Country of Origin: Germany
Group: Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid Breeds - Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
Section: Pinscher and Schnauzer type
Original Function: ratting, guardian
Todays Function: companion
Dimension Male: 46-51 cm
Dimension Female: 43-48 cm
Weight Male: 14-20 kg
Weight Female: 14-18 kg
Litter Size: 3-6 puppies
Life span: 12-14 years
Other Names: Mittelschnauzer
Colors: Black, black and silver or salt and pepper
Living: Indoor with regular exercise and a large fenced yard if possible.
Recognized: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
Description
The Standard Schnauzer is a medium-sized, rugged, robust dog with bushy eyebrows, whiskers and a beard. The head is long and rectangular, with a strong muzzle and a pronounced stop. The nose is black and the eyes are oval and dark brown. The teeth should form a scissors bite. The feet are small and cat-like, with arched toes. The tail is generally docked at the fourth vertebra, but cropping the ears is optional. The forelegs are very straight. Any dewclaws should be removed. The topline slopes slightly downward from the withers to the rump. The front legs must appear straight from every angle, while its rear legs and thighs are oblique and very muscular. He has a harsh, wiry outer coat and dense, soft undercoat. The coat comes in salt & pepper or solid black.
Temperament
Bold and lively, the standard schnauzer is a fun-loving companion and guardian. It is clever and headstrong, and unless given daily physical and mental exercise, it can be mischievous. It does best with a firm, patient owner. It is a devoted family dog and very reliable with children. It is good with other family pets, but it can be aggressive toward strange dogs, animals or rodents. It is reserved with strangers, sometimes acting suspicious and protective.
Excercise
The standard schnauzer needs daily exertion, either a long walk on leash, a vigorous game or an off-lead outing in a safe area. It can live outdoors in temperate climates, but it is better off dividing its time between house and yard. Its harsh coat needs combing twice weekly, plus professional scissoring and shaping four times yearly. Shaping is done by clipping for pets and stripping for show dogs.
Grooming
The wiry coat is reasonably easy to look after, but the undercoat is dense and it will become matted unless it is combed or brushed daily with a short wire brush. Clip out knots and brush first with the grain, then against the grain to lift the coat. The
Health
Major concerns: none
Minor concerns: CHD, follicular dermatitis
Occasionally seen: none
Suggested tests: hip
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