Schnauzer

Temperament:
The Standard Schnauzer makes a great watch and guard dog. It is lively, but not restless. High-spirited and affectionate, it has a personality of a terrier. Clever, intelligent, and playful, Standard Schnauzers need companionship and are good dogs to travel with. This breed has a high learning rate. If the owner does not display a confident demeanor, with firm and consistent rules the dog must follow and limits to what the dog can and cannot do, he can be quite willful, demanding, and may begin to act fearless. He may become untrustworthy with children. May become very protective and dominant, guarding objects, places and people from other people. Along with being this breeds pack leader, socialize and train him well, and be sure to take him for a daily pack walk to release mental and physical energy. These energetic dogs need energetic and dominant owners, one who has the ability clearly demonstrate that they are the boss and not the dog.

Grooming:
The wiry coat is reasonably easy to look after, but the undercoat is dense and it will become matted unless it is combed or brushed daily with a short wire brush. Clip out knots and brush first with the grain, then against the grain to lift the coat. The animal should be clipped all over to an even length twice a year - in spring and fall. A person can easily learn how to do it. Trim around the eyes and ears with blunt-nosed scissors and clean the whiskers after meals. They have no doggie odor and shed little to no hair.

Exercise:
These energetic dogs will take as much exercise as they can get and they just love play sessions during which they can run free. At very least, they need to be given a daily, long, brisk walk. Do not overdo it with very young pups, though, until their body frames are strong and mature. Pups still need to walk, just a shorter distance.

Living Condition:
The Standard Schnauzer is a good dog for apartment life. It is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Origin:
The Standard Schnauzer is probably the oldest of the three Schnauzer breeds. They are originally a German breed, named after the German word for muzzle, "Schnauze." They were used to accompany coaches, as messengers in World War I, and as vermin hunters and guards in stables and on farms. The breed was used to watch children, and even given the name "kinder watcher." Schnauzers have also been successfully trained as livestock guardians and as retrievers. The breed has been portrayed in paintings and tapestries of several European artists, including Rembrandt and Durer, who owned one. Today, it is esteemed as a watchdog and body guard, but above all, as a very lovable, spirited, loyal, intelligent companion. Some of the Standard Schnauzer's talents include: hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdogging, guarding, military work, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.