Breed History
The Schnauzer has been bred over the centuries both up and down to Giant and Miniature size, but the Standard was the first and prototypical Schnauzer....
Originating during the Middle Ages, and known in Germany since the 13th or 14th century, the Schnauzer was developed as a ratter, hunter and guardian. The dogs ancestors came from hunting, working and terrier backgrounds, and likely included the Wire Haired Pinscher, Gray Wolf Spitz and Black German Poodle. Renaissance artists including Rembrandt, Durer, Reynolds and Cranach the Elder have all painted Schnauzers at one time or another. The Standard Schnauzers terrier-like appearance caused it to originally be classified as a terrier both in Germany and elsewhere. The dog was first shown in Germany in 1879 under the breed name Wirehaired Pinscher (Pinscher is a German word meaning Terrier), though in the same year a particularly distinguished specimen of the breed named Schnauzer (German for small beard) would become the namesake for the entire breed. The Standard Schnauzer was introduced to America toward the end of the 19th century and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a member of the Terrier Group, making the Standard the first Schnauzer to achieve such recognition. Later reclassified as a Working Group member, the Standard Schnauzer served as a dispatch messenger during World War I and at one point was used as a police dog by various American and German police departments. During the 20th century, the Standard Schnauzer was surpassed in popularity by its Miniature and Giant cousins, and today enjoys limited esteem as a pet.