White Schnauzers: Your Go-To Guide

If you are looking for a Schnauzer, you’ll not only notice several size options, but a few color options as well. Standard and Giant Schnauzers are generally limited to black or salt & pepper. However, when it comes to Miniature Schnauzers, several colors are becoming more common…including white.

However, the variety of color options available within the Miniature Schnauzer breed also comes with some strong opinions. The debate even includes institutional judgements about which colors are within the breed standard.

This guide covers the origin, controversy, and general need-to-know facts about white Miniature Schnauzers.

You may also want to read my article Your Ultimate Guide to Miniature Schnauzers for an overall look at the breed, regardless of color.

What is the History of White Schnauzers? It Actually Matters.

Miniature Schnauzers were initially created by “breeding down” or reducing the size of the Standard Schnauzer. German dog breeders achieved this by crossing Standard Schnauzers with other dog breeds like the Affenpinscher.

The Breeding Objective and Outcomes

The breeders’ objective was to create a smaller version of the intelligent, hard-working Standard Schnauzer in color, temperament, and appearance. Standard Schnauzers naturally come in two colors: salt & pepper and, less commonly, black.

By crossing the Standard Schnauzer with dogs of different colors, breeders created Miniature Schnauzers in a third color known as silver and black. Originally, these dogs were classified as salt & pepper. The breeders later discovered that the silver & black color “bred true,” (continued naturally) whenever both parents were of the silver & black color combination.

Some individuals think that breeders cross-bred West Highland Terriers with Miniature Schnauzers to create the white-colored Schnauzers, but this has not been confirmed.

What is confirmed is that white Schnauzers are the result of breeding practices that seem to stray from the approved Schnauzer breed standard.

Complications and Complexity

To complicate the situation even more, the question of what makes a white Schnauzer “white” is not exactly straightforward.

Some Schnauzers are born beige and fade to white, some are genetically a darker color but carry a gene that masks their true color with white (which won’t become obvious until their own litters are born with dark color combinations), and some Schnauzers are actually born with no pigment.

What can be said is that white Schnauzers are the result of a complex mix of genetics.

In addition to the original Schnauzer colors of salt & pepper, and black, the combination of silver & black has become an accepted part of the Miniature Schnauzer breed standard, and all three color combinations are officially recognized AKC standards for conformation shows.

However, even though white Schnauzers have become more common, they have not received the same worldwide acceptance as an official Schnauzer standard. We’ll cover that in the AKC section below.

Why haven’t white Schnauzers become more officially accepted?

Is there a dark side to white Schnauzers?

Why Are White Schnauzers Controversial?

As I’ve already mentioned, the origin of the Miniature Schnauzer breed came from the desire to simply create a “smaller Standard Schnauzer.” The Standard Schnauzer was bred with smaller breeds such as the Toy Spitz, the Affenspinscher, and possibly the Poodle.

“White Schnauzers are the result of a complex mix of genetics.”

THE SCHNAUZER COLLECTIVE

Even with this cross-breeding, the overall look and color combinations of the Standard were generally maintained in the Miniature. Specifically, the breed standard colors were maintained to the original black, and salt & pepper.

However, because of the continued cross-breeding involved in creating Miniature Schnauzers, they now come in four colors, black, salt & pepper (the original Standard Schnauzer colors), and newer colors of black & white, parti, and white.

Not all the registries recognize the colors, and that is where the confusion and controversy starts.

“The controversy rests on the disputed origins of the white variation: whether it was contained within the genes of the originally recognized breed, or whether it was the result of subsequent modifications.”

More specifically, the question is whether white Schnauzers are the result of intentional departure from the breed standard. This departure could simply be the result of breeders who don’t breed to maintain the standard, or much worse, due to puppy mills who deliberately breed for quantity, looks, and trends.

The bottom line is that the controversy around white Schnauzers comes down to a question of breeding practices and standards. You may also want to read these additional articles I’ve written:

• Toy & Teacup Schnauzers Are Cute. Are They Ethical or Legal?
• The Only 3 Ways to Know if Your Schnauzer is Purebred
• How to Choose a Reputable Schnauzer Breeder

Can White Schnauzers be Registered with the AKC?

White Schnauzers can be registered with the AKC, but cannot compete in the conformation shows because they are not considered to meet breed standards.

First, you need to understand that AKC registration requires that the dog’s parents were initially registered with AKC. This is to demonstrate the validity of the pup’s pedigree. The registration’s validity depends on the integrity of the breeders doing the registering.

As I mentioned, even though a white Schnauzer can have AKC papers, they cannot participate in shows under American Miniature Schnauzer Club (AMSC) or AKC rules. However, they can participate in events like Obedience, Agility, Earthdog, or Canine Good Citizen trials. White Schnauzers can also be shown in some rare breed events organized by the International All Breed Canine Association (IABCA).

Are White Schnauzers Rare?

White Schnauzers currently have the mystique of being rare. In fact, white Schnauzers used to be quite rare, but they are currently becoming increasingly popular among Schnauzer lovers, along with some controversy which we’ll cover.

Early attempts to create a smaller version of the Standard Schnauzer resulted in a line of Miniature Schnauzers who generally maintained the Schnauzer traits and were considered improvements to the breed.

If cross-breeding produced a dog that didn’t meet the established breed standards, the pups were discarded. In fact, the practice of discarding white Schnauzer pups was very common (unbelievably). This may have created both the real and perceived belief that white Schnauzers are rare.

As time has passed, both breeders and pet parents have grown to love the simple beauty of a white Schnauzer, along with all of the other terrific Schnauzer traits they exhibit.

How Much Do White Schnauzers Cost?

