Miniature Schnauzer
History of the Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer (or Zwergschnauzer) is very similar in type to the Standard Schnauzer. The Schnauzers of all sizes are classified as “working dogs” in Europe and other countries where the FCI standards are followed, but in the United States, only the Giant and the Standard Schnauzer are classified as “working dogs”. The Miniature has always been in the Terrier Group, and continues to be judged as a terrier. This explains some of the differences between the Miniature and the other Schnauzer Breeds.
The Miniature Schnauzer has three accepted colour varieties in the United States. The AMSC recognizes Salt and Pepper, Black, and Black and Silver. Although White Miniatures are being bred and shown around the world, this colour is not recognized by the American Miniature Schnauzer Club and cannot be shown in Conformation.
The well-proportioned compactness of the Miniature probably has much to do with the popularity of the breed, although many fanciers will say that it is his excessively happy and friendly disposition and adaptability as a house pet. The heavy beard that all but hides the muzzle of the Miniature Schnauzer provides him with a comic opera mask behind which he can plan his endearing mischief undetected.
The origin of the Schnauzer is considered as being a cross between the “dog of Boulogne” and the Spitz. The oldest German Kennel Club was founded in 1890. The following year at the Third German International Show in Hanover, with about 900 dogs, wirehaired Pinschers of German breeding were exhibited for the first time. A dog “Schnauzer” won first prize exhibited by the Württemberg Kennel of Burgerbeonberg.
Previous to any show debut, however, the Schnauzer had a long history. There is no question of its being a breed of great antiquity. Albrecht Durer depicted a Schnauzer in a water colour “Madonna with the Many Animals” executed in 1492. In a tapestry made about 1501, a representation of the Schnauzer appears.
The Schnauzer (the breed with a beard on the muzzle, the German word for muzzle being schnauze) was used extensively in Germany as a drover’s dog, used to pull carts with produce from the farms to the towns, and guard them while there. He was used as well in herding sheep, cattle, and hogs, and, in fact, doing all the duties of the regulation farm dog. He was also used extensively as a rat catcher, and even in modern times, German Schnauzer Clubs hold periodical “ratting” trials in order to keep the Schnauzer a “working” breed, and not merely a show dog. Here in the U.S., Schnauzers can be seen working in Barn Hunt and Earthdog Trials. The Miniature is an especially good ratter!
The Miniature is said to have come from mating with the Affenpincher. They may have been developed entirely by chance, often the main reason for a new breed. In any case, it has taken its niche in life, both as a show dog, a performance competitor, and as a desirable house pet. Good health, good temperament, and an attractive appearance combine to form the personality of the Miniature Schnauzer. They have been bred for over 116 years and were exhibited as a distinct breed as early as 1899.
Miniature Schnauzers are smart, with a BIG personality! They are a robust terrier-type dog, naturally curious, willing to please, devoted, protective, and unbelievably endearing!
The standard says it all! "The typical Miniature Schnauzer is alert and spirited, yet obedient to command. He is friendly, intelligent and willing to please. He should never be overaggressive or timid." Miniature Schnauzers are sweet, smart, loving and loyal. Their signature eyebrows and beards give them a very distinct look. They are hardy little dogs, originally bred to be ratters and companions on German farms.
They make excellent companions because they are obedient and quick to learn, extremely devoted, very playful and very affectionate. Their alertness and sometimes vocal nature makes them an excellent watch/alert dog. They delight in chasing (and sometimes catching) small prey; therefore a fenced yard or on-leash walks are recommended.
Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent and learn quickly. Many have excelled in formal obedience trials and in agility competitions. Though the breed was not originally bred to 'go-to-ground' for prey, he will gladly chase rodents wherever they go, including underground. Miniature Schnauzers are eligible to participate in Earthdog trials and some excel at them. There is also a newer dog sport called Barn Hunt that is right up their alley!
