by Raven Lebeau

Created on: February 18, 2009

The standard schnauzer is a robust, medium-sized dog, standing seventeen to twenty inches high at the shoulder and weighing between twenty and fifty pounds. Like his relatives, the giant schnauzer and miniature schnauzer, the standard schnauzer usually has a salt-and-pepper or black coat. For show, the coat is trimmed short over most of the body and allowed to grow long on the chin, eyebrows, and legs. The long facial hair gives schnauzers the somewhat comical appearance reminiscent of an old man. Their wiry coats shed a only a negligible amount of hair, making the standard schnauzer a dog that is relatively easy on the vacuum cleaner.

While the German Kennel Club first recognized the standard schnauzer in 1918, the breed is far older. Paintings from as far back as the fifteenth century feature schnauzers. The Dutch master Rembrandt included several schnauzers in his work, and a fourteenth century statue of a hunter in Mechlinburg, Germany includes a schnauzer at the hunter's feet. The first schnauzers were probably produced by cross-breeding black German poodles, gray wolf spitzs, and wirehaired pinschers.

Classified by the American Kennel Club as a working dog, the standard schnauzer is strong, agile, and highly trainable. Standard schnauzers are easygoing and good with children and thus make excellent family pets. As working dogs, they need lots of exercise and will thrive when given ample walks and room to play. In competition, standard schnauzers excel at obedience, tracking, herding, and agility. They also make excellent guard dogs, companions, and therapy dogs.

The temperament of the standard schnauzer is inquisitive, playful, and very energetic. Originally bred as rat dogs, schnauzers have a strong chase instinct. While they can often coexist peacefully with other dogs and even cats, they should be kept well-separated from any rodents that are kept as pets. Standard schnauzers enjoy intellectual stimulation and will readily accept training for competition, sport, or just to entertain their owners. They are excellent companions for hikers and outdoor sportsmen.

Another aspect of the standard schnauzer's character is his territorial instinct. The standard schnauzer is very protective of his home and his owners and will warn potential trespassers with a deep, loud bark. Though standard schnauzers are excellent at warding off unwanted strangers, they are affectionate to people they recognize and can be taught to get along with people who are frequent visitors in the home.

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