A salt and pepper Standard Schnauzer.

Standard Schnauzer

Height

17 - 19"

Weight

33 lbs

Type

Working

Life Expectancy

14 - 16 years

Area of Origin

Germany

The Standard Schnauzer is a German working dog with a history dating back to the Middle Ages. They have been used as guard dogs, for driving cattle, and to get rid of household pests, like rodents. The breed is lively and intelligent, primarily enjoying active play with members of the family. Their handsome beard and salt & pepper haircoat are two of the breed's most recognizable traits. They enjoy playing and interacting with family members and would do best in a household prepared for an active dog. Standard Schnauzers can be strong willed, so early obedience training is recommended. However, once properly trained, they can be fantastic service or therapy dogs, due to their loving and attentive nature. The breed sheds minimally, but does require regular grooming. Overall, the Standard Schnauzer makes a great companion for families with children of all ages.

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

Where Are Standard Schnauzers From?

The Standard Schnauzer is a German breed that has been traced back to the 14th century, and was originally known as the Wire-Haired Pinscher. In 1879, a Wire-Haired Pinscher named Schnauzer won first class for the breed. It is unclear whether the breed’s name was inspired by this champion or if it stems from the German word schnauze, which means muzzle.

Cross breeding of the Wolfspitz and black German Poodles in the early 19th century resulted in a breed that most resembles today’s Standard Schnauzer. Further cross breeding resulted in the Miniature and Giant Schnauzer, the latter of which is the newest variety of the breed.

By the early 1900s, the breed was known as the Schnauzer and had officially arrived in the US. The Schnauzer Club of America was established in 1925 and was composed of both Miniatures and Standards. When breed standards developed in 1929, it prompted a split within the group, leading to two individual clubs in 1933.

The Standard Schnauzer has maintained its popularity over the years due to his impressive beard and lovable personality.

Caring for a Standard Schnauzer

What Kind of Diet Does a Standard Schnauzer Need?

Standard Schnauzers need a diet that specifically caters to the age of the dog. Snacking should be kept to a minimum as well, since the breed can become overweight if overfed.

How Much Grooming Does a Standard Schnauzer Need?

Schnauzers require regular grooming and brushing. They shed infrequently, but should be brushed 2 – 3 times a week, as well as washed weekly, specifically on their beard and legs. This will help maintain their handsome appearance.

Eyebrows should be bushy, but kept short enough to prevent vision obstruction. Their ears should be checked routinely and cleaned as needed to avoid infection. Nails should be trimmed on a regular basis.

Are Standard Schnauzers Healthy Dogs?

The Standard Schnauzer is a relatively healthy breed, but has been associated with some medical concerns.

Schnauzers are prone to hypothyroidism, which affects the thyroid gland by decreasing levels in the blood. Routine veterinary examinations and blood screenings can help diagnose this disease.

They are also prone to atopy, which is a skin disease resulting from environmental allergies. Monitoring your pet for any redness of the skin or scratching will help locate any areas of concern.

Standard Schnauzers have also been associated with a seizure disorder known as epilepsy. Seizures can be very serious and should be monitored for severity and duration. Keep track of information relating to each episode and contact your veterinarian for recommendations.

The life span of the Standard Schnauzer is 14 – 16 years.

The Standard Schnauzer is predisposed to: hypothyroidism, atopy, melanoma, lipomas, gastric dilatation volvulus, hip dysplasia, cataracts, cryptorchidism, diabetes, pancreatitis, and Sertoli cell tumors.

How Much Training Does a Standard Schnauzer Need?

The Standard Schnauzer is highly intelligent and easily trained. Early obedience training with positive reinforcement methods works best for this strong-willed breed. Because they are quite smart, they catch on fast and bore easily. Using a variety of training exercises may be beneficial for the Schnauzer.

How Much Exercise Does a Standard Schnauzer Need?

Standard Schnauzers are a lively breed and require a moderate amount of exercise. They are playful in nature and thoroughly enjoy outdoor activities with other dogs and family members, like hiking and agility training.

Style

Centered

What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Standard Schnauzer?

How Much Do Standard Schnauzers Weigh?

The Standard Schnauzer stands 17 to 19 inches tall and weighs approximately 33 pounds. They are a medium-sized dog with a muscular build, primarily known for their wiry, salt & pepper or black coat and extraordinary beard.

The Unique Muzzle of the Standard Schnauzer

The Standard Schnauzer’s muzzle is strong with a long, handsome beard and large, black nose. They have bushy, expressive eyebrows and dark eyes. Their ears are set high on the skull and either V-shaped or cropped.

The Standard Schnauzer Frame

Standard Schnauzers have a solid, muscular body with a medium-width chest.

Why Are Schnauzer Tails Docked?

Traditionally, Schnauzer tails were docked to avoid injury while hunting.

Standard Schnauzer Front Legs

The Standard Schnauzer has straight, wide-set forelimbs with medium-length hair. Their feet are small with arched toes.

What Kind of Hair Do Schnauzers Have?

The Standard Schnauzer has a wiry haircoat, which consists of a soft undercoat and rough topcoat. Hair is relatively short on the flank and back, but rather long on the chest, fore and hindlimbs, and face.

Standard Schnauzer Back Legs

Hindlegs consist of muscular thighs and small, arched toes. They are parallel to the front legs.

Style

Centered