Your Ultimate Guide to Standard Schnauzers

Physical Description

Standard Schnauzers are strong, sturdy, muscular dogs. They have square body frames and a distinctly rectangular head.

The Standard Schnauzer has a wiry double coat which is thick, wavy, and somewhat rough to the touch. The undercoat is soft and dense. His wiry beard and eyebrows are among the Standard Schnauzer’s most eye-catching, distinguishing, and recognizable features.

Standard Schnauzer coat colors are a solid, pure black, or pepper and salt, which consists of banded black and white hair creating shades anywhere from dark gray to silver. The pepper and salt variety usually has a dark facial mask and light eyebrows, whiskers, and cheeks.

A Standard Schnauzer’s ears may be cropped or left floppy and natural. His tail may be docked or natural. Meeting AKC breed standards and showing requirements include a docked tail.

Temperament

The Standard Schnauzer is a highly energetic and active breed. These dogs can become incredibly enthusiastic about their exercise sessions and playtime. This breed is loyal, loving and affectionate, and demands to be part of the family. Standards do not like being alone and usually prefer a special relationship and bond with their human companions.

Here are several specific layers to a Standard Schnauzer’s general temperament.

Temperament: Guard Dog Instincts

Schnauzers were originally bred to herd sheep and cattle, and to get rid of pests on German farms. They were expected to guard livestock and farm families, and to keep their owners safe as they traveled from one place to another.

As such, Standard Schnauzers can be territorial of their surroundings and protective of their human family. While they are not bred to be overly aggressive, Standards will bark and may seem somewhat threatening to strangers or unfamiliar animals.

Within their natural genetic guard dog instincts, however, they can be trained and socialized to blend well into most families.

Temperament: Family and Other Pets

Standard Schnauzers are genetically inclined to be with a human family. Stemming from their early days serving on German farms and due to breeding for a specific role and temperament, Standard Schnauzers thrive within an active, loving family environment.

Read my article Are Schnauzers Affectionate?  for additional family information.

Standard Schnauzers are naturally protective of their human families and crave human interaction. Because they are an intelligent breed, they can be a little bossy and stubborn, but early training and socialization will help.

How Are Standard Schnauzers with Kids?

Some Standards 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. You will always want to supervise a Standard Schnauzer when it is with very small children, just to be safe. However, because Standards need a lot of physical exercise, play, and mental stimulation, they are perfect for older kids who can take on the responsibility of walking them, playing with them, and teaching them new skills and sports.

How Are Standard Schnauzers with Aging Adults?

Standards can also be great companions for aging adults. As affectionate guard dogs, Schnauzers can provide company, emotional support, and even peace of mind. They can also be trained as therapy dogs and even certified as service dogs.

Read my article Can Schnauzers be Therapy or Service Dogs? for additional details.

How Are Standard Schnauzers with Other Pets?

If trained and socialized early, Standard Schnauzers can do quite well with other dogs and even cats. However, because they were bred to hunt small farm rodents, a Standard should never be left alone with your smallest pets.

Check out my article Do Schnauzers Get Along with Other Dogs (And with Cats?) for some insights into Standard Schnauzers and other animals.

Socialization

The best way to ensure that a Standard Schnauzer does well with the other people and animals in your life is to train and socialize early.

Begin socializing a Standard as early as possible by introducing them to a range of people and experiences.

Socialize them 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 Standard Schnauzer and that it may take a few visits before he warms up to them.

Intelligence

Standard Schnauzers are currently ranked as the 22nd most intelligent dog breeds out of a total of 140 breeds. Standards learn quickly, and can be very obedient dogs when they are kept mentally and physically active. They can generally learn new commands within 5-15 repetitions and perform commands with a success rate of 85% or better.

However, intelligence comes with some potential drawbacks such as willfulness. Early, consistent, and firm but positive training will ensure that a Standard Schnauzer’s intelligence is channeled in healthy and mutually enjoyable and productive ways.

Read my article Are Schnauzer’s Smart? How to Tell and 5 At-Home Tests for more information.

Best Living Conditions

The Standard Schnauzer is intended to live indoors with a family. A Standard can be left alone for an hour or so if they are fully crate trained and left with moderately challenging dog toys. However, Standards are intelligent, busy, active dogs and can easily become bored and destructive.

