The Schnauzer (Giant and Standard)
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This breed seems to derive its name from two German words; the first being "schnauze " which means " muzzle" or "snout" and the second "schnauzbart" meaning "moustache".
The Schnauzer comes in three sizes ;miniature, standard and giant. They have a squarish shape with very obvious eyebrows ,generous whiskers and moustache. The miniature Schnauzer will grow to 33-36 cm and weigh approximately 7 kg, the standard Schnauzer to 45 to 47 cm in height and weigh in at 13- 18 kilograms. The giant Schnauzer will grow to between 56 and 69 cms and will tip the scale at anything between 36 and 50 kilograms!
The Schnauzer comes in three sizes ;miniature, standard and giant. They have a squarish shape with very obvious eyebrows ,generous whiskers and moustache. The miniature Schnauzer will grow to 33-36 cm and weigh approximately 7 kg, the standard Schnauzer to 45 to 47 cm in height and weigh in at 13- 18 kilograms. The giant Schnauzer will grow to between 56 and 69 cms and will tip the scale at anything between 36 and 50 kilograms!
Personality
Schnauzers are described as alert, energetic, bold and intelligent. They have a reputation for being excellent watchdogs.Many owners confirm that the breed can be wary of strangers but are generally good with children.The breed can be somewhat dominant and quite protective when it comes to food,toys and space. It is therefore imperative that the Schnauzer be trained and socialised as soon as they come home with you.
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
Standards and giants need a backyard but many miniatures are kept in units. A yard is first choice however and all Schnauzers enjoy being out and about on regular walks. Described by their owners as 'quick learners' but easily bored. When bored they do have a tendency to be destructive. Walking, or jogging are excellent ways to keep Schnauzers fit and Shnauzers are able to excel at dog sports such agility. Proper exercise not only keeps Standard Schnauzers physically fit, but it also helps maintain a steady temperament. If you Schnauzer is high-strung he is probably not getting enough exercise.Standard Schnauzers can be a good choice for families with children, but parents should always supervise any interaction between dogs and children.
Where do I get my pup from?
It is always advisable to get your pup from a reputable breeder and ask to see both the father and the mother. A KUSA registered pup is your best option and you can also contact a KUSA affiliated breed club. Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the Puppies page.
Which other breeds are most compatible with the Schnauzer and do they get along with other animals?
Schnauzers do have natural hunting instincts and are prone to chasing.They will need training to interact properly with cats. They are not recommended for homes with smaller rodent pets. Intact males tend to be rather dog aggressive but socialization and and neutering will go a long way to prevent a lot of this type of aggression. Schnauzers often do best with other Schnauzers of the opposite sex and not from the same litter.
Schnauzers do have natural hunting instincts and are prone to chasing.They will need training to interact properly with cats. They are not recommended for homes with smaller rodent pets. Intact males tend to be rather dog aggressive but socialization and and neutering will go a long way to prevent a lot of this type of aggression. Schnauzers often do best with other Schnauzers of the opposite sex and not from the same litter.
Training requirements and grooming.
The secret to raising a happy and well-adjusted Schnauzer is in commitment to fulfilling their exercise and training needs from an early age. Properly trained Schnauzers make wonderful pets who are reliable with children, polite to strangers and respectful of boundaries. All Schnauzers require early socialisation to other animals and people . Giant and Standard Schnauzers love to work and do well in obedience and agility because of their high energy whilst the Miniatures can do with a little less exercise like a walk in the park, a great game of fetch and thye like tracking and do quite well in carting. Under exercised and under stimulated Schnauzers are prone to destructive behaviours because they will try and entertain themselves in the absence of enough exercise and mental stimulation.
In terms of grooming, Schnauzers need to be hand stripped to remove dead hair and to prevent excessive loss of hair in the home.Stripping is a time-consuming process which involves plucking the hair out by hand, usually three or four sessions of around an hour over a few weeks Facial hair should also be checked and cleaned regularly, especially after eating. Always keep the head well groomed and trim around the eyes to prevent matting and eye problems. Also keep ears clean and check that nails and feet are in good condition. Other grooming requirements include, brushing his teeth and bathing him when he’s dirty.
In terms of grooming, Schnauzers need to be hand stripped to remove dead hair and to prevent excessive loss of hair in the home.Stripping is a time-consuming process which involves plucking the hair out by hand, usually three or four sessions of around an hour over a few weeks Facial hair should also be checked and cleaned regularly, especially after eating. Always keep the head well groomed and trim around the eyes to prevent matting and eye problems. Also keep ears clean and check that nails and feet are in good condition. Other grooming requirements include, brushing his teeth and bathing him when he’s dirty.
Health concerns and life expectancy.
Schnauzers are generally a healthy breed, but there are things to watch out for. They are sometimes born with heart defects. Occasionally some inherited disorders may occur in the Schnauzer, such as cataracts, bladder stones and hip dysplasia . Follicular dermatitis is a skin condition that can be treated by a vet and may affect some Shnauzers.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Miniatures and standards will live an average of 14-16 years, while giants average 12 years.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Miniatures and standards will live an average of 14-16 years, while giants average 12 years.
Resources
http://www.petwave.com/dogs/dog-breed-center/working-group/standard-schnauzer/personality.aspx http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/standardschnauzers.html
http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/factsheets/Dogs/Schnauzer/1009
http://www.petwave.com/dogs/dog-breed-center/working-group/standard-schnauzer/personality.aspx http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/standardschnauzers.html
http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/factsheets/Dogs/Schnauzer/1009
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