Standard Schnauzer

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Standard Schnauzer Profile

The Standard Schnauzer is in the middle of the Schnauzer family with the Giant Schnauzer being larger and the Miniature Schnauzer smaller. They are referred to in Germany as "Mittelschnauzer", with "schnauze" meaning muzzle, and "mittel" probably referring to their size. They are attractive, robust, intelligent and playful dogs who make good companions and are generally good with children. Standard Schnauzers' ears are usually cropped in the US, but in Britain, it is illegal to crop the ears. Standard Schnauzers are medium sized, making them fine for the apartment or for a yard. They are very clean, have good habits and aren't particularly interested in wandering away from home. They are devoted to family and will strive to protect them. They are alert, spirited and eager to please. The Standard Schnauzer is loyal and very intelligent, and is accustomed to being the watchdog and guardian. They are not trustworthy with smaller animals, however, due to their high prey drive. They do get along well with other dogs and pets of the same size, however. In the past, some Schnauzers have been known to "watch over" children in their spare time. Schnauzers are more of a one-person dog, but can be accustomed to a family. An interesting fact about the Standard Schnauzer is that they generally don't have any "doggy" smell. Another interesting piece of history is that originally the Schnauzer and the German Pinscher were the same breed. Wirehaired pups would be called Schnauzers (meaning "muzzle"), while smooth coated pups were called Pinschers. Today they are bred as separate breeds, however. Upbeat and obedient, the Standard Schnauzer makes a delightful little companion with a size that is "just right".

Other Names: Mittelschnauzer

Type: Herding Dog

Height: 17.5 - 19.5 inches.
Weight: 26 - 40 lbs.

Colors: Pepper and salt, solid black and black and silver.
Coat: Harsh and wiry, with a soft undercoat.

Temperament: Standard Schnauzers are robust and active. They are lively, very friendly, and affectionate. Standards are very intelligent, alert and react to quick movements, making them excellent watchdogs. They are also excellent guard dogs. Schnauzers are loyal to family and eager to please. They get along well with other people and other dogs, but not small animals, as they have a high prey drive. They are spirited, outgoing and demanding of games. Time for these dogs is simply more chances to play games.
With Children: Yes, extremely tolerant of children.
With Pets: Yes, they are good with other pets.
Special Skills: Vermin destroyer, watchdog and family pet.

Watch-dog: Very High. Schnauzers react to quick actions around them, making them alert and on the lookout.
Guard-dog: Very High. Thanks to their larger size, the Standard Schnauzer is a much better guard than the Miniature.

Standard Schnauzer Care and Exercise: Brush the wiry coat of the Standard Schnauzer daily with a short wire brush to prevent matting. Pet dogs can be clipped and show dogs should be stripped and plucked twice a year. Trim around the eyes and ears with blunt-nosed scissors and clean whiskers after meals. Standard Schnauzers love to run at a fast pace. They require daily exercise consisting of brisk walks and off the leash play sessions.
Training: Standard Schnauzers are quick learners and eager to please. They can be stubborn at times. Schnauzers need consistent handling. They respond to the sound of your voice and the tone you use. Training from puppyhood is always the best start.
Learning Rate: High. Obedience - Medium. Problem Solving - High. These dogs are very intelligent and love to figure things out. They will play endless games if you let them.

Activity: Indoors - Very High. Outdoors - Very High.
Special Needs: Exercise, grooming, socialization and training.
Living Environment: An apartment is fine as long as sufficient exercise is provided. Owners should be confident and desire an independent dog. City or country, they are an ideal pet for any setting. Schnauzers are very adaptable. They can even adapt to different types of people, active or sedentary. But the best owner for this breed would be an active individual who lives in the country, city or suburban area with a yard.

Standard Schnauzer Health Issues: Genetic eye diseases and hip dysplasia. This is a pretty healthy breed. They are the healthiest of the Schnauzer, Giant Schnauzer and Miniature Schnauzer.

Life Span: 12 - 14 years.
Litter Size: 4 - 9 puppies.

Country of Origin: Germany
Standard Schnauzer History: The Standard Schnauzer is the oldest of the Schnauzer varieties. They were originally used as an all-purpose farm dog and were good ratters. Their origins remain obscure but there is speculation that the black Poodle, the Wolfspitz, the Beaver Dog, and a rough coated German Terrier are breeds which may have played a part in the Schnauzer's early development.  Others think they have evolved from the Wire-haired German Pinscher. They were primarily used for droving, stock tender, hunting vermin, pulling carts, guarding flocks and children, as well as serving the duty of a watchdog. But since they were not used for going to ground, they have a slightly different temperament than other terriers. The breed goes far back into history. In 1492 a painting was created by Albrecht Durer, titled "Madonna with the Many Animals", in which a Schnauzer was depicted. In Germany, the breed had become known to watch children in their spare time, becoming known as "kinderwachters". The Schnauzer was mainly used on farms. Back then, the Schnauzer and German Pinscher were the same breed--simply differentiates by their fur. Wire-haired and smooth coated dogs were born in the same litter, with the wire-haired being called "schnauze" (meaning "muzzle"), and the smooth coats called "pinschers". The Schnauzer was brought to America in 1900, and was classified under "Terrier". They were accepted by the AKC in 1904, and have spread in popularity in the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, England, and America.

First Registered by the AKC: 1904
AKC Group: Working Group
Class: Non-Sporting
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 2), KC (GB), UKC

Standard Schnauzers

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