The Standard Schnauzer is an adaptable dog and can comfortably live in a city apartment just as they would do on a country farm, as long as they get adequate exercise every day. While they may prefer living on open land or somewhere they can easily run, Standards can also live in smaller dwellings. However, a fenced yard is usually recommended for this breed because they are known to jump even a six-foot fence.

Whatever its environment, the Standard Schnauzer should live in a home with its human family.

Training

Ranked as a very intelligent canine breed, the Standard Schnauzer can generally learn new commands within 5-15 repetitions. As working dogs, Standard Schnauzers enjoy both the mental and physical challenge of learning new skills.

In addition, the feisty Standard needs to know who is in charge. Any serious owner who wants a good experience with a Standard will need to begin training early, be consistent, establish authority, and employ firm, but positive training.

Basic Commands

The 16 basic commands below are essential skills a Standard Schnauzer can and should have. Enlisting the help of a professional trainer or purchasing a training program can provide a solid, successful start.

Keep in mind that training these skills should be for respect and obedience, not just for fun:

Watch Me	Wait	Off	Settle
Sit	Down	Leave It	Place/Bed/Crate
Stay	Heel	Take It	Stand
Come	No	Drop It	No Pull

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Training Tips

Scheduling a series of sessions with a professional dog trainer may give you the confidence and first-hand training observation you need to continue training your Standard Schnauzer for life.

Whether you involve a professional trainer or not, here are some basic training tips:

• Find a quiet, private location with no distractions
• Show him exactly what your want him to do
• Teach one command at a time and move to another command only when he has mastered the first one
• Reward progress with small treats
• Don’t punish him for mistakes
• Keep the training sessions short and simple
• Be patient and consistent
• Stay upbeat and positive
• Keep trainings fun and full of encouragement
• Include play sessions after the training to keep training associated with fun and loving interaction

Respect Training

Standard Schnauzers need to respect their human caretakers. Standards are intelligent and active enough to be hard to handle if they are not trained to respect humans. The training can be positive, but firm and consistent. Consider partnering with a professional trainer early in the process.

Sport Training

The Standard Schnauzer has a highly developed sense of athleticism. They were bred and reared for many things, which makes them some of the most adaptable canines. Standard Schnauzers were initially developed to serve as multipurpose animals on farms. They were bred for ratting, guarding, hunting, and herding, among many other things. Canine sports and training are excellent activities for the Standard Schnauzer as they keep him mentally and physically active.

Standard Schnauzers are extremely agile, strong, and have excellent endurance. Standards have a running speed of 25 MPH and a jumping height of 4-6 Feet.

They excel at many canine sports such as Barn Hunt, Dock Jumping, and Disc Dog.

Read my article What are the Best Sports for Schnauzers? for a comprehensive list of sports and for ways to keep your athletic Standard Schnauzer healthy.

Therapy and Service Training

Schnauzers have therapeutic effects on the physical and psychological conditions people might experience. They are loving and intelligent, and can be trained as either therapy or service dogs.

As therapy dogs, Standard Schnauzers bring comfort and affection to people in health institutions, schools, retirement homes, among other places. As service dogs, Standards can help physically challenged people to live a more independent and freedom-filled life.

For more details on how a Standard Schnauzers can serve in these capacities, read my article Can Schnauzers be Therapy or Service Dogs?

Grooming

Standard Schnauzers have consistent grooming needs. Keeping up on basic grooming tasks will ensure that the Standard maintained well and that any health issues are caught early.

Hypoallergenic Coat

The Standard Schnauzer is born with a double, wiry coat and is considered to be hypoallergenic. This is because their covering is more like human hair than animal fur, and they don’t shed any more than a human being does.

This keeps pet dander to a minimum and is perfect for anyone with allergies. However, it also means that the Standard needs to be brushed and groomed regularly.

The Standard Schnauzer will need its longer hair brushed several times a week, and the beard should be cleaned and brushed daily. The Standard should be fully bathed weekly unless it seems like the skin is becoming dry and flaky.

This breed’s coat must be hand-stripped at least every four to six months if you like the look and feel of its original coat or decide to show your dog.

However, if you are not interested in having a show dog, it is also an option to use clippers to shave the outer coat. Using clippers to remove the outer, wiry coat is becoming a more popular option because it reveals the softer undercoat. If you are not showing your Standard, how you groom his coat comes down to personal preference.

