Page 30 - ShowSight Presents The Miniature Schnauzer
P. 30
JUDGING THE
MINIATURE SCHNAUZER
by WYOMA CLOUSS, AMSC Judges Education
Miniature Schnauzers were developed in the late 1800s from a back- ground of German farm
dogs known as Pinschers. These breeds became Affenpinscher, Miniature Pin- scher and Standard Schnauzer. Schnau- zers were imported into the US and shown in AKC shows in the 1920s, but the AKC Miniature Schnauzer breed standard was approved in 1934, mark- ing the official separation from the
Standard Schnauzer. Yes, we’re related and we resemble one another, but read the breed standards carefully. The Min- iature is not just a small Standard!
The Miniature Schnauzer has never forgotten his roots as a companion that would keep the household pantry and barnyard free from vermin. Ears were cropped, tails docked to protect them from injury while killing rats and mice; Trademark eyebrows and beard served to protect the face, furnishings
the legs. With modest updates to clarify our breed standard, our breed carries on its history of being a watchdog, a perfect house-size ratter and a fantastic family companion.
The Miniature Schnauzers remain amazingly versatile dogs, belonging to the “Can Do (Almost) Anything” club, successful in Conformation, Obedi- ence, Agility, Earthdog, Therapy dog and even Coursing Ability titles. Great problem solvers that they are, if allowed to watch Earthdog trials ahead of time, they may just head for the caged rat at the finish line, skipping the tunnels altogether! They love Flyball, and now Barnhunt is the perfect event to show off what Miniature Schnauzers were bred to do.
When judging a Miniature Schnauzer in the conformation ring, look for out- line, balance and proportion, with hall- marks of shape, size, coat and color.
SHAPE
Our breed standard calls for a square outline, chest to buttock appears equal to height at withers. Min Schnauzers should be robust and active, stur- dily built (well conditioned muscle, not fat), front balanced with rear, neither overdone. They should have a short deep body, well sprung ribs (neither slab-sided nor barrel-chested), straight slightly sloping backline, flat croup, high tailset. A square outline with substance.
The standard describes an erect docked tail of a proper length, includ- ing the expansion which reads, “A properly presented Miniature Schnau- zer will have a docked tail as described; all others should be severely penal- ized.” No long tails rewarded in an AKC ring. The head should be strong and rectangular, ‘top skull flat and
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