Schnau-Tzu

The Schnau-Tzu is a relatively new hybrid, though the two breeds that make up this clever canine have long histories that we can look at. The Shih Tzu has been around for many years; though it has not been confirmed, experts think that the breed is a cross between the Lhasa Apso of Tibet and a small, Chinese dog, possibly the Pekingese. The Shih Tzu was popular among Chinese royalty as far back as the Tang dynasty from 618 to 907. Popularity of the dogs increased among the common folk during the Ming dynasty as well. Unfortunately, the breed nearly reached extinction during the Chinese revolution, where seven males and seven females were saved. The modern breed are all descendants of these fourteen dogs. The Shih Tzu made its way to other countries in the early 1900’s though were often called Apsos. Many World War II veterans brought these dogs with them from England upon their return and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969. It is thought that the Schnauzer dates back to the Middle Ages in Germany; the breed was often shown in wooden artwork carved by Albrecht Durer. The Schnauzer was initially bred to help on the farm and hunt, though the dogs also protected farmers on their way to market. The name of the Schnauzer is a literal German translation of “moustache” and it is believed that the breed is a mix of German Poodles, Wolf Spitz and Wire-haired Pinschers. The Miniature Schnauzer was developed in Germany in the 1800’s as a farm dog and became popular as a companion. The Miniature Schnauzer was brought to the United States in 1924 and accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1926.