35-45 lbs
17-18"
Germany
The Standard Schnauzer is the prototypical breed that gave rise to all modern Schnauzers and developed in Germany during the Middle Ages. The Standard Schnauzer was originally bred for ratting and vermin control as well as guarding. Schnauzers were considered peasant dogs for farm and utility work for most of their history before catching the eyes of German dog fanciers in the 19th century. It was during this time that the Miniature and the Giant Schnauzers were also established as secondary breeds of the Standard Schnauzer. The Standard Schnauzer was shown in Germany as early as 1879 and gained American Kennel Club recognition in 1904.
The Standard Schnauzer is the oldest of the three Schnauzer breeds and the prototypical dog. Believed to have developed in the Middle Ages in Germany, this Terrier type breed is seen in artwork dating back to the 15th century where the breed was often depicted in the wooden carved artwork of Albrecht Dürer. Originally bred to assist on the farm and hunt vermin, the Standard Schnauzer also provided guard protection for farmers on their way to market. The Schnauzer name is a literal German translation of mustache and the German name, Mittelschnauzer translates as a bearded muzzle. It is believed German Poodles, the Wolf Spitz, and Wire-haired Pinschers contributed to the development of the Standard Schnauzer early on, but no breed standardization practices occurred for most of the history of this utility dog. Unnoticed by most of the world until the 19th century, the Schnauzer continued to work as a farm and guard dog in Germany. In the mid-1800s, this dog caught the attention of German dog fanciers who wished to develop the standard and establish the breed in Germany. Early standard breeding programs crossed German Poodles with the Schnauzer to give the breed a more regal look and standardize the coloring. Historically known as the Wire-haired Pinschers, the Standard Schnauzer was being shown in Germany by the late 1800s and shortly after was imported to the Americas. The breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904. It’s very close cousins, the Miniature, and the Giant Schnauzer also developed in the 1800s and gained their notoriety and breed in time.
The Standard Schnauzer is a sturdy, heavy-boned robust breed that is square-shaped. The head of a Standard Schnauzer is rectangular and elongated. The eyes are dark, expressive, medium, and oval-shaped. The Standard Schnauzer’s ears are set high and stand erect when cropped. If left uncropped, the ears are medium, V-shaped, and fall forward. The muzzle accentuates the rectangular shape of the head, and long hair covers the muzzle and under the chin giving this breed mustaches and a bearded, old man look. The old man look is further seen with the long, wiry eyebrow hair. The lips are tight, and the teeth meet in a scissor bite. The forelegs having sloping shoulder blades and join at the arm to form a near right angle when viewed from the side. The forelegs are straight without any curvature from any sides and end is small, compact, round feet with thick black pads. The hind legs are powerfully muscled and do not appear taller than the shoulders. The hind legs are short and perpendicular to the ground and end in feet the same at the front. The tail is set moderately high, carried erect, and docked to between one and two inches.
With a medium length coat, the Standard Schnauzer requires regular grooming. The beard and leg hair, which is longer on the Schnauzer, must be brushed often to prevent matting. The wiry topcoat of a Schnauzer is stripped twice a year to allow for new growth. Frequent brushing will help remove dead and loose hair and aid this process. Keep in mind that machine clipping the coat will change the texture and color of the coat. If you wish to keep your Schnauzer looking his best, frequent brushing and the occasional bath is your safest bet. Toe nail clipping, ear checking, and teeth brushing are also highly recommended to help keep your Schnauzer looking and feeling his best. The Standard Schnauzer is a high energy dog that needs a lot of varied exercise. They can become bored with the repetitive tasks and require a lot of interaction. If given proper exercise, this breed has a high tolerance for apartment and urban living. Additionally, this breed can tolerate both hot and cold climates, making it suitable for a broad range of environments. When it comes to feeding your Standard Schnauzer, he is a medium-sized dog that requires 1 to 2 cups of dry food divided into two meals daily. The amount of food you feed your dog will depend on his activity level, age, and metabolism. You should pay close attention to their nutritional needs and adjust food portions as necessary.
