Breed History
The Schnauzer hails from Germany, where it has been known since as early as the 15th century....
For centuries, these dogs were kept as herders, guardians, ratters and companions, and eventually developed into three distinct sizes: Giant, Standard and Miniature. The Miniature Schnauzer is the youngest of the three, having just come on the scene during the late 19th century. The breed was created by crossing the Standard Schnauzer with the Affenpinscher, and possibly the Miniature Pinscher and Poodle, and was initially bred for the purpose of ratting. However, the dogs smart looks and high quality immediately caught the attention of show breeders, and the Miniature Schnauzer began to appear in the ring virtually from the moment it was born.The Miniature Schnauzer was first bred in the United States in 1925, and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1926. The breed was initially grouped with the Standard Schnauzer, and would not receive separate AKC recognition until 1933. In the years following World War II, the Miniature Schnauzers popularity skyrocketed, elevating the dog at one time to the coveted position of third most popular breed in America. Even today, the Miniature Pinscher is among the top ten most registered breeds with the AKC, and is also a common fixture in the show ring.Incidentally, the Schnauzer breed name comes from an individual show dog named Schnauzer exhibited in Germany 1879. Translated from German, the word Schnauzer means small beard.