Standard Schnauzer

Standard Schnauzer - Breed Profile:

Origin: Germany
Colors: Pepper-and-salt, solid black
Size: Medium
Type of Owner: Experienced
Exercise: Moderate
Grooming: Daily
Trainability: Slightly difficult to train
Combativeness: Tends to be fairly dog-aggressive
Dominance: High
Noise: Average barker

Physical characteristics

The Standard Schnauzer is a medium size dog with bushy eyebrows, whiskers and beard. The body is compact, strong, and square-shaped. The topline is slightly sloping to the withers. The head is long and rectangular, with a pronounced stop and a strong muzzle. The nose is black. The cheeks are well-developed, but they do not break the overall rectangular form of the muzzle. The dark brown eyes are oval, neither round nor protruding. The teeth should meet in a scissor bite. The ears are set high, evenly shaped, moderately thick, and carried erect when cropped. Uncropped ears are medium size, V-shaped and mobile. The tail is customarily docked; it's set high and carried erect. The gait is sound, strong, quick, and free.
Standard Schnauzers weigh up to 28 pounds. Their height is 17,5 to 19,5 inches.

Temperament

Fearless, lively and protective. Clever and intelligent, these dogs can be demanding and wilful, so they need an experienced dog owner who is able to establish clear rules, limitations, and discipline. Without firm, calm, and consistent human leadership this breed may develop a lot of behaviour problems. Extensive socialization is also necessary to avoid over-protective behaviour and aggression (many individuals tend to be dog-aggressive). Loves to be with people and needs a lot of human companionship, although generally aloof with strangers. A good dog to travel with. The agile, athletic Standard Schnauzer loves to play games and needs brisk walking every day and a chance to run several times per week to release its mental and physical energy.

Coat and grooming

Standard Schnauzers have a very thick coat that consists of a hard, wiry outer coat and a soft, close undercoat. Eyebrows, whiskers and beard are very distinct. The possible coat colours are solid black and pepper-and-salt. Daily grooming is necessary to keep the hair in good condition and to prevent mats. Thorough trimming and stripping is necessary every three months. Any dog owner can easily learn how to do it. Standard Schnauzers have no doggy odour and shed little to no hair.

Health

Generally healthy, although some individuals can be prone to hip dysplasia and tumours. The lifespan is long - 15 years and more.

Other interesting facts

The Standard Schnauzer is the oldest of the three Schnauzer breeds. It was developed in Germany and used to accompany coaches, as a messenger in World War I, and as a vermin hunter and guard in stables and on farms.