Teeth

Historically, all Schnauzer breeds have teeth that are more susceptible to periodontal disease than other dog breeds. Without regular brushing, tartar and plaque will accumulate leading to tooth decay, infections, bad breath, gum disease, tooth loss, and gingivitis. When left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontal disease leading to severe health problems.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of canines develop periodontal illness by the age of three. The Standard Schnauzer’s gums will start breaking down due to periodontal disease, increasing the risks of harmful bacteria entering the bloodstream. Once bacteria enter the bloodstream, the immune system may be compromised and can eventually lead to organ failure.

In addition, Standard Schnauzers with poor dental hygiene are more prone to eye problems, joint problems, liver disease, kidney disease, and heart disease.

It is necessary to brush a Standard’s teeth several times weekly, preferably daily. Chew toys and an enzymatic water additive formulated to help reduce tartar can help with hygiene. An annual periodontal examination by his veterinarian and possibly a professional veterinary cleaning (which requires full anesthesia) are basic recommendations.

How To Clean Your Schnauzer’s Teeth

Brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the most significant things you can do to prolong the pet’s life. Doing it every day will help prevent the accumulation of tartar and plaque, which might otherwise develop into periodontal disease. You should start brushing the teeth of your Schnauzer daily when it’s a small puppy. That will assist in stimulating its gum lines and also help it become comfortable and accept the process of having regular dental cleanings.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your Schnauzer’s teeth.

1. Set a specific time during the day	Choose some time during the day that works best for you, but it’s always a good idea to set a time of day when your dog is relaxed and calm. Whatever time you select, try, and keep it as part of your routine each day because cleaning dog teeth daily is the most effective to maintain good dental health.
2. Choose a comfortable spot	Select a convenient location for both of you. For instance, you can have your dog lie on a couch or the bed. That way, you can easily clean one side of its mouth and then turn it over to brush the other side more easily.
3. Collect your brushing tools	Make sure you have everything ready before you begin brushing your schnauzer’s teeth. Apart from the toothbrush and toothpaste designed for canines, you can also have a washcloth to help you hold back the wet open mouth of your dog. Note: Only use a canine-approved toothpaste! Canine toothpastes are formulated to be safe for dogs and swallowed without causing harm. Human toothpaste is toxic for your Schnauzer.
4. Inspect your Schnauzer’s teeth	Begin the cleaning process by giving your dog a good oral examination. Lift the lip of your Schnauzer and look at its teeth. Check for any signs of tartar, plaque, gum disease, or tooth decay.
5. Inspect your Schnauzer’s mouth	Place your thumbs gently on either side of the Schnauzer’s muzzle and lightly stoke downward. Check if there any abnormalities or lumps. Also, check the gum lines of your dog. The gums should not be swollen and must be pink in color, not red.
6. Begin brushing his teeth	1. Put a small amount of gel or toothpaste on the finger brush or toothbrush. Next, pull the corner of your dog’s mouth backward using your thumb to lower and press down the bottom lip and your index finger to raise the top lip. 2. Start brushing at the back of its mouth and begin with gentle back-and-forth strokes. Avoid applying too much pressure because it can cause damages to the gum line, making your Schnauzer squirm to get free. 3. Utilize light pressure at all times because you want your pet to accept the cleaning process. Clean the upper and lower teeth, spending 30-40 seconds on each section.

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If your Schnauzer pulls away in pain or his gums bleed at all during the brushing process, make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Read my article Your Schnauzer Has Genetically Bad Teeth! (What to Do) for details on periodontal disease and how to take care of your Schnauzer’s teeth.

Eyes and Ears

A Standard Schnauzer’s eyes and ears are two of his most important and excellent senses. Checking them regularly and keeping them healthy is critical.

Eyes

Schnauzer eyes tend to build up black discharge at the inner corners and they need to be gently washed with warm water and a cloth nearly daily. Read my article Why Does My Schnauzer Have Eye Gunk (And What to Do) for details. Standard Schnauzers are also prone to specific eye problems, such as cataracts. The eyes should be inspected regularly to catch health problems early. Read my article Can Schnauzers Get Cataracts (10 Eye Problems to Know About!) for important information.

