Schnauzer

Size
Medium (11kg - 27kg)
Exercise
40 min/day
Training
Puppy school only
Size of home
House with garden
Time at home
Alone with support
Grooming
Weekly
Barking preference
Low
Personality
Independent + affectionate

Breeder List

Breeder - Mr Glen Knight (SWASHBUCKLE)

swashbuckle.schnauzers@gmail.com
See Details
Breeder - Ms Tereza Janouskova (Poleta)

janouskova.t@gmail.com
See Details

miniatures supplied by Deidree Anderson extended

History

The Schnauzer originated in the 1400s in the regions of Bavaria and Wurttenberg in southern Germany in central Europe. It was developed from the crossing of German Poodle, Grey Wolf Spitz and Wire Haired Terrier (German Pinscher), primarily as a ratter, a droving and herding breed with watchdog capabilities.

It is believed the Miniature was developed by crossing smaller Standard Schnauzers with Affenpinschers and the Giant by crossing the larger Standard Schnauzers with the Great Dane and possibly the Bouvier des Flandres, or with large, coarse coated dogs known as Bavarian Wolfhounds. The Miniature’s primary purpose was to hunt vermin and as companions within the home. The Giant was bred to drive cattle to market, which in turn saw their guarding ability come to the fore, with them being incorporated into guarding duties for butcher shops, breweries and prisons. These days their skills have been identified and used heavily in Search and Rescue, as well as police and protection work overseas.

Appearance

The wonderful world of choice is relevant to Schnauzers. Just like coffee, they come in small, medium and extra-large.

There are three distinct and different breeds falling under the category of Schnauzers: the Miniature (small), Standard (medium) and Giant (extra-large). From the original “standard size” the Miniature and Giant Schnauzers were developed. The aim was to produce exact replicas of the (Standard) Schnauzer in appearance and temperament but in smaller and larger sizes, that is, a sturdy, sensibly built and useful dog of great intelligence and reliability, loyal to its family but wary of strangers.

Sturdily built, robust, sinewy, nearly square, (length of body equal to height at shoulders). Expression Is keen and attitude alert.

The name Schnauzer refers to their distinctive facial appearance. Beards and eyebrows are a feature of all three breeds. The Schnauzer expression is characterised by an alert, “down the nose” expression enhanced by the correctly set ear, dark eye, dark facial mask in the salt and pepper and black and silver and their leg furnishings. They have a harsh outer coat and soft undercoat. They do not shed their coats and require regular stripping for the show ring so they can be presented with an outer wiry, coarse coat against a short undercoat. Clipping of the coat is usual for dogs that are not shown.

Eyes are medium sized, dark, oval, set forward with arched, bushy eyebrows. Ears: neat v-shaped, set high and dropping forward to temple.(1)

All sizes are nearly square in profile (length of body being equal to height at the shoulders). Ideal height for the Schnauzer is as follows: Dogs 48cm, Bitches: 46cm. (any variations of more than 2.5cms in these heights is undesirable. (2)

The most common colour is pepper and salt, across all three breeds, with black also represented across all three.

Temperament

Standards and Miniatures - Alert, reliable and intelligent. Primarily a companion dog.

This is a dog with the characteristics of a working dog. Bred originally as guard/watch dogs, ratters and as droving dogs, they should not be shy, retiring or act afraid. They are alert and intelligent, and while they will not start a fight, they will not back down. Their guard/ watch dog character make them wary of strangers.

The three breeds are seen as companion dogs and all three breeds do well at Obedience, Agility and Rally events.

WinstonManner0317-2720 3 supplied by Tess McNab. Kelly Miller from Hairy pants Photography

Health

While overall all three breeds present as fit and healthy, Standards have shown incidents of Cardio Myopathy (which now has a DNA test available).

Suitability

Coming in three sizes presents a perfect opportunity for those that are attracted to the breed to get a dog that will suit their particular lifestyle. A Standard and Miniature’s life span is usually from 9-14 years however, many, depending on their health and fitness, will live beyond that scope.

Standards and Giants are very adaptable to the outdoor as well as indoor lifestyle: town or country.

All three are very much people dogs and will want to be part of the family environment. We recommend that if you want an outdoors only dog, that you do not choose a Schnauzer.

They are loyal, loving but also wary, watchful and protective of their families. They are highly intelligent and can readily be taught tricks as well as excel in Obedience and Trialling events.

If you are looking for a stylish companion, from a lounge lizard to competing hard and strong in Agility – and all things in between, then you may like to consider a Schnauzer.

Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Schnauzer, you may have think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Schnauzer and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

Words: Schnauzer Club of NSW Inc

Image by Kevin Slattery

References

1. and 2: DOGS AUSTRALIA Breed Standards

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 22 May 2009)

Download PDF

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Sturdily built, robust, sinewy, nearly square, (length of body equal to height at shoulders). Expression keen and attitude alert. Correct conformation is of more importance than colour or purely 'beauty' points.

Characteristics

Strong, vigorous dog capable of great endurance.

Temperament

Alert, reliable and intelligent. Primarily a companion dog.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Head strong and of good length, narrowing from ears to eyes and then gradually forward toward end of nose. Upper part of the head (occiput to the base of the forehead) moderately broad between ears. Flat, creaseless forehead; well muscled but not too strongly developed cheeks. Medium stop to accentuate prominent eyebrows. Powerful muzzle ending in a moderately blunt line, with bristly, stubby moustache and chin whiskers. Ridge of nose straight and running almost parallel to extension of forehead. Nose black with wide nostrils. Lips tight but not overlapping.
Eyes	Medium sized, dark, oval, set forward, with arched bushy eyebrows.
Ears	Neat, V-shaped, set high and dropping forward to temple.
Mouth	Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck	Moderately long, strong, and slightly arched; skin close to throat; neck set cleanly on shoulders.
Forequarters	Shoulders flat and well laid. Forelegs straight viewed from any angle. Muscles smooth and lithe rather than prominent; bone strong, straight and carried well down to feet; elbows close to body and pointing directly backward.
Body	Chest moderately broad; deep with visible, strong breastbone reaching at least to height of elbow and rising slightly backward to loins. Back strong and straight, slightly higher at shoulder than at hindquarters, with short well developed loins. Ribs well sprung. Length of body equal to height from top of withers to ground.
Hindquarters	Thighs slanting and flat but strongly muscled. Hindlegs (upper and lower thighs) at first vertical to the stifle; from stifle to hock in line with the extension of the upper neck line; from hock, vertical to ground.
Feet	Short, round, cat-like, compact with closely arched toes, dark nails, firm black pads, feet pointing forward.
Tail	Docked: Set on and carried high, customarily docked to three [3] joints.Undocked: Set on and carried high, of moderate length to give general balance to the dog. Thick at root and tapering towards the tip, as straight as possible, carried jauntily.
Gait/Movement	Free, balanced and vigorous, with good reach in forequarters and good driving power in hindquarters. Topline remains level in action.
Coat	Harsh, wiry and short enough for smartness. Closer on neck and shoulders; clean on throat, skull and ears. Harsh hair on legs. Dense undercoat essential.
Colour	Pure black, (white markings on head, chest and legs undesirable) or pepper and salt. Pepper and salt shades range from dark iron grey to light grey; good pigmentation. Hairs banded dark/light/dark. Facial mask to harmonise with corresponding coat colour.
Size	Ideal height:Dogs 48 cms (19 ins) at withersBitches 46 cms (18 ins) at withersAny variations of more than 2.5 cms (1 inch) in these heights undesirable.

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.