A large number of terriers in the AKC’s Terrier Group have their origins in Great Britain, but until the Cesky Terrier and American Hairless Terrier’s recognition, the Miniature Schnauzer and Australian Terriers were the only dogs in the terrier group without such origins.  Artwork suggests that the Miniature Schnauzer is a southern German creation dating back as far as the 15th century, and while some sources believe the Schnauzer was the result of a cross between the “dog of Boulogne” and the Spitz, others suggest that the Wurttenberg Cattle Dog was also part of the Schnauzer’s ancestry.  This might explain the Schnauzer’s original use as a stable, yard, and cattle dog. but never as a terrier in the sense of a small dog used to bolt vermin from the earth. The breed has little, if any true terrier ancestry and, in fact, the first Schnauzers shown in 1897 were called Wirehaired Pinschers.

“Ornate Schnauzer” by Adrian Dominguez. This print is available for purchase here.