STANDARD SCHNAUZER Breed Standards
The Schnauzer has been bred over the centuries both up and down to Giant and Miniature size, but the Standard was the first and prototypical Schnauzer. Originating during the Middle Ages, and known in Germany since the 13th or 14th century, the Schnauzer was developed as a ratter, hunter and guardian. The dog’s ancestors came from hunting, working and terrier backgrounds, and likely included the Wire Haired Pinscher, Gray Wolf Spitz and Black German Poodle. Renaissance artists including Rembrandt, Durer, Reynolds and Cranach the Elder have all painted Schnauzers at one time or another.
The Standard Schnauzer’s terrier-like appearance caused it to originally be classified as a terrier both in Germany and elsewhere. The dog was first shown in Germany in 1879 under the breed name Wirehaired Pinscher (Pinscher is a German word meaning Terrier), though in the same year a particularly distinguished specimen of the breed named Schnauzer (German for “small beard”) would become the namesake for the entire breed.
The Standard Schnauzer was introduced to America toward the end of the 19th century. Later reclassified as a Working Group member, the Standard Schnauzer served as a dispatch messenger during World War I and at one point was used as a police dog by various American and German police departments. During the 20th century, the Standard Schnauzer was surpassed in popularity by its Miniature and Giant cousins, and today enjoys limited esteem as a pet.
SKILLS: The Standard Schnauzer is a robust, heavy-set dog, sturdily built with good muscle and plenty of bone; square-built in proportion of body length to height. His rugged build and dense harsh coat are accentuated by the hallmark of the breed, the arched eyebrows and the bristly mustache and whiskers. Faults - Any deviation that detracts from the Standard Schnauzer's desired general appearance of a robust, active, square-built, wire-coated dog. Any deviation from the specifications in the Standard is to be considered a fault and should be penalized in proportion to the extent of the deviation.
SIZE: Ideal height at the highest point of the shoulder blades, 18½ to 19½ inches for males and 17½ inches to 18½ inches for females. Dogs measuring over or under these limits must be faulted in proportion to the extent of the deviation. Dogs measuring more than one half inch over or under these limits must be disqualified. The height at the highest point of the withers equals the length from breastbone to point of rump.
COAT: Tight, hard, wiry and as thick as possible, composed of a soft, close undercoat and a harsh outer coat which, when seen against the grain, stands up off the back, lying neither smooth nor flat. The outer coat (body coat) is trimmed (by plucking) only to accent the body outline.
As coat texture is of the greatest importance, a dog may be considered in show coat with back hair measuring from 3/4 to 2 inches in length. Coat on the ears, head, neck, chest, belly and under the tail may be closely trimmed to give the desired typical appearance of the breed. On the muzzle and over the eyes the coat lengthens to form the beard and eyebrows; the hair on the legs is longer than that on the body. These "furnishings" should be of harsh texture and should not be so profuse as to detract from the neat appearance or working capabilities of the dog. Faults--Soft, smooth, curly, wavy or shaggy; too long or too short; too sparse or lacking undercoat; excessive furnishings; lack of furnishings.
Color - Pepper and salt or pure black.
CARE REQUIRED: The wiry coat is reasonably easy to look after, but the undercoat is dense and it will become matted unless it is combed or brushed daily with a short wire brush. Clip out knots and brush first with the grain, then against the grain to lift the coat. The animal should be clipped all over to an even length twice a year - in spring and fall. A person can easily learn how to do it. Trim around the eyes and ears with blunt-nosed scissors and clean the whiskers after meals. They have no doggie odor and shed little to no hair.
CHARACTER: The Standard Schnauzer has highly developed senses, intelligence, aptitude for training, fearlessness, endurance and resistance against weather and illness. His nature combines high-spirited temperament with extreme reliability.
EXERCISE: These energetic dogs will take as much exercise as they can get and they just love play sessions during which they can run free. At very least, they should be given a long, brisk daily walk. Do not overdo it with very young pups, though, until their body frames are strong and mature.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Standard Schnauzer is a good dog for apartment life. It is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
TRAINING: This breed has a high learning rate, but can be quite willful and needs firm training. Standard Schnauzers may be very protective and dominant, guarding objects, places and people from other people. They should be socialized well when they are young to prevent over-protectiveness later in life.
