Schnauzer, Standard

Breed Information

Brains, brawn and a comical appearance – the Standard Schnauzer makes for an affectionate companion and a skilled watchdog. With their adorable moustache and bushy eyebrows, this tail-wagging breed will keep you smiling!

SIZE
A male Standard Schnauzer ideally stands at 48cms and a females at 46cms, and weigh 13kgs - 18kgs. At this size, a standard Schnauzer will happily live in an apartment if provided with enough daily exercise, interaction and outings.

COAT
The Standard Schnauzer’s coat comes in salt and pepper or pure black, and is made of harsh, wiry short hair that does not shed often.

CHARACTER & TEMPERAMENT
The Standard Schnauzer is a highly adaptable dog with a love for affection and a natural aptitude for learning. By bringing a Schnauzer into your home you will be adding a family member who will happily spend every waking moment with you! With their enjoyment of human company, they make for an ideal companion for family outings.
Standard Schnauzers can get along with young children and other pets, provided they are introduced to these other family member at a young age. As they can be boisterous and clumsy, it’s important to supervise them around youngsters.
Due to their boldness, alert nature and natural suspicion of strangers, they can also act as effective watch dogs but will need to be trained to distinguish between friend and foe.

CARE
To keep your Schnauzer looking in optimum show condition, you will need a professional dog groomer to spend at least 3-5 hours stripping the coat two to three times a year, and then have it regularly clipped. The result is stunning and well worth the effort.
Pet owners generally keep their Giant Schnauzers’ coats under control by having them clipped every six to eight weeks, including around the nose and mouth to stop the hair from impairing vision or eating. Keeping your Schnauzer groomed in this manner can cause the outer coat to become softer over time.
Due to their intelligence and loyalty, this breed does not respond well to being left alone for long periods of time. You will need to keep your Schnauzer entertained with plenty of toys if it’s to spend time on its own in the backyard, or it will quickly become bored and destructive.

TRAINING
Standard Schnauzers respond very well to training due to their willingness to please. It’s important to start your Schnauzer at obedience training at an early age to curb its natural tendencies to be boisterous and stubborn. Toilet training is usually quite effortless as Schnauzers are naturally clean dogs.
In order to maintain an obedient attitude, short bouts of training should be part of your Schnauzer’s daily routine.

ACTIVITY
The Standard Schnauzer would benefit from life with an active family with a large back yard. Daily walks are essential and your Schnauzer will appreciate time at an off-leash park for romping and socialization. If left unaccompanied in the backyard, the Schnauzer will become bored, depressed and likely to make an escape attempt – this is a breed to bring into your heart and home.

Schnauzer, Standard Breeders

• Millie Weinfeld
• View more...