The Standard Schnauzer, despite being the oldest of the 3 Schnauzer breeds, is also the least known. Devotees of the breed consider him their “best kept secret”. These medium-sized guard dogs are ever-vigilant yet make great companions. They are sociable with people and enjoy clowning around when the mood is right, but will stay steadfast and ready for any challenges that come their way. They are true working dogs that thrive on being given tasks and jobs.
The wiry coat of the Standard does not shed but he does require regular upkeep. He needs to be hand stripped every 4-6 months in order to retain the classic appearance of the breed. Simply shaving the dog down will not do, and will cause the coat to get soft and the color to become dull. The beard and furnishings need to be kept combed out. Many people with dog allergies find that they are not allergic to Standards, but (as always) YMMV.
Standards Schnauzers are active and intelligent – traits that make them great for owners who are willing to work them. Although they can take the sole role of family companion, the breed really thrives when given something to do. If they live a particularly boring existence, their sharp minds will start coming up with games and puzzles they can play by themselves – which will often result in destructive outcomes. Insatiably curious, they need homes where their mental states will be nurtured rather than stifled. The thing to remember is that the breed is very adaptable to many different living situations, but can really thrive when given the right living conditions.
Standards are incredibly clever and are fast learners, but they are also well-known for a certain stubbornness as well. They possess a great deal of self-respect and require that training be fair. If they are ever treated harshly, they will remember and won’t easily forgive. Obedience training is a necessity as they can be prone to dominant behavior if allowed to get away with whatever they want. Training needs to be firm, but fair.
As might be expected from a breed known for its guarding ability, Standard Schnuazers can be very territorial. Every person that comes to the home will hear the deep bark of the dog inside, and will only be allowed in as long as the owner says it’s ok. Most fanciers of the breed love the fact that these dogs sound much bigger than they are. Their medium size makes them easier to manage than larger counterparts, but a stranger standing outside will assume from the bark that they are very large! If an intruder tried to break in, this fearless breed will not hesitate to defend the home and family.
Standards can live with small children as well as small pets such as cats (when they are raised with them). They shouldn’t be kept around “pocket pets” such as mice or rats unless the small animals are securely caged – rat catching is in their genes. They will also go after squirrels, gophers and other outdoor rodents (and will dig up your garden to unearth them). The Standard is not normally recommended for first-time dog owners, mainly because they are a high-intensity breed with minds of their own and a tendency towards dominant behavior. When not given proper training, they can be cat-chasers and dog-bullyers. Some can be escape artists.
The Standard Schnauzer is an active breed with high energy. They need a lot of exercise to stay fit and keep their mind in peak condition. Walking three miles a day with the dog would not be considered too much, whether all at once or split up throughout the day. They are definitely not couch potatoes, and even when relaxing will usually “keep one eye always open”. This alertness is one of the reasons they excel as guard dogs.
