Schnauzer (Standard)

The Schnauzer was a versatile farm dog whose ancestors have been valued in Germany since at least the 14th century. Developed as fearless workers, their many jobs included vermin killing, guarding farms, and protecting and driving livestock to market. During WW1, they found a new role as dispatch carriers for the Red Cross and as army guard dogs.

As well as a working dog, they won so many hearts as companions and show dogs, that breeders were inspired to develop two more breeds who had the same appearance and similar personalities – the Mini and the Giant Schnauzers.

The Standard Schnauzer is an ideal dog for those who want a robust yet economical dog to house, transport and keep, with a characterful expression, a smart coat without too much grooming effort and who doesn’t shed much. If you can groom a few times a week and either clip the traditional clip yourself or use a professional grooming service, the Schnauzer is easy to keep clean and tidy. Training wise, you’ll need some training experience and some terrier experience won’t go amiss, but the Schnauzer is receptive to training and capable of any doggy activity you care to try. A fun friend for all the family, as long as any children are old enough to behave sensibly around dogs and you have the time and energy for lots of walkies!

While the Schnauzer is a medium sized dog, they are a very active breed who will enjoy long walks and will need a couple of hours a day’s exercise - plus will enjoy games, training, interactive toys and being involved in all family activities at the rest of the time too.

This is a medium sized dog who doesn’t need a huge amount of space but will appreciate a decent-sized garden. They are generally too alert and watchful to make a good urban companion and will do better as a semi-rural dog.

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's also important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.

This is an active dog who is smart and busy - and occasionally noisy - who will need training if you want any hopes of a quiet life! This is a dog who thrives with a job to do and can excel in many of the dog sports and activities. They are a joy to train as they are intelligent, quick to learn, and fun - but they will learn bad habits as quickly as good ones so reward-based training should start early and be ongoing. Special attention should be paid to training a reliable recall.

If they are to live with cats, it is best to find a puppy from a cat-owning breeder. Usually they will live happily with their own cats although may well chase others and not be reliable around other small animals. 

The coat of the Schnauzer is harsh, wiry and short with a dense undercoat. All over grooming is required at least twice a week. Handstripping is a must for the show ring, but clipping is straightforward and easy for a family dog, although the body colour does pale over the years. A professional groomer can keep your Schnauzer looking at their best or teach you how to do it yourself at home.

The Schnauzer can make a good family dog where there are older, dog-sensible children and a very outdoorsy, active lifestyle.

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and adults should supervise all interactions between them.