Zwergschnauzer – Miniature Schnauzer

In Germany, the place of its origin, the Miniature Schnauzer is known as the Zwergschnauzer. The name Schnauzer comes from Schnauze meaning muzzle, but the meaning is somewhat wider than that, as Schnauzbart means a moustache, or a man with a conspicuous moustache. All three breeds of Schnauzers are conspicuous for their moustache.

History:

The Zwergschnauzer emerged in 1900. It is not simply a minuscule Schnauzer; it apparently resulted from the crosses between Schnauzers and Affenpinschers. Crosses to other breeds may have taken place as breeders wanted a small dog which looked exactly like his larger cousins. By 1920s , the Zwergschnauzers was fixed into a distinct type. W D Goff is credited with taking the first specimen to the United States in 1923 and W H Hancock began the import of Zwergschnauzers to England in 1928. With the appearance of Schnapp von Dornbusch of Hitofa and Lenchen von Dornbusch, the breed caught on in America. In the year 1926 the Wire Haired Pinscher Club was formed to support both the Schnauzer and Zwergschnauzer in USA. In 1933, both breeds split into separate parent clubs for each one.

Essentials of the Breed:

The Zwergschnauzers have slightly longer, more refined heads than the other two Schnauzers. They have strongly made short bodies. When in stance, the stifles are bent so that the hocks are beyond the set on of the tail. If cropped, the ears are erect. The coat is hard and wiry, and on the body should be not less than three quarters of an inch long. Salt and pepper are the most frequent of the colours seen in the breed. There is no average weight for the breed rather the height is mentioned in the standard.

Character:

The Zwergschnauzer is viewed primarily as a charming and attractive companion. He is seldom addicted to wandering. He is devoted to his home and family and functions well as a guard dog as he barks to alarm if an intruder crosses his restrictions. His adorable vigor, good steady temperament, and attractive appearance combine to fit him very well for his role as a family pet.

Tags: affenpinschers, dog breed, dog breeds, guard dog, Miniature Schnauzer, schnauzers, Zwergschnauzer