Mittelschnauzer (Standard Schnauzer)

History

The Standard Schnauzer is the oldest of all Schnauzer breeds and dates back to the 14th – 15th century. These animals were bred as a working and guard breed, and the name literally means bearded dog. This is due to the fact that you can clearly see a beard on its muzzle. Breeds such as the Giant Schnauzer, and Miniature Schnauzer descended from the Standard Schnauzer. Initially, this breed was called the wire-haired pinscher.

During the long years of its existence, the Standard Schnauzer mainly served farmers, who used it as a versatile dog capable of performing many different useful functions around farms. This breed was often depicted by artists of the Middle Ages, for example, Albrecht Dürer and Rembrandt.

Until the 19th century, the Standard Schnauzer existed as one of several of the most popular breeds in Germany and neighboring countries. It was exactly in this time period, that this breed attracted a lot of attention from professional German breeders and dog breeders in general. They recognized the breed as one of the best purebred dogs in the 1850s.

The name of the breed comes from a medium-sized show dog named “schnauzer” – she was one of the winners at the exhibition in 1879 in Hannover, Germany. At the beginning of the 20th century, these dogs began to be called Schnauzers everywhere.

This breed received its first breed standard in Germany in 1880 (when it was still under the name Wire-Haired German Pinscher). At first, there were many coat colors but then the breeders brought out the main shades – the so-called colors of black pepper and salt. That formed the basis of the 1907 breed standard.

During the First World War, these dogs were used as couriers to help the medical staff of the Red Cross. They delivered first aid kits to the wounded on the battlefield. In addition, they were also used in Germany for police work.

After the First World War, a huge wave of emigration began, and people started leaving Germany. They took their dogs with them, and that’s how the Standard Schnauzer got to America.

Description

The Standard Schnauzer breed has a proportional harmonious physique, standard, square outlines, a rounded, pronounced chest, and abdominal cavity. The hind legs are somewhat longer than the front. The neck is relatively long, and the muzzle is standard, “with a beard”. The ears are either cropped or left untouched and hanging down the sides of the head. They have a short length. The tail is short.

Personality

The Schnauzer dog breed has a lot of useful qualities that have been developed over several centuries of successful and devoted service in the countryside. Accordingly, the breed has developed the ability to perfectly adapt to various environmental conditions, even to cold winters, and in Germany, winters cannot be called warm.

In addition, this breed is a perfect watchdog, and can not only raise the alarm when intruders enter your home but also put up a fight. Despite their medium size.

These dogs have real heroic courage, and will always stand up for their family and owner. This is one of those few breeds that can remain fully alert, even when peacefully resting next to you on the couch. At the same time, these dogs are very affectionate and loving. They love to be with humans.

They greet strangers depending on how their owner perceives them. Despite some independence, this is a working dog. They are happy when they are involved in some activities with their owner. In addition, this breed has a high level of energy, and they can’t spend all day in a kennel or on a leash.

You will need to walk this dog for at least an hour a day if you live in an apartment but that’s the bare minimum. If you live in a house, and the animal can spend the entire day outside, then there shouldn’t be any problems. However, you must also spend some time with your pet. Don’t leave him alone for the entire day.

The Standard Schnauzer can live with children well, and loves to play with them, and spend time with them. But he will only trust children from his own family. These dogs, like most other breeds, need early socialization.

Training

The Standard Schnauzer needs training because it helps to realize his energy potential. Their high level of intelligence allows them to learn both basic and more complex commands.

You can also prepare this breed to participate in various competitions and canine disciplines. When training them, it is important to always maintain consistency and a sense of purpose. The main thing when training this breed, and any other breed, is patience, a sense of humor, and the right approach. As well as treats because who doesn’t love them?

Care

As far as grooming is concerned, the Standard Schnauzer is a rough-haired breed and requires brushing once a week. In addition, take into account that this breed sheds a lot twice a year. You can pluck this hair from your dog without difficulty and pain for the dog. In its place a new coat will grow.

You can also trim them on a regular basis, then the coat will become softer. You should always monitor the cleanliness of the ears and eyes of the animal, trim its claws three times a month and bathe the dog at least once a week.

Special care is required for the dog’s beard, which must be combed daily to prevent tangling. As well as washed after each meal so that food doesn’t get stuck in there.

Common Disease

The Schnauzer breed is a very healthy dog and according to the latest research, 73% of these dogs almost never experience any special problems and rarely need to visit the vet.

Some diseases can still occur:

• Hip dysplasia;
• Hereditary eye diseases.

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