Standard Schnauzer - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Origin
There are three types of Schnauzers – the miniature, standard and giant. And unlike the Poodles, all three are separate breeds, not just varieties of one dog. The Standard Schnauzer is the original Schnauzer from which the Miniature Schnauzer and the Giant Schnauzer were developed and you can trace their history back to Germany Middle ages.

2) Whiskers
Schnauzer whiskers are its distinguishing mark. And they do have an important function. Schnauzers used to be hunting vermin on farms and those matted whiskers was a great protection from a vermin bites.

3) Terrier or Working dog?
Originally, the standard schnauzer was classified by the AKC in the terrier group. But in the 1937 the kennel club voted for a switch into a working group, because of the Schanuzers history as a farm dogs and guardians. The changes was made in 1945

4) Family dogs
Schnauzers make extremely good family companions. They are very loyal and devoted to their owners and they are overall very playful and tolerant, which is especially good if you have younger children in your home.

5) Exercise
The Standard Schnauzer needs fair amount of exercise, be prepared for that. They need daily walks and they are always ready for some exhausting playtime. And it is important to give them the exercise, otherwise, they might become bored and destructive.

6) Around small pets
I would not trust Schnauzer around any smaller pet – including hamsters, guinea pigs, and gerbils. They were used as a vermin hunters in their past and they still have this hunting instinct in them. If you socialize schnauzer early, they can live with other dogs or cats.

7) Versatility
Standard Schnauzers are extremely versatile dogs who served many purposes in their past. They were used as vermin hunters, livestock protectors and even the owner protectors.

8) Size
Standard Schnauzer is robust, sturdy and heavy boned dog. The height of Standard Schnauzer should be between 18-20 inches which is 44-50 cm and their weight should be between 31-44 pounds which is 14-20 kg.

9) Grooming
Most of the Schnauzers you see on the streets do not have the natural look. It is because most owners spend a lot of time with clipping, trimming or stripping their coat. And be prepared for shedding, Schnauzers are not the big shedders, but they still do shed a little bit.

10) Name
The word Schnauze is a german word which can be translated as a muzzle or snout. Before they were called schnauzers, they were known as Wirehaired Pinschers.