the longer coat on the legs and chest) easily tangle and mat — which can become painful for the dog if not managed. Regular combing and brushing is essential. It’s a lot more work to fix a mess than to maintain it.
Grooming the Miniature Schnauzer
To keep your puppy and dog at their very Schnauzery best, it’s going to take a bit of foresight, preparation and maintenance.
You see, Miniature Schnauzers are a double-coated breed with a dense, wire coat and a more soft undercoat. Technically hair, not fur. Fur tends to fall out on its own (hello most other dog breeds) but this doesn’t happen with a Miniature Schnauzer so the dead hair needs to be either pulled out or clipped to keep it at a neat and manageable length.
So part of a Miniature Schnauzer’s regular routine is a full groom every six weeks. Be sure to budget for this (around $120 dollars per groom).
For our show dogs, we pull (hand strip) the longer, dead layers of coat. And no, it doesn’t hurt them at all like some non-show breeders like to claim. Our dogs are so relaxed that they fall asleep whilst having their weekly pull down.
We know their skin is in fantastic condition because the hair follicles are being cleared out when the dead coat is pulled.
Haircuts & Hand Stripping
Keeping your Schnauzer looking their sharpest takes a little foresight, preparation and routine care — but the results are absolutely worth it.
Unlike most dog breeds, Miniature Schnauzers don’t shed their hair naturally. That means their coat needs to be maintained with regular grooming — either by clipping or hand stripping — to stay healthy and neat.
Routine Grooms Are Essential
A full groom every six weeks is part of a Miniature Schnauzer’s normal upkeep. Be sure to budget around $120 per session (depending on your groomer and location and warning… not all groomers are created equal!). Between grooms, regular brushing at home helps prevent tangles and mats, especially in their signature furnishings.
Clipping vs. Hand Stripping
For companion dogs, clipping is the most common method — trimming the hair to keep it manageable. This is totally fine for pets who aren’t being shown.
But for our show dogs, we use a more traditional method called hand stripping — which involves gently pulling out the dead outer coat by hand or using a stripping tool once per week.
No, it doesn’t hurt — despite what some non-show breeders might claim. In fact, our dogs often doze off during their weekly sessions (see Solomon and Rivqah below to prove our point!). It’s great for skin health… no “Schnauzer bumps”.
Because hand stripping clears out the hair follicles, it allows healthy new coat to grow in, resulting in layers and layers of harsh texture the Breed Standard calls for — and that no clipper can recreate.
Miniature Schnauzer coat basics
The Miniature Schnauzer’s coat is one of the things that makes this breed so iconic — but how it’s maintained directly impacts how it looks (and feels).
Clipped vs Handstripped Coats
When the jacket (main body coat) is clipped, the harsher outer coat is cut and without pulling the dead layers, over time what will replace the dead hair is the softer undercoat layer, which lacks the texture and rich colour of a stripped coat.
In Pepper and Salt dogs, clipped coats tend to grow back as a flat light or dark grey.
In Black and Silver dogs, the jacket starts out black but in most cases gradually fades to dark grey over time.
By contrast, hand-stripped dogs retain their true colour and texture:
Furnishings: Not Just for Looks
The longer leg hair — called furnishings — is typically left at about an inch long to create even, straight “columns”. These require regular combing (right to the skin) to stay tangle-free. Don’t worry — it’s quick and easy. A few minutes while you watch TV is all it takes.
These furnishings do more than just look good — they provide protection for the legs and help to balance the Miniature Schnauzer’s silhouette.
The beard: a Miniature Schnauzer’s Trademark
That glorious beard — it’s not just for show. It’s the Miniature Schnauzer’s most iconic feature, and we’re here to say one thing loud and clear:
Never — EVER — cut the beard!
More Than Just a Statement
The beard (along with those expressive eyebrows) isn’t just a hallmark of the breed — it serves a purpose. Originally, it offered protection for the face when these dogs were doing their job: tackling rodents and other small animals.
Practical and stylish? That’s the Schnauzer way.
Let It Grow
Once the beard reaches a certain length, its weight helps it settle into place — and this is when the classic Schnauzer look truly comes into its own. Ironically, long beards are actually easier to manage than short ones, which tend to stick out in every direction (especially after a drink — looking at you, teddy bear trims).
And yes, every puppy goes through the “cigar-exploded-in-the-face” phase. It’s all part of their charm. Promise.
A smooth Start to grooming
At Howleluyah, grooming isn’t an afterthought — it’s part of how we raise confident, well-rounded puppies.
Each of our pups is gently introduced to grooming from an early age, spending regular time on laps and the grooming table getting used to being handled, combed and brushed. They even receive their first official Schnauzer haircut before heading off to their forever homes.
Grooming Support for You
We also include a grooming tool in your puppy’s Howleluyah Puppy Basket — perfect for maintaining that signature Schnauzer look. And don’t worry, we’ll show you exactly how to use it. You’ll be surprised how quick and easy it is to keep your pup looking sharp.
Learn more about Miniature Schnauzers
