Schnauzer Dog

Schnauzers are three breeds of wiry coated German dogs, the giant schnauzer, standard schnauzers are classified as working dogs, the miniature as a terrier. The three dog breeds are similar in appearance, having a whiskered face, distinctive eyebrows, cropped ear and docked tail. The sibyl originating from poodle, spitz, and wirehaired pinscher stock. It stands from 43 to 51 cm (17 to 20 in) high at the shoulder. The miniature schnauzer, believe derived from standard schnauzers by crosses with affenpinschers, stands between 30.5 and 35.5 cm (12 and 14 in) high at shoulder. The giant schnauzer, originally used as cattle drower, was developed from the standard schnauzer by crosses probable with various roughhaired sheepdogs, the Great Dane, and possibly the Bouvier des Flanders. It reaches about 70 cm (27.5 in) high at the shoulder.

The standard schnauzer (center), the oldest of the three schnauzer breeds, was probably developed as a general purpose working dog. The giant schnauzer (left) was developed by crossing standard with various herding dogs and, later Great Danes. It was first used to herd cattle, then to the newest of the three, was developed from small standards probably crossed with affenpinschers.