3 Standard Miniature Schnauzer Colors (With Pictures)
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The beard, eyebrows, friendly personality, and compact size make the Miniature Schnauzer a crowd-pleaser for sure! These charmers come in a variety of colors, all of which are beautiful in their own right.
If you’re planning to add a Miniature Schnauzer to your family, it pays to know this information. This will help you avoid breeders who may be scamming you by trying to pass off “rare” colors as more expensive. This can also help you identify purebred Miniature Schnauzers versus mixed-breed lookalikes. So, let’s dive into it!
The 3 Standard Colors for Miniature Schnauzers
The American Kennel Club (AKC) only recognizes three colors for the Miniature Schnauzer: Salt and Pepper, Black and Silver, and Solid Black.1
1. Salt & Pepper Miniature Schnauzers
The coat of a Salt & Pepper Miniature Schnauzer is essentially a mixture of black and silver/white fur. Their eyebrows, beard, and legs should be black, with a white muzzle and chest.
2. Black & Silver Miniature Schnauzers
As the name suggests, Black & Silver Miniature Schnauzers have a coat that is black on the back and legs, with silver/white fur on their bellies and muzzle. The eyebrows, beard, and legs should all be black.
3. Solid Black Miniature Schnauzers
Finally, the Solid Black Miniature Schnauzer has a completely black coat. Any white patches or silver/white fur indicate that this pup isn’t purebred.
Any other color combination beyond the three above is not recognized by the AKC. So, if you have plans of showing or breeding your Miniature Schnauzer, you should stick to the standard colors.
Parti-Color Miniature Schnauzers
When it comes to dog coat colors, “party” means “two colors”. As such, Parti-color Miniature Schnauzers have coats that are made up of any two colors. This can be anything from black and white to red and white, or even chocolate and white.
While this color combination isn’t recognized by the AKC, a parti-colored Miniature Schnauzer can still be a fine pet. Just remember that they won’t be eligible to compete in shows or get an official breed certificate.
How to Recognize a parti-colored Miniature Schnauzer
Parti-colored Miniature Schnauzers have a coat that looks like it’s been pieced together from different colors. The key is that the majority of the coat should be one color, and the other should be in patches or splotches around this.
Are Parti-Colored Miniature Schnauzers Rare?
Parti-colored Miniature Schnauzers aren’t particularly rare. There is no real rarity when it comes to coat colors. It pays to be aware of dishonest breeders who may try and charge more for these dogs, as they are beautiful and quite popular.
Does Coat Color Affect Miniature Schnauzer Temperament?
No. The coat color of a Miniature Schnauzer has no bearing on the pup’s personality or character. The only way to ensure you get a friendly, loyal pet is by researching the breeder and picking a pup from parents with good temperaments.
Final Thoughts
Miniature Schnauzers come in a few colors, ranging from the standard Salt & Pepper and Black & Silver to more uncommon Parti-colors. To ensure that you are getting the purebred pup you desire, make sure to research any breeder carefully and look for the AKC seal of approval. With the right breeder, you can find a loyal friend of any color—and add an incredible addition to your family!
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Featured Image Credit: Debra Anderson, Shutterstock
