Schnauzer

History

Standard developed for getting rid of vermin around farms & homes & for sheep herding. The Mini was developed by breeding the smaller Stds to Affenpinchers & Toy Poodles. The Giant was developed by breeding the larger Stds to Bouviers & Great Danes. However, in some countries, the Giants are used in police & protection work & in search & rescue.

Description

Sturdily built, robust, sinewy, nearly square, (length of body equal to height at shoulders).

Grooming and Physical Needs

  • Grooming Needs: All over grooming is required at least twice a week.
  • Coat Type: Harsh, wiry and short enough for smartness.
  • Moulting: Little shedding.
  • Exercise Needs: Enjoy exercise and play. However they will quite happily fall in with the family’s life style. They do like to be kept active and enjoy obedience tasks.
  • Average Life Span: 10 – 14 years.

Behaviour

  • Family: Active owner as they all enjoy exercise, & the owner must be patient in initial learning phases – they love to learn, but are easily intimidated if miss-handled when young. All three of the Schnauzers are extremely affectionate, they crave human company & make good watch dogs for the family; they will get up to terrible mischief if left alone for long periods. Good with children.
  • Temperament: Strong, vigorous dog capable of great endurance. Alert, reliable and intelligent. Primarily a companion dog.
  • Trainability: Intelligent dog that is easily trained, although it does need consistent training, as it can be quite stubborn. As puppies they do require lots of socialisation and training.
  • Sociability (Other Pets): Live happily with other pets provided they are trained and socialised from an early age.
  • Barking: Medium tendency.

Talents

Ideal family pets and watchdogs.

Notes

A common cause of death in the older Schnauzer is heart failure.