History and Origin of Miniature Schnauzers
The Miniature Schnauzer (pronounced miniature SCHNOW-zer) is a compact and sturdy dog. He is naturally small, with a moustache, shaggy beard and arched eyebrows. This square-proportioned breed also has long whiskers that are regularly trimmed to play up the figure. It has a tough, wiry coat. Its coat colors range from black, salt and pepper to white or black and silver. Its salt and pepper or gray hue is the result of a distinctive dark and light grouping of each hair. This dog’s tail is usually curled and its front 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 forward or taper to a point. It usually weighs thirteen to fifteen pounds and is twelve to fourteen inches. The schnauzer’s size allows it to adapt to both small urban areas and rural neighborhoods.
Personality
The Miniature Schnauzer makes a fantastic companion and family pet. It is an affectionate dog that loves to be around people, including children. Some can be suspicious and aloof with strangers, but the majority enjoy being with a group. It is obedient, smart, bouncy and a good guard dog. He’ll probably bark often, but it’s not as annoying as one might imagine.
Origin and history
The actual origin of Miniature Schnauzers is quite unclear, although speculations claim that the German Terrier, Wolfspitz, and Black Poodle are the dog breeds that were probably involved in the first evolution of the Miniature Schnauzer. This breed was developed by crossbreeding the standard schnauzer with several small dogs, possibly with affenpinschers and poodles. These dogs were largely used for hunting, driving, pulling farm carts, trading animals, as well as looking after children and herds. They have a somewhat distinct personality from other terriers.
In 1492, Albrecht Dürer created a painting called “Madonna with the Many Animals”. In this masterpiece, the schnauzer is presented as a domestic friend. All schnauzers are believed to have evolved in the kingdoms of Bavaria and Württemberg. Miniature Schnauzers became recognized in Germany as “better watchdogs” and were mainly used to watch children and farm animals. After all, these dogs were also used to catch mice as they are good at it in addition to their small stature which is perfect for sliding into convenient spots to catch mice.
In those days, German Pinschers and Schnauzers were of a similar breed, differing only in coat. Dough-haired dogs were called “Schnauze”, which means “beard”. Those with a smooth coating were called “pinchers”. These two types of dogs are born in the same litter.
Before 1910, the schnauzer was only recognized in Germany. However, after the First World War, he became the object of admiration around the world. During the course of the war, giant schnauzers were adopted as messengers and police. In 1925, the schnauzer was transported to the United States of America and categorized under the terrier group. The following year they were recognized by the American Kennel Club and became famous in the country as well as in other parts of the world.
The Schnauzer is categorized into three distinct breeds and sizes – the Miniature Schnauzer, Giant Schnauzer and Standard Schnauzer. The Standard Schnauzer is the earliest, archetypal breed, while the Miniature Schnauzer is considered the smallest and newest breed. The gorgeous miniature schnauzer now belongs to the top 10 most common dog breeds in the United States.
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