Black Miniature Schnauzer – Facts, Origin & History (With Pictures)
By Jordyn Alger
Updated on
The Miniature Schnauzer has it all: smarts, sweets, and a lot of energy. This extroverted breed has an excellent temperament, always eager to dote on their beloved family members. Miniature Schnauzers are healthy dogs with long lifespans, making them an excellent choice for a family pet.
Miniature Schnauzers have low-shedding coats with a wiry texture, giving them a mustache-like appearance around the muzzle. Their coats come in three main color patterns: black and silver, salt and pepper, and solid black. Black Miniature Schnauzers are beloved for their gorgeous dark coats. To learn more, keep reading below.
The Earliest Records of the Black Miniature Schnauzer in History
The Standard Schnauzer’s roots can be traced back to the 15th century in Europe, where it was put to work as a farm dog. From the Standard Schnauzer came the Miniature Schnauzer, which was bred in Germany with the intent of creating a more compact breed. The Miniature Schnauzer continued working on the farm as a barnyard rat catcher.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a result of deliberate breeding, including the breeding of the Standard Schnauzer, the Poodle, and the Affenpinscher. These roots make the Miniature Schnauzer’s personality slightly different from other terrier dogs, giving it less of a fiery personality and more of a friendly one.
How the Black Miniature Schnauzer Gained Popularity
The Miniature Schnauzer may have started as a simple matter, but the breed has grown into newer and bigger roles. These days, Miniature Schnauzers are often seen as companion dogs. They are great family pets and excellent watchdogs, so they are most often kept in the home rather than in the barn.
The popularity of this breed began to rise after World War II. Miniature Schnauzers grew so popular that, at one time, they were ranked as the third most popular breed in America. Miniature Schnauzers are notable competitors in dog shows. They have been known to rank highly in many canine sporting events, such as events for obedience and agility. They also do well in rallies and Earth Dog events.
Formal Recognition of the Black Miniature Schnauzer
The black Miniature Schnauzer is among the three breed standard color patterns currently accepted by the American Kennel Club (AKC). There are records of Miniature Schnauzers that date back to 1888, but it wasn’t until 1899 that the first Miniature Schnauzer participated in a dog show. In this same year, the Miniature Schnauzer was considered a separate breed from the Standard Schnauzer, but only in Germany. It wasn’t until 1926 that the Miniature Schnauzer was recognized in America as its own breed.
The Miniature Schnauzer is recognized by the AKC as being a part of the Terrier Group. This puts it among other small ratter breeds. However, the Miniature Schnauzer stands out among the group, as it has no British roots. Most terrier breeds were born in the British Isles or from crossing other British breeds. However, the Miniature Schnauzer was born and developed in Germany, giving it a unique heritage compared to others in the group.
Top 3 Unique Facts About Black Miniature Schnauzers
1. They Don’t Shed Much
It may be surprising that such a furry dog doesn’t shed much, but it is the truth! The Miniature Schnauzer is a low-shedding breed. Because of this, many people consider the Miniature Schnauzer to be hypoallergenic.
However, the Miniature Schnauzer requires frequent and extensive grooming. In order to keep your Miniature Schnauzer looking its best, it needs to be brushed frequently. The wiry topcoat needs to be regularly stripped. Most Miniature Schnauzer owners choose to have their dog’s coat trimmed every 5–8 weeks by a professional groomer.
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2. They Will Always Want to Be Around You
The Miniature Schnauzer is highly social and always eager to be around loved ones, so for any family activity, expect the Miniature Schnauzer to join you. This dog is content to participate in practically any activity, from road trips to jogs to cuddling on the couch. The bottom line is that the Miniature Schnauzer simply wants to be with you.
3. These Dogs Aren’t Delicate
Although the Miniature Schnauzer is small, it is far from delicate. This terrier is tough and athletic, built to withstand regular activity. Its high-energy and muscular build allows it to participate in plenty of activities without breaking a sweat. This is one of the reasons that the Miniature Schnauzer succeeds in so many canine competitions.
Does the Black Miniature Schnauzer Make a Good Pet?
Beyond physical appearance, there is no difference between the black Miniature Schnauzer and any other color of Miniature Schnauzer. The Miniature Schnauzer’s personality is the same across the board: smart, obedient, and friendly.
This breed is extroverted and highly social. It will always want to be in the middle of family affairs, constantly looking for opportunities to receive affection and attention. Many Miniature Schnauzer owners report that their dog is practically glued to them at all times.
This dog is intelligent and eager to please, making training a much easier task. It also has high mental stimulation needs, so keeping it occupied is necessary. If it does not get adequate mental stimulation, it may resort to destructive behaviors.
Final Thoughts
The Miniature Schnauzer is a beloved dog and among the most popular breeds in America today. It has a unique history and personality that sets it apart from other terriers, yet it is just as physically capable as its peers. The black Miniature Schnauzer is one of three breed standard coloration patterns and is eligible to compete in dog shows. If you are interested in bringing a black Miniature Schnauzer home, search for reputable and responsible breeders in your area or search your local animal shelter.
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Featured Image Credit: Vika Dubrovskaya, Shutterstock
