I was attacked by a dog when I was in third grade and, understandably, have been afraid of dogs ever since. When we considered getting a dog for our kids, I wanted to be sure we chose one that would be a good, safe fit for our family. As we narrowed our choice to Schnauzers, I wondered if they are loving and affectionate.
So, are Schnauzers loving dogs? Yes! Schnauzers are very affectionate, loving dogs, and they thrive by spending time with the people in their lives. Each variety of Schnauzer will show its love and affection in slightly different ways, but yes, Schnauzers are an affectionate, loving dog breed.
Because each variety of Schnauzer (giant, standard, and miniature) was bred for slightly different reasons, their temperaments also vary a little, including how they show affection.
“Schnauzers are naturally inclined to be part of a family. In fact, they thrive when they are around the people they love.”
THE SCHNAUZER COLLECTIVE
Each section below explores different facets of affection and how each Schnauzer variety connects with the loving humans in their life.
How Do the Different Schnauzer Breeds Show Love and Affection?
Overall, each Schnauzer breed is very loving, affectionate, and loyal. Depending on the breed, Schnauzers can range between being “cuddly” to showing affection by being protective. They can find themselves moving between the guard dog instincts for which they were bred, and their naturally loving temperament we all love.
Early training and socialization can bring out the best characteristics in each variety of Schnauzer. View my favorite training guides and supplies designed to help you create the strongest, most healthy bond with your fur friend.
Miniature Schnauzers
Miniature Schnauzers are the most popular Schnauzer breed and, according to the American Kennel Club, are also consistently ranked in the top 20 most popular dogs.
Miniature Schnauzers are the most “cuddly” of the Schnauzer breeds. They will generally sidle right up next to you on the bed or couch and make themselves comfortable either near you…or even ON you. Their downtime may be spent quietly relaxing with you like a best friend.
This isn’t to say that Miniatures are lap dogs, however. They are much too active for that. They still need a lot of activity and exercise, and they also show much of their affection through play. Their size makes play manageable and their intelligence makes new games a great outlet for them. They are prone to display affection through antics and fun.
Standard Schnauzers
Standard Schnauzers, the original Schnauzer breed, is very loyal, loving, and affectionate in more “guard dog” ways. True to their breeding, Standard Schnauzers are intelligent, confident dogs that love their families.
Standard Schnauzers can be stubborn, as can all intelligent dogs, but training can shape that stubbornness into a way they like to show affection: pleasing you. They can also show affection through playfulness and a penchant for learning new things.
Giant Schnauzers
Giant Schnauzers can be very protective of their families and caretakers. They will need to be trained and socialized early so they can learn to protect you without being overly territorial.
Once trained, Giant Schnauzers have a calm demeanor and are playful, loving companions with a strong “guard dog” streak.
How Schnauzers Show Love and Affection to Kids and Families
Schnauzers are naturally inclined to be part of a family. In fact, they thrive when they are around the people they love. They are an outgoing, friendly breed and actually need the interaction they receive from being welcomed into a family.
Miniature Schnauzers
Miniature Schnauzers can sometimes be bothered by the high-pitched voices and noise of young children, but that can easily be overcome by raising a Schnauzer puppy with children in the house. Once accustomed to kids, Miniatures are incredibly fun, entertaining, and easy to love. They are a good size for all kids; small enough to be relatively safe with small children and yet large and strong enough to handle some strenuous play with older kids.
Standard Schnauzers and Giant Schnauzers
Standard Schnauzers and Giant Schnauzers might be overwhelming to small kids simply by virtue of their size. However, they are not overly aggressive dogs and do not deliberately hurt people unless threatened. Because these larger breeds each need a lot of physical exercise, play, and mental stimulation, these Schnauzers are perfect for older kids who can take on the responsibility of walking them, playing with them, and teaching them new skills and sports.
Schnauzers can also be great companions for aging adults. As affectionate guard dogs, schnauzers can provide company, emotional support, and sometimes even peace of mind. The Giant Schnauzer may be too large and may need too much maintenance for aging adults, but the smaller Standard and Miniature breeds would potentially be a perfect match.
How Schnauzers Interact with Strangers
As guard dogs, Schnauzers are naturally somewhat territorial, and that includes their general disposition towards strangers…at least at first. Schnauzers can start out being suspicious of strangers.
