Standard Schnauzer
🧠 Temperament & character
The Standard Schnauzer combines liveliness with a good-natured, balanced nature. He is devoted to his family, fond of children and usually gets on with other dogs, but is attentive towards strangers and a reliable watchdog. His high intelligence and his terrier heritage call for mental activity, otherwise the clever mind can get up to mischief. With his pronounced 'will to please' he learns quickly, but also shows a mind of his own and a fine sense of humour.
📜 Origin & history
The Standard Schnauzer originated in southern Germany, where on farms he was indispensable as a rat- and mouse-catcher, stable and yard guard, and accompanied carriages. From him later came the Giant and Miniature Schnauzer as larger and smaller varieties. For a long time he was bred together with the smooth-haired pinscher, until at the end of the 19th century the wire-haired variety was recognised as a breed of its own and established through breed clubs. The name derives from the characteristic 'Schnauzbart' (moustache).
✂️ Grooming, care & training
The Standard Schnauzer's wiry, rough coat barely sheds, but does need grooming: ideally it is hand-stripped (plucked) several times a year, and the beard and leg feathering need regular combing so that they do not mat. As a lively, work-loving dog he needs extensive exercise every day as well as mental work – dog sports such as agility, obedience, tracking or search games keep him balanced. He is easy to handle and willing to learn, but reacts sensitively to harsh methods and flourishes with consistent, friendly training. Anyone who offers him enough occupation has an uncomplicated, loyal everyday companion.
🩺 Health
The Standard Schnauzer is considered a robust, long-lived breed with a life expectancy of around 13 to 16 years. Occasionally hereditary cataract and hip dysplasia occur, and more rarely hereditary eye diseases. Responsible breeders therefore have their breeding animals x-rayed for HD and the eyes examined annually by a specialist vet. A balanced diet, a lean condition and regular exercise contribute significantly to a long, healthy dog's life.
🏡 Who is this breed right for?
The Standard Schnauzer is an excellent match for active individuals and families who want to keep him physically and mentally occupied – he is a great dog with children and, thanks to his size, also suitable for an apartment, provided he gets enough exercise. Owing to his love of learning and his stable temperament, he can well go into experienced first-time hands, but he does not forgive mistakes endlessly and needs clear, loving guidance. His guarding instinct makes him a reliable watcher, but he should not be raised into a yapper. In Switzerland he is a popular, uncomplicated companion for anyone looking for a medium-sized, versatile dog with character.