The White Miniature Schnauzer
 Rice's Miniature Schnauzers |
 Rice's Miniature Schnauzers |
 Rice's Miniature Schnauzers |
 Rice's Miniature Schnauzers |
 Rice's Miniature Schnauzers |
The breeders who were responsible for the "creation" of the Miniature Schnauzer had a specific goal in mind - to produce a smaller version of the well established Standard Schnauzer. To this end crosses with smaller breeds such as the Affenspinscher, toy spitz and perhaps Poodle were employed. Early litters could record both Miniature Schnauzers and Miniature Pinschers in the same litter. The pedigrees of these dogs were not very well kept, and determining which breed it was, was based on coat, color and type rather than the actual pedigree.
In England in the 1930's, breeders started having white Schnauzers appear in their litters. these dogs were frowned upon at the time, and breeders would spay or neuter these dogs in attempt to stop this color from happening. The Pinscher-Schnauzer club recognizes the whites as a part of the breed, and to build up a strong gene pool, gave breeders permission to breed these dogs to black Schnauzers. It has been said that the white Schnauzer isn't actually white, but a black without color.
In the original Schnauzer standard, only the salt and pepper were recognized as a breed. Many of those involved with the breed do not like to accept any changes, and were originally against the black and silver, and the black variety. Since the black and silver was the only color not seen in the Giant and Standard Schnauzer, it was very frowned upon as well. This prevented the black and silver from being recognized as an actual Schnauzer color for a great deal of years. Once the black and silver color was showing up in lines of those who had a great deal of influence in the breed, the other breeders began to accept this change.
The white variety of Miniature Schnauzer is not an albino Schnauzer, it is simply a white colored variety. The genes that make this variety of Schnauzer white have no affect on type and character, so these dogs are as lovely as the other Schnauzers we have all grown to love. Other than the white color, all of the other AKC standards for the Miniature Schnauzer apply to the white Schnauzer.
The White Miniature Schnauzer is able to be registered with the American Kennel Club, however they cannot be shown in conformation events. They are however, able to be shown in conformation events in shows held by the International All Breed Canine Association of America (IABCA). The White Schnauzer is allowed full registration with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), and will also be permitted to show in American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) shows in 2005.
I cannot stress enough that there are only a handful of breeders of white Miniature Schnauzers who are breeding to perfect the breed, and not simply add to their pocket book. I was personally against the breeding of white Schnauzers because the AKC's breed standard was drilled into my head, and all the whites that I had seen pictures of looked nothing like the breed standard- poor structure, coat, etc. When I saw the photos of the dogs shown on this page, I began to second guess myself, and that is why this page was created. We will be extremely cautious about listing any white Schnauzer breeder on this site without thoroughly checking into their breeding history, their dogs type, etc.
The grooming schedule for a Miniature Schnauzer is normally every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on their hair growth. They will need to be combed and brushed in between full groomings to help prevent matting of their furnishings, and especially their beards. Just brushing the dog is not enough- they must be combed as well or their long furnishings will matt.
Miniature Schnauzers are hardy, healthy, intelligent, and fond of children. They were developed as a small farm dog, used as ratters. Their small size has permitted them to adapt easy to city living, though they still do quite well in the country, and can cover a large amount of ground with little tiring. They make wonderful family companions, and are extremely easy to train. They do well not only in conformation events, but also in obedience and agility.
Health concerns in the breed include Urolithiasis which is bladder stones. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) which is a degenerative disease of the retinal visual cells which leads to blindness. Cataracts which is Lens opacity that may in part or in total affect one or both eyes. Blindness results when cataracts are complete and in both eyes.
Panosteitis which is a developmental problem associated with too rapid growth. Lameness can occur in one limb or over time in all limbs. Typically the dog will stand with one leg up- a day or so later the dog will hold another leg up. The pain associated with Pano will often switch legs several times. Treatment usually involves resting and sometimes an arthritis type pain medication for a few days. This is not life threatening nor will it affect the dog throughout it's lifetime.
Other concerns are immune problems, heart problems and diabetes. For a full list and description of Miniature Schnauzer health concerns, please Click Here.
A reputable breeder will screen for inherited health problems and will be able to discuss if there has been any problems in their lines.
