BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Max
Photo courtesy of Clarke Isackson |
Breed Registries:
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 84 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Origin:
Germany
Height:
18 to 20 inches (46-51 cm)
Breed Profile:
The Standard Schnauzer is the oldest of the three breeds of Schnauzers, the other two being the Miniature Schnauzer and the Giant Schnauzer. The breed is native to Germany and was used as a barnyard ratter and guard dog. He was first introduced to North America in the 1920s and was originally classified as a terrier but was transferred to the Working Group in 1945.
He is known as "the dog with the human brain", noted for his bravery and devotion. The Standard Schnauzer is an active, strong, and robust dog who makes a good family companion and needs lots of regular exercise — at a minimum, an hour of hard play a day (swimming, running, hiking, playing fetch, etc.), a leisurely stroll once a day is not enough for this active breed.
The Standard Schnauzer is truly versatile — Today, he is still used as a guard dog and he is also seen competing in conformation, obedience, tracking, and agility. In addition, he is seen working in Search and Rescue and his calm and sensitive disposition make him ideal to work as a Therapy Dog.
In appearance, he is a medium size dog with a very aristocratic look. The outer coat is harsh, hard and wiry with a soft undercoat. The coat is longer on the muzzle and over the eyes, forming a beard and eyebrows. His colouring is either salt and pepper or solid black.
Health Issues
The Standard Schnauzer is known to be a very healthy breed with an average life expectancy is 13 to 16 years. However, like all breeds of dogs, certain health disorders have been seen in the breed, including Hip Dysplasia and some eye problems.
If you are considering the adoption of a Standard Schnauzer puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. The Standard Schnauzer Club of America recommends that all breeding stock be x-rayed free of hip dysplasia and that eye exams be performed annually. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
Breed Standards
- Canadian Breed Standard
- AKC Breed Standard
- UKC Breed Standard
- The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard for the Schnauzer
- FCI Breed Standard No. 182 - Schnauzer
- AKC STANDARD SCHNAUZER DVD
25 Min Video Edition, Published by the AKC
Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
— Available from Dogwise.com
Grooming Information
The Standard Schnauzer, like all breeds requires basic maintenance such as nails clipped, ears cleaned, and coat brushed. In addition, the beard and leg hair requires regular combing to prevent matting and the coat must be hand-stripped or clipped every four to six months.
- Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
The Standard Schnauzer is a very intelligent breed with an excellent memory. They learn quickly and retain just about everything learned. If allowed to do so, however, they will try to take over. Training should be done in a consistent and firm manner but not rough.
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- Herding Dogs — A section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes training and general information about Herding/Stock Dogs; listing of Stock Dog Clubs and Associations; listing of upcoming shows and events; and more.
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
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Select from the following links to view Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and other Merchandise specific to the breed: |
