Description

Schnauzers usually come in three different sizes. Based on these sizes, they are called either miniature, standard, or large. While the miniatures are about a foot in length, the large ones can reach up to two feet. Usually, Standard Schnauzers are called as Schnauzers. The weight varies between five pounds to 85 pounds. Standard Schnauzers can reach up to a maximum weight of 37 pounds. These dogs have a sturdy body, scissor like teeth, small eyes and erect tails. Their ears are at the top of the head and have a crop at the end of them.

Schnauzers have two layers of coats. The outer coat is hard while the under coat is much softer. While Standard Schnauzers come in colors of pepper-and-salt and black, miniature ones have more variety in color. Apart from the earlier two colors, you will also find Miniature Schnauzers in white and black-and-silver.

Schnauzers are recognized by the American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club. This dog has a deep bark. In some of the dogs, you will find that the tail is docked. It is a robust dog that is known for its agility and alertness. Its body is very well toned. It has a muzzle that is covered by hair. The average life expectancy of this breed of dogs is about 12.9 years.

Coat

Schnauzer has a double coat. The upper coat is harsher than the under coat. The undercoat is much softer. Schnauzer has long furs on its coat. Quite often during grooming, people crop the fur in a way that it gets the image of a moustache, eyebrow and beard. The coat on its legs has harsher hairs.

History

Schnauzers are German dogs. Regardless of their sizes and variation in name, all miniature, standard and large Schnauzers have originated from the same ancestor. The name Schnauzer refers to the German word “schnauzer”, meaning “snout”. This dog has a very prominent muzzle that stays covered in hair. The date of its origin goes back to the 14th and 15th centuries.
It is believed that the original Schnauzer was as tall as the modern day Standard Schnauzer. The Miniature Schnauzer came later as a result of crossing Standard Schnauzer with breeds like the Affenpinscher and the Poodle.
Schnauzers were earlier used by German peasants to hunt rats and as guard for yards and properties. Many paintings by Rembrandt, Durer, and Reynolds feature Schnauzers. It gained popularity among the German aristocrats around 19th century.
They became popular in the US by the beginning of the 20th century. During World War I, the Red Cross used Schnauzer for guarding purposes. It also became a great asset for the German as well as the American police department.

Temperament

Schnauzers are agile, intelligent, authoritative and protective dogs. Their protective nature makes them excellent guard dogs. They are intelligent, which in turn makes it easier to train them. Their bark will definitely alert you if there are any trespassers. They are good for the family and gets quite well with children.
As puppies, Schnauzers are very inquisitive and will experiment with everything. It will learn new things very quickly. They need a lot of socializing, which will protect them from any kind of insecurity or aggressive behavior.
Schnauzers are also known for other traits like affection, keenness, and devotion. It is a happy dog and it is up to its owners to keep it that way.

Health

The primary health issues that bog down a Schnauzer include liver disease among others. Like humans, they can also get stones in their kidney and bladder. Some Schnauzers may even suffer from diabetes. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you feed them a balanced diet that is low on fat and sweet.
Schnauzers are also prone to various eye diseases. Most of these eye diseases are hereditary. Consult a vet if you notice any abnormal secretion from your dog’s eyes. Standard Schnauzers are also prone to hip dysplasia. In case your dog is at least two years of age, you can it tested for such bone related diseases by the Orthopedic Foundations for Animals.
Giant Schnauzers suffer from Epilepsy, hypothyroid, and Toe Cancer. Some dog owners have even complained that their dogs suffer from urinary incontinence that makes the dog lose control over its urine. However, it can be cured by timely intervention and treatment.
Some Schnauzers also get affected by the von Willebrand’s disease. This is a complication that makes blood clotting difficult and the dog may have bleeding gums or nose. You will need to check these areas on a regular basis to keep you pet away from such ailments.

Grooming

Schnauzers need to be groomed well. Its long furry double coat needs special attention. In case you want your dog to appear as a show dog, you will have to groom it accordingly. However, despite its volume of hair, the coat of a Schnauzer is not at all difficult to groom. Just be regular about the session and your dog will have a clean looking appearance.
Brush the coat well. Brushing and combing should be a daily routine. It is better to use a pin brush, because this will prevent matting. It is also suggested that you clip the fur at least twice every year. Brush the eyebrows and the beard. Do not neglect the region under the arm and the groin.
As far as show dogs are concerned, many people suggest that it will be beneficial if you trim and hand strip the dog rather than clipping the hairs. This is a dog that even people with allergies can have as it does not shed much hair.
Do not forget to check the ears as Schnauzers can develop wax in the ear. Regular checking of the ear will also help you to find out if it has any ear infections. Make sure that your dog does not have any cuts on the body hidden under the fur. Brush its teeth regularly. Check the pads of the dog as this area is most vulnerable to cuts. You should also trim the nails. In case you can’t do it yourself, take your pet to a professional groomer.
While clipping, keep the hair of Schnauzer’s upper part shorter than its lower part. The regular clipping and trimming will help you to keep the hair in good shape. You can consult professionals to get your dog groomed. Otherwise, you can do it all by yourself after buying some appropriate grooming tools.

Exercise

This is a very sturdy and well built dog that loves activity. Schnauzers that are taken out for regular exercises will also have less health complications. Take it out for jogging and walking. This should be done daily. Remember - they are meant to be guard dogs. You should also lead the dog rather than the dog tugging you from behind. It should learn to follow you. Since most of the behavioral problems that are seen in a dog arises from the lack of activities or exercises, make sure that you pet has an active life with adequate dosage of exercises.
The speed of the walk should be similar to a trot. This will keep the leg muscles of your Schnauzer tight. Apart from keeping the dog physically fit, these exercise sessions will also improve its mental health and satisfy its inquisitive nature.

Training

Schnauzers are intelligent, which help them to learn various things within a short span of time. But you will also have to be patient with them. By instinct, they are very inquisitive. On the outset, you should make one thing very clear to your dog about who holds the key. Teach it to obey you. Otherwise, you will find the dog running the household.
Make your pet well accustomed with the basic commands and give it a treat whenever it succeeds. The treat need not always be a food item. You can simply appreciate it with a pat. You should also praise the dog well when it does something acceptable.
When walking your dog, make sure that it follows you. Just hold the leash and let it walk behind you. You should also take care that it enters and exits the house after you. While training a Schnauzer, you should show confidence. The rest will fall in place.
You should also show consistency with your commands and training. Inconsistency only makes the dog get confused. Fix the dog’s food timings as well as the time and place of relieving. It is your strong will that will tell your dog that nagging is not good.
Make sure that your dog does not get bored. Well socialized and well exercised Schnauzers are never destructive. All that you need to do is to give it enough attention and enough activity.
Schnauzers can be trained to track things and to participate in sports. They are very obedient but once they understand that they can dominate you, you will never be able to control them. So, make sure to enforce your rules and show it who the master is.
Schnauzers are good pets. Just make sure that you take care of its physical and emotional well being.