Standard Schnauzers in Virginia: May 2011

THE HISTORY OF THE BREED:

THE HISTORY OF THE BREED:

The Standard Schnauzer has been around since about the 15 century.

The breed was first noted to be depicted in paintings, the most recognized

one being “Madonna With a Multitude of Animals”,which was painted in 1503

by Albrecht Durer (1471-1528).

Schnauzers were originally bred for German tradesmen and farmers who

traveled the countryside and sold their wares from carts. They were in need of a guard dog that was compact, with a medium build and would not take up too much space. The German's wanted the dog to be strong, protective and to be a good companion. A black German Poodle was crossed with a Gray Wolfspitz and a

Wire-haired Pinscher. It took about 50 years of breeding in order to

perfect the fixed breed.

Standard Schnauzers were used during WWI as guard dogs for the Red Cross and as dispatch carriers for the German Army.The breed first came to the United States in 1905 and by 1925 the Standard Schnauzer Club of America was formed.