More Sponsored Links For:
schnauzerColumbia Encyclopedia entry: schnauzer
Schnauzershnou'zər, a sturdy, wirehaired dog developed in S Germany. There are three separate breeds of schnauzer distinguished by their size. The standard schnauzer is a medium-sized dog whose existence in Germany dates back to the 15th cent. It stands from 17 to 20 in. (43.1–50.8 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 27 to 37 lb (12.3–16.8 kg). The giant schnauzer, developed at the end of the 19th cent. by crossing the standard schnauzer with various native sheepherding and farm dogs and later the Great Dane, stands from 21 1/2 to 25 1/2 in. (54.6–64.8 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 65 to 78 lb (29.5–35.4 kg). The miniature schnauzer, also developed around the end of the 19th cent., resulted from the crossing of standard schnauzer to affenpinscher. It stands from 12 to 14 in. (30.5–35.6 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 13 to 15 lb (5.9–6.8 kg). The coat of all three breeds may be pepper and salt, silver, or black in color. The standard schnauzer, listed by the American Kennel Club in the working-dog group, was originally used as a ratter, farm dog, and guardian. Later, both it and the giant schnauzer, also a working dog and bred especially for driving cattle, were used in police work. The miniature schnauzer is classified in the terrier group and has been raised primarily as a pet. See dog.
The Columbia Encyclopedia. Copyright © 2001-09 Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
Wikipedia search results for: Schnauzer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A schnauzer is a German dog type that originated in Germany in the 1400s and 1500s. The term comes from "Schnauze," the German word for snout, Merriam-Webster: schnauzer because of the dog's distinctly furry muzzle. The type consists of three breeds: the giant, standard and miniature schnauzer. The original schnauzer was of the same size as the modern standard schnauzer breed, and was bred as a rat catcher, yard dog and guard dog. The miniature schnauzer is the result of crossing the original schnauzer. The word Schnauzer also means moustache in German.
Friendly and loving, Schnauzers become part of their families and get along well...more »
Columbia Encyclopedia search results: schnauzer
Results 1 - 2 of 2
- terrier
Terrier, classification used by breeders and kennel clubs to designate dogs originally bred to start small game and vermin from their burrows or, in the case of several breeds in this group, t...
- working dog
Working dog, classification used by breeders and kennel clubs to designate dogs raised by humans to herd cattle and sheep, as draft animals, as message dispatchers in wartime, in police and re...