Reference: The Miniature Schnauzer Club of America
The Miniature Schnauzer (or Zwergschnauzer) is very similar in type to the Standard Schnauzer. The Schnauzers of all sizes are classified as “working dogs” in Europe and other countries where the FCI standards are followed, but in the United States, only the Giant and the Standard Schnauzer are classified as “working dogs”. The Miniature has always been in the Terrier Group, and continues to be judged as a terrier. This explains some of the differences between the Miniature and the other Schnauzer Breeds.
The Miniature Schnauzer has three accepted colour varieties in the United States. The AMSC recognizes Salt and Pepper, Black, and Black and Silver. Although White Miniatures are being bred and shown around the world, this colour is not recognized by the American Miniature Schnauzer Club and cannot be shown in Conformation.
The well-proportioned compactness of the Miniature probably has much to do with the popularity of the breed, although many fanciers will say that it is his excessively happy and friendly disposition and adaptability as a house pet. The heavy beard that all but hides the muzzle of the Miniature Schnauzer provides him with a comic opera mask behind which he can plan his endearing mischief undetected.
The origin of the Schnauzer is considered as being a cross between the “dog of Boulogne” and the Spitz. The oldest German Kennel Club was founded in 1890. The following year at the Third German International Show in Hanover, with about 900 dogs, wirehaired Pinschers of German breeding were exhibited for the first time. A dog “Schnauzer” won first prize exhibited by the Württemberg Kennel of Burgerbeonberg.
Previous to any show debut, however, the Schnauzer had a long history. There is no question of its being a breed of great antiquity. Albrecht Durer depicted a Schnauzer in a water colour “Madonna with the Many Animals” executed in 1492. In a tapestry made about 1501, a representation of the Schnauzer appears.
The Schnauzer (the breed with a beard on the muzzle, the German word for muzzle being schnauze) was used extensively in Germany as a drover’s dog, used to pull carts with produce from the farms to the towns, and guard them while there. He was used as well in herding sheep, cattle, and hogs, and, in fact, doing all the duties of the regulation farm dog. He was also used extensively as a rat catcher, and even in modern times, German Schnauzer Clubs hold periodical “ratting” trials in order to keep the Schnauzer a “working” breed, and not merely a show dog. Here in the U.S., Schnauzers can be seen working in Barn Hunt and Earthdog Trials. The Miniature is an especially good ratter!
The Miniature is said to have come from mating with the Affenpincher. They may have been developed entirely by chance, often the main reason for a new breed. In any case, it has taken its niche in life, both as a show dog, a performance competitor, and as a desirable house pet. Good health, good temperament, and an attractive appearance combine to form the personality of the Miniature Schnauzer. They have been bred for over 116 years and were exhibited as a distinct breed as early as 1899.
Miniature Schnauzers are smart, with a BIG personality! They are a robust terrier-type dog, naturally curious, willing to please, devoted, protective, and unbelievably endearing!
The standard says it all! "The typical Miniature Schnauzer is alert and spirited, yet obedient to command. He is friendly, intelligent and willing to please. He should never be overaggressive or timid." Miniature Schnauzers are sweet, smart, loving and loyal. Their signature eyebrows and beards give them a very distinct look. They are hardy little dogs, originally bred to be ratters and companions on German farms.
They make excellent companions because they are obedient and quick to learn, extremely devoted, very playful and very affectionate. Their alertness and sometimes vocal nature makes them an excellent watch/alert dog. They delight in chasing (and sometimes catching) small prey; therefore a fenced yard or on-leash walks are recommended.
Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent and learn quickly. Many have excelled in formal obedience trials and in agility competitions. Though the breed was not originally bred to 'go-to-ground' for prey, he will gladly chase rodents wherever they go, including underground. Miniature Schnauzers are eligible to participate in Earthdog trials and some excel at them. There is also a newer dog sport called Barn Hunt that is right up their alley!
Reference: The Miniature Schnauzer Club of America