In type, the Mini Schnauzer—also known as Zwergschnauzer—is quite similar to the Standard Schnauzer. While in the United States only the Giant and Standard Schnauzer are recognized as "working dogs," in Europe and other nations where the FCI criteria are followed the Schnauzers of all sizes are categorized as "working dogs." The Miniature keeps being assessed as a terrier and has always belonged to the Terrier Group.This helps to explain several of the variations between the Miniature and other Schnauzer Breeds.
In the United States, the Miniature Schnauzer boasts three approved color variants.The AMSC notes Black, Salt and Pepper, Black and Silver. While White Miniatures are being bred and displayed worldwide, this color is not known to the American Miniature Schnauzer Club and cannot be displayed in Conformation.
Though many enthusiasts will state that the Miniature's overly joyful and friendly attitude and adaptability as a house pet have much to do with its popularity, their perfectly-proportioned compactness most likely has much to do with this as well. With his long beard covering the Miniature Schnauzer's muzzle, he has a hilarious opera mask behind which he can hide his loving mischief unseen.
But the Schnauzer had a lengthy history before any program was started. It is not a breed of vast antiquity, either.Albrecht Durer painted a 1492 Schnauzer in water color "Madonna with the Many Animals". A Schnauzer shows up in a tapestry created about 1501.
employed extensively in Germany as a drover's dog, employed to pull carts with products from the farms to the towns, and guard them once there, the Schnauzer—the breed with a beard on the muzzle—was German term for muzzle, schnauze. He performed all the responsibilities of the control farm dog and was also used in herding sheep, cattle, and hogs. He was also employed widely as a rat catcher; even now, German Schnauzer Clubs run regular "ratting" events to maintain the Schnauzer a "working" breed rather than only a display dog.Schnauzers are seen working in Earthdog Trials and Barn Hunt right here in the United States. Especially good ratter is the Miniature!
The Miniature is reported to have originated from Affenpincher mating. Often the foundation for a new breed, they can have been created totally by accident.All the same, it has found its niche in life as a performance competitor, show dog, and desired house pet. The Miniature Schnauzer's personality is formed by good health, good temperance, and appealing beauty. Originally shown as a separate breed as early as 1899, they have been bred for more than 116 years. American Miniature Schnauzers Club was founded in August 1933; miniature breeding in the United States began in 1925. Official recognition of the Miniature Schnauzer came from the AKC in 1926.
