In the mid-to-late 1800’s, German breeders set-out to create a new breed of Working Dog, the Miniature Schnauzer. Their goal was to develop a smaller farm dog to help control barn rats and other vermin.  The first litter of Miniature Schnauzers is believed to have been delivered in Germany in 1888.

Miniature Schnauzers (or “Mini Schnauzers”) were apparently created by crossing small-sized Standard Schnauzers with Poodles and Affenpinschers.  These dogs were adept at controlling vermin, but were also an intelligent, loyal and protective breed. Consequently, they were commonly used to guard herds, small farms and families.  

It’s believed that Miniature Schnauzers were first exhibited in 1899, not long after their creation.  The breed was then introduced in the United States in the early 1920’s (possibly around 1924), and breeding began in the U.S. in 1925. 

In 1926, the Standard and Miniature Schnauzers were registered in the American Kennel Club (AKC) as the same breed of Terrier (based on their appearance).  By 1933, the same year that the American Miniature Schnauzer Club was established, the AKC acknowledged a distinction between the two breeds.  However, the Miniature Schnauzer remained classified as a Terrier, while the classification of the Standard was changed to the German breeders’ original concept: the Working Dog. 

Following the original breeders’ standardization for coat colors, the AKC recognizes and accepts three color patterns for the breed: 1) salt and pepper, 2) black and silver and 3) solid black.  Coats of different colors, solid White Miniature Schnauzers and coats with white striping, patching or spotting do not meet the standards set by the original German breeders.  As a result, these puppies were removed from the German breeding pool, and the AKC does not recognize these dogs as Miniature Schnauzers.

Miniature Schnauzers are active, friendly and loyal companions.  They are great with children AND great watch-dogs.  They’ve proven themselves on the farm, but are also great household pets and companions.

For more information on Miniature Schnauzers, check-out our New! eBook: Miniature Schnauzers FYI ! ! !
Filled with proven tips on how to Choose and Care for your Miniature Schnauzer Pet, this eBook is a MUST HAVE for all Miniature Schnauzer enthusiasts! 

Download Your PREVIEW SAMPLE COPY for FREE . . . RIGHT NOW ! ! !

OR

Purchase & Donwload Your Full-Version (Over 130 pages) Today

Welcome to Miniature-Schnauzers-FYI.com

Origins of the Miniature Schnauzer - Part I

The Miniature Schnauzer has recently been named 2007’s 11th most popular dog in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club, nudged out of its previously held position as 10th most popular breed, in 2006.

   Courtesy of istockphoto.com

Information on Schnauzers and the history of the Schnauzer breeds varies, depending on the source of the information.  Miniature Schnauzers are considered to be the most popular of the three Schnauzer breeds:  Giant Schnauzers, Standard Schnauzers and Miniature Schnauzers.   

These Schnauzers were developed (and are registered) as three distinct breeds.  However, the Standard Schnauzer is considered to be the prototype, and is considered the forefather of the Miniature Schnauzer.

It’s believed that the Standard Schnauzer was developed by crossing: the German Black Poodle (giving it the Black color, still seen often in Germany), the Gray Wolf Spits (giving it the wiry, salt-and-pepper colored coat) and the Wire-Haired Pinscher (giving it the fawn-colored undercoat).   

Standard Schnauzers were originally referred to as Wired-Haired Pinschers.  However, in the late 1800’s, the breed started being referred to as “schnauz” or “schnauzer,” literally translated as “muzzle,” referring to the characteristic large mustache or whiskers. 

German breeders classified the Standard Schnauzers as Working Dogs, since they were used as ratters, yard dogs and guard dogs.  At the time, they were also popular household companions.  However, in the mid-to-late 19th Century, German farmers attempted to develop a smaller farm dog, based on many of the characteristics of the Standard Schnauzer.  In addition to helping control rats and other vermin in the barns, these dogs would (by nature of their size) also be great family pets and easier to care for than the Standard.  Hence, they set-out to create . . . the Miniature Schnauzer.