Schnauzers – A Few Historic Facts and Origins

A miniature schnauzer is a small sized dogs with whiskers, arched spiking eyebrows and shaggy beard. Its hair coat differs in color from white to black, from silver to salt and pepper. The tail of the Miniature Schnauzers breed is generally curtailed and the frontal legs are very straight.

The head is presented in a long format with a black nose and dark eyes in oval shape. Its ears are v-shaped and are either worn in their natural forward fold or are shortened up to a specific point. The height is from 12 to 14 inches and the weight from 13 to 15 pounds.

Miniature Schnauzers make great family pets

The miniature schnauzer is considered a great family pet and companion. It is very affectionate and likes being around families with kids. It is a smart and docile dog showing its abilities of a good watch dog for the territory it is raised.

The origins are still a mystery, although it is often speculated that the breed could have evolved due to the mating of black Poodle and German Terrier, Wolfspitz. They are often seen as the initiators of this breed.

Over time this miniature schnauzer was supported by breeding the standard schnauzer with various small dogs, more likely Poodles and Affenpinschers. They were very often used for the hunting trips, to pull the farm carts, and also to watch the kids and farm herds. They are seen as breeds with a distinct personality when compared to other terriers.

In Germany, they have been considered as ‘kinder watchers’ and watch dogs for farm animals due to their dedication showed to kids and families. Actually all schnauzers are considered to originate from Bavaria and Wurttemberg royal domains. More than this, miniature schnauzers started to be used in catching the rats and mice as due to their small sized body they could penetrate in small areas to catch the rodents.

During those times, some similar breeds were known to have the same features – German Pinscher and Schnauzer – with a single distinction shown by the fur color. “Schnauze” is the German word for ‘beard’ and because of this, wire-haired dogs got a second name of ‘schnauze’. Those with smooth coats were named ‘pinschers’ and both of these types were combined in a single breed.

By the year 1910, only Germany recognized this breed, but after the WWI, the schnauzer started to be known and admired all over the world. During the war, the giant type of schnauzer was used as messengers as well as police assistants. In 1920, this breed was brought to Unites States of America and being classified under terrier category. Pretty soon this breed became very famous across USA and the world.

Schnauzers are seen in many different sizes

Schnauzers are defined under 3 distinct breeds and sizes – the miniature or toy schnauzer, the giant schnauzer and standard schnauzer. The last one is actually the first type (the archetype one) while miniature schnauzer is seen as the smallest as well as the newest breed.

Miniature Schnauzer

Here is a nice example of a salt and pepper miniature schnauzer.