Schnauzer: Your Complete Guide
The schnauzer is an easily recognizable dog thanks to their impressive facial hair, and this breed comes in three distinct sizes. The schnauzer is a loyal, brave, and protective dog, and these pups form strong bonds with their families. They love to be active and play with their favorite people, and they are wonderful candidates for agility training or more complex tasks due to their high intelligence.
Today, the schnauzer, in all of its sizes, is becoming a popular choice for a family dog. If you are interested in adopting a schnauzer and adding this pup to your family, you will need to understand the basics about this breed and how to properly care for it. We give you all of this information below so you are prepared to care for the schnauzer in your life.
Quick Look at the Schnauzer
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 17 to 20 inches, 35 to 45 pounds |
| Coat Type | Wiry, medium-length, coarse, double-coat |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Bold, intelligent, loyal, expressive |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence |  |
| Easy to Train |  |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 13 to 16 years |
What Is the History of Schnauzers?
Schnauzers have a long history, and it’s believed that schnauzers have been around since at least the 1500s, as they make appearances in paintings and tapestries from this time period. The schnauzer was historically used as a guard dog on farms, a livestock dog, a protective dog for those traveling, and as a ratter to eliminate rats from homes and farms.
The schnauzer has its origins in Germany, as the name ‘schnauz’ means mustache in German as a reference to this dog’s impressive facial hair, and it was in Germany around the 1800s when this breed started becoming standardized.
The standard schnauzer was the first iteration of this breed, with the giant schnauzer and the miniature schnauzer following. As a working dog, these three different sizes were necessary to help the schnauzer adapt to different working tasks. For instance, the miniature schnauzer may be a more adept ratter, while the giant schnauzer is more suited for guard dog and protective duties.
Around the 1900s, the standard schnauzer began finding its way to the United States, and this dog really grew in popularity after World War I. The schnauzer is surprisingly adept at rescue work, and this dog was known to work during World War I. In 1904, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially registered the standard schnauzer, with the toy and giant breeds following in 1926 and 1930, respectively.
What Do Schnauzers Look Like?
The schnauzer has a very remarkable appearance, complete with bushy eyebrows, a wiry coat of fur, and a distinctive mustache of fur surrounding its longer snout. These dogs have bright, alert eyes, and they stand tall and dignified. The most common coat colors for the schnauzer are black and silver, though white may also be seen on this dog’s coat.
What Size Is a Schnauzer?
The schnauzer varies in size depending on whether your dog is a male or a female; females tend to be shorter and weigh less than males of this breed. The male schnauzer stands between 18 and 20 inches tall at the shoulder, while the female schnauzer will stand between 17 and 19 inches tall. Male schnauzers weigh between 35 and 50 pounds, while female schnauzers weigh between 30 and 45 pounds.
What Is a Schnauzer’s Coat Type and Length?
The schnauzer has a double coat that is wiry and coarse. The length of a schnauzer’s coat is medium-length, and they may appear quite furry around their legs and around their face, which is something that gives them their distinctive mustached appearance.
What Is a Schnauzer’s Temperament?
The schnauzer has a unique personality, and many people find this breed to be fairly bold and somewhat sassy. The schnauzer is independent and intelligent, and they thrive when given the chance to be active, undertake new tasks, and explore alongside their owners.
These dogs form very loyal and tight bonds with their owners, and they don’t enjoy being left alone for long hours. Your schnauzer may use their intelligence to cause a little mischief if they feel like their needs aren’t being met.
Schnauzers are expressive dogs, and they are not shy about indicating their wants and desires to their owners. These dogs can have a stubborn streak, and it takes a firm owner to keep a schnauzer in their place and not assume they rule over the household. Your schnauzer will need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy in your home.
Are Schnauzers Good With Kids?
Schnauzers are becoming more popular with families, though this dog is not the absolute best choice for homes full of children. The schnauzer can be stubborn, territorial, and aloof from time to time, and young children who always want to play with this breed or don’t know how to properly interact with them may find themselves at risk of being barked at or nipped at.
However, homes with older children can be fine for a schnauzer, and your schnauzer may even enjoy the opportunity to play with more family members.
Are Schnauzers Good With Other Animals?
Your schnauzer is most likely to thrive as a single dog, though this breed can get along well with dogs and cats they have been raised alongside. Schnauzers have big personalities, and they may exhibit a high prey drive or other traits leftover from their use as guarding and ratting dogs, and this can have poor consequences for prey animals in your home, like hamsters and guinea pigs. In general, you will need to properly socialize your dog to ensure they get along well with other dogs when out in public and around your home.
Are Schnauzers Aggressive?
Schnauzers are not known to be a particularly aggressive breed, but they may exhibit territorial and protective behaviors if they feel like their home or family is being threatened. This dog breed has a history of working as a guard dog, and they may bark or growl when they sense a threat. With proper training, you can work to curb any type of aggressive behavior you may notice in your schnauzer, though it is not common for this dog to be overly aggressive to any person or animal.
Do Schnauzers Bark?
The schnauzer is a very vocal breed, and they have no problem sharing their feelings with you through grumbles, barks, growls, or other vocalizations. These dogs may not be the best choice for living in spaces with noise restrictions, though training can help you decrease instances of excessive barking.
Are Schnauzers Affectionate?
