The Miniature Schnauzer

This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, July 2017 issue.

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. In the United States, 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 color 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 color is not recognized by the American Miniature Schnauzer Club and cannot be shown in Conformation. The origin of the Schnauzer is considered as being a cross between the “dog of Boulogne” and the Spitz. The Miniature is said to have come from mating with the Affenpinscher.

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. There is no question of its being a breed of great antiquity. Albrecht Durer depicted a Schnauzer in a watercolor, “Madonna with the Many Animals”, executed in 1492. In a tapestry made around 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 performed all the duties of a farm dog. He was also used extensively as a rat catcher. The Miniature is an especially good ratter! Miniatures have been bred in the United States since 1925 and the American Miniature Schnauzer Club was formed in August 1933.

The AKC officially recognized the Miniature Schnauzer in 1926. Why is this breed so incredibly popular? 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.” They are hardy, sweet, smart, loving and loyal. Their alertness and sometimes vocal nature makes them an excellent watchdog. They are as much at home in the city with a moderate amount of exercise as they are in the country where they appear tireless. They need to live as part of the family, going where they go. They do not shed, so people who are allergic to other breeds can often enjoy them. The AKC Miniature Schnauzer Breed Standard recognizes three colors: salt and pepper, solid black and black and silver. Salt and pepper and black and silver are bi-color patterns. No other colors are allowed under the breed standard. White color, particolor, liver and merle are specifically disqualified. In the salt and pepper, the eyebrows, beard and legs will be light gray or silver white. When stripped for the show ring, the body hair is banded in various shades of black, white and gray.

The hairs of the harsh topcoat are banded, alternating black and white and then back to black again. Salt and peppers come in various shades of gray—from almost silver-white to almost black. Black and silvers follow essentially the same pattern as the salt and peppers, except the body coat color is solid black. The beard and legs tend to be silver or white and the dark hair may extend farther down the legs. Solid blacks are entirely black with a black undercoat, except they may have a small white patch on the chest. The Miniature Schnauzer is a double-coated breed that has a wiry topcoat and a soft undercoat.

The topcoat is maintained by hand stripping or rolling the coat and is required for the show ring. The pet trim calls for the same outline, but it is maintained using clippers. Because of their intelligence and willingness to please, many of them excel in competitive Obedience, Agility, Fly Ball, Barn Hunt, Tracking, Earthdog and Fast Cat. While the Miniature Schnauzer is generally a healthy breed, dedicated breeders work to avoid potential health issues by using health histories, health screenings or even genetic testing. Some of the health issues include cataracts, hyperlipidemia, pancreatitis, portosystemic shunts and urolithiasis (stones in the urinary tract).