The Miniature Schnauzer matures quickly
into a well balanced, stylish and adaptable dog. They are an intelligent
and reliable usually making good companions and excellent guard dogs.
Description & History
The Miniature Schnauzer is of German origin
and is a cross between the Affenpinscher, the German Terrier and the
Poodle. Although the breed has the same conformation as the Standard
Schnauzer, it is a breed in its own right and has not been reduced in
size by breeding from the runts of its bigger relation.
The breed's name was taken from the winning
dog in the Wire-haired Pinscher class at the International Show in Hanover
in 1879. Schnauze means 'muzzle' in German. Schnauzer's have been popular
dogs in Germany for a long time.
Many artists have portrayed them in wood
carvings, sculpture, paintings, and porcelain. During the sixteenth
and seventeenth centuries Albrecht Durer and Rembrandt depicted the
breed. Porcelain manufacturers from Germany, Austria and Italy have
all produced quality figurines of the Schnauzer. More recently attractive
postage stamps have been issued by Monaco and Poland.
The Miniature Schnauzer, in spite of its
terrier qualities, was not bred as a terrier and does not have the temperament
of one. Nevertheless, the breed were first class ratters in homes and
factories.
The foundation stock of the breed was
established in the United States in 1925 and a few years later the first
dog was imported into Great Britain. The breed received separate registration
from the Standard Schnauzer in 1932 and its first Kennel Club Challenge
Certificates in 1935.