However, as always, this is eased by early training and socialization, and your Schnauzer can be socialized to accept and show affection to strangers and to guests in your home.
Schnauzers will generally bark at strangers until they realize that they don’t present a problem or potential harm. I should repeat this because it will happen. Your Schnauzer will bark. They are bred to protect you and part of their job is to alert you to any movement in and around your house. Once you accept that they will bark, it becomes part of their charm.
In addition to some barking, each breed of Schnauzer can take awhile to warm up to people in general, especially guests to your home.
Here are some ways you can help your Schnauzer and your guests accept each other:
| HELP YOUR SCHNAUZER AND GUESTS ACCEPT EACH OTHER |
| – Continue socializing your Schnauzer in a wide variety of ways by getting out to parks, trails, pet-friendly events, and pet-friendly buildings where he will encounter people. |
| – Continue inviting friends and family to your home. Let them know that you have a Schnauzer and that it may take a few visits before she warms up to them. |
| – Prepare your guests for some initial barking. It doesn’t tend to last long. |
| – Ask your guests if they feel comfortable petting your Schnauzer and allowing her to sniff their hands. This will build trust and familiarity. |
Ironically, even though Schnauzers can be initially suspicious of strangers they can also become some of the best and most loving therapy dogs. Therapy dogs can provide comfort and support in schools, disaster relief areas, hospitals, retirement centers, and mental health centers.
Serving Strangers as a Loving Therapy or Service Dog?
If you are interested in serving your community with your naturally affectionate Schnauzer you will be interested in my article Can Schnauzers be Therapy or Service Dogs?
These are some of the attributes your Schnauzer would need to have:
- Good, Calm Temperament. It is essential that your Schnauzer has this trait and can be trusted to behave consistently. Your Schnauzer should be affectionate, calm, and gentle.
- Trained as a Canine Good Citizen. This is not required, but it is often encouraged. In addition, each institution will have its own requirements and guidelines. Be sure to check with organizations you want to serve.
- Friendly and Socialized. Your Schnauzer should be trained and socialized enough to be comfortable with strangers. Therapy dogs need to be friendly and accepting of strangers and therapeutic settings.
- Willing to be Touched and Petted. Most Schnauzers will natural enjoy this, but since individuals in therapeutic situations will want to hold and pet your dog, be sure your Schnauzer is completely comfortable with it.
- Socializes Well with Other Animals. You can expect that there will be other therapy dogs at the organizations you serve. Your Schnauzer needs to get along well with other animals.
- Healthy, Clean, and Groomed. Ensure that your Schnauzer is has had an annual check-up with your licensed Veterinarian. In addition, you must be current on the following: mandatory rabies vaccine, initial series of core Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvovirus Vaccinations, negative fecal exam, negative for heartworms. And finally, be sure that your Schnauzer is squeaky clean and newly groomed.
Related Questions:
Do Schnauzers get along with other animals? All Schnauzer breeds can generally get along with other dogs and even cats. They key is to socialize them early and get them outside in your neighborhood, parks, trails, etc. around other animals. However, Giant Schnauzers were bred to be the most aggressive breed of Schnauzer to help them fulfil their farming responsibilities, so they are the least likely to get along with other dogs and cats. Also, keep in mind that Standard Schnauzers and Miniature Schnauzers were bred to hunt small rodents, so it is best not to leave them alone with other small pets such as gerbils and birds.
Can Schnauzers be aggressive? None of the Schnauzer breeds are naturally overly aggressive. They are, however, bred to guard and protect, so they can be territorial if they aren’t socialized early and taught that people and other animals are generally safe. Keep in mind that each type of Schnauzer, particularly Giant Schnauzers, can become stressed and somewhat aggressive if they don’t get enough strenuous exercise and play. In addition, it’s always a good idea to teach young kids how to approach any dog, including their own pet. Remind them not to bother them while they are eating or sleeping until they are sure of the reaction. Many pets, including Schnauzers, can become aggressive if they feel they need to protect themselves.
And finally, from one pet parent to another, discover my all-time favorite resources designed to cover your every Schnauzer need. I’ve done the legwork for you so you can spend more time with the people and fur friends in your life.
A portion of all profit earned on this site is donated to Pet Partners
whose mission is to improve human health and
well-being through the human-animal bond.
They train and register pets to become therapy animals,
and have local chapters in many states.
