History of Toy and Teacup Schnauzers

Where Do these Smaller Sizes Come From – 

If your wondering where these smaller toy and teacup schnauzer sizes are coming from then you need to understand the history of Schnauzers. Early “Standard Schnauzers”  (average adult weight 35 – 45 pounds) were likely derived by crossing gray spitzes and black poodles (which carry the smaller size DNA gene) and have existed as far back as the middle ages. In order to “up-size” this breed they crossed Great Danes & Rough-Haired Sheep Dogs to create “Giant Schnauzers” (average adult weight 65 – 90 pounds.)  Whereas the Miniature Schnauzer (average adult weight 14 – 18 pounds) is the result of “downsizing” the breed back in the late 1880’s by crossing the Standard Schnauzers (that are already carrying the smaller DNA gene from their original cross with poodles) with the Affenpinschers and Poodles (which is introducing and strengthening the smaller size DNA gene again) into the Miniature Schnauzers. So clearly you can see that Miniature Schnauzers do carry the smaller size genes in their DNA from far back and therefore have the capacity to produce smaller size puppies, especially if bred to a smaller female or male. These smaller puppies are NOT smaller because they are unhealthy runts, they are smaller because of the smaller DNA gene that was introduce into the Standard Schnauzers and Miniature Schnauzers. (poodles) If you research ANY breed of dog down to it’s original origins you will find that every breed (in it’s beginning) was crossed with another breed to create the “purebred” breed it currently is.

Toy and Teacup Schnauzers Are Miniature Schnauzers – 

Miniature Schnauzers should weigh between 14 – 18 pounds full grown and stand 12 – 14 inches tall to qualify to be shown in the ring. If a Miniature Schnauzer is smaller or larger then this required height and weight then it is considered a fault by the American Miniature Schnauzer Club which just means they can not enter the competition. Toy and Teacup size Miniature Schnauzers should weigh between 3 – 10 pounds and will be 11 inches or less so clearly they can not be “show dogs.” However, they can still have “champion bloodlines” in their pedigree if any of their past relatives meet the requirements and completed the show competition. Keep in mind that teacup schnauzers and toy schnauzers are miniature schnauzers. This means when you register a “teacup schnauzer” or a “toy schnauzer” their registration papers will show as a purebred “miniature schnauzer.” The word “teacup” and “toy” is just referring to their smaller estimated adult size and should not be considered a separate breed. 

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