THE MINIATURE SCHNAUZER by SONNY LELLE
T he Miniature Schnauzer (or Zwergschnauzer) is very sim- ilar in type to the Standard Schnauzer. The Schnauzers of all sizes are classified as “working dogs” in Europe and other countries where the FCI standards are followed. In the United States, the Miniature has always been in the Terrier Group and continues to be judged as a Terrier. This explains some of the differences between the Miniature and the other Schnauzer Breeds.
The Miniature Schnauzer has three accepted color varieties in the United States. The AMSC recognizes salt and pepper, black and black and silver. Although white Miniatures are being bred and shown around the world, this color is not recognized by the American Miniature Schnauzer Club and cannot be shown in Conformation. The origin of the Schnauzer is consid- ered as being a cross between the “dog of Boulogne” and the Spitz. The Minia- ture is said to have come from mating
with the Affenpinscher. The oldest Ger- man Kennel Club was founded in 1890. The following year at the Third German International Show in Hanover, with about 900 dogs, Wirehaired Pinschers of German breeding were exhibited for the first time. A dog “Schnauzer” won first prize exhibited by the Württem- berg Kennel of Burgerbeonberg. There is no question of its being a breed of great antiquity. Albrecht Durer depicted a Schnauzer in a watercolour, “Madonna with the Many Animals”,
264 • S how S ight M agazine , J uly 2017
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