Origin
The Miniature Schnauzer is a smart looking little dog that was first bred in Germany. They are the smallest of the Schnauzers being the more recent addition to this charming breed. Since they first appeared in the show ring, they have become the most popular of all the Schnauzers thanks to their size as well as their charming looks and kind, loyal natures. The Miniature Schnauzer is considered a low shedder which is another reason why they have gained popularity not only here in the UK, but elsewhere in the world too.
Schnauzers are thought to be an ancient breed with their ancestry dating back to the 15th century with dogs having been depicted in works of art that date back to that period in history. The one thing that is certain is that they have always been highly prized in their native Germany thanks to their loyal characters, even temperaments and the fact they are able to distinguish between a friend and a foe which makes them excellent watchdogs. This together with their reputation for being exceptionally good "ratters" has always meant that Schnauzers were always in demand with people who lived in the country and in towns too.
The actual origins of how the Miniature Schnauzer first came about remain a bit of a mystery although some people believe they were created by breeders who only used the smallest examples of a Schnauzer in their breeding programmes. However, other people feel they came about by crossing a Standard Schnauzer with the Affenpinscher as well as other small breeds. These charming little dogs were first exhibited at a dog show in 1899 and they were an immediate hit thanks to their size and their charming looks.
Miniature Schnauzers were officially recognised as a unique breed in 1899 in their native Germany and were first introduced to America in the mid-twenties where they were an immediate hit. The breed was officially recognised by The Kennel Club in 1948 when a breed standard was established. Today, Miniature Schnauzers remain a very popular choice both as companion dogs and family pets thanks to their charming looks and loyal, affectionate natures both here in the UK and elsewhere in the world.