Ears

Standard Schnauzer ears can either be left natural and floppy or they can be trimmed (docked) when they are very young. Either way, they need to be inspected and gently washed regularly to keep moisture, dirt, earwax, and ultimately, bacteria at bay. Some owners and groomers even pluck the ear hair as part of normal grooming, although if the ears are healthy there is no medical reason to do this. Read about this somewhat controversial practice, along with basic ear hygiene in my article Should I Pluck My Schnauzer’s Ears (If so, Why and How?).

Health

The Standard Schnauzer is the original and oldest of the three Schnauzer breeds, and its origin dates back to the 14th century. It has a lifespan of 12-16 years. The Standard Schnauzer is considered to be a very healthy dog breed, and they lack some major genetic health conditions that are present in Miniatures and Giants.

Keeping up a healthy diet, exercise, vaccinations will help to extend the length a quality of a Standard Schnauzer’s life.

Immunizations

All canine immunizations fall into two categories: Core and Non-Core.

All dogs are required to stay on a core vaccination schedule.

The non-core vaccinations are optional depending on your Standard Schnauzer’s particular health risks, and your veterinarian can provide some guidance.

Core vaccinations include:

• Canine DAP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus)
• Canine Rabies vaccine

Non-core, optional vaccinations include:

• Bordetella Bronchiseptica vaccine
• Parainfluenza vaccine (often combined with either the Bordetella or the DAP vaccines)
• Canine Influenza vaccine (H3N2 and/or H3N8)
• Leptospirosis vaccine
• Lyme vaccine

Standard Schnauzer Puppy Immunization Schedule

AGE	CORE VACCINES	NON-CORE VACCINES
6-8 Weeks	– DAP	– Bordetella – Parainfluenza  (often included in DAP combo vaccine)
10-12 Weeks	– DAP	– Leptospirosis – Lyme – Canine influenza
14-16 Weeks	– DAP: Generally given 16 weeks or later – Rabies vaccine: Some states may require it to be given earlier. Check with your state.	– Leptospirosis – Lyme – Canine influenza

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Standard Schnauzer Adult Immunization Schedule

TIMEFRAME	CORE VACCINES	NON-CORE VACCINES
Annually	None, although some states require annual rabies shots. Check with your state.	– Leptospirosis – Lyme – Canine influenza – Bordetella (sometimes every 6 months)
Every 3 Years	– DAP – Rabies (check with your state)	None

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Primary Health Concerns

As one of the healthier dog breeds, the Standard Schnauzer doesn’t suffer from any major health problems but is prone to several minor health issues such as follicular dermatitis, canine hip dysplasia (CHD).

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that affects Standard Schnauzers. It’s a condition that leads to a deformity in the femur joint such that the femur head can’t fit correctly in the hip socket.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a common condition that affects Standard Schnauzers. Although vets are yet to establish the real cause of pancreatitis in this breed, pets that are overweight are more susceptible to the condition, and in most cases, it’s a side effect of surgery. Severe cases of pancreatitis in Standard Schnauzers can result in deaths, but mild cases can be treated.

Follicular Dermatitis

Although Follicular Dermatitis isn’t a fatal health condition, it can seriously affect your Schnauzer’s health. The condition leads to irritation, itching, and pimple-like bumps on the dog’s skin. The best way to treat the conditions is by using medicated shampoo and making sure your Schnauzer remains clean.

The Costs of Owning a Standard Schnauzer

Initial Purchase

The initial purchase of a Standard Schnauzer can range approximately between $800-$4,300.

The initial cost depends on what you are looking for in this breed. If you are looking for a superior pedigree and breeding lines for the purpose of having breeding rights or purchasing a show-worthy Standard, expect to pay a premium.

Median Price: $600.00
Average Price: $800.00
Top Quality: $1,500.00 to $4,300.00

Annual Costs

The annual costs below are approximate and do not take into account price fluctuations over time or variations in your geographical location.

The costs include ranges representing personal purchase preferences and the varying cost of services depending on the service provider you choose.

