<C>Height:</C> 18 1/2 to 19 1/2 inches (male); 17 1/2 to 18 1/2 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> 40 to 50 pounds (male); 30 to 40 (female).
<C>Size:</C> Medium.
<C>Availability:</C> Difficult to find.
<b>History:</> The Standard Schnauzer is probably the oldest of the three Schnauzer breeds. The name derived from the German word "Schnauze", or nose. The Schnauzer was developed in Germany and used to accompany coaches, as a messenger in World War I, and as a vermin hunter and guard in stables and on farms. The breed was used to watch children, and even was given the name "kinder watcher". Schnauzers have also been successfully trained as livestock guardians and as retrievers. The breed has been portrayed in paintings and tapestries of several European artists, including Rembrandt and Durer, who owned one. Today the breed serves primarily as a family guard and companion.
<b>Description:</> A medium sized, rugged, robust dog with bushy eyebrows, whiskers and beard. Ideally, the dog's height should be the same as his length, resulting in a rather square impression. The head is long and rectangular, with a pronounced stop and a strong muzzle. The nose is black. The eyes are oval and dark brown. The teeth should form a scissors bite. The cat-like feet are small, with arched toes. The tail is generally docked. Cropping the ears is optional. The forelegs are very straight. Any dewclaws should be removed. The topline slopes slightly downwards from the withers to the rump. He has a harsh, wiry outer coat and dense, soft undercoat. The coat comes in salt-and-pepper or solid black.
<b>Notes:</> The coat requires frequent care. Thorough trimming and stripping is needed quarterly, though a person can easily learn how to do it. A good traveler. Has no doggy odor. Beware of hip dysplasia. Buy only from OFA certified stock. Prone to tumors. Novice owners should seek the help and advice of experienced owners.
<b>Personality:</> Fearless, lively and protective. High spirited and affectionate. Clever and intelligent. Demanding and playful. Socialize well when young to prevent over- protectiveness later in life. Has the personality of a terrier. Needs companionship. Can be quite willful --needs firm training. Needs an energetic and dominant owner.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Best with older, considerate children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Reserved with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Slightly difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Moderately dependent on people.
<C>Dominance:</C> High.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Not generally trustworthy with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Tends to be fairly dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Average barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Daily grooming is best.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> Professional trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Wiry coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Very light.
<C>Docking:</C> Both ears and tail are customarily docked.
<C>Exercise:</C> Moderate exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> An excellent jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Very active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Good for apartment living.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Does all right without a yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Not recommended for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Long (15 or more years).
<b>Talents:</> hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdog, guarding, military work, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> STANDARD SCHNAUZER
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
