Standard Schnauzer: temperament, size, care and health

About the Standard Schnauzer

The Standard Schnauzer is the original of the three schnauzer sizes, a square-built dog with a rectangular head, bushy eyebrows and a full beard. Adults stand about 17.5 to 19.5 inches tall and carry a hard, wiry coat in salt and pepper or in solid black. The overall look is sturdy and compact, with a confident, alert manner.

In Germany it worked as an all-purpose farm dog, ratting in stables, guarding property and herding stock. Owners today appreciate it as a lively, intelligent companion of manageable size that doubles as a watchful house dog.

Temperament and family life

The Standard Schnauzer is energetic, keen and sociable with its family, and it likes to be included. It is often reserved toward strangers and quick to announce visitors with a loud bark, but it is not usually hostile once the owner shows that all is well. It has a mischievous streak and enjoys games.

It tends to be good with children it knows, with enough sturdiness for active play, though its energy can overwhelm toddlers. Some are bossy toward other dogs, and its terrier-like ratting instinct means that rodents and small pets can be at risk. Left alone and bored, a Standard Schnauzer can bark, dig or chew.

Exercise and training

A Standard Schnauzer needs about an hour of exercise a day, including a good walk and some play or work. The breed is athletic and does well in agility, obedience, rally, tracking and earthdog games. Mental tasks help, and puzzle toys are well suited to this clever dog.

The breed learns fast and likes to show what it knows. It can also be willful and test a lenient handler, so training should be firm, fair and fun. Short, varied sessions keep its attention. Socialize puppies broadly to avoid excessive wariness, and teach a quiet cue early, since barking can become a habit.

Grooming and shedding

The hard coat sheds little, but it is not maintenance-free. Brush a few times a week to prevent mats on the legs and beard, and plan to have the coat hand-stripped or clipped every few months. Hand-stripping keeps the coat's texture and color, while clipping is simpler but softens the coat over time.

The beard collects food and water and needs wiping after meals. Check and clean the ears, which can hold hair and moisture, and trim the nails. The breed is generally low in doggy odor.

Health

The Standard Schnauzer is among the sturdier of the working breeds, and a lifespan of 13 to 16 years is possible. Responsible breeders screen hips and test eyes for juvenile cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. An underactive thyroid and some skin conditions can occur, along with certain cancers. This text is general information, and a veterinarian can address concerns about an individual dog.

History

The Standard Schnauzer is generally traced to southern Germany, where a dog named Schnautzer won the wire-haired Pinscher class at a Hanover show in 1879. The name was officially changed to Schnauzer in 1917, after the German word for muzzle. A few were exported to the United States before the First World War, and the Standard Schnauzer Club of America was formed in 1933.

Is the Standard Schnauzer right for you?

The breed suits an active household that wants a sturdy, intelligent dog, enjoys training and can keep up with grooming. It is a poor choice for those away from home all day, for those who prefer a quiet dog or for owners unwilling to manage a strong will. A larger option is the Giant Schnauzer, and a smaller one the Miniature Schnauzer. People who like the wiry coat and terrier attitude may also compare the Airedale Terrier.