They are working dogs that were developed in Swabia in the 17th century, once known as the Munich Schnauzer, originally bred to drive livestock to market and guard farms, and later used as police and military dogs.

When did schnauzers originate?

Miniature Schnauzers were originally bred to be ratters and guard dogs on farms. They were developed in the mid-to-late 19th century in Germany by crossbreeding the Standard Schnauzer with smaller breeds, such as the Miniature Pinscher, Affenpinscher, and perhaps the Poodle or Pomeranian.

What dogs make up a Schnauzer?

According to the American Kennel Club, or AKC, the schnauzer is the result of blending German poodle, "wolfspitz" (now keeshond) and wirehaired pinscher stock.