| Standard Schnauzers: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about Standard Schnauzer personality and behavior. |
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My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Standard Schnauzer, including these excerpts:
"The AKC Standard says of the Standard Schnauzer, "His nature combines high-spirited temperament with extreme reliability."
The Standard Schnauzer's keen expression is what you may notice first. Some are "harder tempered," projecting boldness, seriousness, and vigor, while others are sweeter and more mellow.
Lively indoors and out, the agile, athletic Standard Schnauzer loves to play games and needs brisk walking every day and a chance to run several times per week.
Mental exercise (such as advanced obedience or agility) will satisfy his highly developed intelligence. Without structured activities, he will find his own amusements -- and his choices may change the appearance of your house or yard.
Most Standard Schnauzers are aloof with strangers, but with proper socialization are sensible and discriminating about who is a friend and who is not. Many Standard Schnauzers are aggressive with other dogs of the same sex.
One of the smartest of all breeds, and one of the best problem-solvers, the Standard Schnauzer is clever, strong-willed, and persistent. Unless you establish yourself as the alpha (number one), he can be demanding. Yet owners who know how to lead and who use upbeat training methods will find him eminently trainable.
This sensitive dog seems always aware of your moods and likes to be physically close to you and watching you. "
History
All three breeds of Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard, and Standard) originated in Germany. The Standard is the oldest (and least popular) of the three. He served as a rat catcher and guardian of the marketplace produce stand.
Size
18-20 inches and 35-45 lbs |
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Standard Schnauzers
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
- There are energetic Schnauzers, and placid Schnauzers.
- Hard-headed Schnauzers, and sweet-natured Schnauzers.
- Serious Schnauzers, and good-natured goofballs.
- Introverted Schnauzers, and Schnauzers who love everyone.
| If you acquire a Standard Schnauzer puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." |
Now let's look at some common characteristics for this breed...
- Is conveniently-sized and sturdy, yet also elegant, graceful, and light on his feet
- Has a wiry coat that doesn't shed much, and a whiskery face with a wise expression
- Plays hard and thrives on vigorous athletic activities
- Makes a keen watchdog and an effective deterrent -- stands firmly on the ground with boldness and confidence
- Is versatile -- when well-trained, can learn and do almost anything
A Standard Schnauzer may be right for you.
| If you don't want to deal with... |
- Vigorous exercise requirements
- Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
- Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough or left alone too much
- Suspiciousness in some lines, or when not socialized enough
- Aggression toward other animals
- Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
- Regular clipping and trimming of the wiry coat
A Standard Schnauzer may not be right for you.
| If I were considering a Standard Schnauzer... |
My major concerns would be:
- Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Standard Schnauzers MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and to use their busy minds to do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by barking and destructive chewing. Bored Standard Schnauzers can make a shambles of your house and yard.
| If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking, or to get involved in agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or tracking, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed. |
- Providing enough socialization. Most Standard Schnauzers have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, they may be suspicious of everyone, which could lead to biting. Some Standard Schnauzers go in the opposite direction -- without enough socialization, they become fearful of strangers, which can lead to defensive biting.
| If you have small children, or if you or anyone who lives with you is elderly or infirm, I do not recommend Standard Schnauzer puppies. Young Standard Schnauzers (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people. The temptation to play roughly is simply too strong in many young Standard Schnauzers. |
- Animal aggression. Many Standard Schnauzers are dominant or aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex. Some have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures.
- The strong temperament. Standard Schnauzers are not Golden Retrievers. The best Standard Schnauzers are versatile working dogs, capable of learning a great deal, but they have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. Some Standard Schnauzers are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
| If you're considering an adult Standard Schnauzer... |
There are plenty of adult Standard Schnauzers who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.
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Copyright © 2000-2006 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author. |
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