Mucuchies vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison

Mucuchies vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed ComparisonMiniature Schnauzer is originated from Germany but Mucuchies is originated from Venezuela. Miniature Schnauzer may grow 35 cm / 13 inches shorter than Mucuchies. Miniature Schnauzer may weigh 51 kg / 112 pounds lesser than Mucuchies. Miniature Schnauzer may live 3 years more than Mucuchies. Both Miniature Schnauzer and Mucuchies has same litter size. Miniature Schnauzer requires Moderate Maintenance. But Mucuchies requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
undefined
Germany
Venezuela
Height Male:
30 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
56 - 71 cm
22 - 28 inches
Height Female:
30 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
51 - 66 cm
20 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
46 - 61 kg
101 - 135 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
47 - 57 kg
103 - 126 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
3 - 8
Size:
Small
Large
Other Names:
Zwergschnauzer (Dwarf Schnauzer)
Paramo's dog , Venezuelan Sheepdog Dog of Páramos ( Snowy (Nevado)
Colors Available:
salt-and-pepper coat – mix of black and white. , Black and silver
all white or white with spots of other colors
Coat:
Double, wiry medium-length coat
short coats smooth, medium-haired double coat
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Detached, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Courageous, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

miniature schnauzerMiniature Schnauzers were first bred in Germany in the 19th century being bred from Affenpinschers and Standard Schnauzers.

This dog was always used to control rats on farms, but these days he is more a companion. It is believed that the start of the modern Miniature Schnauzer in the United States was around 1924 when dogs were imported from Germany.

It was in 1933 that the Miniature Schnauzer was recognized by the AKC as a separate breed from the Standard Schnauzer.

mucuchiesThe Mucuchies are a breed born in the Venezuelan mountains, in the late 1700s. They are rare today but were popular in the mountains for hundreds of years. They are believed to be a cross between the dogs brought by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 14th and 15th centuries and the local dogs. However, by the 1960s this rare breed was close to extinction.

Bred primarily as herders and watchdogs, their ancestry likely included the Algerian Mastiff, the Spanish Mastiff, the Great Pyrenees, and the Atlas Shepherd, otherwise known as the Aidi. The early development of the Mucuchies is attributed to Wilender Ferrari, DVM. At the time, Simon Boliva was fighting for Venezuelan independence in the city of Mucuchies. He adopted a member of the breed and named it for the city. The name stuck as the name for the breed.

Later in this timeframe, the Mucuchies was crossbred with the Pyrenean Mastiffs that friars brought to the Andes from their monasteries. With them, they also brought the sheep for the dogs to herd and guard. During the 1920s the breed spread throughout the country, but by the beginning of the 1960s there was a major decline in the breed. This was partly due to changes in culture and lifestyle in the Andes.

In 1961 a Mucuchies club was formed for the breed preservation and the breed was formally named the National Dog of Venezuela. The club was disbanded in the mid-1960’s and this led the breed to the edge of extinction. By 2008 there was another major push to save the breed. This effort came from the government who wanted to preserve the breed. In 2008, they created the Fundacion Nevado and sent six Mucuchies to the Waraira Repano Cable Car System in the El Avila National Park so that the dogs would be in a climatic environment as similar to the Andes mountain as possible. This was successful and the program was increased by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

As the breed continued to develop the shepherding instincts were lost and the guarding aspects were strengthened. This left today’s Mucuchies as a breed of gentle, active dogs with strong characters and a loving disposition. They are gentle with their families but protective and aggressive with strangers. They are the only native breed of Venezuela and currently, there are programs in the mountains to re-establish and strengthen them.

In addition to their name for the town of Mucuchie, the breed is also called the Paramo’s Dog or the Snowy. These programs exist because in Venezuela they are near extinction once again. This is the result of inbreeding and more cross-breeding, this time with larger dogs like St. Bernards. Thus, the continued efforts by the Nevado Foundation with the assistance of the government to restore the original Mucuchies breed to Venezuela.

