Did you know that the first pinscher dogs imported into England and North America were the Wirehaired Pinscher (which we know as the Schnauzer) and the Affenpinscher? These utility dogs were put in the terrier group in North America, something that wasn’t corrected until 1945; in fact, Schnauzers of all sizes are classified as “working dogs” in Europe and where the FCI standards are followed, but in the United States, only the Giant and the Standard Schnauzer are classified as “working breeds,” the Miniature Schnauzer remaining in the Terrier Group even though it doesn’t have a typical terrier temperament and tend to be less confrontational with other dogs than a few of their feisty colleagues. Perhaps it’s because of the breed’s prowess as a ratter and controller of vermin that it is in the terrier group because the origin of the Miniature is said to have come from matings with the Affenpinscher, a member of the AKC Toy Group.

Zoey, the Miniature Schnauzer by Tori Ratcliffe Art from Hampshire, United Kingdom. This print is available here.