Even non-German speakers can piece together that the German word, “kinderwachter” means “child watcher, but few would probably associate the term with a dog. Many years ago in Germany, there was a breed that filled the niche of ratter, drover dog, stock tenderer, and more.  It was the Standard Schnauzer, the original Schnauzer breed developed several hundred years before the either the Giant Schnauzer or Miniature Schnauzer. Indeed, the Standard Schnauzer (then known as the Wire-haired Pinscher) was one of the first Pinscher breeds to become known in English-speaking countries, the other being the Affenpinscher.

By the early 19th century, the breed was already one of the most common dogs in Germany, in no small part because of its versatility. People of all classes owned a Standard Schnauzer. One might see a Standard pulling a cart loaded with produce to market, but also spot a Schnauzer hunting vermin in a stable or the storeroom of a merchant’s shop. Standard Schnauzers were also known for being loving family dogs who were excellent with children; they were so trustworthy that keeping an on the kids was a spare time job that lead to one of the breed’s nicknames: Kinderwachter. People speculated that the breed’s affinity for children satisfied two needs for this breed: Having fun, but needing a serious job.

We don’t advocate leaving a child alone with any breed ever, but it’s an historically interesting tidbit about this breed.

Image: “Bruno” from 1930’s by Nina Scott Langley is available (one left as of this writing) here.