Standard Schnauzer Dog Breed Description, History, Grooming, Health Issues and Living Conditions

Description: The Standard Schnauzer is of medium build and square in appearance. Here we see a smaller version of the Giant Schnauzer. The skull is modestly broad. The head is long and rectangular in shape. Lips, and the large nose, are black in colour. With the teeth meeting in a scissor bite. Eyes are oval and dark brown, these are medium in size. The ears sit high on the head and can be cropped in countries that permit cropping. If cropped the ears are erect and have a pointed tip. When left natural, they are V shaped and sit close to the head. The front legs are straight, with small feet that are compact. The back is straight but has a slight slope downward from the withers to the rump. The tail is docked, in countries that permit docking, and this is to 1-2 inches. In the dog, we see a height of 18-20 inches and in the bitch, we see 17-19 inches. The weight for the dog is 30-45 pounds and in the bitches, we see weight at 30-40 pounds. The dogs' height should be the sameas the length. This is a double coated breed with the undercoat being soft and the outer coat being hard and wiry. The coat stands slightly off the back, and we see longer bushy eyebrows, beard and whiskers. The colouring comes in only two shades, black and salt and pepper. Life expectancy is 15 plus years.

History: Coming from Germany the Standard Schnauzer is the oldest of the three schnauzer breeds. They were working dogs and did ratting and herding for the farmers, in Germany, from the Middle Ages. These were the dog of the poor farmers and have been painted by artist like Reynolds and Rembrandt. This led to the German dog fanciers showing an interest in this breed and a standard was set. The name, we know them as today was given by a breeder whose dog was called Schnauzer and won best of show in the 1879 Hanover Show. This breed was the first and the Giant and the Miniature came from this. Coming to the USA in the 1900's from Germany. In World War I the Standard Schnauzer was used to guard for the Red Cross. They have been, and still, are used by police as working dogs and in the USA for drug and bomb detection. This dog is more popular in Europe than the USA and over the last 20 years only 540 puppies have been registered with the AKC.

Temperament: This is an intelligent dog that will make a great loyal family member. The Standard Schnauzer has good guarding instincts and will protect the family and home. They are easy to train and are good with children. You do need to be a good pack leader for this breed, and they can become strong willed. Being consistent and firm with their training will help this dog be a good all round balanced dog. They are high in energy and will need good daily walks, and training. The dog will love modern sports for dogs, such as obedience, agility, Disc dog and Flyball as well as exercising their herding instincts. They are rated 18th out of 80 breeds for their intelligence in the book The Intelligence of Dogs by Stanley Coren. This is a dog that will love to learn and will need to be using their mental and physical energy daily. Firm guide lines need to be in place to help the dog to follow and this can stop acts of fearlessness, becoming wilful, and demanding. Socializing thisdog well as a puppy will help him be balanced.

Health issues: The Standard Schnauzer has few health problems. They are prone to Hip Dysplasia and in some lines tumors. As with any dog it is very important that you make sure they are up to date on all vaccinations, de-wormings and heart worm preventatives. It is also suggested by the majority of licensed veterinarians that you take your puppy or dog in for a check up at least twice each year.

Grooming: These dogs will needs grooming as the soft undercoat can matt so daily brushing is required. They will need clipping twice a year. The face will need cleaning after meals. This is a low shedding dog.

Living conditions: This is a good dog for apartment life if given enough mental and physical exercise daily. The Standard Schnauzer can live without a garden.