Previous Puppies
Understanding Acceptable Schnauzer Colors: A Closer Look
There’s often confusion about what colors are considered “acceptable” for schnauzers, so let’s clear a few things up.
The miniature schnauzer was developed in Germany in the late 1800s as a small farm dog and ratter. This breed was created by crossing standard schnauzers with other small breeds, including affenpinschers, miniature pinschers, poodles, and possibly fox terriers, Scottish terriers, and Pomeranians. These crosses contributed a variety of coat colors and patterns.
Back in the 1800s—and even when the miniature schnauzer was recognized by the AKC in 1926—there was little understanding of genetics. Dogs were judged solely by their phenotype (physical appearance), without knowledge of their genotype (the genetic makeup that determines traits like color).
Today, thanks to DNA and genetic testing, we can see what’s always been there: the genetics to produce a wide range of beautiful colors.
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 are welcome in other events, including agility, obedience, rally, and earthdog trials.
With that said, enjoy these pictures of our beautiful past puppies, each showcasing the variety and beauty of this amazing breed!
Solid Black
AKC Color Code : 007
Sometimes solid black dogs may have tiny white paws or a small snip on their chest. On paper, these white markers aren’t officially recognized in color trait testing, but I absolutely love them—they can be so unique! Little ones like Boots are perfect examples, with his adorable little white paws. Often, these white markers fade as the puppy grows, making each dog’s coat a little story of its own.
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 or pattern, but each Merle is incredibly beautiful and unique. Sometimes you may hear terms like “chocolate” or “red merle,” but these aren’t correct breed color terms. The proper term is liver, which simply refers to a brown-based Merle.
You may also hear the term Harlequin Merle, which describes certain Merle coat patterns. Contrary to what the name might suggest, this term doesn’t refer to patchwork or specific markings—it actually relates to the length of the Merle pattern.
For the most up-to-date and accurate information about Merle coat patterns, I recommend checking out the Merle-SINE Inception forum on Facebook (Educational Forum by Mc-Mh) or the book written by Mary Langevin.
Enjoy these pictures of our previous CKC brown/liver-based Merles, each one a little masterpiece of its own!
Salt & Pepper
AKC Color Code : 167
The classic Salt & Pepper is probably the most popular of the traditional Schnauzer colors. Sometimes you may hear them called Agouti or wolf sable. These terms refer to the A locus in color genetics, which means the fur is banded. Technically, all Salt & Pepper dogs are considered wolf sable in genetic terms.
Salt & Pepper dogs can display a range of shading, as well as unique masking and points, similar to what you might see in a Black & Silver dog. As they mature, their coat often blends into a more classic or lighter gray appearance, giving them that timeless, distinguished look.
Liver & Tan
AKC Color Code : 124
Liver & Tan Schnauzers are just as beautiful and striking as Black & Silver, but with a liver (brown) nose and coat. They can also be described as phantom marked, which simply refers to their points—such as eyebrows, legs, and chest—being bright and clearly defined. These markings give them a distinctive and elegant appearance.
Black Parti / Black & Silver Parti
AKC Color Code : 007 Marking Code : 038
or
AKC Color Code : 016 Marking Code 038
The Black & White Parti is one of the most striking and eye-catching color combinations. A Black & Silver Parti is similar, but features the classic points or eyebrows typical of Black & Silver dogs. Both color patterns are beautiful and truly unique.
Sometimes, a Parti dog may have small spots on their white areas. These are called ticking or roaning. Ticking appears as tiny polka-dot-like spots, while roaning covers the body more evenly with a subtle, freckled appearance, giving the coat a soft, blended look.
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 and eye-catching color combination. A Liver & Tan Parti is simply a parti-colored dog with classic points or eyebrows. Both patterns are beautiful and truly unique.
Sometimes, a Parti dog may have small spots on their white areas, known as ticking or roaning. Ticking appears as tiny polka-dot-like spots, while roaning covers the body more evenly with a subtle, freckled appearance, giving the coat a soft and blended look.
Black Merles & Black Parti Merles
The Merle coat pattern is not an AKC-recognized color or pattern, but each Merle is truly beautiful and unique. Sometimes you may hear them called “blue merles,” but this is not technically correct. The proper terminology is black or black-based Merle.
The term Harlequin Merle is sometimes used to describe certain Merle coat patterns. This term does not refer to specific patches or markings, but rather to the length of the Merle pattern.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information about Merle coat patterns, we recommend checking out the Merle-SINE Inception group (from Mc-Mh Educational Forum) on Facebook or the book written by Mary Langevin.
Please enjoy these photos of our previous CKC black-based Merles, each one showcasing the uniqueness of this stunning pattern.
White & Wheaton or Wheaton Parti
AKC Code : 199 & AKC Code : 224 Marking Code : 038
White and Wheaton Schnauzers can sometimes look very similar in color, and both may have either a black or liver nose. The key difference lies in the red intensity of the coat. Dogs with intermediate to high red intensity are considered Wheaton according to AKC color standards.
From a color genetics perspective, a Wheaton dog would simply be referred to as red or sometimes cream.
Liver Pepper & Liver Pepper Parti
AKC Code : 498 Marking Code: 038
Liver Pepper Schnauzers are very similar to the classic Salt & Pepper, but with a fun twist—a liver (brown) nose. Where a Salt & Pepper dog has black hair, a Liver Pepper will have brown hair instead. Their coat patterns typically lighten or change as they grow, just like a Salt & Pepper dog, giving them a unique and evolving appearance.
