Should You Get a Schnauzer?
Schnauzers are energetic, intelligent dogs known for their alert nature and distinctive bearded appearance. Originally developed as versatile farm dogs in Germany, they are confident, lively, and deeply devoted to their family. Schnauzers enjoy being involved in daily activities and often make excellent watchdogs thanks to their attentiveness and strong protective instincts. While highly trainable, they can also be independent thinkers, so consistent training and mental stimulation are important. For owners who appreciate a spirited dog with personality and loyalty, the Schnauzer can be an engaging and devoted companion.
Schnauzer — At a Glance
Temperament: Alert, spirited, intelligent
Breed Type: Terrier / working dog
Height: 12–28 inches (varies by size variety)
Weight: 11–85 pounds (varies by variety)
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Shedding: Low (wiry coat requires grooming)
Exercise Needs: Moderate
Good for Families: Yes
Best for Owners: Active, attentive households
Origin: Germany
Size: Small–Large (Miniature, Standard, Giant)
The Schnauzer originated
in Southern Germany in the 14th or 15th century. They were initially bred as working dogs, primarily for tasks such as rat catching and guarding property. The name schnauzer comes from the German words for muzzle (schnauze) and snout (nasen). Schnauzers were originally known as the Wire-haired Pinscher.
There are three separate breeds
of Schnauzer: the standard Schnauzer, giant Schnauzer, and miniature Schnauzer. The miniature Schnauzer is classified in the Terrier group by the American Kennel Club while both the standard and giant Schnauzer and members of the Working group.
The Schnauzer was miniaturized
in the 19th century by mixing a standard Schnauzer with the Affenpinscher-Spitz and black Poodle. The mini Schnauzer is 12-14 inches to the shoulder and weighs 11-20 pounds.
In Landmark Research on Modern Dog Breed
development, the standard Schnauzer has been shown to share the most DNA with an ancestor of the following breeds:
Miniature Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzer
Pomeranian
Giant Schnauzers are more
laid back than their smaller counterparts, leading some people to call them “the couch potato of the dog world.” They’re also known for being great with children and other animals. They were the last of the Schnauzer types to be developed. It is believed the Standard Schnauzer was mixed with the black Great Dane in the late 1920’s. A giant Schnauzer is up to 28″ tall and weighs up to 90 pounds.
According to FCI Breed Standard
the Standard Schnauzer can reach up to 20 inches in height and up to 50 pounds in weight. Accepted coat colors are:
“Pure black with black undercoat and
Pepper and Salt. Shades from dark iron grey to silver grey are all permitted.”
The Miniature Schnauzer colors are:
“Pure black with black undercoat. Pepper and Salt. Black/Silver. Pure white with white undercoat.“
The Giant Schnauzer colors are:
“Pure black with black undercoat. Pepper and Salt“
Their are three coat types
on Schnauzers; regular or wire-haired-supercoated and megacoated. You will generally see the regular wire coated Schnauzer because the two other variations require much more care.
Growing Up Giant Schnauzer
Have pictures of your dog as a puppy and an adult? We give-away free random videos of dogs growing up every month. You can enter pictures here!
How Fast Can a Schnauzer Run?
The AKC Conducts Dog Racing Trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The fastest recorded speed by a Standard Schnauzer was by a dog named Mcelyea’s Mcschnauzers’ If You Just Smile at 27.29 mph.
The fastest speed for a Miniature Schnauzer was by a dog named by Jack “The Joker” Napier – Clown Prince Of Crime at 27.94 mph.
The fastest speed for a Giant Schnauzer was by a dog named by Apffel Bach’s Dirk at 29.67 mph.
The CBARQ Dog Temperament Research
study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, is a giant study of over 300 dog breeds and 60,000 individual dogs. In this study, the Standard Schnauzer ranks 14th out of 124 breeds hostility towards other FAMILIAR dogs. According to this research they are likely display hostile behaviors to other dogs in the house over toys, attention, food etc.
In this Same Research
the Standard Schnauzer ranks 32 out of 124 breeds in prey drive. This makes perfect sense because the were originally bred to catch vermin. If you are on a walk with your Schnauzer, changes are excellent they will chase or want to chase other small animals such as cats, squirrels, rabbits etc.
Schnauzer Humor!
In the Landmark Book
entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Standard Schnauzer ranks 18th out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 5 to 15 repetitions and obey first commands more than 85% of the time. This puts them in the “excellent working and obedience intelligence” category. In contrast, the least intelligent breeds will learn the same command in 80-100 repetitions or more!
The miniature Schnauzer ranks 12th out or 130 breeds and the giant Schnauzer 28th.
The Standard Schnauzer is
a robust and generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 13-16 years (some mini’s live 18-19 years). Health problems to be aware of are:
Hip Dysplasia
Pancreatitis
Follicular Dermatitis
Schnauzers are commonly used
as police dogs, guide dogs for the blind, and drug-sniffing dogs because of their intelligence and protective nature. They can be a bit mischievous and energetic but if you keep their brains and bodies occupied, they make excellent companions.
Check Your Schnauzer Facts and Take a Fun Schnauzer Quiz!
Quick Facts About Schnauzers Infographic
Facts About Schnauzers-Final Thoughts
Schnauzers are a distinct breed that have gained popularity as great family pets. Their wiry coat, bushy eyebrows, and distinctive mustache and whiskers make them easily recognizable. Not only are they intelligent dogs, but they are also known for their loyalty and affection towards their families. Schnauzers are highly agile and excel in various activities such as obedience training and agility competitions. While they are known to bark at strangers, this is a testament to their protective nature. Schnauzers possess a unique combination of traits that make them both great companions and skilled working dogs that are always up for a good time with their family members.
