Standard Schnauzers

Appearance:

Body: Square, muscular, compact, and powerful, with a short back, prominent breastbone, moderately wide chest, and flat, well-muscled, sloping shoulders.

Coat: Outer coat is harsh, very thick, and wiry. The undercoat is soft and dense.

Color: Salt and pepper or black.

Ears: Small, v-shaped, high set, cropped and held erect.

Eyes: Medium size, dark and oval-shaped, and forward set.

Feet: Short, compact, and round with hard pads, tight, arched toes, and black nails.

Head: Flat, long, and rectangular-shaped with a slight stop, broad muzzle, bushy beard and eyebrows.

Legs: Forelegs are straight, strong, and wide-set with close set elbows. Hindquarters have well-muscled thighs, well bent hocks, and well-angled stifles.

Neck: Moderately long, strong, thick, and gracefully arched.

Size:
Weight: 32 - 34 pounds
Height: 17.5 - 19.5 inches

Tail: Moderately high set and docked.

Behavior

Recommended for experienced dog handlers
Good with children but should be supervised with toddlers
Can be aggressive with other dogs of the same sexual gender

Intelligent, obedient and quick to learn, the Standard Schnauzer is a good-natured dog, great family pet, and devoted companion. He is an athletic and highly spirited dog who loves to "horse" around, enjoys long hikes, and is constantly thinking of ways to keep busy.

With a craving for human contact and a family setting, the Schnauzer is not a dog well suited for being left in the yard on a chain for extended periods of time. Without an abundance of vigorous daily exercise, both physically and mentally challenging, he can become bored and may think his way into destroying furniture or digging up your yard.

AKC Standard says, "The Standard Schnauzer has highly developed senses, intelligence, aptitude for training, fearlessness, endurance and resistance against weather and illness. His nature combines high-spirited temperament with extreme reliability."

Though good with children, he is an active, playful dog and could easily, but unintentionally, injure a small child.

This is a smart, clever, highly active, problem-solving dog best suited for an experienced dog handler. He could easily outsmart, and outwit a novice.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Working Group

The Standard Schnauzer is the original breed of the three sizes. The Giant and the miniature evolved from the Standard.

They were used to drive livestock, control the rodent population on the farm, and provide protection for the farmer.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Vigorous daily exercise and play time is a must.

Grooming: Brush two to three times weekly. Comb his beard after meals.

Health

Life Expectancy: 13 - 16 Years

Possible Problems:
No major problems currently exist in the breed.

According to the Standard Schnauzer Club of America, most Standard Schnauzers die of old age.

Recommended Certificates:
CERF - for the eyes
OFA - for the hips

Country of Origin

Germany