Meet the Miniature Schnauzer: A robust, active dog of terrier type
“Push” GCHS Gangway’s Mission Propulsion BCAT
Distinctly bearded and always businesslike, the robust Miniature Schnauzer was developed in Germany as a farm dog and ratter. With its square frame, wiry coat, and bushy eyebrows, this terrier-type breed is instantly recognizable. Mini Schnauzers are spirited, intelligent, and eager to be involved in family life. They’re alert but not aggressive, making excellent watchdogs without being excessive barkers. Always up for a game or a cuddle, this breed offers the complete package— smarts, looks, and a heart full of devotion.
The Miniature Schnauzer is one of just a few terriers which did not originate from the British Isles. Developed in the Bavarian region of Germany in the late 1800s, the Miniature Schnauzer appears to be a cross from smaller Standard Schnauzers and the “Monkey Pinschers” (today’s Affenpinscher) common in that area. As with the British terriers, the multipurpose Miniature Schnauzer was bred to be a ratter, with the bonus of being a watchdog and great family companion. This statement… describes both his function and his general appearance: “The Miniature Schnauzer is a robust, active dog of terrier type, resembling his larger cousin, the Standard Schnauzer, in general appearance, and of an alert, active disposition.”
Note that our Breed Standard describes a general resemblance, not a miniature copy of the Standard Schnauzer. The three Schnauzers are three distinct breeds with three distinct Breed Standards.
Watching Miniature Schnauzers walk into your ring, you should see distinctive dogs with hard wiry coats in one of three accepted colors. Look for the square, sturdy outline, rectangular head with clean cheeks, ears cropped or uncropped, strong well-arched neck, short deep body, straight backline that declines slightly to a flat croup, with a docked, erect tail and hard wiry coat. Get a first impression of size, whether each dog is within the size range of 12 to 14 inches regardless of age or sex.
“Judging Miniature Schnauzers” by Wyoma Clouss SHOWSIGHT July 2019
Please visit showsightmagazine.com to learn more about the Miniature Schnauzer.