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White Miniature Schnauzers

White Miniature Schnauzers - Why are they not recognized, in the US as a legitimate variation of the breed?

In an effort to shed some light on this controversial subject, let’s go back to the beginning:

Miniature Schnauzers were originally bred in Germany in such a way to size-down the popular standard Schnauzer. That was the goal, to develop a smaller version of the standard Schnauzer with the same appearance, temperament, markings, and colors (salt & pepper and black).

In order to accomplish this "sized-down" version of the standard Schnauzer, breeders crossed small standard Schnauzers with Affenpinschers and Poodles. However, by doing so, the development of 2 new colors emerged ~ white and black & silver.

It is interesting to point out that black & silver Miniature Schnauzers were originally thought to be salt & pepper, and therefore accepted right away. It wasn't until a much later date that black & silver Schnauzers were realized to be a separate true color all their own. But by then, the new black & silver color was already widely accepted, and therefore no further consideration was given to it.

The white puppies born into a litter, however, were not so lucky. In fact, Germans used to consider white Miniature Schnauzers as defective and mostly destroyed any white Schnauzer puppies born into a litter.

The White Schnauzer Controversy

Casper, the White Mini SchnauzerAll 4 Miniature Schnauzer colors salt & pepper, black, black & silver, and white can be registered with all the major registries. Having stated this however, not all registries, including the (AKC) American Kennel Club and the (CKC) the Canadian Kennel Club, "recognize the colors" and this is where the controversy and confusion begins.

When a breed originates, there is a written definition as to what the breed shall be, and the breed must adhere to that definition. For the Miniature Schnauzer, that meant it to be of the colors salt & pepper and black. But many believe, just like the black and silver Miniature Schnauzers occurred naturally, so did the white and therefore they too should be fully accepted.

Today, the white Miniature Schnauzers are accepted in all FCI countries, including Germany, where the Miniature Schnauzer originated. Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is an international federation of kennel clubs. It encourages and promotes breeding of purebred dogs whose functional health and physical features meet the standard set for each breed.

But white Miniature Schnauzers are still not accepted for conformation in the USA, Canada, Australia, UK and South Africa. There are however, still registered purebreds that are white, who can be shown in every other aspect of AKC sanctioned events such as Agility, Canine Good Citizen, Obedience, or Earthdog trials, just not in conformation competition.

So the controversy continues.....

Maybe one day the remaining countries will agree. As for now, if you want to purchase a white Miniature Schnauzer for all of the other reasons that make this beautiful dog a joy to have in the family, just be sure to do so from a reputable Miniature Schnauzer breeder.

note: If you own a white dog and have trouble with tear stains, check out our home remedies for dogs tear stains!

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