Description

miniature schnauzer puppy - descriptionThe Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog breed that stands between 30 to 36cm in height and weighs between 5 and 10kg.

He has a sturdy body with a dense, wiry coat which most people prefer to have stripped. Because stripping is quite tedious, many of these dog owners prefer to have the coat clipped which actually gives the coat a greyish look to it.

The coat is usually a mix of black and silver. Some people refer to the Miniature Schnauzer as having a salt-and-pepper coat – hairs that are a mix of black and white. The dog has a double coat with the outer coat being wiry and the undercoat being a lot softer.

This is a dog that will need to be groomed frequently to prevent matting. A noticeable feature with these dogs is the rectangular shaped head with alert slanted eyes and bushy eyebrows, mustache and beard. In fact the word ‘Schnauzer’ means beard or muzzle.

The ears have been traditionally cropped but these days they are left and then they tend to be half-erect, half-floppy.

Temperament:

This is a tough little dog, fearless, cheeky, arrogant, alert and also friendly. A draw-card with him is that he is considered as a low-shedder and being hypoallergenic.

They’re very intelligent dogs too and will learn quickly when you give him training and socialization. This is important for a dog like this as he can quickly show you that he is strong willed and independent. Training and socialization makes him much nicer as he becomes more balanced and obedient.

He is full of life and extroverted and you can count on him to join you wherever you are and whatever you’re doing. Whether watching TV, swimming or hiking, he’ll be there and turn every occasion into a festive event. He is a loving, loyal dog, making a splendid pet.

He's protective of his human family and tends to be suspicious of strangers, and this is what makes him such a great watchdog.

mucuchies puppy - descriptionThe appearance of the Mucuchies is that of a breed of large dogs who stand two feet at the shoulder and can weight one hundred pounds. They have a deep chest, heads that are wedge-shaped and skulls shaped like domes. Their muzzles are straight, and their nostrils are large on their black nose. The Mucuchies have dark eye and eyelids along with ears that are triangular in shape and medium in size. Their lips are black but this and he has a well-developed ruff.

They are large, sturdy dogs with a grand appearance and tremendous energy. Their neck is strong, short and very muscular with wide shoulders and a straight back. The tail is much longer than their hocks and it is shaped like a fan and he raises it when he is alerted. They have a short, thick coat and most are white or white with gray, honey or black. This is a very attractive breed.

Characteristics

miniature schnauzer dog - characteristicsMiniature Schnauzers are such adaptable little dogs, quite happy to make a home with you in the city or in the countryside.

They’re sociable dogs, so just being with his human family wherever they are will suit him well. If he lives in the city however, he will need to have a walk everyday or taken to the park for a run.

He is also a dog that scarcely sheds, so he suits people battling with allergies. With an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, if you nurture your Mini Schnauzer and give him the best food and exercise there is, as well as loving him, you’re going to have a loyal and devoted pet.

Children friendliness

mucuchies dog - characteristicsGood with children and very good with their own families. Might be a little standoffish with others.

Special talents

They no longer have the strong herding instinct but are outstanding guard dogs.

Adaptability

Yes but need land to run in. Don’t put this giant dog in an apartment. You will both be miserable.

Learning ability

Very intelligent and their ability and willingness to learn is very good.

Health Problems

miniature schnauzer puppies - health problemsYour Miniature Schnauzer is pretty healthy and he isn’t likely to cost you much in terms of vet fees. There are however some common dog problems that you want to be aware of such as cataracts of the eye and hypothyroidism.

Cataract:

This a a problem in the lens of the eye. The lens should be clear, and when a dog has a cataract, it obscures the vision. The size of the cataract can lead to blindness.

Diabetes in a dog can bring on cataracts as can genetics or damage to the eye from exposure to ultraviolet light. Fortunately, dogs with cataracts can still see. Dogs with old cataracts can have surgery to remove them.

When a dog owner suspects a cataract in their pet’s eye it is best to treat it immediately with anti-inflammatory dog cataract eye drops. Cataracts never go away however without surgery.

