Standard Schnauzer

ATTRIBUTES: Fearless, Smart, Spirited

GROUP: Working Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Regular Exercise

BARKING LEVEL: Medium

COAT TYPE: Wiry, Silky

COAT LENGTH: Medium

SHADDING: Infrequent

SIZE: Medium

TRAINABILITY: Independent

CHARACTERISTIC: Hypoallergenic Dogs

Breed Overview

Ancestry Icon
Ancestry

Schnauzer, Pinscher, Poodle, Wolf Spitz

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Origin

Germany

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Registration

1904

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Size

18.5 - 19.5 Inches (Male)

17.5 - 18.5 Inches (Female)

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Weight

35 - 50 Pounds (Male)

30 - 45 Pounds (Female)

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Expected Life

13 - 16 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection displayed by a breed towards family members or individuals they are familiar with can vary. Some breeds may exhibit reserve towards everyone except their owner, whereas others treat anyone they know as if they were their closest companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
A breed's capacity for tolerance and patience with children's behavior, as well as its overall family-friendly nature are crucial aspects to consider. Regardless of the breed, it is important to always supervise dogs when they are around young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs is an important factor to consider. While all dogs should be supervised during interactions and introductions with other dogs, it is worth noting that certain breeds tend to have a more innate inclination to get along with other dogs, whether it be within the home or in public settings.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur and hair a breed is expected to shed is a significant consideration. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing, may potentially trigger specific allergies and will likely necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
The grooming needs of a breed including bathing, brushing, trimming and other coat maintenance tasks, should be taken into account. It is crucial to consider the time, patience and budget you can allocate for such care when evaluating the grooming effort required. Keep in mind that all breeds will require regular nail trimming as part of their grooming routine.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The tendency of a breed to drool is an important factor to consider. If you have a preference for cleanliness and dislike dogs that leave ropes of slobber on your arm or create big wet spots on your clothes, it may be wise to avoid breeds that are prone to excessive drooling.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Wiry, Silky
COAT SPECTRUM
Medium
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The level of welcoming behavior a breed exhibits towards strangers is worth considering. Certain breeds may be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the setting, while others display a happy and friendly attitude, eagerly welcoming new individuals whenever they are present.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play, even beyond puppyhood is an important aspect to consider. Certain breeds maintain a strong desire to engage in activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. On the other hand, some breeds are content with spending most of their time relaxing on the couch with you, showing less interest in vigorous play as they mature.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
The inclination of a breed to alert you of the presence of strangers is an important characteristic to consider. Some breeds are more likely to react and signal potential threats, whether it be the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds often display a warming response towards strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
The adaptability of a breed to handle change is a significant factor to consider. This encompasses the breed's ability to adjust to various changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily schedules and other day-to-day variations. Some breeds demonstrate remarkable ease in adapting to such changes, while others may require more time and support to adjust to new circumstances.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The ease of training a dog and the willingness to learn new things are important considerations. It is noteworthy that some breeds have a strong desire to make their owner proud and are generally receptive to training. Conversely, other breeds may exhibit a more independent nature, preferring to do as they please, when they please and wherever they please.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed requires is an essential factor to consider. High-energy breeds are typically ready and eager for physical activities, spending their time running, jumping and playing throughout the day. They thrive with regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically engaged. On the other hand, low-energy breeds are content with a more relaxed lifestyle often enjoying leisurely activities and being more inclined to lounge and snooze.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Medium
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The amount of mental stimulation a breed requires to stay happy and healthy is an important consideration. Purpose-bred dogs with jobs that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other mentally engaging tasks have specific needs in terms of mental exercise. Without sufficient mental stimulation, these breeds may resort to creating their own activities to keep their minds occupied and these activities may not align with your preferences. Providing appropriate mental stimulation for these breeds is crucial to prevent behavioral issues and ensure their well-being.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

Black

007

Pepper & Salt

139

PATTERNS

.

About The Breed

The Standard Schnauzer is a spirited and versatile farm dog originating from Germany. As part of the Schnauzer family, they are known for their reliability and medium size. With their sporty appearance, they represent a classic canine look. Weighing between 35 and 45 pounds, they fall in between the sizes of Miniature and Giant Schnauzers. The Standard Schnauzer shares common characteristics with other Schnauzer sizes including a wiry coat in black or 'pepper and salt', a sturdy square-built body and a distinctive elongated head with arched eyebrows and bristly whiskers that accentuate their intelligent expression.

These dogs are sociable companions serving as alert watchdogs and enthusiastic squirrel chasers in the backyard. They are generally good with children and have a protective nature towards their loved ones. Standards respond well to firm yet gentle training methods making them a trainable breed. It is crucial for owners to provide outlets for their upbeat athleticism and engage their highly developed senses to keep them happy and mentally stimulated.

