Let's talk Standard Schnauzers
There’s really nothing standard about the Standard Schnauzer breed, except for the name. The original member of the universally lovable Schnauzer family has a distinctive, aristocratic bearing, thanks to that bushy beard, arched eyebrows and high-set ears. Once trained, these sociable and affectionate dogs make lovely family pets, even for apartment-dwellers, as long as they get plenty of exercise. They may have left their original vocation as rat-catchers behind them but they still have plenty of energy that needs burning off somehow.
Official name: Standard Schnauzer
Other names: Originally known as a Wire-haired Pinscher
Origins: Germany
| Drooling tendencies: |  |
Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level: | |
Suited to apartment living? | |
| Energy level (high, low, medium) *: | High | Family pet? * | |
| Compatibility with other pets: |  |
Can stay alone? * |  |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
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47 - 50 cm
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14 - 20 kg
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translations.feature.breeds.female
45 - 47 cm
translations.feature.breeds.height
14 - 20 kg
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| Baby age: | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age: | 2 to 12 months |
| Adult age: | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature age: | 7 to 10 years |
| Senior age: | From 10 years |
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Origins of the breed
For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.
The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.
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2 facts about Standard Schnauzers
1. Line of canine duty
These intrepid canines have an illustrious record of service: Intelligent and purposeful Standard Schnauzers were used as guard dogs and dispatch carriers during World War One, and they have also served as police dogs in both the U.S. and Germany.
2. Schnauzer’s snout
Those lavish whiskers aren’t just for decoration – they originally served as protection against scratches and bites in the breed’s early hunting days. Nowadays, it’s more about the aesthetics – and that on-trend beard makes the fabulously bewhiskered Standard Schnauzer an instantly recognisable breed.
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History of the breed
Spirited and sturdy Standard Schnauzers are thought to date back to the Middle Ages, where they were bred in Germany as versatile farm helpers, able to turn their paw to rat-catching, herding and guard dog duties. They are thought to be descended from the European herding breeds and working dogs of the time, with one theory putting them as the result of a cross between a grey Wolfspitz and a black German poodle, others suggesting pinschers are present in the mix: Their exact ancestry goes back too far to be certain.
The Standard Schnauzer we know and love today first appeared as a distinct breed under the less descriptive name of Wire-haired Pinscher in the dog shows of the 19th century. The Standard Schnauzer’s distinctive look ensured it quickly earned a more evocative name (Schnauze means muzzle or snout in German) and from the early 20th century, started to become more popular as a family pet.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Standard Schnauzers
1. Face
Abundant beard, moustache and shaggy eyebrows.
2. Ears
High-set ears, hanging forward; alert expression.
3. Body
Muscular, compact, medium-sized build.
4. Coat
Thick, wiry and dense coat in black or salt-and-pepper.
5. Tail
Curved tail held high.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Standard Schnauzer
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Caring for your Standard Schnauzer
Grooming, training and exercise tips
Like the other Schnauzer breeds, Standard Schnauzers have thick double coats – a wiry topcoat and a soft undercoat – and these need proper grooming to stay in good condition, with brushing every day or so at home as well as trips to a professional groomer from time to time.
Standard Schnauzers need plenty of exercise and enjoy variety: Regular lead walks, off-the-lead runs in an enclosed space or playing games with their humans – better still a combination of all of the above - will keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated.
Standard Schnauzers can be stubborn but as they’re also intelligent they should be straightforward to train. Just make sure it’s fun—too repetitive and they may get bored. Remember, any food rewards should come out of their daily rations to avoid them becoming overweight.
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All about Standard Schnauzers
Not as much as you might expect, given their hirsute looks. However, while this is good news for vacuuming-averse dog owners, this does not make them hypoallergenic: No dogs are, as it is dogs’ dander (skin flakes), not their hair, that triggers allergies in humans.
Standard Schnauzers are not known to be aggressive. Once trained, they make good family pets and get on well with other dogs. However, because of their prey instinct they should be kept separate from any small pets such as hamsters or guinea pigs and be warned, they may also chase cats. Although, like any breed, Standard Schnauzers shouldn’t be left unsupervised with young children, they are known to get along well with them.
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Read More about Breeds
How your dog's nutrition needs change with age
How to adopt a dog
Things to consider before getting a dog
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/