Schnauzer

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A schnauzer (plural schnauzers) is a German dog type which originated in Germany in the 1400s and 1500s. The term comes from the German word for snout "Schnauze"'^[1] because of the dog's distinctly furry muzzles. The type consists of three breeds: the giant, standard, and miniature schnauzer. The original schnauzer was of the same size as the modern standard schnauzer breed, and were bred as rat catchers, yard dogs, and guard dogs. The miniature schnauzer is the result of crossing the original schnauzer with affenpinschers and poodles. The giant schnauzer is the result of crossing the original schnauzer with Great Danes, Bouviers, and Collies; they were used to herd and drive cattle.

Miniature schnauzers are around one foot (30 cm) tall at the shoulder and weigh between 13 and 15 pounds (five to seven kg).

Standard schnauzers are around 1 1/2 feet (46 cm) tall at the shoulder and weigh 26 to 37 pounds (12 to 17 kg). They are in the group of working dogs. Standard schnauzers have been used to catch rats and as a guard dog. They have also carried messages in times of war, helped the Red Cross, and have been police dogs.

Giant schnauzers are around two feet (60 cm) tall at the shoulder and weigh between 66 and 78 pounds (30 to 35 kg). They also are working dogs. Giant schnauzers helped herd cattle. They also used to help butchers and also were guard dogs at breweries. All schnauzers have dense, wiry, stiff fur. Schnauzers have long whiskers on their faces. Their fur coats are a mixture of black and white like salt and pepper. They may also be solid black. Miniature schnauzers may also be silver and black.