old German breed of sturdy black or grayish wire-haired terriers having a blunt muzzle ranging in size from fairly small to very large; used as ratters and guard dogs or police dogs

a somewhat independent, strong, heavy set, active dog

A Schnauzer is a German type of dog. The name comes from the German word for moustache because of the dogs' distinctively furry muzzles. The breed was originally bred to hunt rats and other small animals.