Hypothyroidism:

The thyroid gland in the neck produces a hormone called thyroxine. It controls metabolism, but with hypothyroidism, enough of the hormone isn’t made. Its a common disease which affects all dog breeds.

Signs of hypothyroidism include hair loss, weight gain, intolerance to cold and a troublesome skin. To have the disease diagnosed, the vet will do a series of blood tests.

mucuchies puppies - health problemsBecause of their rarity and somewhat isolation, they do not have many genetic health concerns. They do however face at least a couple of the issues that most large dogs face.

Hip and/or Elbow Dysplasia

This can be a serious issue for such a large dog. It can cause arthritis and lameness.

Accidents

This might be the biggest threat to the Mucuchies’ health. They are big dogs and if they injury limbs it can be quite serious.

Bloat

The distension or inversion of the stomach and intestines is potentially fatal and must be treated immediately. Large dogs are prone to bloat and feeding schedules can go a long way in preventing it.

Caring The Pet

miniature schnauzer dogs - caringLet’s look at several ways you need to care for your Miniature Schnauzer -

Make sure you have his puppy injections on time. This means knowing which veterinarian you’ll use. Later on if you don’t want to go in for breeding, you will need to have your pet spayed or neutered.

Make sure you have a nice warm, dry spot for your dog to sleep. It can be a cardboard box, or you can buy a dog basket or sleeping platform. Make sure your pet loves it and knows he can retreat to it anytime he wants.

If he goes outside for a few hours, make sure that he has a place to lie in the shade and away from the elements.

Good food promotes good health and longevity. You can feed your pet one of the top quality commercially manufactured foods and give your pet some variety by adding in some boiled chicken, vegetables and brown rice. Some raw meat occasionally can also be excellent for your pet.

Feeding the puppy

mucuchies dogs - caringAs mentioned in health concerns, feeding appropriately is critical to the Mucuchies’ health. Puppies need a high quality, large breed dry food 2-3 times per day at ½ cup each time. Don’t overfeed. Don’t exercise before or after eating to prevent bloat.

Feeding the adult

The adult Mucuchies should eat at least twice a day for a total of two and one-half cups. So, you might feed one and ¼ cup at each meal. Again, it is critically important that you don’t overfeed. Don’t feed before or after strenuous exercise and don’t let your Mucuchies eat too quickly in order to avoid bloat.

Points for Good Health

This is a large dog with generally very good health. His stamina and heart will impress you.

Games and Exercises

The Mucuchies is not an active inside dog, but he is a large dog that needs daily exercise. They need to be able to run or at least to trot. A large yard or dog bark is necessary. However, this big, double coated dog hates the hot weather and needs a cooler climate. Winter is fine with him. Don’t overwork them while they are growing. Walks are the best exercise for this breed.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Miniature Schnauzer vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Miniature Schnauzer vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Miniature Schnauzer vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Miniature Schnauzer vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Miniature Schnauzer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Miniature Schnauzer vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Miniature Schnauzer vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Miniature Schnauzer vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Miniature Schnauzer vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Miniature Schnauzer vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Miniature Schnauzer vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Miniature Schnauzer vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Miniature Schnauzer vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Miniature Schnauzer vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Miniature Schnauzer vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Miniature Schnauzer vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Miniature Schnauzer vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Miniature Schnauzer vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Miniature Schnauzer vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Miniature Schnauzer vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Miniature Schnauzer vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Miniature Schnauzer vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Miniature Schnauzer vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Miniature Schnauzer vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Mucuchies vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Mucuchies vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Mucuchies vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Mucuchies vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Mucuchies vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Mucuchies vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Mucuchies vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Mucuchies vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Mucuchies vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Mucuchies vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Mucuchies vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Mucuchies vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Mucuchies vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Mucuchies vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Mucuchies vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Mucuchies vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Mucuchies vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Mucuchies vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Mucuchies vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Mucuchies vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Mucuchies vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Mucuchies vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Mucuchies vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Mucuchies vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Mucuchies vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison