The German noun, Schnauze, means snout or muzzle. the name schnauzer calls attention to the characteristic squarish whisker-fringed mouth of this breed of dog. Pictures of schnauzers painted as early as the 15th century depict schnauzers, which can be recognized by their body and head shape, prominent eyebrows, and silver-brindle-colored wiry coat. These dogs are the ancestors of the modern day standard.
Most experts believe that the miniature schnauzer is the result of crossbreeding poodles and affenpinchers with the smaller standard schnauzer. If true, the addition of these other 2 breeds with their positive traits of vigor and intelligence certainly improved the result.
Miniature schnauzers have been bred in the US since 1925. The American Schnauzer Club was chartered in 1933. Although the schnauzer gained popularity, they nevertheless have largely escaped the deterioration that so many popular breeds have suffered through poor breeding tactics.
Good schnauzer breeders carefully select their stock, and have wisely avoided the sale of lesser quality pups. But not so with puppy mills or backyard breeders. You see, many are trying to get cute, and are coming up with new colors, not recognized by the breed standard.
Beware of anyone trying to sell you a "teacup" or "toy" schnauzer, as there's no such breed. In fact, these are just the result of breeding runts of litters until a much smaller size is accomplished. (less than 15 pounds).
Colors:
The miniature schnauzer comes in just 3 main colors - Pepper and salt, black and silver, and solid black.
Typical color of the pepper and salt is shades of gray, but some tan shadings are permissible. Pepper and salt mixture fades out to light gray or silver white in eyebrows, whiskers, cheeks, under the throat, across the chest, under tail, leg furnishings, under the body, and inside the legs. Light underbody hair not to rise higher on sides of body than front elbows.
Black and silvers follow same pattern as salt and peppers. Entire salt and pepper section must be black. That means the undercoat and topcoat.
Black is the only solid color allowed.
Must be a true black with no gray hairs and no brown tinge except where the whiskers may have become discolored. Small white spot on chest permitted.
Now, you might come across a breeder who tries to sell you a "liver" or "chocolate" schnauzer, but beware, those colorings simply mean that another terrier breed was introduced into previous bloodlines, to achieve that color. (This according to hexie's experience with the breed).
Note:
Black schnauzers do fade as they age, to a dark gray.
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