Standard Schnauzer Dog Breed Information
Also known as the Mittelschnauzer

Snapshot Low     High Size     Trainability         Level of Energy       Exercise Needs       Level of Affection           Climate Tolerance         Good With Children       Tolerance of Animals           Suitable as Watch Dog

Standard Schnauzer – Just The Facts

General Description

The Standard Schnauzer is the oldest of the schnauzer breeds. You can easily identify it; the dog’s medium size and whiskered, bearded looks are hard to miss. Perhaps what makes the breed stand out even more is its almost human intelligence.

Origin and History

“Schnauze” – a German term – collectively refers to the dog’s whiskered, bearded muzzle. Did you know that before they came to called schnauzers, people once thought of the breed as terriers?

A look at the Standard Schnauzer’s bloodlines will belie the early hearsay, of course. Records indicate that the dogs actually descended from gray wolf spitzes, black German Poodles and Wirehaired Pinschers.

This modest breed dates back to the 14th to 15th century when these dogs served as vermin hunters. Six centuries later, their role evolved. They became guard dogs, trusty working dogs and show dogs. Like the Giant Schnauzer, the Standards proved their worth in World War I by taking on the role of a dispatch carrier.

Standard Schnauzer Temperament

Remarkably bright when well tempered and downright mischievous when not exercised enough aptly describes this medium sized schnauzer. Any home that wishes to raise a smart canine will surely adore the breed. The dogs are delightful and reliable with children, wary of strangers and aggressive towards other canines of the same sex. The pooch is a nanny and a watch dog rolled into one!

Care, Grooming, Diet & Exercise

Living Environment – Apartment dwelling is tolerable, but if you are intent on keeping your pet happy, give the pooch a warm bed to sleep on and access to a securely fenced yard. This dog breed requires a great deal of movement. Because they could engage in destructive biting and chewing, it’s best to keep rooms with prized furniture pieces strictly off limits and spend some dog training time in the general area of how to stop dog chewing.

Grooming – Although low shedders, this schnauzer dog breed is high-maintenance when it comes to coat care. The beard necessitates daily cleaning, the coat bi-weekly brushing and the fur professional quarterly clipping or stripping.

Diet & Exercise – Fresh, home-cooked meals are strongly suggested over commercially prepared dog food. The pooches thrive on a protein-rich diet of beef, chicken, turkey or pork. Balance this with fresh carrots and some potatoes, oats or brown rice. Avoid corn, soybean and white rice.

This dog breed has need of daily physical exertion and mental stimulation too. Considering the breed’s athletic nature and aptitude, it is wise to structure the activities and supervise them as much as you can. Common activities include long, leashed walks and vigorous play sessions.

Health – Among the schnauzer breeds, the Standard is quite hardy in the health department. Hip tests are suggested, but other than these, health concerns generally range from few to none. Some cases of dermatitis and heart disease may arise.

Standard Schnauzer Trainability

Serious pet owners must look into the whole aspect of dog training preparation and provide the Standard Schnauzer with enough attention, socialization and exercise. With a dominant training style and the right upbeat techniques at your disposal, you can make excellent rescue dogs, therapy aides and police assistants out of this clever, willful and manipulative dog breed.