Schnauzers are affectionate with their families, and they enjoy being pet or staying in the same room as their favorite people, though they can be fairly aloof with other dogs and people. It can take them a while to warm up to strangers, and they may be slightly mistrustful of new people or dogs that they encounter. While this dog isn’t likely to be a lap dog, they will be happy to sit at your feet or next to you on the couch after a long day of play.
Are Schnauzers Intelligent?
The schnauzer is an intelligent breed, so much so that they are often used for rescue work and agility training. Your schnauzer is curious and alert, and they tend to thrive off of learning new things and receiving plenty of training for mental stimulation. However, you can expect your schnauzer to be a little mischievous and use their intelligence to get their own way unless they are kept under firm and loving commands.
Are Schnauzers Energetic?
Schnauzers are active, but they don’t have the highest energy needs around. This dog will benefit from regular lengthy walks, at least two or three per day, and around an hour of dedicated playtime a day. This is not a dog that will be happy to simply roam outdoors in a fenced-in backyard – the schnauzer will benefit from trips to the dog park and long hikes on a routine basis, and they love to be engaged in play with their families.
Are Schnauzers Easy to Train?
Your schnauzer can be easy to train, as this dog loves to learn new things, and they are generally eager to please. They’re good candidates for agility training, and they are relatively intelligent and alert. That being said, schnauzers can be stubborn, and training may end up very much on their terms if you do not stay focused and make an effort to be firm and gentle with your dog during training sessions.
Are Schnauzers Good Watchdogs?
Schnauzers make wonderful watchdogs, as this is something they have been bred to do. Schnauzers are alert, protective, and observant, and they tend to be a little mistrustful of strangers at first. Your schnauzer will bark to alert you to a potential threat or something strange on your property, and they are not afraid to put themselves between you and any suspected danger.
Are Schnauzers Good Service Dogs?
Schnauzers can make good service dogs, as these dogs are intelligent and love to have tasks or work to complete. However, they can be a little more difficult than other breeds when it comes to training them for service dog work. These dogs are stubborn from time to time, and they require lots of exercise, which can disqualify them from certain types of service dog tasks.
That being said, schnauzers have been used as rescue dogs, and they do make good service companions in certain circumstances. Your schnauzer may also be able to act as an emotional support animal, as long as you are able to meet their care needs while they are your companion.
How to Care for a Schnauzer?
The schnauzer is a breed that is typically suited for more experienced dog owners, as these pups need a fair amount of training, a firm hand, and regular grooming to ensure they stay healthy and happy. Your schnauzer can be sassy and stubborn, and they will benefit from proper socialization from a young age. Make sure your dog receives ample exercise throughout the day, and make an effort to take them on routine hikes or to a dog park to play.
Mental stimulation is important for this breed, as it ensures that your schnauzer is not left bored and has an outlet to put their clever mind to use. This dog forms strong bonds with their owners, and while they may not be the cuddliest, they do not enjoy being separated from their people for too long.
Additionally, you should make sure that your schnauzer has toys, a bed, food and water bowls, and even puzzle toys to help them stay happy, healthy, and comfortable in your home.
Do You Need to Groom a Schnauzer?
The wiry double coat of the schnauzer has high maintenance grooming needs, and you will need to brush your dog’s fur at least every other day. This dog will need professional grooming every six to eight weeks, and this grooming will need to include a trim and a bath to keep their coats looking good and their fur out of their eyes.
Do Schnauzers Shed?
Schnauzers are a surprisingly low-shedding dog, mostly thanks to their wiry and coarse double coat. Regular brushing and trims help to minimize shedding even more, and some individuals with mild allergies may benefit from a schnauzer as they are considered one of the more hypoallergenic dog breeds.
What Health Problems Do Schnauzers Have?
Schnauzers are prone to certain types of health issues due to inherited conditions and general genetic problems that may be present in this breed. The following health issues are common among schnauzers:
- Diabetes
- Pancreatitis
- Dental disease
- Heart disease
- Eye problems
- Cushing’s disease
- Liver problems
- Allergies
If you suspect your dog is suffering from any of the above health problems, take them to your local vet or an emergency vet if needed. Rapid care is often key to catching health issues before they become too serious.
How Long Do Schnauzers Live?
On average, you can expect your schnauzer to live between 13 and 16 years. Proper care helps to encourage a long lifespan, though genetic issues and health problems can occur that shorten your dog’s lifespan. Regular veterinary care is important to ensuring your pup remains in good health throughout their life.
What Should a Schnauzer Eat?
Schnauzers should eat a healthy diet of wet or dry dog food or a combination of both foods, and this dog should have between one and two cups of food per day, depending on their size. More active dogs may also need more calories, and you should take into account the caloric content of the food you are giving your schnauzer to make sure they are not overfed. If you have any concerns about feeding your dog, you can consult with your vet.
Is a Schnauzer the Right Dog for Me?
The schnauzer is a unique dog with a distinct personality, recognizable facial hair, and a loyal spirit. These dogs are intelligent and active, and they require owners who know how to handle a dog that might have its own strong opinions about how things should be done. The schnauzer is the right dog for you if you have a home with older children, you live an active lifestyle, and you have time to dedicate to lots of exercise and training to ensure your schnauzer is happy and healthy at your side.