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CaninpediaDog Breeds

Standard Schnauzer

Bearded, clever and versatile, the Standard Schnauzer is a watchful, playful family dog that sheds little.

Photo of the Standard Schnauzer dog breed
Photo: Tamorlan — CC BY-SA 3.0 (source)

History and origins

The Standard Schnauzer is the oldest of the three Schnauzers. In southern Germany it guarded farms, caught rats and accompanied merchants' carts.

Its name comes from the German 'Schnauze', meaning muzzle, a reference to its beard.

Temperament

Intelligent, lively and very attached to its family, the Standard Schnauzer is an excellent watchdog. It is playful with children and reserved with strangers.

It can be stubborn, so consistent, varied training is needed.

Health

This is a fairly robust, long-lived breed. Hip dysplasia and some eye diseases have been reported.

Regular veterinary check-ups are usually enough.

This is general information. For any question about your dog's health, consult a veterinarian.

Feeding

Good-quality food matched to its activity suits it.

Avoid too many treats.

Exercise

It needs one to one and a half hours of daily activity, with games and mental work.

It excels at agility and obedience.

Being medium-sized, it can live in an apartment if it gets enough exercise and is taught to limit barking.

Grooming

Its wiry coat needs weekly brushing and stripping or clipping every two to three months. It sheds little.

Clean its beard regularly.

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