See Also: schnauzer(dictionary)
schnauzer(encyclopedia)

schnauzer (sh)




Any of three German dog breeds having a wiry black, salt-and-pepper, or black-and-tan coat.

The standard, 17-20 in. (43-51 cm) high and weighing 26-37 lbs (12-17 kg), dates to the 15th century; it has a blunt, heavily whiskered muzzle and a squared body. The miniature, 12-14 in. (30-36 cm) high and weighing 13-15 lbs (6-7 kg), was developed in the 19th century from standard schnauzers and affenpinschers. The giant schnauzer, a cross between the standard and various working dogs, stands 21-26 in. (53-66 cm) and weighs 66-77 lbs (30-35 kg).