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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"' 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. |
