The parti Miniature Schnauzer has patches of white fur on its coat. Parti color is not recognized by the official Mini Schnauzer breed standard. This coat pattern is therefore rare in the breed. But the purebred parti Mini Schnauzer will probably share all the good qualities as their solid colored brothers!
In the dog language of the world ‘parti’ or ‘particolor’ means “white spots”. The prefix ‘parti’ can be added before any other color. It means ‘that color, and white’.
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Official Miniature Schnauzer Colors
The three Miniature Schnauzer colors accepted by their AKC breed standard are:
- salt and pepper
- black and silver
- and solid black.
So, any of these could be:
- half salt and pepper Miniature Schnauzer
- a half black and silver Miniature Schnauzer
- or a half-black Miniature Schnauzer.
The difference between black and silver, and the black part is the Miniature Schnauzer
Chances are, if you’re a fan of Mini Schnauzers, you’ve seen a black Mini Schnauzer with white spots before.
Older Mini Schnauzes are black and silver in color, with white patches on their ears, under the chin, chest and feet.
These markings are distinct from being a black Miniature Schnauzer.
First, they always appear in the same areas, while the arrangement of the particolor patches varies greatly.
Second, the parti patches are really white – the hair follicle in those areas can’t produce color at all. But silver markings start out a bronze color in puppies and become silver as they grow. Some silver dog markings become very dark, while others retain a faint color.
And finally, black and silver markings are accepted by the official breeding standard. But the particolor signs are not there.
This is possible because the way particolor symbols are inherited is completely different from the inheritance of black and silver symbols.
Parti Miniature Schnauzer Genetics
Particolor traits are caused by genes from white spots series.
Geneticists haven’t figured out exactly how many genes for spotting there are. But their effect on coat color is generally understood.
Dogs that inherit one copy of the white gene from one parent have small or medium white spots – usually on their mouth, chest and belly, feet and the tips of their tails.
Dogs that inherit the white spot gene from both parents have very large white patches. In fact, they can be so white that they start to look like white dogs with colored spots!
The genes for white spots are present in the Mini Schnauzer population because Miniature Schnauzers were originally created by crossing Standard Schnauzers with Pomeranians and Miniature Poodles (among other breeds).
Pomeranians and Miniature Poodles there is both were accepted on the show bench with partial color coats.
Therefore, it was individuals from these breeds who contributed the white spotting gene to the foundation of the Miniature Schnauzer breed.
Are party Schnauzers rare?
Although particolor dogs were used in the creation of Miniature Schnauzers, Mini Schnauzers were intended to be exact replicas of their full-sized cousins.
Therefore, particolor coats were not considered desirable. Individuals known to carry genes for white spots are excluded from many breeding programs.
However, the gene continues to be present at low levels in the Miniature Schnauzer population.
So even if it’s not the official breed pattern, parti Mini Schnauzer puppies can still hold good pedigrees.
But they are rarer than the officially recognized colored dogs.
Parti Miniature Schnauzer Temperament
A Schnauzer with a partial color will have a good temperament like other Miniature Schnauzer breeds. They are friendly, playful and affectionate. They are also intelligent, and respond quickly to good reinforcement training.
Modern Mini Schnauzers are very popular as pets and companion dogs. But they were originally developed as versatile farm dogs.
Which means some of them still have a high prey drive (good for catching and dispatching pests like mice and rats).
And some of them are little talking dogs too.
Don’t forget that the party Mini Schnauzer’s temperament is partly genetic from the Miniature Schnauzer breed.
The way they are raised is also important. So insist that you meet the puppies and their mother, and ask the breeder what traits the mother and father have that make them special enough to breed.
Also ask the breeder what steps they will take to start socializing the puppies before they go home, and make a plan to end the process once you have them with you.
Parti Miniature Schnauzer Health
A particolored Mini Schnauzer’s lifestyle will probably match the rest of their breed.
Miniature Schnauzers are generally considered hardy and healthy, and free from genetic diseases.
But, they are at risk of developing neurological degenerative myelopathy, and joint disorder elbow dysplasia.
They live 12-13 years on average, but with luck and good care, some people reach their teenage years.
To keep the Mini Schnauzer breed in such good health, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals recommends that breeding dogs be screened for the following threats:
- Eye diseases
- Heart disease
- Myotonia congenita, a muscle disorder
- Mycobacterium Avian Complex, a bacterial infection of the lungs
- Progressive retinal atrophy
A quality breeder will arrange for testing for all of these conditions, and have proof of results on hand to share with prospective puppy parents.
Beware of breeders who try to stop you, or who keep giving you excuses to delay sharing certificates with you.
The link between imperfect colored coats and hearing loss
In some breeds, the white spot gene is linked to an increased risk of hearing loss.
This is because the gene for white spots affects cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes are involved in both the production of pigment, and the function of the inner ear.
Different colored dogs are more likely to have hearing problems if one or both ears are also white.
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This may be true of particolor Mini Schnauzers as well. But since they are rare, we do not currently know any specifics related to them.
Parti Miniature Schnauzer Grooming
Miniature Schnauzers have a very low shedding coat.
This makes them a popular choice for people who don’t like to see wool spilled on their furniture.
However, it does not make them hypoallergenic.
Parti Miniature Schnauzers need daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles from their coats.
They also need to be trimmed or shed every 5 to 8 weeks, to keep them in a snug, clean condition.
Your Parti Miniature Schnauzer
Small Schnauzers have enjoyed popularity in all types of households because they have the advantages of being small (they fit easily in many cars, their bed does not take up much floor space, food bills are limited) but they are also strong and durable.
Friendly and affectionate, but less fragile than other breeds of the same height, it is a popular choice for families.
Their size makes them well suited for homes, but they can also keep up with owners who enjoy long walks and hikes.
They have a lot of energy, so if you don’t have a big backyard to play in, think about how to give them access to ample outdoor space. Young Schnauzers who do not get enough exercise are more likely to turn to destructive behavior at home, due to boredom.