About The Breed

Origin and Purpose

The Standard Schnauzer can be traced back to 14th Century Germany. Its principal vocation was to guard tradesman’s carts and be an all-purpose farm dog. The modern Standard Schnauzer is valued as a family companion and watchdog and has also been used in Red Cross, the military and police work.

In the mid-19th century, German dog fanciers began to take an interest in this useful native breed. Crosses were made with the gray Wolfspitz and black German Poodle to produce the distinctive pepper and salt and black colours.At this time, the medium sized dogs were also being crossed with other breeds to develop the Miniature and later the Giant Schnauzer. They were originally known as the Wire-haired Pinschers.

The Standard Schnauzer is a handsome, robust, square built, compact working dog with good muscle and plenty of bone. Standard Schnauzers are noted for guarding the home and for their affectionate devotion.

These traits, combined with a coat which has minimal shedding and “doggie odour” lead some to believe this is the ideal dog.  This sometimes mischievous, quick and active dog is in reality a reliable working dog with a superbly intelligent mind. This is the dog that is often called “the dog with the human brain”

The breed is of true medium size with males between 18-20 inches high at the shoulder weighing 40-45 pounds while females are between 17-19 high at the shoulder weighing 35-40 pounds.

Coat

Tight, hard, wiry and as thick as possible, composed of a soft, close undercoat and a harsh outer coat.  When seen against the grain it stands up off the back, lying neither smooth nor flat.  Correct harsh coat texture is very important for its ability to repel dirt and moisture with no tendency to mat.  The skull and outer body coat is hand-stripped (plucked) to accentuate the body outline.  A dog may be considered to be in show coat when the hair on the is 3/4 – 1 1/2 inches (2-4cm) in length.

Coat on the muzzle and over the eyes lengthens to form the beard and eyebrows.  Coat on the cheeks, ears, throat, chest, belly and under the tail should be closely trimmed to give the desired typical appearance of the breed.  The hair on the legs is slightly longer than on the body.  These furnishings should be of harsh texture and should not be so profuse or long as to detract from the neat appearance or working capability.

STOCK IMAGE — To be replaced.

Colour

Pepper and Salt: The typical pepper and salt colour of the outer coat results from the combination of black and white banded hairs distributed evenly on the body.  All shades from dark iron grey to silver grey are acceptable.  The undercoat is grey.  It is desirable to have a black facial mask that harmonizes with the particular shade of coat colour. The pepper and salt mixture may fade to light grey or silver white in the leg furnishings, eyebrows, whiskers, cheeks, throat, belly and under the tail, chest and inside the legs.

Black:  The black Standard Schnauzer should be a rich true colour, free from fading, discolouration or any admixture of grey or tan hairs.  The undercoat should be solid black.  A certain amount of fading and burning from increased age or continued exposure to the sun can occur.  A small white smudge on the chest is permissible.

The skin is tight and grey in colour

Health

Standard Schnauzers are considered to be a very healthy breed that live between 12 -15 years.  On average they rarely develop serious genetic medical disorders unlike most other breeds.  There are 3 health concerns that you need to be aware of.

Pancreatitis: When a canine’s pancreas is functioning normally it releases enzymes that help aid the digestions process.  Those enzymes don’t activate until they reach the small intestines.  However in dogs that have pancreatitis the enzymes activate as soon as they are released.  This early release causes inflammation and damage to the pancreas, surrounding tissues and local organs.

Hip Dysplasia: It can be a problem that impacts a large portion of the canine population.  Schnauzers that have hip dysplasia develop two major issues:  1) chronic cartilage degeneration and osteo arthritis, and 2) subluxation forms on the head of the femur resulting in joint laxity.

Follicular Dermatitis: Typically it is caused by bacteria that infect the hair follicles.  When it occurs your dog’s hair fullicles become irritated.