A Miniature Schnauzer Countess Raises One Expressive Eyebrow

With her bushy eyebrows and silver whiskers, a Miniature Schnauzer countess poses in a pink silk gown stitched with golden flowers. Ribbon bows sit at her sleeves and a lace ruff circles her neck, tied with a pink bow at the front. Behind her, gilded swirls and pale roses fill the wall, and a soft pastel sky glows in the corner. Her dark eyes are calm and watchful, and her beard gives her a charmingly wise look.

Miniature Schnauzers are sturdy, alert little dogs with lively personalities and a talent for keeping watch. They tend to be smart, trainable and good with families, though they may bark at sounds and passersby. Their wiry coat needs regular grooming, and many Schnauzers get their distinctive beard and eyebrows trimmed professionally. Because some small dogs gain weight easily, ask your vet about portion sizes and daily exercise.

The painter used playful, feathery brushstrokes for the gown, which is a signature of the Rococo mood. Dark fur with silver highlights makes a strong contrast against the pale pink, so the countess stands out in the soft scene like a charcoal sketch in a candy box. The eyebrows, in particular, give her a look of gentle disapproval that is almost impossible not to smile at.

A countess with such expressive brows will never need to raise her voice to be understood.