The Three Varieties of the Schnauzer Dog Breed

From smallest to largest, the Schnauzer dog breed has a miniature, standard, and giant variety. From oldest dog breed to newest it is standard, miniature, then giant. All the Schnauzer dog breed variations are from Germany. The Standard Schnauzer and Giant Schnauzer are considered under the working dog group with the American Kennel Club (AKC) while the Miniature Schnauzer is considered part of the terrier group. Its classification in the terrier group is still disputed by some because he doesn't share that many common characteristics with other terriers in the group.

The standard colors for most of the three variations of the Schnauzer dog breed are the black or salt and pepper. The Miniature Schnauzer also comes in black and silver. The black and silver variation differ from the salt and pepper in that a salt and pepper colored Schnauzer has a coat evenly mixed with black and white hairs whereas a black and silver colored Schnauzer is mostly black with silver face, feet, and chest.

Information on the Schnauzer Coat

The coat of the Schnauzer is hard and wiry. It is generally medium in length although the hair on the Giant Schnauzer can also be short. The Schnauzer dog breed needs to be brushed 1-2 times per week. As with many wire haired dog breeds, the coat of the Schnauzer requires hand-stripping 2-4 times per year. Hand-stripping can be done when the Schnauzer gets his coat shaved and shaped.

All the Schnauzer dog breed variations are thick boned and sturdy. They have a square build where the height and length of the body are almost the same. The Miniature Schnauzer dog breed stands about 12 to 14 inches tall and weighs between 13 and 15 pounds. According to AKC standards, the Standard Schnauzer should stand between 17.5 and 19.5 inches tall and weigh between 35 and 45 pounds. The Giant Schnauzer should stand 23.5 to 27.5 inches tall and weigh anywhere between 65 and 90 pounds.

The feet of the Schnauzer dog breed are small and compact, generally called 'cat feet'. It is common for the Schnauzer dog breed to have a docked tail. And sometimes the ears are cropped. Their heads are long as are their muzzles. And their muzzles have a distinctive mustache and beard. In fact, the Schnauzer dog breed is named after his distinctive muzzle. 'Schnauze' means snout or muzzle in German. The Schnauzer dog breed has oval deep-set eyes with bushy eyebrows to match his beard and mustache.

The Standard Schnauzer was developed in the area east of the Rhine River in Europe (today called Germany) around the 14th century or possibly even earlier. The Standard Schnauzer dog breed was a great guard dog and was also used for herding and hunting vermin. The Miniature Schnauzer was developed in the late 1800s by breeding the Standard Schnauzer with the smaller German Affenpinscher. The Miniature Schnauzer is a farm/house dog and was bred for hunting rats (also called ratting) around the house and barn. The Giant Schnauzer dog breed was developed later in the southern Bavaria area. The Standard Schnauzer dog breed was possibly bred with black Great Danes, local cattle sheep dogs, Bouvier des Flanders, and/or even the Doberman Pinscher or Rottweiler. His primary purpose was to drive cattle.

Later, the Standard Schnauzer became a popular dog for guarding the farmer's carts at marketplace. They were even used as dispatch carriers and aides in World War I. The Standard and Giant Schnauzer were sometimes used as police dogs. The Giant Schnauzer was also used by butchers and breweries for guarding.

All three types of Schnauzer dog breeds are described as lively dogs. They enjoy a good romp and can be quite playful. Although all the Schnauzer dog breeds were once classified as terriers, they are not as independent or strong-willed as most terriers. The Schnauzer dog breed can be stubborn at times, but he is still relatively easy to train. Positive reinforcement training techniques work best for the Schnauzer dog breed. Positive reinforcement training keeps this dog breed interested and he tends not to exhibit his stubbornness when training is fun.

The Schnauzer dog breeds can do well with children. They can be generally tolerant and will enjoy playtime. The Miniature Schnauzer is probably the best of the three with children. He is much more biddable and even though he is small he is rather hardy.

