History

The schnauzers are a German breed originally named wirehaired pinscher, and they were singled out as a separate breed at the end of the nineteenth century. The wirehaired pinscher was first shown in Hannover in 1879. The Schnauzer-Pinscher Club was established in 1895, catering for the breeds Schnauzer, Miniature Schnauzer, Pinscher and Miniature Pinscher. The Norwegian Schnauzer Club was established in 1946, catering for the breeds Schnauzers and Bouvier des Flandres. The breed’s name schnauzer originates from the German word “schnauzer”, which means snout. This is because of the characteristic beard and brows. The Miniature Schnauzer is a result of cross breeding between Schnauzers, Miniature Pinschers, Affenpinschers, and possibly also Poodles.

The first known Miniature Schnauzer bitch was named Findel, and her first registered litter was in October 1888. This litter consisted of 8 puppies: 3 blacks, 3 yellows, 1 black & tan and 1 salt/pepper. Today four colors are recognized by the FCI: black, black/silver, salt/pepper and white. With the AKC only the three first colors are approved. In the earliest litters both Schnauzers and Miniature Scnauzers were born, and they were then registered within the size they belonged.

Standard

A Miniature Schnauzer should be between 30 and 35 cm high at the withers, and wheigh between 4,5 and 8 kgs. There have been a tendency though, that they have been upsized, and this particularly in the UK and the USA. The body shall be quadratic and compact, but at the same time they shall move elegantly with quick earthwinning steps. The breed have changed looks from the original, as they have become shorter in the body, more compact and richer growth of beard and hair on the legs.

Temper

According to the standard the standard the Miniature Schnauzer is supposed to be ”intelligent, fearless, persistent, and attentive. This makes it to a great family companion as well as a good guard dog.” It shall not be aggressive or fearful. It should be loyal, and very fond of its pack. A Miniature Schnauzer is a smart dog which demands mental stimulation – if not one might end up with a very ill-tempered specimen of the breed.

Health

The Miniature Schnauzer is regarded as a relatively heathly breed, but also its breed has its challenges. The most affected area is the eyes, where PRA and cataract may occur. Dogs who are bred upon must therefore have their eyes checked before mating. In addition there seems to be a higher risk of kidney stones with this breed than many other breeds. Schnauzer bumps are also relatively common, but these are benign small lumps under the skin.

Area of usage

The Miniature Schnauzer is a big dog in a small body. It is tough and dauntless, but with its origin as a farm dog it is also a guard dog which often is reserved towards strangers. Because of its job as a rat-catcher they used to have their tails docked and their ears cropped. This is still done in those countries where this is still allowed, although for cosmetically reasons only. Even though the breed no longer has its job as a guard dog and rat-catcher the instincts are still there to a certain degree. They are very willing to learn, although not necessarily very focused on the trainer if the award is not interesting enough.  For those who takes on the challenge it is a dog which can be used with success in most dog sports, as it is very willing to work. Today they are mainly kept as family dogs.

Trimming

The Miniature Schnauzer does not shed, and therefore need to be stripped to change coat. Unlike its larger siblings the quality of their coat diminishes if clipped. The coat of a clipped Miniature Schnauzer will become soft, tangle more easily and become less protective towards weather. One have to accept to spend quite some time working with the coat with this breed, especially if one wants to enter the show ring.

Is the Miniature Schnauzer a breed for you?

A Miniature Schnauzer is a dog for those who want a small dog with a lot of guts and a powerful engine. They are happy to spend days hiking in the mountain with you, but they are also happy lazing in the couch as long as they get enough stimulation. It is suitable both for families and singles, and adapt to nearly all living conditions. If you are a first time dog owner it is reccomended that you meet several members of the breed, and find out what they stand for. If you are interested in obedience training, tracking or agility you are sure to get a happy dog.