Miniature Schnauzers are, by and large, a healthy breed — and that’s a real gift.

Their strong, square structure means they typically avoid the musculoskeletal problems seen in other breeds with long backs, short legs or heavy bone. This balanced build supports joint health and natural, efficient movement throughout their life.

When kept at a healthy weight, well-bred Miniature Schnauzers enjoy excellent stamina, thanks in part to their solid frame and good chest depth.

They also breathe well, with a proper-length muzzle and wide nostrils — no squished faces here. That means better oxygen flow, cooler running during activity and less risk of breathing-related issues.

While Miniature Schnauzers are generally a healthy breed, like all purebreds, they can be predisposed to a few inherited conditions. Here are the most relevant ones to be aware of:

A group of inherited eye diseases that cause gradual vision loss, typically starting with night blindness. Depending on the type, blindness can occur early (by age 5) or much later in life. Thankfully, affected dogs are not in pain.

A developmental condition in male dogs where remnants of the female reproductive system fail to regress. It can lead to complications such as undescended testicles or internal abnormalities later in life.

An inherited muscle disorder that causes delayed muscle relaxation. Puppies may appear stiff, hop like a bunny, or show signs like excessive panting, salivation, odd barking or difficulty swallowing. While not painful, it can impact daily function.

A mild bleeding disorder due to the lack of a blood-clotting protein. Affected dogs may bruise easily, have nosebleeds or experience extended bleeding after injuries or surgery.

A serious heart condition where the heart muscle weakens and can no longer pump efficiently. It typically appears before age 3, with males often showing symptoms earlier than females. Warning signs include fatigue, shortness of breath, fainting and, in severe cases, sudden collapse.

A rare but devastating skeletal disorder. Affected puppies are usually stillborn or pass shortly after birth, presenting with malformed spines, ribs and underdeveloped hind limbs.

Yes, that list is a bit confronting.

But here’s the good news.

At Howleluyah, every one of our breeding dogs is DNA tested for these known, testable inherited diseases. We also perform annual eye exams with a specialist veterinary ophthalmologist and thorough pre-breeding health and temperament screening with a reproductive vet.

When you choose a Howleluyah puppy, you’re getting more than just peace of mind — you’re getting the benefit of intentional, ethical breeding practices aimed at giving your puppy the best possible start in life.