Utility group · Germany
Standard Schnauzer
Also called Mittelschnauzer, Schnauzer.
What makes them remarkable
This is the original Schnauzer: both the Giant and Miniature were developed from it.
- Spirited
- Reliable
- Sociable
- Intelligent
- Protective
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 14 to 23 kg30 to 50 lb
- Lives
- 13 to 16 years
- Energy
- High
- Trains
- High
- Barks
- Moderate
Training
Training a Standard Schnauzer
Utility breeds. Many of these think before they obey. Earn compliance with reward and consistency; they do not do it for free.
Clever and Stubborn
Start here
Very intelligent but with a strong will. Keep training sessions interesting and varied.
Consistent Rules Required
Will find and exploit loopholes. Everyone in the family must enforce the same rules.
Excellent Versatility
Excel at many activities: agility, obedience, tracking, barn hunt. Channel their energy productively.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Standard Schnauzer and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Breeds developed for a job that no longer exists or never fitted a group. Includes the spitz and primitive breeds.
Gets on with
- ChildrenHigh
- Other dogsModerate
- StrangersModerate
- CatsModerate
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 1-2 hours daily. Active breed needing regular exercise and mental stimulation.
- Grooming
- High maintenance. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Hand-stripping preserves coat texture.
- Drool
- Low
- Coat
- Double coat, Wiry outer coat, Dense undercoatSolid Black, Salt and Pepper
- In a flat
- Can work, with enough exercise outside it.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Hip Dysplasia
Mild
Less common than in larger breeds but still screened
Eye Problems
Moderate
Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy can occur
Pancreatitis
Moderate
Schnauzers are prone to this inflammatory condition
Where they come from
History
The original Schnauzer, dating to at least the 15th century in Germany. Used as ratters, guard dogs, and all-purpose farm dogs. The Giant and Miniature Schnauzers were developed from this breed.
Similar breeds
All breeds
Miniature Schnauzer
This little bearded dog was developed by crossing the farm-working Standard Schnauzer with smaller breeds.
Small · Utility
Xoloitzcuintli
The Xolo’s name honours Xolotl, an Aztec deity associated with its traditional role as a guide to the underworld.
Medium · Utility
Canaan Dog
The modern breed was developed from free-living desert dogs selected for working roles in the 1930s.
Medium · Utility
Keeshond
This Dutch barge dog became a symbol of the Patriot political movement in the 18th century.
Medium · Utility