Spay/Neuter	$100 (one-time cost)
Vaccinations	$100
Annual Checkup	$150
Dental Cleaning	$300+ (as needed)
Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medication	$300
Health Remedies and Supplements	$50-$250
First Aid and Misc. Hygiene Supplies	$50-$100
Grooming	$600+
Quality Food	$600+
Insurance	$30-100
Microchip & Monthly Service	$45 for Microchip, then $45-$120 annual registry fee
Training	$100-$500 (as needed)
Crate, Kennel, Carrier	$35 (basic) to $1,000+ (decorative)
Gates	$35-$150
Bed	$35 (basic) to $1,000+ (decorative)
Collar, Leash, Tags	$35-$50
Toys, Sports, Treat Puzzles	$35-$300 (oftentimes a one-time purchase)
Treats
Wireless Fence	$200-$300 (one-time purchase)
Misc. Expenses	$50-$100

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In addition to the ongoing, essential costs of owning a Standard Schnauzer, keep in mind that injuries and unexpected health issues can arise. The veterinary and animal hospital care for these situations can range between $500-$5,000 depending on the needed medical treatment.

As a pure breed, Standard Schnauzers are good candidates for pet insurance due to known health issues. Although Standards are generally very healthy, having pet insurance can give you peace of mind.

Selecting a Reputable Breeder

Standard Schnauzers are expensive breeds and come with significant responsibility. The decision to select a breeder and purchase a Standard are important. You can consult the American Kennel Club for a list of registered breeders near you to begin your search.

It is also wise to continue learning about Standard Schnauzers so that you can ask informed questions of breeders. Reputable breeders will be more than willing to meet with you, answer all of your questions, and let you interact with the dogs. A reputable breeder will also have proof and documentation of the Schnauzer’s lineage, genetic health screenings, and an immunizations or training already completed.

Selecting a Veterinarian

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) evaluates veterinary practices on the quality of their facilities, staff, equipment and patient care. Look to the association for a list of accredited vets in your area. In addition, you should start looking for a veterinarian before you even purchase a Schnauzer.

You will want to ensure that the veterinarian is licensed by the AAHA and has a good track record of patient reviews and feedback. You should also visit several veterinarian offices so that you a some comparison points. Ask about what services they provide, the level of expertise of their staff, and which services they can provide at their office as opposed to at an animal hospital. Be sure that the office is clean and well-maintained, and that it feels like a good fit for you and your Schnauzer. You can also change veterinarians if you are not happy with their service.

Breed History

Historical Details

Standard Schnauzers have a long history in their homeland of Germany. According to artwork created by Renaissance artists Albrecht Durer and Rembrandt, it’s evident that this type of dog has existed for many centuries.

Generally, Schnauzers were used to herd sheep and cattle, get rid of pests in the farms, guard livestock and farm families, and keep their owners safe as they traveled from one place to the other.

German breeders developed an interest in regulating the Standard Schnauzers in the mid-1800s. During that time, crosses were made with black German Poodles and the gray Wolfspitz to produce the unique color and texture of the dog breed’s hair. During the same time, the Standard Schnauzers were also crossed with other dog breeds first to develop the Miniature Schnauzers and later, the Giant Schnauzers.

Standard Schnauzers were known as Wirehaired Pinschers during their early years up until the late 1800s. They were initially exhibited in Hanover back in 1879 during the Third German International Show, and the winner of the first prize was a dog known as Schnauzer. By 1900, the dog breed was popularly known as the Schnauzer, which was thought to be a reference to the unique muzzle of the breed and the name of the show ring’s first winner.

During World War I, this breed of dogs was utilized to carry dispatches and assist Red Cross personnel. They were also used for police work in Germany. Records show that several Standard Schnauzers were carried to the United States in the early 1900s by tourists who fell in love with this breed in Germany, and by some families who immigrated to the U.S. However, the breed was not imported in large numbers until after the World War I.

In 1925, the Schnauzer Club of America was founded, but in 1933, it split to form the American Miniature Schnauzer Club and the Standard Schnauzer Club of America. At first, this dog breed was categorized as a terrier in the United States, which is how the Miniature Schnauzers continue to be organized. However, Germans always considered Schnauzers as working dogs, so the AKC reclassified the Standard Schnauzers and placed them in the Working group in 1945. Today, the Standard Schnauzers normally rank in the 99th position among the 155 dog breeds and types documented by the AKC.

Current-Day Roles

Presently, Standard Schnauzers continue to play an important role in human life. Although they are a much more domesticated indoor dog, Standards are still considered to be a working breed. They love a good, active, job that is both physically and mentally stimulating. Standards are currently trained as Search and Rescue animals, Service and Therapy dogs, and lend their skills in drug and bomb sniffing scenarios as well as sometimes being trained specifically to detect disease.

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