The cost may vary based on your geographical area, but since white Schnauzers are marketed as “rare” and they indeed have a very beautiful, distinct look, you may find breeders who charge more.

I wouldn’t recommend paying more for a white Schnauzer simply because they seem unique or are promoted as being rare. In fact, I’ve only ever seen white Schnauzers offered at around the same price as standard-color Schnauzers.

Generally speaking, the price seems to hover between $1,500-$2,000, which is a common range for any color of Miniature Schnauzer.

In addition, the general cost breakdown in the United States for Miniature Schnauzers are:

Median Price: $875.00
Average Price: $900.00
Top Quality: $3,000.00 to $5,500.00

Read my article How Much Do Schnauzers Cost? for even more details on the upfront and projected lifetime costs of parenting a Schnauzer.

Can White Schnauzers Come in Different Sizes (Miniature, Standard, and Giant)?

White Schnauzers are virtually always Miniature Schnauzers, meaning it is almost impossible to find a Giant or Standard white Schnauzer.

As we’ve covered here, Miniature Schnauzers were initially bred in Germany to create a new, smaller breed. The main goal was to produce a smaller size of the Standard Schnauzer while still maintaining the same temperament, colors, markings, and appearance.

As the original Schnauzer breed, Standard Schnauzers have not been intentionally cross-bred in ways that have naturally produced a white Standard Schnauzer. The same is true for Giant Schnauzers. However, it is possible for any Schnauzer, including Standards and Giants, to be born with albinism, producing a “white” albino (or non-pigmented) pup.

Because virtually all white Schnauzers are Minis, here is some basic information about the Miniature Breed:

What Health Problems Do White Schnauzers Have?

White Miniature Schnauzers, like all Miniature Schnauzer, are not as healthy as Standard Schnauzers. Breeding them down to a smaller size has created some common potential health issues.

However, the health challenges with a white Miniature Schnauzer are really no different than concerns you may have with other colors of Miniature Schnauzers.

You will want to read my article What are the Scariest Schnauzer Health Issues? for deep coverage of potential Miniature Schnauzer health concerns.

But for now, here are a few of the primary health issues you may experience in a white Miniature Schnauzer.

Liver Defects

White Schnauzers may be highly susceptible to portosystemic liver shunts, a condition where a connection develops between one portal vein or its branch, allowing blood to bypass the liver. In many cases, it’s a birth defect and will require surgery to correct.

Hypothyroidism

One of the inherited illnesses in dogs, and one that’s common in white Schnauzers, is canine hypothyroidism. It is a condition resulting from a low thyroid hormone responsible for regulating most of the body’s systems. The condition affects your Schnauzer’s metabolism, leading to weight gain, hair loss, lethargy, intolerance to cold, and depression. If canine hypothyroidism remains untreated, it can lead to immune system, reproductive system, and cardiovascular system problems.

Urinary Stones

Generally speaking, Miniature Schnauzers are more prone to urinary stones that other Schnauzers breeds. This is true for white Schnauzers as well. According to research, they are more likely to develop calcium oxalate stones (that are more common in older male Schnauzers) and struvite stones (that occur mainly in females and typically appears concurrently with urinary tract infections).

Pancreatitis

Canine Pancreatitis is a painful condition and is quite possible in all Miniature Schnauzers, including white. As it progresses, it becomes an emergency condition that requires your Schnauzer to be hospitalized to get supportive care and intravenous fluids. After the treatment, your Schnauzer will need a low-fat diet throughout his life. If your Schnauzer has pancreatitis, some of the symptoms might include abdominal pain, lethargy, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.

Myotonia Congenita

Myotonia Congenita refers to a genetic disorder that can easily be traced by DNA. Therefore, any reputable white Schnauzer breeder you’re considering must know how to test for this condition before breeding the dogs. Myotonia is a condition where the body muscles contract easily, leading to muscle stiffness. If the disease remains untreated, the muscles begin to enlarge and bulge. Ultimately, your Schnauzer will have difficulties walking and getting up, and may experience a change in jaw shape, trouble swallowing, and an enlarged tongue. The treatment of this condition is through medication.

What Kind of Personality and Temperament do White Schnauzers Have?

Like all Miniature Schnauzers, white Schnauzers are generally fun-loving and intelligent pets that make fantastic additions to many families.

As with all Miniature Schnauzers, their temperament will also vary somewhat due to environment and genetics. Be sure the white Schnauzer has been bred in a clean, loving environment, and always make an effort to meet the dam and sire who are his parents.

The bottom line is that white Schnauzers should generally have the same temperament and personality characteristics as any other Miniature Schnauzer. Most variations in temperament will be a result of their particular breeding pedigree, socialization, and any unique individual temperament tendencies.

I have heard from several white Schnauzer parents that they seem to be slightly more emotional and “higher-strung” than other Miniature Schnauzer, so early training and socialization will be important.

How to Find a Reputable White Schnauzer Breeder

If you are interested specifically in a white Schnauzer, you will want to select a highly reputable breeder.

Selecting a reputable Schnauzer breeder should be based on a knowledge of ethical practices, and the breeder should be able to tell you how and why your Schnauzer was bred to be white. In fact, any breeder who deviates from the accepted Schnauzer standards should be able to state a reason….even if it’s only because white Schnauzers are striking and unique.

A reputable breeder will limit litters to once per year, and will breed only for the improvement of the entire Schnauzer pedigree. A reputable breeder will also genuinely care for the individual dogs as well as the entire breed.You can check the American Kennel Club’s Puppyfinder Marketplace and read my article on How to Choose a Reputable Schnauzer Breeder for more helpful information.

---