Schnauzer
The word “schnauzer” comes from the German word that means “snout” or “moustache”, referring to the long fur on the dog’s muzzle.
Genus, Species & Subspecies – Canis lupus familiaris
Common Names – Schnauzer, Standard Schnauzer, Giant Schnauzer, Miniature Schnauzer, Wire-haired Pinscher (formerly)
Schnauzers are intelligent and independent, requiring training and exercise to keep them occupied. They are protective and make good guard dogs, barking at anything or anyone that is unfamiliar.
Miniature Schnauzer litter sizes average three to five pups. Standard Schnauzers average six pups, and Giant Schnauzers average between five and eight pups.
The name Schnauzer actually applies to three different breeds of dog: the Standard, Giant, and Miniature Schnauzers. The main difference between the breeds is size. The Standard Schnauzer typically measures around 18 inches at the top of the shoulder and weighs up to 45 pounds, the Giant Schnauzer measures about 24 inches to the top of the shoulder and weighs up to 80 pounds, and the Miniature Schnauzer measures about 12 inches at the top of the shoulders and weighs up to 20 pounds.
All three breeds of Schnauzer have the distinctive whiskered snout and long furry eyebrows. Colors include black, white, brown, and “salt and pepper” which is a mix of gray, black and white and is the most common coloration. They have a double coat, with a wiry top coat of water-resistant fur and a softer undercoat.
Schnauzers are related to Pinschers, and both breeds were developed in Germany around the same time. In the late 1800s, the breed standard for Pinschers was created and included both smooth and rough-haired varieties. Later, the rough-haired Pinscher was officially reclassified with the name “Schnauzer”.
Schnauzers were originally bred as stable dogs to protect horses, and as carriage dogs to protect travelers. They were also bred as rat-catchers.
As of 2022, the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dog breeds in the United States ranks Miniature Schnauzers at 17th, Giant Schnauzers at 58th, and Standard Schnauzers at 94th.