About the Breed

Here are some things to consider before you decide to share your home with a Standard Schnauzer.

Often called "the dog with the human brain," it is the original of the three sizes of Schnauzer. A handsome, robust, medium-sized dog, they come in salt and pepper or solid black. Males, as a rule, are between 18 to 20" high at the shoulders and generally weight between 40 and 50 pounds, while females are 17 to 19" and weight 35 to 45 pounds.

The Standard Schnauzer is a sociable, alert family companion but is not the dog for everyone. They are a high energy breed, so they are not the dog for those who want a slow, placid dog or a dog that can be fed, put in the backyard, and forgotten. They want to be part of the pack (family). As a home guardian, the Standard Schnauzer excels but will readily accept friends of the family, all the while warning away strangers and intruders with a strong voice.

Due to their intelligence, the Standard Schnauzer learns quickly but when "given an inch will take a mile," so they do need firm-but not harsh-consistent training. A robust dog, they do need daily exercise and love to play. A fenced yard is a must, and keep in mind that Standards can clear a six-foot fence.

All dogs require grooming, whether it be brushing, ear cleaning, or nail clipping. Standard Schnauzers require more than the average dog. Beard and leg furnishings must be combed often to keep them from matting. Show dogs must their coat worked or stripped (hair plucked) by hand to maintain the correct coat texture; however, companions (pets) can be clipped, which is much quicker than stripping.

The breed is relatively healthy; however, as in any breed, there can be health problems. Besides the initial cost of the puppy/dog, there will be expensive for veterinarian care, good, toys, bedding, training classes . . . the list could go on and on. The Standard Schnauzer, if given good care, should repay you with unconditional love for 12 to 15 years.

They can be addictive. Most people find two Standards are twice as much fun as one! However, if you have two Standards, it will cost you twice as much. Remember, when a dog becomes part of your family, he should become your companion for LIFE. Their needs for love and security are no different from our own!

History of the Breed

A popular theory of the origin of the Standard Schnauzer is that tradesmen, who traveled the countryside with carts laden with wares in the 14th century, sought and bred in Germany a guard dog of medium size, which would not take up too much room on the cart, yet be strong enough to do the job. To develop this Schnauzer, it is thought the tradesmen crossed the black German Poodle and the gray Wolfspitz with Wife-haired Pinscher stock. It is not known just how many years it took, but at least 50 years passed before the Standard Schnauzer breed was somewhat fixed. The Standard Schnauzer appears in many paintings from the 15th century and seems to have been in high favor as a household companion.

German farmers used the dogs to guard their wagons of produce while at or on the way to market, as well as to keep the stable, barns, and home free of vermin. They were excellent rat catchers.

Standard Schnauzers were used by both the Red Cross and the German Army in World War I as guard dogs and dispatch carriers. They were popular because of their dependability. They have also been used in police work.

The first Standard Schnauzer was imported to the United States around 1900. The first Standard Schnauzer is said to have been shown at Westminster Kennel Club in 1899. Once a part of the terrier group, the Standard was reclassified to the working group in 1945 where it remains today.

In 1925, the Schnauzer Club of America, first called the Wire-haired Pinscher Club, was formed, and in 1933, the Standard Schnauzer Club of America was formed. Like other breeds, the Standard Schnauzer has its official breed standard, established by the SSCA and AKC, which is used to judge the dogs in conformation competition. The breed can also be found competing in the obedience, rally, and agility rings; herding and tracking trials; and doing therapy work.

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Contact Us

If you would like more information or just want to chat about Standard Schnauzers, please contact us.

Phone: 858-292-4924
E-mail: KBenSS@aol.com