Standard Schnauzer
dog Breed Profile
The general impression of the standard schnauzer is a compact, sinewy, square-built dog, sturdy and alert, with a stiff wiry coat and bristling eyebrows and beard.
In this article
Size
Weight
40-45 lbs.
35-40 lbs.
Height
18 in.
(at withers)
19 in.
Coat
Length
Medium
Color
Pepper and salt, pure black
Care
Exercise
>30 minutes/day
Energy level
Very energetic
Longevity
12-14 yrs.
Needs
Moderate
Traits
Moderate
Low
Drooling
Low
Digging
Moderate
Grooming Needs
High
Social Needs
Moderate
Club recognition
AKC Class.
Working
UKC Class.
Terrier
Prevalence
So-so
A standard schnauzer's boredom and restlessness may be displayed by running through the house with toys, chasing the kids and being a pest or destructive behavior.
The general impression of the standard schnauzer is a compact, sinewy, square-built dog, sturdy and alert, with a stiff wiry coat and bristling eyebrows and beard.
- FORM -
The standard schnauzer combines unusual intelligence and reliability with a high-spirited temperament. In this country and in Germany, these dogs are used primarily as personal guards and companions. Their devotion and bravery together with their intelligence makes them suitable in this role. They are watchful, courageous, easily trained, and loyal to family.
Standard schnauzers need a fair amount of exercise. They need walks and playtime. If you do not give them enough exercise, they will exercise themselves! Running through the house with toys, chasing the kids, getting in the way, and basically being a pest is the way standard schnauzers will display their boredom and restlessness. Being family-oriented, they would prefer to be with their family rather than isolated in a kennel or in the backyard.
Early socialization and extensive training are necessary for a standard schnauzer to turn into the type of family pet that you would be proud to own. The high level of intelligence can be a blessing or a curse in disguise. While the standard schnauzer puppy learns quickly, he will also use that intelligence to figure out clever ways to avoid obeying his guardian's commands. These dogs often think they have a better way to do things.
The look of the standard schnauzer is not a natural look. One must be prepared to spend time stripping or clipping, trimming or scissoring the coat, or using the services of a professional groomer. Schnauzers do shed. Brushing, bathing and grooming are necessary for this dog's overall health.
This is a German breed of great antiquity, appearing in paintings of Durer and Rembrandt. In Mechlinburg a statue dating back to the 14th century of a hunter with a schnauzer crouching at his feet stands in the market place. All the schnauzers had their origins in the neighboring kingdoms of Bavaria and Wurtemmburg.
Standard schnauzers are reported to be a cross of the gray wolf spitz and, later, the black German poodle with the wire-haired pinscher stock.
Originally considered a terrier in the United States because of the dog's reputation as an excellent ratter, the schnauzer was always classed as a working dog in Germany because of his vocation as a yard dog, ratter and guard. It is believed that over 90 percent of the dogs used to guard the farmer's carts brought to market before World War I were of strong schnauzer blood in Germany.
Standard schnauzers were first exhibited in Germany as wire-haired pinschers in 1879. A standard for the breed was published in 1880, and the breed made rapid progress as a show dog. They have been widely known in the states only since World War I.
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