History
Standard developed for getting rid of vermin around farms & homes & for sheep herding. The Mini was developed by breeding the smaller Stds to Affenpinchers & Toy Poodles. The Giant was developed by breeding the larger Stds to Bouviers & Great Danes. However, in some countries, the Giants are used in police & protection work & in search & rescue.
Description
Sturdily built, robust, sinewy, nearly square, (length of body equal to height at shoulders).
Grooming and Physical Needs
- Grooming Needs: All over grooming is required at least twice a week.
- Coat Type: Harsh, wiry and short enough for smartness.
- Moulting: Little shedding.
- Exercise Needs: Enjoy exercise and play. However they will quite happily fall in with the family’s life style. They do like to be kept active and enjoy obedience tasks.
- Average Life Span: 10 – 14 years.
Behaviour
- Family: Active owner as they all enjoy exercise, & the owner must be patient in initial learning phases – they love to learn, but are easily intimidated if miss-handled when young. All three of the Schnauzers are extremely affectionate, they crave human company & make good watch dogs for the family; they will get up to terrible mischief if left alone for long periods. Good with children.
- Temperament: Strong, vigorous dog capable of great endurance. Alert, reliable and intelligent. Primarily a companion dog.
- Trainability: Intelligent dog that is easily trained, although it does need consistent training, as it can be quite stubborn. As puppies they do require lots of socialisation and training.
- Sociability (Other Pets): Live happily with other pets provided they are trained and socialised from an early age.
- Barking: Medium tendency.
Talents
Ideal family pets and watchdogs.
Notes
A common cause of death in the older Schnauzer is heart failure.