Standard Schnauzer

"German Engineering"

History

This is a German breed that is allowed in three official sizes: Giant Schnauzer, Standard Schnauzer, and Miniature Schnauzer. The American Kennel Club treats them each as an individual breed. The Standard is the oldest of the three breeds and is a very old one. There is a statue in Stuttgart of a watchman and his Schnauzer that is dated 1620. The great artist Albrecht Durer painted his dog a number of times between 1490 and 1504. The artist's dog bears a very strong resemblance to a present-day Schnauzer. The name of the breed comes from the German word schnauz, which means “a muzzle sporting a bristly beard and mustache.” Schnauzers came to America circa 1900 but didn't reach significant numbers until the 1920s. In 1925 the Schnauzer Club of America was formed, which included the Standard and the Miniature. In 1933 AKC separated the two varieties into separate breeds. The cattle drovers of Bavaria developed the Giant Schnauzer, but the date is uncertain. The first recorded importation into the U.S. was of a dog called Fingal, brought to Rochester, NY in 1905 by a Mrs. Leisching. From that time until July 10, 1945, the dog was officially classified by AKC as a terrier. He then was placed in the Working Group, where all three sizes are now ensconced.

Temperament

Standard Schnauzers are audacious dogs, high-spirited but steady and consistent in their behavior. They crave the company of humans and other dogs and must have companionship, despite the fact that they can be aggressive with other dogs. Although originally bred to drive sheep or cattle, they are mostly show dogs or pets; these good-natured animals make the most wonderful companions because they are devoted to their families. Highly territorial, they also make excellent watch dogs. They can adapt to city life as well as country life providing they are given adequate exercise to expend their great energy and curiosity.

Appearance

Robust, sinewy, somewhat heavy-set, these dogs are sturdy, square in the proportion of body length to height, with good muscle and bone development. They possess a dense and soft undercoat with a tight, wiry, and harsh outer coat. Coat color is either black or pepper-and-salt. They are noticeable by the hallmarks of the breed: arched eyebrows and a bristly mustache and whiskers. Considered a medium-sized dog, the Standard Schnauzer stands 17 to 20 inches from the top of the shoulder and weighs between 30 and 50 pounds.

Training

Early socialization, bonding, and obedience training are essential. They are curious, playful dogs and will try to avoid buckling down to the business of obedience training. Therefore it must be conducted with a degree of seriousness and firmness. Never allow them off leash during training, especially when outdoors, as they like to dash away suddenly and without warning.

Grooming & Care

Their short, hard coats, with their bushy eyebrows and beards, require brushing and combing on a daily basis. They will also require hand-stripping approximately twice a year. Show dogs require regular, ongoing grooming from a professional or experienced person. They do not shed very much.

Health Concerns

Potential inherited health problems include various eye disorders, cancer, and hip dysplasia.

Famous Standard Schnauzer

Grammy Award-winning singer Usher has a Standard Schnauzer named Scotty.