The Miniature Schnauzer is a breed of medium dog of the Schnauzer type
that originated in Germany in the mid-to-late 19th century. Miniature
Schnauzers may have been developed from the smallest specimens of the
Standard Schnauzer, or crosses between the standard and one or more
smaller breeds such as the Affenpinscher, Miniature Pinscher, and
Poodles, as farmers bred a small dog that was an efficient ratting dog.
They are described as "spunky" but aloof dogs, with good guarding
tendencies without some guard dogs' predisposition to bite.
Miniature Schnauzers are recognized in four colors internationally:
solid black, black and silver, salt and pepper, and white.
It is the most popular Schnauzer breed, and remains one of the
most popular worldwide, primarily for its temperament and relatively
small size. As of 2020 it is the 19th most popular breed in the U.S.