Mary Allen
Popular Companion & Family Dog – Schnauzer
In terms of its ancestry, the Schnauzer belongs to the “ Schnauzer and Pinscher ” breed type.
In terms of size, Schnauzers are divided into 3 different characteristics: First, the Giant Schnauzer, second, the Standard Schnauzer, and third, the Miniature Schnauzer.
The Schnauzer originally comes from southern Germany. The first dogs of this breed were known in Württemberg because they developed from the Medieval Beaver Dog and the Wire-Haired Shepherd Dog.
At that time, these dogs lived in stables with the horses. They had the task of protecting the large stable animals and freeing the stables from mice and rats and keeping them free. The Schnauzer hunted them with a penchant.
How Big & How Heavy Will They Get?
The Standard Schnauzer reaches a height of between 45 and 50 cm and weighs around 18 kg.
The Miniature Schnauzer only reaches a height of between 30 and 35 cm and a weight of up to 8 kg.
The Giant Schnauzer only reaches a height of between 60 and 70 cm and a weight of up to 35-50 kg.
Coat, Colors & Care
All Schnauzer types share common characteristics. They all have a wiry coat and the namesake: the typical snout. The coat is medium-long, rough, and lies close to the body. It offers the dog protection from the different weather conditions.
The typical fur colors are black, black-silver and pepper-salt, or pure white. Grooming is limited to occasional brushing. However, the fur must be trimmed regularly.
Suitability
In earlier times, the Standard Schnauzer was often used on the one hand as a companion dog for carts and on the other hand as a companion and guard dog in the horse stables.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a very alert, lively, and watchful dog and was therefore often used as a guard dog.
The Giant Schnauzer is a very willing-to-learn, alert, and well-balanced dog and because of these characteristics, it was often used as a shepherd dog or as a guard dog.
Today, all Schnauzer breeds are ideal family dogs because they feel particularly at home in families with children.
Given the appropriate training, the animals can also be used as guard dogs.
Nature, Temperament
The nature of all Schnauzers is basically almost the same.
All species are alert and loyal to their families. They guard them without being barkers or even biters. It is very lively, alert, bold, and proud in nature. On the other hand, but also very good-natured and playful.
Schnauzers are very temperamental, the Miniature Schnauzer probably the most. They get along well with children and are a loyal playmate and friend.
No matter what size, dogs of this breed have all the characteristics of a loving, loyal, and robust family dog.
Upbringing
These lively dogs require loving, yet calm and consistent leadership. If you set clear rules and don’t make exceptions, they learn very quickly and are easy to train.
Posture & Outlet
Schnauzers can be kept indoors if they have enough exercise. Due to their temperament, all dogs of this breed regularly need a lot of exercises.
Dog sport is ideal for working out and the dogs will enthusiastically participate in everything, whether agility, obedience, or flyball.
Typical Diseases
Schnauzers are generally very hardy and resilient dogs.
Only the ears require greater attention and care, otherwise, ear infections can occur.
If the giant schnauzer, like almost all large breeds, still has a risk of hip dysplasia (HD), this risk does not apply to the medium and miniature schnauzer.
Life Expectancy
On average, Miniature Schnauzers reach an age of 12 to 14 years. The Giant Schnauzer, on the other hand, only lives to be 7-10 years old. The Standard Schnauzercan reaches an age between 13 and 16 years.