The Standard Schnauzer
Mittelschnauzer

Dog breed info
Standard Schnauzer
Mittelschnauzer
Weight Male 40 —45 lbs
Weight. Female 35 — 40 lbs
Height:Male 18” — 20”
Height Female: 17” — 19”
AKC Rank 2008 #97
Lifespan: 12—14 yrs
Group Working
Origin: Germany

• Breeders And Rescue Groups
• Dog Health, Dog Illness, Medical Problems

Dog Breed Info – Standard Schnauzer

Breed Overview

Origin: Middle ages. Original Function: Ratting, guardian. Today: Companion dog. Colors: Black, salt and pepper.

The Standard Schnauzer is the oldest of the three breeds of Schnauzer, going back to around the fourteenth century. Back then it was considered a house pet and hunting companion. The dog is likely a mix of hunting, terrier and hinting breeds. This breed probably comes from crossing Wirehaired Pinschers, black German poodles and grey wolf spitz. The result was a hardy rat catcher and capable guardian. By the twentieth century, this was one of the most popular dogs for guarding farmers’ carts while the farmers were tending to business. This Schnauzer came to American around 1900 but were quite slow to catch on. The Standard Schnauzer is recognized by the AKC as a separate breed.

Yes. Fairly easy to train. Some can be a little stubborn but overall this is a trainable breed. Use clicker training which involves positive reinforcement. The Schnauzer learns quite well.

Crate Training

Want to crate train your Standard Schnauzer puppy? It’s easy and if you’re interested, take a look and you’ll see what to do. Crate training your puppy will save many headaches and problems.

Potty Training

Most Standard Schnauzer puppies are easy to house train, potty train, toilet train, housebreak or whatever you want to call it. If you have a puppy, decide if you want to crate or paper potty train it. For the best results, we have a page at Crate vs Paper Potty Training which will help you decide and from there you can get all the information you need to get the job done. Always praise the pup profusely when she goes potty in the RIGHT PLACE so she knows she has done a good thing. Either method will work for this breed.

If you have an older dog, take the dog outside every two hours until she gets the idea which door leads to her potty area. Older dogs catch on to the potty or housebreaking pretty fast once they are shown what to do.

Schnauzer playing in the snow

Standard Schnauzer’s are fun-loving, active, exceptionally loyal family dogs that make great guardians and playmates. They have lots of energy, love to chase things and need plenty of exercise. The dog can be quick and quite mischievous, as well as headstrong. It needs firm, alpha training and management lest it become dominant, so the owner must let the dog know who the boss is at all times. Once the Schnauzer is comfortable in her place as the submissive member of the family, she will be a fantastic member. The Standard Schnauzer is devoted, trustworthy and affectionate with her immediate people and very protective of them. She will be good with family pets but aggressive toward strange dogs and some unknown people that she may view as intruders or dangers.

If you happen to get a Standard Schnauzer with a separation anxiety problem, that can be dealt with by investing a few hours of work on your part and some “tough love.” Top

Friendly Toward Other Dogs

Maybe. Wary of many dogs, Picks her dog friends. Can be aggressive toward strange dogs.

Friendly Toward Other Pets

Somewhat accepting with house pets except for anything that looks like a rodent. Don’t keep hamsters and guinea pigs around. She’ll chase them. Does better with cats and dogs but introduce them slowly and on common ground.

Friendly Toward Strangers

No. Once the Standard Schnauzer gets to know the stranger it is okay but this is a guard dog and she is wary and stand-offish with people she does not know.

Playfulness

Yes. Loves to play, chase balls and play fetch, romp with dog friends, run with the kids and so on. A lively, perky little dog.

Not overly affectionate, except with her immediate family. She will curl up at your feet or on the sofa and is totally devoted to her family, but may be a little short on giving kisses.

Yes. This is a sturdy dog that can stand up to children pretty well. She likes to run and romp with the kids and as long as they HAVE BEEN TAUGHT how to behave around a dog, everything should be all right, especially if the children don’t become rambunctious, noisy and rough.

