Previous Puppies
Understanding Acceptable Schnauzer Colors: A Closer Look
There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding about the "acceptable" schnauzer colors, so let's look at a few facts.
The miniature schnauzer is a cross between standard schnauzers and other small breeds, including affenpinschers, miniature pinschers, poodles, and possibly fox terriers, Scottish terriers, and Pomeranians. Developed in Germany in the late 1800s as a small farm dog and ratter, the breed's creation involved a variety of colors and coat patterns from these contributing breeds.
In the 1800s, there was little to no understanding of genetics. This lack of genetic knowledge likely persisted in 1926 when the miniature schnauzer was accepted into the AKC. Dogs were recognized by their phenotypes (physical looks) without any understanding of their genotype (genetic makeup), including the colors they carry and can produce.
With that being said, the genetics have always been there to produce a variety of beautiful colors. Thanks to DNA and genetic testing available today, we can now truly see (phenotype) what's always been there (genotype).
To be clear, the AKC currently allows only solid black, salt & pepper, and black & silver schnauzers to compete in conformation shows. However, all recognized colors can compete in other shows, including agility, obedience, rally, and earthdog events.
With that being said, please enjoy pictures of our beautiful past puppies.
Solid Black
AKC Color Code : 007
Sometimes solid Black dogs will have white paws or snips on their chest. On paper these white markers are not yet recognized on color trait testing. I love the white markers they can be so unique especially little ones like Boots. He has perfect little white paws. Often the white markers go away with time.
Black & Silver
AKC Color Code : 016
Sometimes the term Phantom is used when describing Black & Silver. This simply means their points are bright and visible. Some pups are born brightly marked and others develop more with time.
Solid Liver
AKC Color Code : 123
Sometime solid Liver dogs will have white paws or snips on their chest. On paper these white markers are not yet mapped or recognized on color traits testing. I love the white markers they can be so unique especially in Callies case where they are even visible on her beard
Liver Merle & Liver Merle Parti
The Merle coat pattern is not an AKC accepted color/pattern. Each one is so beautiful and unique. Sometimes you will hear them called chocolate or red merles. These are not correct breed color terms instead they should be called liver which just means brown based merles. The term Harlequin Merle is is used to describe some Merle coat patterns. This term is not referring to specific patch work or patterns , but actually refers to the Merle length. For the most up-to-date and factual information about Merle coat patterns please feel free to check out (Merle-SINE inception from Mc-Mh- Educational Forum) on Facebook or the book written by Mary Langevin.
Please enjoy these pictures of our previous CKC brown or liver based Merles.
Salt & Pepper
AKC Color Code : 167
The classic Salt & Pepper is probably the most popular of the traditional colors. Sometimes they are called Agouti wolf sable. This is only referring to their A locus and means banded fur. Technically all salt & pepper dogs are wolf sable when speaking in color genetics terminology. Salt & Pepper dogs can also have many variations of shading as well as unique masking and points very similar to a black & silver dog would. As they mature salt & pepper dogs fur tends to blend into a more classic or lighter gray look.
Liver & Tan
AKC Color Code : 124
Liver & Tan are just as beautiful and striking as a black & silver but with a liver or brown nose and fur. They too can be described as phantom marked which just refers to their points being bright and noticeable.
Black & White Parti / Black & Silver Parti
AKC Color Code : 007 Marking Code : 038
or
AKC Color Code : 016 Marking Code 038
The black & white Parti is probably one or the most striking color combinations. A black & silver parti is simply a parti colored dog with points or eyebrows. Both are beautiful and unique. Sometimes a Parti dog will have small spots on their white. This is called ticking or roaning. Ticking is going to look like little polka dots where roaning covers the body more in a all over freckle like pigmentation,
Liver Parti / Liver & Tan Parti
AKC Color Code : 123 Marking Code : 038
or
AKC Color Code : 124 Marking Code 038
The Liver Parti like the Black & White Parti is a striking color combination. A Liver & Tan parti is simply a parti colored dog with points or eyebrows. Both are beautiful and unique. Sometimes a Parti dog will have small spots on their white. This is called ticking or roaning. Ticking is going to look like little polka dots where roaning covers the body more in an all over freckle like pigmentation,
Black Merles & Black Parti Merles
The Merle coat pattern is not an AKC accepted color/pattern. Each one is so beautiful and unique. Sometimes you will hear them called blue merles. These are not correct breed color terms instead they should be called black or black based merles. The term Harlequin Merle is used to describe some Merle coat patterns. .This term is not referring to specific patch work or patterns , but actually refers to the Merle length. For the most up-to-date and factual information about Merle coat patterns please feel free to check out
(Merle-SINE inception from Mc-Mh- Educational Forum) on Facebook or the book written
by Mary Langevin.
Please enjoy these pictures of our previous CKC black based Merles.
White & Wheaton or Wheaton Parti
AKC Code : 199 & AKC Code : 224 Marking Code : 038
White & Wheaton are sometimes very similar in color. Both can have a black or liver nose. What makes them different is the red intensity. Dogs with intermediate to high red intensity would be considered Wheaton according to the AKC color codes. Speaking in color genetic terminology a Wheaton dog would just be called red or maybe cream.
Liver Pepper
AKC Code : 498
Liver Pepper are very similar to the classic Salt & Pepper with a fun little twist. A liver nose. So where a Salt & Pepper dog would have black hair a Liver Pepper will have brown hair. Their fur patterns typically change or lighten as they grow just like a Salt & Pepper dog does.
