Standard Schnauzer

The Standard Schnauzer was originally bred in Germany originally during the Middle Ages and was developed from herding, ratting and guard dog breeds. Both the Miniature Schnauzer and Giant Schnauzer originated from this breed. They fall into the terrier class.

The Schnauzer reportedly got its name from a dog show winner (of the same breed) by that name, “Schnauzer”, at the 1879 Hanover Show in Germany. The term Schnauzer comes from “Schnauze,” the German word for snout, and is applicable because of the dog’s distinct beard.

They make excellent working dogs. The Red Cross used the dogs for guard duty during First World War. Both American and German Police departments have used them for things like drug and bomb detection, and also as search-and-rescue dogs.

Their colours usually vary from black and silver, salt and pepper and pure black. Schnauzers require very specific grooming and are very high maintenance. They are known for the distinctive furry snouts, which give them a wise and noble appearance. They do not shed a lot of hair, which makes them suitable for people with pet hair allergies.

The Standard Schnauzer is a medium sized square built dog. Males are about 18-20 inches (45.7 – 50.8 cm) in height and females are about 17-19 inches  (43.2 – 48.3) high at the shoulders. Males weigh about 35-50 pounds (15.9 -22.7 kg) and females 30-45 pounds (13.6 – 20.4 kg).

Their tails are usually docked when they are puppies and some dogs also have their ears cropped. They are generally healthy dogs, but like other medium and large dogs they can develop Hypdisplasia. They can also develop eye problems.

They are very trainable, alert, energetic, dominant and highly intelligent. They are very friendly and make good companion dogs. They make excellent guard dogs and will bark at intruders, but do not bark incessantly. They are very territorial, so they do well in homes where they are  only pets. They can learn to get along with other pets if they are properly socialized as puppies, but should rather be kept away from rodents as the were originally bred to hunt them.

These dogs don’t need a particularly big yard (although that is always better for dogs) but they should be taken on daily walks. The Schnauzer is adaptable and is a good choice if you want a companion as well as a guardian.

As always buying a dog is a serious choice. Before you start looking for dogs for sale seriously consider if you are ready for the responsibility.

See also: Miniature Schnauzer

Sources:
Wikipedia
Dog breed info

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT BREED OF DOG

So now you’ve decided to buy a dog, now you have to decide which breed of dog you want. Do you want to buy a specific breed or adopt whatever dog “speaks to you” at the rescue shelter? Do research on the breed. Don’t simply get the dog because it looks cute or you’ve seen it in a movie. There are some websites like  http://www.iams.com where you can fill in some questions and they’ll give you some dog breed suggestions.

Here are some questions to consider:

• Do you want a pure breed or a “pavement special”?
• Do you want a small, medium, large or giant breed?
• Do you want a lazy, average or highly energetic dog?
• How big is your yard, will it be suitable to the dog’s size and energy level?
• Do you want a lap dog, a dog that doesn’t like to be picked up or a dog that doesn’t mind either way?
• Will it be an inside or an outside dog?
• Do you want a dog with long hair or short hair?
• Does the breed need specialized grooming (a specific haircut)?
• If you have a dog allergy in the family, is the breed of dog “hypoallergenic”?
• If you get a highly energetic dog, will you have 1-2 hours a day to walk/exercise it?
• If you live in a complex, does the corporate body allow big dog breeds?
• Do you want a dog that likes living with other pets or a territorial dog that likes to live alone?
• Will it be an inside or an outside dog?
• Do you want an aggressive dog or a friendly dog?
• Will the dog fit in with your life style?

Next: Buying from a private seller.

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