Schnauzer Dog Breed and Other Dogs

Also unlike many terriers, the Schnauzer dog breed is not dog aggressive. He may not like other dogs, but he is more inclined to ignore another dog than to go and pick a fight with one. Of the three Schnauzer dog breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer is even less inclined to be aggressive. Although the Schnauzer dog breed may not care for other dogs, with proper socialization and introduction the Schnauzer dog breed can get along well with other pets.

The Schnauzer dog breeds were originally bred to be guard dogs. As such, the Standard and Giant Schnauzer can be very protective of the family and property. The Miniature Schnauzer, on the other hand, does better with strangers but can still be reserved with those outside if his family. His guarding instincts do come out though. As with most small dog breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer tends to bark a lot.

Other Personality Traits of the Schnauzer Dog Breed

The Miniature Schnauzer is also more affectionate than the other two Schnauzer dog breeds. The Standard and Giant Schnauzer have a bit more independent personality but the Miniature Schnauzer is quite companionable. The Miniature Schnauzer is also described as inquisitive, alert, and spunky. The Standard Schnauzer is can be mischievous, bold, but fun-loving. And the Giant Schnauzer can be rambunctious, reliable, and bold.

All three variations of the Schnauzer dog breed need daily exercise. Long walks or vigorous play sessions are a must. The Schnauzer dog breed loves to play so if a walk is not possible, at least engage in fun dog games such as fetch. Perhaps even consider dog agility training. Without proper exercise, the Schnauzer can develop bad behaviors such as chewing or digging.

Common Health Issues Information on the Schnauzer

Like most purebred dogs, the Schnauzer dog breed is susceptible to a number of genetic health issues. The Standard Schnauzer is prone to hip dysplasia and follicular dermatitis. Follicular dermatitis is a skin condition where the skin gets inflamed around the hair follicles. The Giant Schnauzer is also prone to hip dysplasia. He is also prone to gastric torsion, which is more of a health issue related to his size than his breed. The Miniature Schnauzer is also prone to develop follicular dermatitis (also called Schnauzer comedo syndrome). He can also have trouble with urinary stones, von Willebrand's disease, and progressive retinal atrophy.

If you are considering getting a Schnauzer dog breed as a pet, be sure to research the breeder carefully. Being registered with the AKC is not sufficient. A good breeder will also be a member of a Schnauzer dog breed club such as the American Miniature Schnauzer Club or Standard Schnauzer Club of America. The breeder will also have tested for certain health issues. Hip dysplasia, for example, can be tested through the mother and father of the puppies. A reputable dog breeder will gladly furnish the certification for both parents from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

By not properly researching the breeder you run the risk of getting a dog who will develop serious genetic disorders such as those listed above. You could also be getting a dog who has parvo, distemper, or other common dog ailments. Or you could also be getting a dog with temperament issues. A dog who is ill bred could have aggression issues or other unpleasant personality traits.

A general rule for buying a dog is to look at the quality, not the price. Because a reputable dog breeder puts so much work into breeding quality dogs, their dogs are likely to be more expensive. If you find a cheap dog, chances are that it was bred at a puppy mill or by a backyard breeder. A backyard breeder is someone who breeds without proper consideration of the breed. They may be breeding dogs out of ignorance or they just don't care.

You can also consider getting a Schnauzer from an animal shelter or rescue group. A rescue organization generally has people who keep the dogs in their homes until such a time as the dog can be adopted. These people who foster the dogs may know more information about the dog's history, temperament, and any health concerns.

Owning a Schnauzer can be a very rewarding experience. If your big on fun and want a spunky dog, you are sure to get it in any of the three Schnauzer dog breed varieties. Since Schnauzers generally do well with children and other pets, he can fit into almost any family.

For more information on the Schnauzer dog breed, consider "Schnauzers: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual" by Barron's books. This book includes information on how to evaluate which Schnauzer size is right for you, if a male or female would be better, what traits to look for in a puppy, proper diet, training, and more.