History and origin of the Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer (pronounced Miniature SCHNOW-zer) is a robust and compact dog. He is naturally small in size, has a mustache, a shaggy beard, and arched, pointed eyebrows. This square-proportioned breed also has a long mustache that is cut regularly to play with its figure. It has a firm and vigorous coat. Their coat colors range from black, salt and pepper, to white or black and silver. Its salt and pepper or gray tone is the result of a distinctive light and dark grouping of each hair. This dog’s tail is usually docked and its front legs are neatly straight. The head of the miniature schnauzer is long with a black nose and dark, egg-shaped eyes. Their V-shaped ears naturally fold forward or are shortened to a point. It typically weighs thirteen to fifteen pounds and is twelve to fourteen inches tall. The size of the Schnauzer allows it to adapt to both small urban districts and rural districts.
Personality
The miniature schnauzer makes a fantastic companion and family pet. It is an affectionate dog that likes to be around people, including children. Some may be suspicious and distant with strangers, but most enjoy being with a group. It is docile, intelligent, spirited and a good watchdog. He is likely to bark frequently, but is not as irritating as one might imagine.
Origin and History
The actual origin of the Miniature Schnauzer is unclear, although speculation claims that the German Terrier, Wolfspitz, and Black Poodle are the dog breeds that possibly participated in the first evolution of the Miniature Schnauzer. This breed was bred by breeding the Standard Schnauzer with several small dogs, probably Affenpinschers and Poodles. These dogs were used mainly to hunt, drive, pull agricultural carts, tend livestock, as well as to watch over children and herds. They have a somewhat distinctive personality than other terriers.
In 1492, Albrecht Durer produced a painting called “Madonna with the many animals”. In this masterpiece, a Schnauzer was portrayed as a domestic friend. All Schnauzers are believed to have developed in the kingdoms of Bavaria and Württemberg. Miniature Schnauzers were recognized in Germany as “kindest observers” and were used primarily for caring for children and farm animals. Finally, these dogs were also used to catch mice, as they are good at it, in addition to their small stature, which was ideal for slipping into comfortable areas for sixteen mice.
In those days, the German Pinscher and the Schnauzer were of a similar breed with the only distinction being their coat. Wire-haired dogs were nicknamed “schnauze,” which means “beard.” The straight-haired ones were called “pinschers.” These two types of dogs were born to the same breed.
Before 1910, the Schnauzer was only recognized in Germany. However, after the First World War, he came to be admired around the world. In the course of the war, giant schnauzers were hired as messengers and policemen. In 1925, the Schnauzer was transported to the United States of America and classified in the Terrier Group. The following year, they were recognized by the American Kennel Club and became famous in the country and in other parts of the world.
The schnauzer is classified into three separate breeds and sizes: the Miniature Schnauzer, the Giant Schnauzer, and the Standard Schnauzer. The Standard Schnauzer is the oldest archetypal breed, while the Miniature Schnauzer is considered the smallest and newest breed. The elegant Miniature Schnauzer now belongs to the top 10 of the most prevalent dog breeds in the United States.