Linda Whitwam - The Schnauzer Handbook

The information provided in this book is designed to provide helpful information on Schnauzers and Schnoodles. This book is not meant to be used, nor should it be used, to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any animal medical problem, consult a qualified veterinarian. The author is not responsible for any specific health or allergy conditions that may require medical supervision and is not liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application or preparation, to any person reading or following the information in this book. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement of any websites or other sources.

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LINDA WHITWAM

The rights of Linda Whitwam to be identified as the author of this work have been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

2014 Linda Whitwam. All rights reserved. No part of this document, text, images, graphics or style may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means: electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of the author. For permission to reproduce any element of this book contact

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ISBN: 978-1-910100-64-6

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There is no precise written record of Schnauzer history. Over the years dog breed experts have discussed many theories, but nobody knows exactly how and when the first Schnauzer came into being. Many ill-informed articles have appeared, particularly on websites. After much research covering many sources, here is the most credible version of the true history of the Schnauzer:

Birth of a Breed

The Schnauzer originated in Southern Germany in the 14th or 15th century. In those days farmers and trades people travelled around the countryside with heavily laden carts selling their skills and produce at markets. They needed a medium-sized and versatile dog, strong enough to guard the cart, but small enough to easily fit into that same cart. These practical men also wanted a good ratter to keep down the vermin back at home.

The breeders involved in Schnauzer history probably crossed the black German Poodle and the grey Wolfspitz with more than a pinch of Wire-Haired Pinscher (aka Rough Pinscher) to create the first Schnauzer. This medium-sized 'prototype' most closely resembled today's Standard Schnauzer and established the breed as a working dog.

Origin of the Name

The word Schnauzer should be pronounced "sh-now-tser" with the German Z sounding like TS - as in Mozart, which is spoken "Motsart." It comes from the German word "Schnauze" meaning snout. This obviously refers to the wonderful whiskers on the muzzle - often described as the beard and moustache - which are the trademark of all Schnauzers and give them such an unforgettable look.

In the early days of Schnauzer history in Germany, the first Schnauzers as we know them were referred to as Wire-Haired Pinschers. At the 3rd German International Show in 1879, three Wire-Haired Pinschers, owned by C. Berger from Wurtemburg, were entered. The winner was a dog called "Schnauzer". And from then on, all dogs of this breed were called Schnauzers.

The Schnauzer Family Tree

This is shown courtesy of the American Kennel Club and outlines the different dog breeds used to develop the three types of Schnauzer. It's interesting that although they look nothing alike now, the modern Schnauzers and Pinschers share the same ancestors.

The original smooth coated Pinschers were bred with each other to give the sleek coat of today's Miniature and Doberman Pinschers. The Wire-Haired Pinschers were specifically bred to give the rough coat of modern Schnauzers. It is interesting to see how selective breeding, albeit over a long period of time, could produce such different dogs in terms of appearance, temperament and size.

In the mid-19th century, German dog breeders began to show an interest in this versatile native breed. At this time, the medium-sized dogs were also being crossed with other breeds to create the Miniature and later the Giant.

Although there may have been an odd one imported earlier, the first Schnauzers were brought into the UK and America around 1900. They were probably brought to England and the New World as beloved pets of immigrant families as well by travellers and traders returning home.

During World War I, Standard Schnauzers were used as guard dogs by the German Army and dispatch carriers by the Red Cross. It was, however, soldiers returning from the First World War who brought back Schnauzers in greater numbers. The fighting men greatly admired the courage and spirit of these dogs.

Standard Schnauzer History

The Standard Schnauzer is the original. It is the oldest of the three distinct Schnauzer breeds and the one from which Miniatures and Giants originate. The breed is known at the Mittelschnauzer (Middle Schnauzer) in Germany and simply as the Schnauzer in the UK.

It was a combination of working, hunting and terrier stock. Historically the breed was employed as an all-rounder on farms. This job included getting rid of vermin and guarding the family and their property as well as herding sheep and cattle. This versatile dog would also provide protection for the families on their travels to and from market.

In the mid-1800s, fanciers of the Standard Schnauzer crossed it with the black German Poodle and the grey Wolfspitz to get the rough coat and salt-and-pepper colour of the breed today.

Miniature Schnauzer History

The Miniature Schnauzer was exhibited as a distinct breed at early as 1899. It's thought to have been derived from breeding the smallest of the Standard Schnauzers with Affenpinschers, grey Spitz and black Poodles in a highly selective breeding program.

Four Miniatures imported by Mrs. M. Slattery of the Marienhof Kennels in 1924 were the foundation stock for the breed in America.

Miniature Schnauzers were first registered as a separate breed in 1926. The following year the first American champion was Mrs. Slatterys Ch. Moses Taylor. This was an honour shared with Don v. Dornbusch, since both won on the same day - but at different shows. Since then the Miniature Schnauzers popularity has soared, elevating the dog to one of the most loved breeds in America.