-
Activity Level:
high
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Shedding Level:
low
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Grooming Level:
high
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Trainability:
high
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Good for Novice Owners:
moderate
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Adaptability:
high
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Kid/Pet Friendly:
sometimes
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Prey Drive:
high
-
Watchdog:
very alert
- Average Size: Medium
- Average Lifespan: 13-16 years
- Registered?: aca, akc
Standard Schnauzer Dog Breed Information
Overview
Temperament
Adaptability
Health
Owner Experience
Grooming
Activity Level
Size
Life Span
Did You Know?
The Standard Schnauzer is a sturdy and protective working class breed. Originally recognized by the AKC in 1904, the Standard Schnauzer is the smallest breed in the working class. What they lack in size, they make up for in spirit and courage. You can expect this dog breed to be loyal and fun-loving with your family, but a very effective watchdog, given the fact they are extremely alert.
The original use of this dog breed was to serve as a guard dog and clear vermin for its owners. They were also effective at the herding of livestock, but lack the strong herding instinct of many breeds in the herding class, and are much more versatile. Today’s Standard Schnauzer has become a well-liked family pet and companion, but still possesses the courageous spirit of a guard dog. This is one of 3 Schnauzer breeds, the others being the Miniature Schnauzer and Giant Schnauzer.
The Standard Schnauzer is a gentle dog with its family, and at the same time, is a fiercely loyal protector. If you want this dog breed to be good with strangers and other dogs, socialization will be necessary early and often. By no means are they a naturally aggressive dog breed, they just have an unquenchable desire to protect their loved ones and more than enough courage to do it. Overall, the Standard Schnauzer will be a great companion dog with your kids, as long as they respect this sturdy and muscular sparkplug!
The Standard Schnauzer is not overly large, so it can sometimes be comfortable in an apartment setting. Be aware that they are an athletic dog breed that will need to be active and let off steam, so a bigger space may be advisable. They are not overly sensitive to hot or cold climates and can adapt fairly well to either. This is a dog of the people, so they will not like being alone. A bored Schnauzer can be a destructive one.
The Standard Schnauzer is one of the healthiest dog breeds in the world. They have very few breed-specific problems, so standard screening for issues like Dysplasia and other joint problems would be the only real concern in most cases.
The Standard Schnauzer is a very intelligent dog breed and loves to train with its owners. A novice owner can be successful with this breed simply because they are always aiming to please, but if you are not an experienced dog owner, obedience training will be a welcome bit of help!
The Standard Schnauzer has a short, wiry, and easily manageable coat. Standard Schnauzers come in colors of either Salt and Pepper or Pure Black. They require less grooming than most dogs, but still will enjoy a soft brushing weekly because of the attention. Daily tooth brushing, weekly ear checks, and monthly nail trimming are always recommended.
They are considered a “high energy breed” by many. They are extremely athletic and will require a reasonable amount of exercise to be balanced and healthy. A brisk daily walk is the minimum, while space to run and romp about is ideal.
The Standard Schnauzer will weigh between 30-60 pounds and stand between 16-20 inches at the withers.
A Standard Schnauzer generall lives 13 to 16 years.
Standard Schnauzers were originally called “Wire-Haired Pinschers”. They gained universal notoriety as a “Schnauzer” in the 1900s.
