Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer originated in Germany and weighs 14-20 kg. The Standard Schnauzer comes from Germany, and typically weighs 14–20 kg. Individual Standard Schnauzers vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Germany
- Weight
- 14–20 kg (30–45 lb)
- Height
- 45–50 cm (18–20 in)
- Colour
- pepper-and-salt black
About the Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer originated in Germany and weighs 14-20 kg. It stands 45-50 cm tall.
Use
The Schnauzer was traditionally kept as a farm dog, with a particular aptitude for ratting . In the twenty-first century it is commonly kept as a companion animal . : 45
Overview
The Standard Schnauzer [ a ] or Mittelschnauzer is a German breed of dog in the Pinscher and Schnauzer group. It is characterised by an abundant bristly beard and whiskers, usually lighter than the coat. It is one of three Schnauzer breeds, the others being the Giant Schnauzer or Riesenschnauzer, and the Miniature Schnauzer or Zwergschnauzer. In Germany it is an endangered breed , and is listed in category III of the Rote Liste of the Gesellschaft zur Erhaltung alter und gefährdeter Haustierrassen . Its development as a breed dates from the 1880s, in southern Germany. : 40 It is a robust and squarely-built dog of medium size, of working or utility type; the coat may be salt-and-pepper or black. A dog of this type was exhibited in Hanover in 1879; another was " Best in Show " at the Westminster Kennel Club in the United States in 1997.
History
Neither the origin of the breed name, nor when it came into use, is known. : 482 The German word schnauze means '' snout '', while both schnauz and schnauzbart mean ''walrus moustache''. The word schnauzer appears in the Bilder und Sagen aus der Schweiz of Jeremias Gotthelf , published in 1842. : 482 ''Schnauz'' was a common name for a dog – several dogs with this name were shown in Elberfeld in 1880. : 149 At the third international dog show of the Verein zur Veredelung der Hunderassen in Hanover in 1879, a dog named ''Schnautzer'' took first place in the Rauche Pinscher or Wire-haired Pinscher class. : 149 The Schnauzer originated in southern Germany; it shares a common history with the German Pinscher . Dogs of this type, both rough-haired and smooth-haired, were traditionally kept as carriage dogs or as stable dogs, and so were sometimes known as Stallpinscher ; they were capable ratters . Both types were known as Deutscher Pinscher, and came from the same lineage; rough-haired and smooth-haired puppies could occur in the same litter. The rough-haired type, which would later become the Schnauzer, was also known as the Rattler . : 152 In 1880 the Pinscher was recorded in the Deutschen Hundestammbuch of the Verein zur Veredelung der Hunderassen, and the first breed standard was drawn up. : 482 Various colours were described for the rough-haired type, including iron-grey, silver-grey, grey-yellow, corn-yellow and rust-yellow. : 482 In 1895 Ludwig Beckmann [ de ] described five varieties of Pinscher – the rough- and smooth-haired Pinscher, the rough- and smooth-haired Miniature Pinscher , and the Affenpinscher . : 152 Also in 1895, a breed society , the Pinscherklub, was established for both types, both rough- and smooth-haired. Another society, the Schnauzerklub München, was formed in Munich in 1907 by breeders of the Mittelschnauzer. In 1917, with the sixth edition of the stud-book , the name of the rough-haired breed was officially changed from Rauhaarige Pinscher to Schnauzer. : 482 In 1918 the Pinscherklub and the Schnauzerklub München merged to form the Pinscher-Schnauzer-Verband, which in 1921 changed its name to the present Pinscher-Schnauzer-Klub 1895 e.V. In the interwar period the pepper-and-salt Schnauzer flourished, while the black was less often seen; after the end of the Second World War , the reverse was true. The Schnauzer was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1955. In the fifteen-year period from 2007 to 2021, annual registrations in Germany varied between 370 and 582 , with an annual average of 464 . Since 2014 the pepper-and-salt Schnauzer has been on the Rote Liste of the Gesellschaft zur Erhaltung alter und gefährdeter Haustierrassen . In 2022 its conservation status was listed as gefährdet , ''endangered'', the third-highest category of end
Characteristics
The Schnauzer is a robust and squarely-built dog of medium size, of working or utility type. Height at the withers is usually in the range 45–50 cm for both bitches and dogs, while the range for bodyweights is variously given as 14–20 kg or 15–24 kg . The coat is hard, wiry and dense, with a thick soft under-coat; it may be salt-and-pepper or black. In the salt-and-pepper, the grey may vary from pale silver-grey to dark iron-grey, always with a mask of a darker shade. The ears are v-shaped, are set high and hang close to the face. The eyes are dark, the nose and lips are black. Median lifespan is reported to be 13 years, slightly greater than the median for all dogs, 12.5 years.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Standard Schnauzer?
The Standard Schnauzer is a robust and squarely-built dog of medium size, with a height at the withers of 45-50 cm and a bodyweight of 14-20 kg or 15-24 kg. Its coat is hard, wiry, and dense, with a thick soft undercoat, and may be salt and pepper or black in color.
Is the Standard Schnauzer a good family dog?
The Standard Schnauzer can make a good family dog, but it requires early socialization and training. It is loyal and protective of its family, but can be wary of strangers. It is generally good with children if socialized properly, but may not be suitable for very young children due to its size and energy level.
What health problems do Standard Schnauzers have?
Standard Schnauzers are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. These include hip dysplasia, eye problems, and autoimmune disorders. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues early on.
How much does a Standard Schnauzer puppy cost?
The cost of a Standard Schnauzer puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a puppy from a reputable breeder can cost between $800 and $2,000. It's also important to factor in the cost of spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.
Where do Standard Schnauzers come from?
The Standard Schnauzer comes from Germany. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Standard Schnauzer, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.