The Duke Smoothed His Beard and Considered the Estate
The duke's eyebrows are magnificent. A salt and pepper Miniature Schnauzer with a long grey beard and bristly brows looks out from beneath floppy folded ears, wearing a deep teal velvet coat with a row of small gold buttons and a crisp white pleated collar. Behind him, a quiet Renaissance landscape of rivers, green hills and a small castle melts into pale sky. The soft, hazy shading gives his face a gentle, thoughtful expression, as if he has just solved a puzzle or heard an interesting rumor.
Miniature Schnauzers are small terriers with a big, alert nature. They were developed in Germany as farm dogs to hunt rats, and many still love to dig, chase and bark at strange sounds. Their wiry coat needs regular grooming, including brushing and trimming every several weeks, and the beard picks up food and water, so wiping it after meals is helpful. They are smart, trainable dogs that enjoy a job to do, such as learning tricks or playing hide and seek. Some Schnauzers are prone to weight gain and specific health issues, so ask your vet about diet and checkups. Daily walks and mental games keep them happy.
The duke is content now. The beard is combed, the coat is brushed and the estate has been guarded. Now he only needs a quiet seat by the window, where he can keep one eyebrow raised at the passing squirrels.
