Standard Schnauzer

also known as Wirehair Pinscher, Mittelschnauzer, Schnauzer

Pros History


The Standard Schnauzer is a versatile and intelligent breed of dog that has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. The breed was first recognized by the German Kennel Club in 1879, and later by the American Kennel Club in 1904.

The breed gets its name from the German word "schnauze," which means snout or muzzle, referring to the breed's distinctive beard and mustache. The Standard Schnauzer is the original and oldest of the three Schnauzer breeds, with the Miniature and Giant Schnauzers being developed later.

The Standard Schnauzer was developed in Germany, primarily in the region of Württemberg, as a multi-purpose farm dog. It was used for a variety of tasks such as ratting, herding, guarding, and even as a cattle driver. Its strong and athletic build, combined with its intelligence and trainability, made it an ideal working dog.

The breed's origins can be traced back to the 14th century, where it was known as the Wirehaired Pinscher. Over time, the breed was developed and refined through selective breeding to create the distinct characteristics that we see in the Standard Schnauzer today.

Breed Information


Type

Is Standard Schnauzer a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Standard Schnauzers originally used for?

ratting, guardian

Lifespan

How Long Do Standard Schnauzers Live? What is average life expectancy for a Standard Schnauzer? How long can Standard Schnauzers live?

12-15 years

The average Standard Schnauzer lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Standard Schnauzer Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Standard Schnauzer?

What is the average height of a Standard Schnauzer? How big is a Purebred Standard Schnauzer height? Standard Schnauzer dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 18-20 inches (45.7 - 50.8 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) 18.0 inches (45.7 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm)
Female 17-18 inches (43.2 - 45.7 cm) 15.5 inches (39.4 cm) 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)
What is the average weight of a Standard Schnauzer? How much should Standard Schnauzers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 40-50 pounds (18 - 23 kg) 30.0 pounds (14 kg) 37.5 pounds (17 kg) 45.0 pounds (20 kg)
Female 35-45 pounds (16 - 20 kg) 25.0 pounds (11 kg) 32.5 pounds (15 kg) 40.0 pounds (18 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Standard Schnauzers get fat easily?

The Standard Schnauzer is a dog breed that has a low risk for obesity. This means that they are less prone to gain weight than many other breeds, but it is still important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Hypoallergenic

Are Standard Schnauzers Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Standard Schnauzers are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a Standard Schnauzer personality? What are Standard Schnauzer dogs best known for?

Devoted
Intelligent
Playful
Good-natured
Lively
Trainable

Shedding Level

Are Standard Schnauzers heavy shedders? How Much Does a Standard Schnauzer Shed?

Standard Schnauzer will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Standard Schnauzer dog?

Standard Schnauzers are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Standard Schnauzer is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Standard Schnauzers come from?

Germany

Ancestry

What are Standard Schnauzers descended from?

schnauzer, pinscher, poodle, wolf spitz

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Standard Schnauzer breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
Australian National Kennel Council
Canadian Kennel Club
Continental Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
United Kennel Club
American Canine Association, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Standard Schnauzers first bred? How old is the Standard Schnauzer breed?

middle ages

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Standard Schnauzer?

Working (AKC:1904)
Herding (UKC)

Standard Schnauzer Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Standard Schnauzer eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Standard Schnauzer nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Standard Schnauzer coat be naturally?

Black
Pied

Coat Length

How long is a Standard Schnauzers coat?

The coat of a Standard Schnauzer dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Standard Schnauzer Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Standard Schnauzer?

Wiry

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Standard Schnauzer have in a litter? How many puppies can a Standard Schnauzer have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Standard Schnauzer can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Standard Schnauzer dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Standard Schnauzer Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Standard Schnauzers have a lot of health problems?

The Standard Schnauzer is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher incidence of health problems compared to some other breeds. These health issues may be frequent and can range from minor to serious. It is therefore essential that owners of DOG_NAMEs schedule regular check-ups with a veterinarian to ensure that any potential health issues are identified and treated as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Standard Schnauzer?

Diabetes
Pancreatitis

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Standard Schnauzers?

Cataracts
Bladder Stones
Portosystemic Shunt

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Standard Schnauzer breed?

Blood
Blood And Urine Protein Screens
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Standard Schnauzer Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Standard Schnauzers have a lot of energy?

Standard Schnauzers are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Standard Schnauzers need socialization? How social are Standard Schnauzers?

Standard Schnauzer have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Standard Schnauzers get?

The Standard Schnauzer dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Standard Schnauzer have? Do Standard Schnauzers sleep a lot?

Standard Schnauzers are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Standard Schnauzer drool a lot?

The Standard Schnauzer is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Standard Schnauzers tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Standard Schnauzers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Standard Schnauzers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Standard Schnauzer running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Standard Schnauzer dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Standard Schnauzers enjoy doing? How do I keep my Standard Schnauzer busy?

Walking, Barking, Walks, Playing, Smelling, Running, Hikes, Fetching

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Standard Schnauzer? How much energy does a Standard Schnauzer have?

Medium

Standard Schnauzers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Standard Schnauzer walk each week? How many miles should a Standard Schnauzer walk every week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Standard Schnauzer, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Standard Schnauzer should exercise a day? How much activity does a Standard Schnauzer need?

60 minutes

In general most Standard Schnauzers usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Standard Schnauzer?

This breed is known for having high grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Standard Schnauzer?

Daily

Ideally, Standard Schnauzer should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Standard Schnauzers?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Standard Schnauzer eat?

2 cups

For an average 40-50 pound (18 - 23 kg) Standard Schnauzer feed 2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Standard Schnauzer Cost Daily?

$2.50 - $2.80 / day

The average cost of a Standard Schnauzer is somewhere $2.50 - $2.80 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Standard Schnauzer Cost Per Month?

$74 - $84 / month

The average per month expenses of a Standard Schnauzer is between $74 - $84. This makes an average of $888 - $1008 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Standard Schnauzer Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Standard Schnauzer?

The Standard Schnauzer breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Standard Schnauzer dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Standard Schnauzer dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Standard Schnauzer do well in apartments? Are Standard Schnauzers good indoor dogs?

Standard Schnauzers are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Standard Schnauzers good with kids? Are Standard Schnauzers good around children?

Standard Schnauzers are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Standard Schnauzers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Standard Schnauzers good with cats? How friendly Standard Schnauzers are toward cats?

Standard Schnauzers are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do Standard Schnauzer dogs get along with other dogs? Are Standard Schnauzers OK with other dogs?

Standard Schnauzers are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do Standard Schnauzer dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Standard Schnauzers friendly with strangers?

Standard Schnauzers are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Standard Schnauzers like to play? Are Standard Schnauzers playful?

Standard Schnauzers are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Standard Schnauzer for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Standard Schnauzer easily trained?

Standard Schnauzer dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Lack of odor
    The Standard Schnauzer is unlikely to produce a strong bad odor
  • Intelligent
    Standard Schnauzer is known to be an intelligent breed and easy to train.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
    Standard Schnauzers are at a minimal risk for becoming overweight.
  • Affectionate
    They are known to be affectionate and loyal to their owners.
  • Good with children
    Standard Schnauzer gets along well with children and make great family pets.

Cons

  • High energy level
    Standard Schnauzer have a high energy level and require a lot of exercise.
  • Grooming needs
    Their wiry, hypoallergenic coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Standard Schnauzers are not generally considered to be office-friendly dogs.
  • Health problems
    Standard Schnauzers, like other breeds, may have a predisposition to certain health issues such as Diabetes, Pancreatitis, Cataracts, Bladder Stones and Portosystemic Shunt.