Any of three German dog breeds having a wiry black, salt-and-pepper, or black-and-tan coat.
The standard, 17–20 in. (43–51 cm) high and weighing 26–37 lbs (12–17 kg), dates to the 15th century; it has a blunt, heavily whiskered muzzle and a squared body. The miniature, 12–14 in. (30–36 cm) high and weighing 13–15 lbs (6–7 kg), was developed in the 19th century from standard schnauzers and affenpinschers . The giant schnauzer, a cross between the standard and various working dogs, stands 21–26 in. (53–66 cm) and weighs 66–77 lbs (30–35 kg).