Meet The Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniatre Schnauzer! His name says much... he's a miniature, thus a diminutive of a larger breed, and a Schnauzer, German for 'Snout,' therefore a German breed with a predominant muzzle. Indeed, he is a miniature of a Standard Schnauzer, a rugged German working dog, and both breeds are quickly recognised by their smart attitude, classy looks and the profuse whiskers on their muzzles.
The Miniature Schnauzer is classified as a Terrier in the United States but he falls under the Utility dog classes in the United Kingdom and on the Continent. Whichever classification he falls under, he is a first-class companion dog and beloved throughout the world.
This may not be the dog for everyone as there is grooming involved to keep the dog looking like a Schnauzer. However, if you like a lively dog, one that will be a devoted family member and a true companion to you and your family, this may be the dog for you. And, as true with most other breeds, once you give your heart and home to a Miniature Schnauzer, you will remain a devotee to the breed for a lifetime.
History and Origin of Miniature Schnauzers
The Miniature Schnauzer (pronounced as Miniature SCHNOW-zer) is a compact robust dog. It is naturally small in size, has whiskers, shaggy beard, and arched spiking eyebrows. This squarely proportioned breed also has long mustache that is regularly sheared to play up with its figure. It has a firm sinewy hair coat. Its hair coat colors vary from black, salt and pepper, to white or black and silver coat. Its salt and pepper or gray shade is the outcome of distinctive dark and light clustering of each hair. This dog's tail is typically curtailed and its frontal legs are neatly straight. The miniature schnauzer's head is long with a black nose and egg-shaped, dark eyes. Its v-shaped ears naturally fold frontward or shorten to a point. It usually weighs thirteen to fifteen pounds and stands from twelve to fourteen inches. The Schnauzer's size enables it to adjust to both small urban districts and country boroughs.
Personality
The miniature schnauzer is a fantastic companion and family pet. It is an affectionate dog who likes to be around people including kids. Some can be suspicious and aloof with strangers, yet the majority enjoys being with a group. It is docile, smart, bouncy and a good watch dog. It is likely to bark often, but it's not as irritating as one imagines.
Origin and History
The actual origin of the Miniature Schnauzers is quite unclear, though speculations declare that the German Terrier, Wolfspitz, and black Poodle are the dog breeds that possibly have took part in the first evolution of the Miniature Schnauzer. This breed was nurtured by means of breeding the Standard Schnauzer with several small dogs, probably with Affenpinschers and Poodles. These dogs were largely employed for hunting, droving, pulling farm carts, stock tender, as well as watching kids and herds. They have a somewhat distinctive personality than other terriers.
In 1492, Albrecht Durer crafted a painting called "Madonna with the Many Animals". In this masterpiece, a Schnauzer was portrayed as a domestic buddy. All Schnauzers are believed to have developed in Bavaria and Wurttemberg kingdoms. The Miniature Schnauzers became recognized in Germany as "kinder watchers" and was chiefly utilized to look after children and farm animals. Eventually, these dogs were also utilized to catch mice since they're good at it in addition to its petite stature which was ideal to slip into snug areas to seize mice.
In those days, the German Pinscher and Schnauzer were of similar breed with only distinction is by their fur. Wire-haired dogs were dubbed as "schnauze" which means "beard". Smooth coated ones were called "pinschers". These two dog types were born in the same brood.
Before the year 1910, the Schnauzer is only recognized in Germany. However following World War I, it grew to be admired all over the globe. In the course of the war, giant schnauzers were espoused as messengers and police. In 1925, the Schnauzer was transported to the United States America and was categorized under the Terrier Group. The next year, they were recognized by the American Kennel Club and became famous in the country as well as other parts of the world.
The schnauzer is categorized into three separate breeds and sizes--the Miniature Schnauzer, Giant Schnauzer and Standard Schnauzer. The Standard Schnauzer is the earliest, archetype breed while the Miniature Schnauzer is considered the smallest and newest breed. The chic Miniature Schnauzer now belongs to the top 10 of the most prevalent dog breeds in the States.
The Kennel Club Standard For The Miniature Schnauzer
General Appearance:
Sturdily built, robust, sinewy, nearly square (length of body equal to height at shoulders). Expression keen and attitude alert. Correct conformation is of more importance than colour or other purely 'beauty' points.
Characteristics:
Well balanced, smart, stylish and adaptable.
Temperament:
Alert, reliable and intelligent. Primarily a companion dog.
Head and Skull:
Head strong and of good length, narrowing from ears to eyes and then gradually forward toward end of nose. Upper part of the head (occiput to the base of forehead) moderately broad between ears. Flat, creaseless forehead; well muscled but not too strongly developed cheeks. Medium stop to accentuate prominent eyebrows. Powerful muzzle ending in a moderately blunt line, with bristly,stubby moustache and chin whiskers. Ridge of nose straight and running almost parallel to extension of forehead. Nose black with wide nostrils. Lips tight but not overlapping.
Eyes:
Medium-sized, dark, oval, set forward, with arched bushy eyebrows.
Ears:
Neat, V-shaped, set high and dropping forward to temple.
Mouth:
Jaws strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck:
Moderately long, strong and slightly arched; skin close to throat; neck set cleanly on shoulders.
Forequarters:
Shoulders flat and well laid. Forelegs straight viewed from any angle. Muscles smooth and lithe rather than prominent; bone strong, straight and carried well down to feet; elbows close to body and pointing directly backwards.
Body:
Chest moderately broad, deep with visible strong breastbone reaching at least to height of elbow rising slightly backward to loins. Back strong and straight, slightly higher at shoulder than at hindquarters, with short, well developed loins. Ribs well sprung. Length of body equal to height from top of withers to ground.
Hindquarters:
Thighs slanting and flat but strongly muscled. Hindlegs (upper and lower thighs) at first vertical to the stifle; from stifle to hock, in line with the extension of the upper neck line; from hock, vertical to ground.
Feet:
Short, round, cat-like compact with closely arched toes, dark nails, firm black pads, feet pointing forward.
Tail:
Set on and carried high, customarily docked to three joints.
Gait / Movement:
Free, balanced and vigorous, with good reach in forequarters and good driving power in hindquarters. Topline remains level in action.
Coat:
Harsh, wiry and short enough for smartness, dense undercoat. Clean on neck and shoulders, ears and skull. Harsh hair on legs. Furnishings fairly thick but not silky.
Colour:
All pepper and salt colours in even proportions, or pure black, or black and silver. That is, solid black with silver markings on eyebrow, muzzle, chest and brisket and on the forelegs below the point of elbow, on inside of hindlegs below the stifle joint, on vent and under tail.
Size:
Ideal height: dogs: 35.6 cms (14 ins); bitches: 33cms (13 ins). Too small, toyish appearing dogs are not typical and undesirable.
Faults:
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
