The Standard Schnauzer is the Goldilocks of dogs: it’s not too big (like the Giant Schnauzer) and it’s not too small (like the Miniature Schnauzer), it’s just right. This medium-sized dog doesn’t know the meaning of the word ‘laidback’. Energetic, confident and always raring to go, Standard Schnauzers need a job to do and a packed daily schedule to keep them happy and out of mischief. Whether that’s accompanying you on daily walks, tramps or runs; enjoying a ball game (or 6); or sorting out the laundry, life with a Standard Schnauzer is never dull.
Standard Schnauzer Facts
The Standard Schnauzer comes from Bavaria in Germany where it was bred in the Middle Ages to be an all-round farm dog. This hardworking multi-tasker excels as a ratter, herder, guardian and hunting. Nowadays a Standard Schnauzer is kept busy playing with their families and acting as the protector of their loved ones.
- Breed Group: Working
- Height: Female: 44.5-47cm; Male: 47-49.5cm
- Weight: Female: 13-20kg; Male: 16-22.5kg
- Life Span: 13-16 years
- Coat: Medium, double, wiry
- Colour: Black or salt and pepper
What Does a Standard Schnauzer Look Like?
There’s no mistaking a Standard Schnauzer - you only have to take a peek at their distinctive beard and the long hair on their legs and tummy to know what it is. A medium-sized pup, it’s larger than a Miniature Schnauzer and smaller than a Giant Schnauzer, both of which were originally bred from the Standard.
Whatever size of Schnauzer it is, they share the same Schnauzer hallmarks. These include the wiry, medium-length double coat that’s either black or salt and pepper (white and black/dark grey). Other hallmarks are the tightly packed squarish frame and the long, narrow head with some serious eyebrows and whiskers. Ok, we’ll say it: the Standard Schnauzer looks a little like grandad.
But their sporty, sturdy and strong build, complete with muscular legs, lets you know a Standard Schnauzer is an energetic, hard working dog who’s happiest when they’re on the go.
Standard Schnauzer
Standard Schnauzer Temperament: Always Ready for Action
Bred to be Germany’s finest farm dogs, a Standard Schnauzer is a confident, playful, energetic and dignified dog that makes a brilliant companion (as long as you’re able to provide an outlet for their smarts and athleticism that is).
Although loving towards their families, Standard Schnauzers make good watch dogs because of their tendency to bark when they spot a stranger approaching and their wariness towards people and pups they don’t know. But once they get to know you, expect them to unleash their playful side. Standard Schnauzers can be great with kids and other dogs as long as they’ve been properly socialised with them from a young age. With their dignified outlook on life, they won’t tolerate some things, like being teased by kids.
Standard Schnauzers are smart, spirited dogs who get to grips with training and tricks very quickly. Which also means that they get bored very quickly. An untrained Standard Schnauzer will think that they’re top dog and will happily rule the roost - good luck trying to wrestle back control of your home. A firm yet gentle training approach will help your Standard Schnauzer become a well-mannered family pet.
Born to be working dogs, Standard Schnauzers are their best selves when they’ve got a job to do. In short, couch potatoes need not apply.
Keeping Standard Schnauzers Healthy: 3 Issues to Watch Out For
Standard Schnauzers are known for being healthy and hardy dogs. Preventative care, like regular vet check ups, can help them live a long and healthy life.
Cancer
With a long life expectancy (up to 16 years), Standard Schnauzers are at risk of developing cancer in their later years. This includes hemangiosarcoma, a cancer that affects the cells of the blood vessels. It causes tumours to form in their organs, which can break open, leading to internal bleeding. Signs of hemangiosarcoma include red or black skin growths. Surgery is normally needed, with follow up chemotherapy. Sadly, the life expectancy of a dog with hemangiosarcoma isn’t long.
Heart Problems
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is found in some Standard Schnauzers. DCM causes their heart to become large, weak and thin and the symptoms aren’t that easy to spot. Varied, they include a loss of appetite, pale gums, coughing, and breathing difficulties. If you spot any of these symptoms, it’s important to take them to the vet. The earlier DCM is caught, the easier it can be treated, normally with medication.
Bladder or Kidney Stones
Bladder or kidney stones are a painful condition that causes a Standard Schnauzer to have trouble weeing. There might also be blood in their wee. There’s a range of treatment options, including diet changes and surgical and non-surgical removal methods.
Caring for Your Standard Schnauzer Dog
Standard Schnauzers might be fearless and independent, but they still need a lot of care. This includes proper training and socialising, exercising their brains and bodies every day, and grooming that beautiful coat.
Grooming:
Although a Standard Schnauzer rocks a wiry coat that’s tight to their body, they still need regular (read: weekly) grooming. Use a brush to help ensure their coat doesn’t get matted and take them for a full grooming session every 6 to 8 weeks. This should include a haircut, bath, clip and cut and nail trimming. Expect an appointment to take between 1 and 2 hours. It’s important your Standard Schnauzer is comfortable and confident when they’re getting groomed, especially having their beard cut. Start taking them to the groomers when they’re still a puppy so they get used to clippers and scissors and having their paws handled.
In between appointments, you’ll need to wash their beards and legs and keep an eye out for anything that gets stuck in their feet. Oh, and brush their teeth every day too.
Nutrition
Standard Schnauzers aren’t known for being fussy eaters and should happily tuck into quality commercial dog food. Because they’re so high energy, keep an eye on serving size to make sure they’re getting all the nutrients they need to fuel their energetic lifestyle.
Overfeeding a Standard Schnauzer isn’t ideal either, as being overweight can lead to a range of health problems. They might have high energy needs but if they’re not doing enough exercise for how much they’re eating, they can gain weight. Rather than daily treats during training, offer up praise and playtime with a special toy. If you’re worried about their weight, visit your vet who can help you keep them at a healthy weight.
Exercise
Standard Schnauzers are designed for endurance and activity - just take a look at their sturdy, squarish frames. Plenty of daily exercise is essential for their physical and mental health, this is a very energetic dog breed. This looks like around 1 hour of vigorous activity every day (a ‘lie-in’ isn’t a concept in the Standard Schnauzer’s world).
With their playful natures, Standard Schnauzers love to play with humans and other dogs. Whatever their family is doing, they demand to be right there too. This isn’t a dog that will be ok left alone in the garden to entertain themselves. Although great hiking and running companions and performance sport athletes (think agility and herding), a Standard Schnauzer will happily take part in anything you’re enthusiastic about. A great way to tire them out is to play with a ball together.
Sniffing and nose work, where they can put that fine snout to the test, keeps a Standard Schnauzer happy and healthy too. As well as letting them enjoy a good sniff when you’re out and about, try scent tracking. You could use a slow feeder at meal times or invest in some puzzle toys. Or simply hide treats around the home which they have to sniff out.
Training
Smart in the body and in the mind, a Standard Schnauzer needs proper training and socialisation from early puppyhood. Whip smart, Standard Schnauzers can pick up what they’re asked to do incredibly quickly. If you don’t mix things up and progress after they’ve mastered a new skill, Standard Schnauzers will get bored. A bored Standard Schnauzer will happily teach themselves new tricks - and they’re probably things you don’t want them to learn.
Start with the basics of obedience training, like sit, stay and come plus walking nicely on a lead. Positive reinforcement which gently teaches them the rules of family life works well for Standard Schnauzers. It’s important you train them and provide mental stimulation for them throughout their lives.
Early socialisation is important too. Bring them to meet friendly people and pups, take them on neighbourhood strolls, or enrol them in puppy school with a professional trainer. Early exposure to a range of people, pets and experiences will give them confidence and the skills to cope with everything life throws at them.