Description

The Standard Schnauzer is a medium-sized, rugged, robust dog with bushy eyebrows, whiskers and a beard. The head is long and rectangular, with a strong muzzle and a pronounced stop. The nose is black and the eyes are oval and dark brown. The teeth should form a scissors bite. The feet are small and cat-like, with arched toes. The tail is generally docked at the fourth vertebra, but cropping the ears is optional. The forelegs are very straight. Any dewclaws should be removed. The topline slopes slightly downward from the withers to the rump. The front legs must appear straight from every angle, while its rear legs and thighs are oblique and very muscular. He has a harsh, wiry outer coat and dense, soft undercoat. The coat comes in salt & pepper or solid black.

Origin

Schnauzer breeds. They are originally a German breed, named after the German word for muzzle, "Schnauze." They were used to accompany coaches, as messengers in World War I, and as vermin hunters and guards in stables and on farms. The breed was used to watch children, and even given the name "kinder watcher." Schnauzers have also been successfully trained as livestock guardians and as retrievers. The breed has been portrayed in paintings and tapestries of several European artists, including Rembrandt and Durer, who owned one. Today, it is esteemed as a watchdog and body guard, but above all, as a very lovable, spirited, loyal, intelligent companion. Some of the Standard Schnauzer's talents include: hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdogging, guarding, military work, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.

Temperament

The Standard Schnauzer is a fearless and protective dog. It makes a great watch and guard dog. It is lively, but not restless. High-spirited and affectionate, it has a personality of a Terrier. Clever, intelligent, demanding, and playful, Standard Schnauzers need companionship and are good dogs to travel with. This breed has a high learning rate, but can be quite willful and needs firm training. Standard Schnauzers may be very protective and dominant, guarding objects, places and people from other people. They should be socialized well when they are young to prevent over-protectiveness later in life. These energetic dogs need energetic and dominant owners, one who has the ability clearly demonstrate that they are the boss and not the dog. This breed does best with older considerate children.

Height

Height: Dogs 18-20 inches (46-51 cm.) Bitches 17-19 inches (43-48

Weight

Weight: Dogs 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg.) Bitches 30-40 pounds (14-18 kg.)

Known Health Problems

This is generally a very healthy breed.

Conditions for Living

The Standard Schnauzer is a good dog for apartment life. It is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Exercise Requirments

These energetic dogs will take as much exercise as they can get and they just love play sessions during which they can run free. At very overdo it with very young pups, though, until their body frames are strong and mature. Pups still need to walk, just a shorter distance.

Life Expectancy

About 15 or more years.

Grooming

The wiry coat is reasonably easy to look after, but the undercoat is dense and it will become matted unless it is combed or brushed daily with a short wire brush. Clip out knots and brush first with the grain, then against the grain to lift the coat. The animal should be clipped all over to an even length twice a year - in spring and fall. A person can easily learn how to do it. Trim around the eyes and ears with blunt-nosed scissors and clean the whiskers after meals. They have no doggie odor and shed little to no hair.

Group

Terrier, AKC Working