Here’s a dog that in our looks just like an adorable little old man with a fluffy beard and the cutest (albeit a bit “unkept”) eyebrows.
“They do, don’t they?!”
But this isn’t…
The only reason why someone might fall in love with this dog breed. You see, there are many other reasons why you may fall victim to their charms!
However…
Just like all breeds, there are some owners out there that will just make for a better “fit” for a Standard Schnauzer. This is why we wanted to take a moment and discuss exactly what it might be like to own one of these awesome animals so that if you’re ever given the opportunity to get your hands on one, you’ll know for sure if it’s going to be a good idea or not.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Standard Schnauzer Dog Breed Fast Facts
Country of Origin: Germany
Original Purpose: Watchdog/guard dog
Height: 17 to 21 inches at shoulder
Weight: 30 to 45 pounds
Dog Breed Classification: Working dog
Lifespan: 11-16 years
Origin of the Standard Schnauzer Dog Breed
The Standard Schnauzer dog breed is one that has been around for quite a while. In fact, paintings dating back to the early years of the Renaissance created by Rembrandt and Durer depict these dogs looking very much the same as the do today.
Now back then…
These dogs were used for a variety of tasks most of which revolved around hunting small game and eliminating vermin from the household or farm. That said however, these guys also proved themselves to be quite capable guard dogs as well as watch dogs which is why, as time passed, they slowly became more appreciated and cherished for their companionship rather than their abilities to hunt mice and rats!
They also…
Proved quite useful during war time where they were used to help the Red Cross workers during World War I. This is probably why this particular dog breed did not see a massive decline in their numbers during the periods surrounding both World Wars like many other domesticated dog breeds in and around this time.
This is particularly…
Surprising because many “German” dog breeds did not fair nearly as well, since many folks during this time did not want to own anything associated with “Germany”.
The Standard Schnauzer Dog Breed in America
The Standard Schnauzer is one of the first dog breeds to have been “officially” recognized by the American Kennel Club back in 1904, which likely spawned the establishment of the first Schnauzer Club of America which came into existence shortly after the dog arrived on US soil (1925).
A few years later…
In 1933, it was replaced by two clubs: Standard Schnauzer Club of America, or SSCA and the American Miniature Schnauzer Club.
Physical Traits of a Standard Schnauzer
As we mentioned, this guy has a white beard in the front and some very bushy eyebrows that are so, so cute. These dogs are almost always grey, salt and pepper or black.
They have a…
Double coat, and the outercoat is quite wiry. It’s not silky smooth like other dogs. But, if you feel the dog’s undercoat (often white), that’s where it gets soft. The ears of a standard schnauzer can be pointy and upright or pointy and floppy.
Mini schnauzers have a…
Similar look and are also almost always pepper and salt or black coated.
Personality & Temperament of Standard Schnauzers
This is a loveable dog. If we had to say three adjectives to describe the temperament of a schnauzer, we’d probably say: friendly, smart and loyal.
Also…
These dogs are normally great with children, especially kids they met when they were puppies. That being said, we want to point out you should never leave any dog alone with a child – both kids and dogs tend to be a bit unpredictable after all!
Standard Schnauzer Training
Schnauzers need to be socialized early if you want them to be on their best behavior. As the saying goes, it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks (and sometimes the trick is simply how to be friendly-true for adult humans too!).
One of the most common…
Ways to housetrain a schnauzer is using the crate training method. This basically means you keep the dog in a crate whenever you aren’t home. The idea is that the dog will not go to the bathroom where he/she sleeps.
Then…
You take him/her outside immediately when you get home. After a while, the dog should get used to the fact that he/she has to wait to go outside before he/she can use the bathroom.
Living Space
A schnauzer is a great dog for just about any home. It’s okay to live in an apartment as long as it gets a walk. Miniature schnauzers, just because they’re smaller, are more adept to apartment living.
Of course…
Your schnauzer may bark while you’re away, which could upset your neighbors if you have thing walls. You may consider a muzzle while you’re gone. But…we don’t recommend this for more than a few hours.
Standard Schnauzer Health Problems
Thanks to organizations like the American Kennel Club, any legitimate breeder will have to follow a set of standards for breeding a standard or miniature schnauzer. These breeders are recognized by the AKC. If you are considering a breeder, ask to see their certification to assure it’s a reputable breeder.
When you do this…
You’re most likely going to get a schnauzer free from genetic problems. However, if you don’t, your dog could have some health problems. The most common being:
- Hip dysplasia,
- Pancreatitis,
- or some type of eye problem.
And while…
Neither of these conditions are life threatening, they can certainly become quite expensive to deal with particularly if they become recurring issues.
This is why…
We here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.
Now will a pet insurance policy be right for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?
For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.
