Standard schnauzer are loyal , combat-ready dogs often pertain to as “ the heel with the human brain . ” Learn more about live on with these clever pup .
The stock schnauzer was appoint for his signature beard — the word " schnauzer " literally translates to " whisker hooter . " Asan active dog , the received schnauzer pee a devoted companion to any kinsperson with an on - the - go lifestyle . Thesemedium - sized dogshave a bunch of vim , but their intelligence and attentive demeanor makes themeasy to train . Potential owners should only dramatize a standard schnauzer if they are unforced to devote time to keeping them mentally and physically take .
The standard schnauzer is the original breed behind thegiant schnauzerand theminiature schnauzer . He is commonly known ( and well - recognized ) across the U.S. , but his first cousin are slightly more popular . But , like his cousins , the standard schnauzer isa low - shedding breedthat could be a good convulsion for some masses with allergies , thoughno dog is completely hypoallergenic .
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Appearance
With bristly eyebrows and a farseeing moustache , the standard schnauzer is light to tell apart . He is known for his " rugged build and dense , harsh pelage , " accord to theStandard Schnauzer Club of America ( SSCA ) . unfeigned to his history as a guard dog , his ear are always perked and rattling , ready to react to any sudden movement .
These working dogs maintain a inflexible frame , and their coats are either a rich black or salt - and - pepper mix . Weighing just 35–45 pounds , the standard schnauzer is comfortable tobring along on road tripsor escapade .
He may not cast much , but owners should still schedule grooming sessions for their standard schnauzer to keep their pelt at a achievable distance . In improver to even haircuts , regular brushing sessions at homewill keep him looking his good .
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Temperament
Ashighly sound dogs , the received schnauzer is gentle to groom but also involve a pot of genial input . His account as a sentinel heel may make himwant to stay close to his owner , but he also maintain an independent streak . Gail Mackiernan , the breed pedagogy chair for the SSCA for 19 year , articulate while received schnauzers get a line speedily , they also can give their pup parents an attitude .
" Standards are a very intelligent breed , " Mackiernan says . " They ’re also a very determined strain . the great unwashed say they ’re stubborn , but they ’re really more determined . They call up they lie with what should be done and are not timid about letting you know . "
The ever - dynamic received schnauzer will likely enjoy having other dogs around as playfellow . But because of his chronicle , it ’s important to secure he iswell - socialized as a puppyso he is n’t wary of new masses and fauna .
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" They are a stock that has an congenital streak of suspicion in them , all of the breed that have any guarding inherent aptitude have a thread of vigilance in them , " Mackiernan say . " If you heighten them where they are n’t exposed to unknown noise , strange people , strange sound , and so forth , then you could get a heel that ’s fearful . "
Standard schnauzers have a hearty workplace ethic and are drive to watch over their owners . Because he ’s always on the spotter , he can be prostrate to bark at the letter carrier or houseguest . He ’s also not an indiscriminate barker , andhe will only skin if there is a reasonto qui vive you . Owners should rely onpositive reinforcing stimulus trainingto help him become the undecomposed version of himself : clever , drive , and enthusiastic .
Living Needs
The standard schnauzer prefers do as a watchdog over being a sofa white potato vine , though he is affectionate to those who earn his love ; he just show his devotion by front over his family unit and remaining wakeful for visitors , rather than always lying around . He has a knack for problem - solving , so keep your schnauzer engaged withfood puzzle , nimbleness courses , and other frequent bodily function with the family .
As a working dog , the received schnauzer screw suffer a job to complete . He will behappiest with a fence in - in yardor other outdoor surface area where he can put his keen pot to the test . He alsomakes an excellent hiking companionfor active families as long as he is well - trained to not run after squirrel that may scamper by . Mackiernan apprize keeping even a well - trainedstandard schnauzer on a leashin the common because ofhis high prey drive .
" They are very prey - driven . For this reason , almost no one just lets their standard prevail off lead freely , " Mackiernan says . " They are dictated and levelheaded , but if you want a dog that is absolutely disciplined and does everything perfect all the time , it ’s probably not the strain for you because they are going to challenge you . "
Due to his active life style and shrewd mind , he will call for day-to-day base on balls in gain to genial example . As long as he is well - socialized as a puppy , your stock schnauzer will alsobe playful with childrenand other heel he recognize as part of his home .
Care
Thestandard schnauzer was not engender for ennui . He needs ordered outlets for mental and physical stimulation , which makes him an fantabulous fit for activities involving legerity , tracking , or herding . With all his vim , the standard schnauzer will enjoy spending metre with other firedog who want to play .
When it arrive to grooming that distinctive , stringy coat , owners should prepare for weekly brush . The standard schnauzer is a low - shed breed , but their hairsbreadth can farm long . Regular brushing with a deceiver brushing and a innate bristle brushwood , along with the periodic haircut , will keep his coat looking its best .
Mackiernan , who presently owns four standard schnauzer and has raised several champion dog within the breed , says the pelage growth and curry regime can vary ground on the dog . Some owners prefer to strip out former whisker — the choice of many who show dogs professionally and need to maintain the wiry coating — while other owners will just clip the hair when it gets too long .
" They area breed that requires grooming , " Mackiernan tell . " If you want to clip the coat , thentake the blackguard to a groomerand have it curtail . It ’ll always reckon courteous and always look neat . It just wo n’t have the compact , heavy wire coat that is sort of the hallmark of the breed . "
Like all other dogs , measure schnauzersneed their nail trimmed , theirears houseclean , andtheir tooth brushedto be goodish and glad .
Health
The received schnauzer is typically ahealthy and robust breed , just like gargantuan and miniature schnauzers . He has a life-time between 13–16 yr , and proprietor can expect minimal health problem . Later in life , he might experiencehip dysplasia , which happens when a dog ’s coxa marijuana cigarette is loose . Veterinarians are often capable to operate with owners tofind joint supplementsthat can help palliate annoyance .
Many of the wellness conditions stock schnauzer can experience are genetic , so prospective possessor should demand to see wellness certificates for the parent breeds if they are working with a received schnauzer breeder . TheCanine Health Information Centerrecommends make standard schnauzer screen for rose hip dysplasia , eye problems , and a case ofcanine heart diseasecalled expound cardiomyopathy .
History
The stemma of the stock schnauzer can be traced back to the Middle Ages , where they worked as see hotdog for farmers in Germany , according to the SSCA . Their medium - size frame made them the perfect sizing for simultaneously hunting vermin and protect their owners , says Rick Allenput , obedience specialist forThe Pampered Pup .
" Before the dog turned into a family ducky , [ he ] would handle unlike duties , include hunting vermin , guard farm animal , and also ensure their owners are protected as they travel from one grocery to the next , " Allenput says . " Standard schnauzer had the complete size such that they could easily fit into a cart . Also , they were large enough to become guard dogs . "
The stock schnauzer was originally known as wirehaired pinschers , but finally became sleep together as schnauzers ( meaning " whiskered rostrum " ) because of their distinctly bristly muzzle . Standard schnauzer dogs made their way to the U.S. in the other 1900s alongside travelers from Germany , and the national strain club was constitute in 1933 . The American Kennel Club recognized the stock in 1904 .