Alt Names: Zwergschnauzer Country of Origin: Germany

History: The earliest records surrounding development of the Miniature Schnauzer in Germany come from the late 1800s. In the breed's earliest stages, several small breeds were employed in crosses to bring down the size of the well-established Standard Schnauzer, with the goal of creating a duplicate in miniature.

Crossing to other breeds, such as the Affenpinscher and Miniature Pinscher, had the side effect of introducing colors that were not considered acceptable to the ultimate goal - and as breeders worked towards the stabilization of the gene pool, mismarked particolors and white puppies were removed from breeding programs.

As puppy mills commonly trade breeding stock back and forth, the gene is introduced into other mills (in exchange with Fox Terrier or Poodle infused particolors, etc.) and so the white gene becomes firmly established in that population. Commercial breeders sell to pet stores, and these form the genetic basis of the vast majority of "backyard breeder" dogs. As none of these animals are bred for the show ring, the fact that they do not exhibit quality in type is irrelevant. Crossbred animals would have very great difficulty surviving in the show-breeding gene pool - they would find it difficult to win or produce offspring who could.

It does not however, lend any credibility to the argument that whites are purebred and should be perpetuated as such.

The earliest recorded Miniature Schnauzer was in 1888, and the first exhibition was in 1899. With their bold courage the Miniature Schnauzer was originally used for guarding herds, small farms and families. As time passed they were also used to hunt rats, because they appeared to have a knack for it, and its small size was perfect to get into tight places to catch them. The AKC accepted registration of the new breed in 1926, 2 years after they were introduced to the United States.

Appearance: Miniature Schnauzers are quite distinctive in appearance. They are compact, muscular, and square shaped. Owners typically groom them with long bushy eyebrows, beards, and long leg hair. Ears are sometimes cropped to stand upright, and the tail may also be docked. Their coats are wiry, and shed very little, which adds to their appeal as house pets. The AKC recognizes only three colors: black, salt and pepper, and black with silver markings.

Heights of about 13 to 15 inches (330 to 380 mm) at the withers are common, and they generally weigh 13 to 18 pounds (6 to 8 kg)..

Temperament: The dogs are known for their friendly personality and mischievous sense of humor as well as intelligence and boundless energy. Another characterisitc of the canines is loyalty to their masters. A Miniature Schnauzer's personality can develop based on the family with which it lives. It can develop certain traits that other family members possess.

While very good with children and most other pets, the Miniature Schnauzer does best when growing up with them. He does not respond well to new additions after he is grown, and can go into a depressive slump at a new arrival, sometimes causing health problems. This can be compensated for by lavishing him with extra attention, but it is better not to induce this stress in the first place.

Miniature Schnauzers are good guard dogs in spirit, though the most damage they are likely to do is to bite the attacker's ankles and bark profusely.