Standard Schnauzer
Quick Facts:
- AKC recognized in 1904
- Lifespan: 13-16 years
- Size: Medium
- Energy: Medium
- Recommended Crate Size: 36" dog crate*
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Introduction
Schnauzer sounds German, doesn’t it? Standard Schnauzer dogs are believed to have originated in the 15th – 16th centuries in Germany as its answer to the general purpose working dog needed on farms.
Schnauzer in German is translated as "snout", which colloquially means mustache.
Schnauzer dogs are a terrier dog breed, but uniquely they don’t have the terrier's typical temperament.
Their versatility makes them good working dogs. They are a beloved breed with many ideal traits.
Breed
The American Kennel Club formally recognized the Standard Schnauzer in 1904. These medium energy dogs are known as fearless, smart, spirited, alert, strong, and endurable.
One thing that you may not like about them is their penchant for stubbornness. They have attractive looks and good health.
Leaving them with children is okay, but not necessarily with other small pets you have because they have a rat-chaser instinct.
You don’t wanna have your hamsters or gerbil chased and potentially hurt by your Schnauzer.
The Standard Schnauzer dog is now ranked by AKC as 85th most popular dog breed, making it middle of the pack in terms of popularity.
They have common health problems such as hip dysplasia.
Appearance
Standard Schnauzers grow to between 17.5 and 19.5 inches in height and weigh between 30-50 pounds, with females being smaller than males. They have big bones and strong muscles to support their well-proportioned body.
As can be imagined, the Standard Schnauzer is larger than the Miniature Schnauzer and smaller than the Giant Schnauzer.
Schnauzers come in black or pepper & salt colors without no markings. They are double-coated with a soft undercoat and a hard, dense, and outer coat.
Owners tend to like to keep their coat long on under the tail, stomach, chest, ears, head, and neck. Many consider their bristly mustache as a cute signature of the Schnauzer breed.
Nutrition
It is recommended to provide feed formulated to medium-sized breeds. It is highly recommended to discuss your dog’s feed with your veterinarian and/or breeder in order to determine the size and frequency of meals in order to ensure a healthy, long life. It is also important to ensure that clean, fresh water is always available.
Grooming
Schnauzer dogs require lots of grooming to make them look their best. Brush their beard daily as well as their legs to avoid tangles.
They like to eat so wash their face after they eat to avoid undesirable dirt or debris. While twice a year other dog breeds may shed, Schnauzers may shed slightly more at every 4-6 months.
Schnauzers’ coat will become dull and easy to be pulled by hand. When this happens, you should hand-strip the loose fur.
Their wiry coat also can be clipped regularly with shears. Brush their teeth daily, or two-three times weekly to remove any bad bacteria and avoid dental problems.
Their nails grow pretty fast so trimming is needed at least once/twice every month. If you use groomer service, accompanying them is recommended to make them feel safe around strangers.
Exercise
To release their pent-up energy, they need daily exercise of at least 30 minutes every day. This breed is easily trainable. Schnauzers also get bored easily so make sure you have various activities for them.
An ideal suggested schedule is Monday for longer-distance walking, Tuesday for jogging, and Wednesday for playing in the park, with all other days a moderate walk of 30 minutes. It is important that they are socialized to the other dogs early in their life.
Pet Crate Size
Pet Crates Direct recommends 36" dog crates* for most adult Standard Schnauzer Dogs.
* Links for crate sizes will bring you to the most appropriate Amazon page.