I have had miniature schnauzers as pets for 19 years, but one thing I hadn't ever heard about them is that they cannot swim. This was told to me by two different people on two different, unrelated occasions and it made me stop and think. I don't think our schnauzers have been exposed to bodies of water other than rain puddles so the subject of their ability, or inability, to swim has not been open to discussion. Please let me know if my friends are correct or if it was just them pulling my leg. Thanx alot.

Hi there,
We have a Miniature Schnauzer boy who avoids puddles and mud like the plague but has recently learned to swim. We had him at the beach and as we were in the water playing with our other dog, he decided that he didn't want to be left out of the fun and came in to join us. He did look a bit surprised when the water got a bit deeper but started to swim on his own and didn't have any problems. I don't think he likes it enough to go in on his own (unlike our Aussie!) but at least I know that he could swim if faced with an emergency.
Regards,
Christine.

someone is definately pulling your leg! I have had mini schnauzers for years & they all love a dip in our pond to chase the ducks:) so yes they can swim just like any other dog :D our boy who is 9 this year fell in the pond when he was 12 weeks old & he learned to swim very quickly, our older male who has since passed on did jump in to help him out by holding his scruff & sort of dragging him along until he got to the shallow end.
But mine all love to swim. Just don't let them swim in the sea though as the salt water ruins the coat if you are intending to show your dog.
Bye
Jenny.

Our two Miniature Schnauzers both like water. The mother is a good swimmer and her daughter who is now 6 months also likes to play in the waves on the beach. She fell/jumped into deep water from a little bridge when she was just four months old - went completely under, and when she surfaced took several steady "strokes " back to the bridge without panicking. After she was lifted out she just shook herself and walked on as if nothing had happened. She shows no fear of water after this happening. My old Miniature Schnauzer who is now dead ,was not too keen on water - but when lifted out of our little boat would do a relaxed,steady swim towards the shore.

Hammy