 What to Expect When Caring for A STANDARD SCHNAUZER

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Standard Schnauzer: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

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Standard Schnauzers, according to health surveys conducted by the Standard Schnauzer Club of America every five years are generally considered a healthy breed. They appear to have lower occurrence rates of various health concerns compared to other breeds. Responsible breeders play a vital role in maintaining the breed's health by conducting tests for conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye disorders. These breeders register the test results with organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) at the University of Missouri.

Additionally, the implementation of a new DNA test for cardiomyopathy has provided breeders with a valuable tool to identify carriers of the disease. Since cardiomyopathy in Standard Schnauzers is a simple recessive trait, breeders can selectively pair carrier dogs with non-carriers to prevent the expression of the disease in future generations.These proactive measures taken by breeders aim to ensure the health and well-being of the Standard Schnauzer breed.

Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:

  • Hip Evaluation

  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation

  • Dilated Cardiomyopathy (Schnauzer) (DCM) - DNA Test

Health

Grooming

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To keep Standard Schnauzers in tip-top shape regular grooming is essential. Don't forget to wash their beards and leg furnishings take care of their dental hygiene remove any foreign materials from between their foot pads and trim their nails on a weekly basis. These little darlings have a double coat, so it's crucial to hand-strip the coarse outer layer instead of using clippers. By doing so, you'll preserve their resistance to dirt, brambles and water, preventing excess shedding inside your home. Additionally, hand-stripping maintains the coat's texture and color. Once you've hand-stripped your Schnauzer's coatu8h regular brushing and plucking out long hairs will suffice to keep it looking great over an extended period.
Health

Exercise

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Standard Schnauzers are a highly spirited type of dog. They possess a deep affection for engaging in playful activities, whether it be with their human companions or fellow canines. It is crucial for them to feel involved in family affairs and they do not fare well when left alone or confined to the yard. These delightful creatures revel in going on extensive walks alongside their beloved owners. In addition, they excel in various types of performance sports such as agility, barn hunt, herding and lure coursing. As long as their human companion finds enjoyment in an activity, most Standard Schnauzers will eagerly partake in it.
Health

Training

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Ensuring early socialization during puppyhood is absolutely essential for Standard Schnauzers. They possess exceptional intelligence, cleverness and cunningness. Understanding and grasping new ideas or exercises comes naturally to them often requiring only a few repetitions. However, an important challenge with these dogs is the risk of over-training. After a limited number of repetitions, they tend to become disinterested and may even give the impression that the trainer lacks intelligence. Due to their high intellect proper training is necessary. If their owner fails to provide guidance, they will learn things on their own but these may not align with the owner's desired outcomes.
Health

Nutrition

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For optimal health, the Standard Schnauzer thrives on a high-quality diet, whether it's commercially manufactured or home-prepared under the supervision and approval of your trusted veterinarian. It's crucial to ensure that the chosen diet aligns with the dog's specific life stage, whether they are a growing puppy, an adult or a senior. While some individuals of this breed are prone to weight gain, it is essential to monitor their calorie intake and weight level. It's common to use treats as a valuable tool for training purposes but it's important to exercise moderation to prevent obesity. Familiarize yourself with the safe human foods for dogs and those that should be avoided. If you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet, consulting your veterinarian is recommended. Lastly, guarantee that your beloved companion has access to clean and fresh water at all times.

Historiography

The Standard Schnauzer holds the distinction of being the original Schnauzer serving as the ancestor to both the Miniature and Giant Schnauzers. Within Germany, this breed is referred to as the Mittelschnauzer, which translates to "medium Schnauzer." In the era predating mechanized agriculture farmers across the world endeavored to develop versatile dogs capable of assisting with various tasks. Diverse solutions arose in different regions giving rise to breeds such as the Kerry Blue Terrier (from Ireland), Rat Terrier (from the United States) and Belgian Tervuren. Germany contributed its own entry to this pursuit for an ideal farm dog, which eventually became known as the Schnauzer. Originating during the Middle Ages, the breed matured in the lush farmlands of Bavaria. Just like other breeds commonly found in barns and stables, the multifunctional Schnauzers excelled as ratters, herders, guardians and hunters. While Standards may bear a slight resemblance to certain terrier breeds from Britain, their lineage traces back to Continental herding and working dogs. During the rise of the organized show scene in Europe during the 1870s, the "Wire-haired Pinscher" emerged as a captivating show dog. As fanciers continued to showcase the breed, it became officially recognized as the Schnauzer reflecting its distinctive "whiskered snout." Schnauzers had made their way to America by at least 1900 but it wasn't until the 1920s that they truly captured the hearts of pet owners. Finally, in 1933, the parent club for Schnauzers in the American Kennel Club (AKC) split into separate clubs dedicated to Standard and Miniature varieties.

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