Standard Schnauzer
The Schnauzer is a good-natured, lively dog that loves both children and games. However, it does not trust strangers. It is terrier-like - thus a great ratte" intelligent and an excellent guard.
Origin and history
As the name implies, the Schnauzer is of German origin. There is a statue in Stuttgart, dated 1620, depicting a watchman with a dog similar in appearance to the Schnauzer of today.
The breed originated in Bavaria and WOrttemberg where it was esteemed as a ratter and a cattle driver However, when cattle driving died out, the breed found its way to the city, where it gained popularity, coming to the attention of seriousfanciers about 1900.
There are actually three kinds of Schnauzers that are bred and registered as distinct breeds - the miniature, the standard and the giant. From these three, the medium or standard is considered the prototype. (In the United States it is a member of the working group but was first classifed as a terrier)
Schnauzer Puppies
Good points
- Affectionate
- Lively and playful
- Good with children
- Intelligent
- Excellent watchdog
- Robust
Take heed
- Mistrustful of strangers
Size
Ideal height dog 19in (48cm); bitch 18in (46cm). Any variation of more than 1in (2.5cm) in these heights should be penalized.
Exercise
Enjoys regular walks and ball games but will adapt to country or apartment living.
Schnauzer Information
General appearance
The Schnauzer is a powerfully built, robust, sinewy, nearly square dog, the length of its body being equal to its height at the shoulders. Its temperament combines high spirits, reliability, strength, endurance and vigour. Expression IS keen and attitude alert.
Colour
All pepper-and-salt colours in even proportions, or pure black.
Head and skull
Head strong andelongated, gradually narrowing from the ears to the eyes and forward from there to the tip of the nose. Upper part of the head (occiput to base of the forehead) moderately broad between the ears I with flat, creaseless forehead and well-muscled but not too strongly developed cheeks. Medium stop to accentuate prominent eyebrows. The powerful muzzle formed by the upper and lower jaws (base of the forehead to tip of the nose) should end In a moderately blunt line with bristly, stubbly moustache and chin whiskers Ridge of the nose straight and running almost parallel to the extension of the forehead The nose is black and full. Lips should be tight.
Tail
Set on and carried high; cut down to three joints.
Feet
Short, round, extremely compact, with close-arched toes (eat's paws), dark nails and hard soles. The feet also deep or thickly padded, pointing forward.
Schnauzer Feeding & Grooming
Grooming
The Schnauzer should be brushed regularly and trimmed in spring and autumn.
Feeding
Recommended is 13-200z (369-587g) of a branded, meaty product with biscuit added in equal part by volume, or 1314-3 cupfuls of a dry food, complete diet, mixed in the proportion of 1 cup of feed to 112 cup of hot or cold water.