Children under 6 or 7 years need to be supervised very closely with any dog.

Good with Seniors over 65?

Yes. The Standard Schnauzer is a good match for seniors. As long as the senior can walk a half mile several times a day or throw a ball and can drive to the vet, this dog will work out. If longevity or training are issues, find a Standard Schnauzer Rescue group or kennel and get a 2 or 3 year old dog that is house trained and knows a few commands. It will save many headaches for the senior.

Living environment

Apartment, farm, ranch, condo—all okay.

This dog would like to have a small to medium size fenced yard to roam, sniff and chase balls in for exercise, if possible, but not mandatory. Top

Energy level

Moderately high energy. Give her 8 bars out of 10.

One or two long walks on leash OR some vigorous games of fetch in the yard OR a little of both. The Standard Schnauzer can also do some jogging with you as long as she is on leash or in a safe place.

Be sure the Schnauzer gets enough exercise. They lean toward obesity and diabetes.

It’s a good idea if the Schnauzer can divide her time between house and yard so a doggie door and a small to medium size fenced yard would be ideal.

An apartment, farm, ranch or condo are all fine as long as she gets her exercise.

Excellent watchdog. Has a loud bark and knows how to use it! Top

Excellent. Just big enough to do some damage. 42 teeth worth of ferociousness.

No. Does not shed.

Brush with a stiff bristle brush the wiry coat 2 to 3 times a week. Have groomed with a “Schnauzer cut” approx. .every 10 to 12 weeks. Some people call this “scissoring.” This will keep the dog looking terrific!

Wash the beard at the side and under the muzzle after EACH feeding to keep it clean, soft and flowing

The 1st book on the left is all you need to understand and care for your Standard Schnauzer, including training.

Standard Schnauzer Breeders

In the event you decide to go looking for Standard Schnauzer puppies, be SURE to find reputable breeders that really know what they are doing. Be sure the puppy has been well socialized and started in obedience training.
Standard Schnauzer Breeders with puppies for sale.

You can search for Standard Schnauzer breeders online, but they tend to mix Giant and Standards together, even to the point of calling them “large” and “medium” size. It’s confusing but breeders often breed more than one size at a time.

Standard Schnauzer Rescue

In the event you are seriously considering the adoption of an older dog and are looking for a Standard Schnauzer Rescue group or groups in your state, here are several links that might help:
Petfinder – Standard Schnauzer Rescue It is difficult to find “Standard” at Petfinder. They lump all 3 sizes of Schnauzer together under “Schnauzer.” From there, you can get a long line of mixed breed Schnauzers. If you do adopt, try to locate the dog health records for future reference.
Adopt A Pet This is an interesting site but you may have trouble finding what you want. Try searching the web for Standard Schnauzer Rescue groups or kennels.

This is basically a healthy breed. Don’t let the list below scare you! Your own dog will probably never have ANY of these problems. These are dog illness and medical issues this breed is prone to that have been listed by various veterinarians at different times over the past decade or so and some pertain to puppies and very young dogs that a breeder would deal with.

The information contained herein has been gathered from numerous books by veterinarians and is intended as general information only. Every dog and situation is different. You must see your vet. Our information is for general interest only and not intended to replace the advice provided by your own veterinarian.

Hip dysplasia – Hind end limping, back leg acts lame. Wear and time causes the femur to fit poorly into the pelvic socket with improper rotation causing great pain, lameness, arthritis and difficulty walking. You may notice your Standard Schnauzer “hopping”” like a rabbit when running plus hesitating to climb stairs, all due to pain in the hind quarters. The problem actually starts as a very young puppy with an abnormal formation of the hip joint and grows progressively. A vet can locate this with a diagnostics test.

Other health problems could occur with your Standard Schnauzer. If you notice any problems with your dog, take it to the vet immediately. This website is for general information only and is not intended to, in any way, be a medical guide.

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