Schnauzer

Schnauzer, any of three breeds of dog—the Miniature, Standard, and Giant—developed in Germany and noted for their heavily whiskered muzzle, squared body, and hard, wiry coat of black or salt and pepper. The dog’s name stems from the German word for “snout,” schnauze. The Standard, or medium-sized, Schnauzer is the stock from which the other two breeds were derived. It is shown in paintings and in a statue dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. Originally a guard dog and ratter, it was highly valued for its intelligence and courage. It is most popular as a guard and companion and has been used as a dispatch carrier, Red Cross dog, and police dog.

The Miniature Schnauzer—developed from small Standard Schnauzers, Affenpinschers and Poodles—was first shown as a distinct breed in 1899 but had been developed earlier. It resembles the Standard Schnauzer but is much smaller. Its coat is salt-and-pepper, silver and black, or black. Compact and strong, it is valued as an active, hardy pet.

The Giant Schnauzer, largest of the three breeds, was developed by Bavarian cattlemen who wanted a cattle dog like the Standard Schnauzer but larger. To produce such a dog, the Standard was crossed with various working dogs and, later, with the black Great Dane. The Giant Schnauzer, like the others, is a robust dog with a wiry coat. It is salt-and-pepper, black, or black-and-tan in color. Originally a cattle dog, it was later used as a butcher’s dog and a brewery guard. Since the beginning of the 19th century, it has been used extensively in German police work.

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The Standard and Giant Schnauzers are placed in the working-dog group of the American Kennel Club (AKC); the miniature is classed as a terrier. In countries in which it is legal, the tails and ears of all three breeds are traditionally docked and cropped.

Care and upkeep

The coat of all three sizes requires a fair amount of care, including combing twice a week. Ideally, the harsh coat is maintained by plucking out longer dead hairs; because this is time-consuming, many owners opt instead to have their Schnauzer professionally clipped every six weeks or so. Without either plucking or clipping, the coat will become a tousled mess. In addition, the long beard should be washed regularly, ideally daily, to rid it of food and saliva that can cause it to smell. The rest of the coat needs bathing monthly.

Aside from the coat, Schnauzers require no special maintenance. As with all dogs, the ears, eyes, teeth, and nails should be regularly checked and maintained.

All three sizes are fairly active, with the larger sizes needing more exercise with other dogs or people. Schnauzers should have about an hour’s worth of exercise daily. They enjoy walking, hiking, swimming, and just nosing around. They do well in the organized sports of obedience, agility, lure coursing, and tracking. Giant Schnauzers also enjoy carting.

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Temperament

Schnauzers may look like a terrier—and even be categorized as one—but it is not a typical terrier in temperament. The Standard and Giant both have working-dog mentalities, which is why they are classified in the AKC working group. They are courageous and protective and make excellent watchdogs and protection dogs. The Miniature is also bold and a good alert watchdog, but it is not quite as protective. All three varieties can be wary toward strangers and unwelcoming to strange dogs, and they generally get along well with housemates. They may not be trustworthy with smaller pets unless raised with them. The Miniature tends to bark a lot.

Schnauzers are playful, active, and good with children. They make excellent companions for active and even older adults. They learn quickly but can be stubborn.

These are well established and widely accepted generalizations about the breed. Individual dogs, of course, may differ in behavior and temperament.