Standard Schnauzer

Typical characteristics are his lively temperament, coupled with placid composure. Typical are his good nature, his playfulness and his proverbial devotion to his master. He loves children, is incorruptible, alert, yet not noisy. Highly developed sense organs, intelligence, trainability , fearlessness, endurance and resistance to weather and diseases provide the Schnauzer with all the requirements to be an outstanding family, guard and companion dog, also endowed with the qualities of a working dog.

Originally the Schnauzer was used in the region of Southern Germany as a stable dog as he felt particularly at home in the company of horses. He eagerly watched out for all rodents in order to kill them in a flash. This very early got him the appellation of ?Rattler? (ratter). When the Pinscher-Schnauzer-Club was founded in 1895, he was entered under the name ?rough haired Pinscher?.

The standard schnauzer needs daily exertion, either a long walk on leash, a vigorous game or an off-lead outing in a safe area. He is better off dividing his time between house and yard. His harsh coat needs combing twice weekly, plus professional scissoring and shaping four times yearly. Shaping is done by clipping or stripping.

The Standard Schnauzer is highly energetic and requires vigorous daily exercise. They thrive on play sessions, running free in a safe area, and long, brisk, securely leashed walks. If this breed becomes bored and restless they will be destructive. They will do okay in an apartment provided they are sufficiently exercised and stimulated.

Exercise, grooming, socialization and training.

The Standard Schnauzer requires daily brushing and combing to keep the under coat free of mats and tangles. A short wire brush works best. The hair around the eyes and ears must be kept trimmed. Professional all-over clipping should be done in the twice a year. It is important to clean the whiskers after meals. Bathing or dry shampooing should be done when necessary. The Standard Schnauzer is generally healthy but may be prone to minor eye problems and hip dysplasia.

It needs a firm training, but without being harsh, with a calm voice. It learns pretty fast, but sometimes it is wilful. Even if it has a middle level of activity, it likes the movement and exercises, it likes to be busy. It will be happy if it can to run beside a bicycle, in forest, to swimm, to play, to paticipate at agility and Flyballcontests.

The Standard Schnauzerdoesn't moult but the fur must be trimmed for at least 2 times a year. The hair grown in excess in ears or between the pads of the legs will be taken off. The eyebrows and the beard are will be combed often for not getting tangled and for not coming in eyes.

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 ow