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Standard Schnauzer
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The Standard Schnauzer is the original breed of the three breeds of Schnauzer, and despite its wiry coat and general appearance, is not related to the British terriers. Rather, its origins are in old herding and guard breeds of Europe. The AKC classifies the Standard Schnauzer as Working Dog; however, this versatile breed is a robust, squarely built, medium-sized dog with aristocratic bearing. It was a popular subject of painters Sir Joshua Reynolds, Albrecht Dürer and Rembrandt.
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The Standard Schnauzer is the original breed of the three breeds of Schnauzer, and despite its wiry coat and general appearance, is not related to the British terriers. Rather, its origins are in old herding and guard breeds of Europe. The AKC classifies the Standard Schnauzer as Working Dog; however, this versatile breed is a robust, squarely built, medium-sized dog with aristocratic bearing. It was a popular subject of painters Sir Joshua Reynolds, Albrecht Dürer and Rembrandt.
Standard Schnauzers are typically Salt & Pepper or Black in color, and are known for exhibiting many of the "ideal" traits of any breed. These include high intelligence, agility, alertness, reliability, strong with high endurance, and loving companion. Standard Schnauzers are one of the oldest breeds with over 500 years of history. This breed of dog has been very popular in Europe, specifically Germany where it originated. The breed was first exhibited at a show in Hanover in 1879. They are majestic and regal in the show ring, and have taken top honors in many shows including the prestigious "Best in Show at Westminster Kennel Club" in 1997.
History
Schnauzers are originally a German breed, descended during the Middle Ages from herding, ratting and guardian breeds. They may be most closely related to Dobermanns, and the spitz-type breeds. Dogs very similar to today's schnauzers existed in the Middle Ages. They were portrayed in paintings, statues and tapestries, including by artists Rembrandt, Dürer and Reynolds. Initially a dog of the peasant farmer, in the 19th century this breed captured the interest of the German dog fancier and they began to be bred to a standard.
The word Schnauzer (from the German word for 'snout') appeared for the first time in 1842 when used as a synonym for the Wire-haired Pinscher (the name under which the breed first competed at dog shows). The Standard Schnauzer is the original Schnauzer from which the Miniature and Giant breeds were developed in the late 19th century. They have been shown from the 1870s onwards and first appeared in the United States about 1900. "The Schnauzer breed takes its name from one of its kind, a show dog winner by that name, "Schnauzer", at the 1879 Hanover Show in Germany. The name "schnauz bart" means "conspicuous moustache or beard".
The Standard Schnauzer has been used throughout modern history in various roles. The Red Cross used the dogs for guard duty during World War I. Both German and American police departments put the dogs to work as well. Several Standards have been used in the USA for drug and bomb detection, and also as search-and-rescue dogs.
Appearance
Standard Schnauzers are typically salt-and-pepper or black in color, with a stiff and wiry fur coat. This hair will grow in length much like human hair, and must be cut and groomed regularly. Ears and tail are typically docked as a puppy. This is usually done by the breeder, but not all breeders will do this. Like the Miniature Schnauzer and Giant Schnauzer, these breeds are most noted by their long beard giving them a regal and wise appearance. It is important to note, the Miniature Schnauzer and Giant Schnauzer were bred from the Standard Schnauzer, making the Standard Schnauzer the original and oldest of this breed of dog. This distinction is important as when talking about "Schnauzers" most will think of the Miniature Schnauzer and not realize it was bred down from the Standard Schnauzer.
Standard Schnauzer "males ideally are 18-20 inches high at the shoulders and weigh 35-50 pounds. The females ideally are 17-19 inches high at the shoulders and generally weigh 30-45 pounds."
This breed has a fair amount of shedding, with its coat needing regular trimming ( once every two months). (see Moult).
Temperament
The Standard Schnauzer Club of America states that "THE STANDARD SCHNAUZER is a squarely built, very energetic, medium-sized dog with a stiff, wiry coat. It is a robust and sturdy working dog, yet small enough in stature not to be overwhelming." This very intelligent breed is not only a very loyal family dog who will protect your home from visitors with a deep and robust bark. This breed also is known for being very easy to train, and will execute any taught commands with great skill, easily remembering 10+ "tricks". They adapt well to any weather, including snow, and is great with kids and adults alike due to their patience, tolerance and loyalness. It is ideal to socialize from the start. Their intelligent and curious personality may requires a fairly strong-willed owner who can be consistent and firm with training and commands. They are ranked 18th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, being of excellent working/obedience intelligence.
According to the SSDA, “The Standard Schnauzer is considered a high-energy dog. They need ample exercise not only for physical well-being, but also for emotional well-being. The minimum amount an adult dog should get is the equivalent of a one-mile walk at least three times a day. These walks should be brisk enough to keep the dog at a steady trotting pace in order to keep the dog in prime physical condition. The Standard Schnauzer puppy is constantly exploring, learning and testing his limits. As adults, they are always ready for a walk in the woods, a ride in the car, a training session or any other activity that allows them to be with their owner. This is a breed that knows how to be on the alert, even when relaxing by the feet of their owner. Standard Schnauzers are extremely versatile, excelling at dog sports such as agility, obedience, tracking, Disc dog, Flyball and even herding.
Health
Overall, the Standard Schnauzer is a very healthy breed. The preliminary report of a health survey done by the Standard Schnauzer Club of America revealed that roughly only 1% of surveyed dogs had serious health issues.
Standard Schnauzers are above-average as compared with most other breeds when it comes to health issues. They live an average of 13 to 16 extremely active years. Most Standard Schnauzer owners find that only an annual visit to their veterinarian for a check-up and routine shots is required
Famous Schnauzers
- From the AKC: "Rembrandt painted several Schnauzers, Lucas Cranach the Elder shows one in a tapestry dated 1501, and in the 18th century one appears in a canvas of the English painter Sir Joshua Reynolds. In the marketplace of Mechlinburg, Germany, is a statue of a hunter dating from the 14th century, with a Schnauzer crouching at his feet which conforms very closely to the present-day show Standard." "
- George, the cancer-sniffing Schnauzer, has received much acclaim. "
- Colin, dog in the UK comedy series Spaced, became a regular feature in the middle of the first series.
Images
(Looking for photos of all black standard schnauzers to add to gallery)
See also
External links
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