Miniature Schnauzers have a striking and unique appearance. Their look, and overall health, is dependant on good dog grooming practices.

Miniature schnauzers have a double coat. This means that they have a soft, short haired coat under a long haired coat. Occasional "haircuts" are required to help keep the coat from matting. What other upkeep is required?

Besides the coat trimming, the dog needs regular baths, nail trimming, tooth brushing and having the anal glands expressed. Some owners enjoy doing the grooming themselves, while others prefer hiring a groomer to do it.

If you decide to use a groomer, visit the groomer before taking the dog. Check for cleanliness and if the groomers are adequately trained. Another consideration is what chemicals or soaps will be used on the dog. Also check the area where your Miniature Schnauzer will be kept before and after grooming.

Like any other business, get referrals and call them. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints.

There are several grooming aids that you'll need if doing the grooming yourself. These items include clippers, combs, shears, toenail clippers, dog shampoo, conditioner and dog toothpaste. They should all be readily available at the larger pet supply retailers.

Before clipping your pet, take a look at a Schnauzer grooming chart. This will give you an idea of how to get the look that's associated with this breed of dog.

It's also important to regularly brush your dog's coat. If the dog isn't brushed frequently enough, its coat can become so matted that the mats have to be cut out.

An area of grooming that's sometimes overlooked is dental hygiene. Some dogs love having their teeth brushed. Others act like they're being killed. Regardless to how your dog reacts, it's an essential element in grooming.

Not brushing can lead to tooth and gum disease that can threaten the dog's life. Be sure to use dog toothpaste. Dogs may drool sometimes, but they can't spit. Some of the ingredients in human toothpaste may be harmful to the dog if swallowed.

Your Miniature Schnauzer will periodically need to have its nails trimmed. This is frequently included as part of the package at the groomers. If you're going to do it yourself, be sure to get dog specific toenail clippers. You might want to get a styptic pencil too.

The thing to be careful of when trimming nails is that you don't cut the quick. That's where the styptic pencil comes in. Even the pros occasionally make a mistake!

Another, sometime unpleasant, aspect of dog grooming is expressing the anal glands. The anal glands are two small sacs located on either side of the dog's anus. They secrete a fluid into the feces during the dog's bowel movement. This fluid produces a scent unique to that dog.

When this fluid isn't released it begins to thicken and can lead to infection. For the dogs health it's important that the groomer or vet periodically removes the fluid.

Pet owners need to make sure that all of these aspects of dog grooming are addressed. This will lead to a happier, healthier Miniature Schnauzers.