Standard Schnauzer

Canis lupus

Last updated: May 27, 2024
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
iStock.com/Voltgroup

This dog’s facial hair makes it look like it has a beard.


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Standard Schnauzer Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Standard Schnauzer Conservation Status

Standard Schnauzer Locations

Standard Schnauzer Locations

Standard Schnauzer Facts

Fun Fact
This dog’s facial hair makes it look like it has a beard.
Distinctive Feature
bristly eyebrows and a long mustache
Temperament
Intelligent, playful, affectionate, loyal
Litter Size
4-8 pups
Diet
Omnivore

Standard Schnauzer Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Black
  • White
Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
13-16
Weight
30-50
Height
18-20

Standard Schnauzer as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Average climate
Exercise Needs
Moderate
Friendly With Other Dogs
High
Pure bred cost to own
$2000
Dog group
Working
Male weight
35-50 lbs
Female weight
30-45 lbs

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The intelligence of a Standard Schnauzer makes it a great therapy or search and rescue dog.

The Standard Schnauzer is an intelligent, incredibly loyal dog. The history of this dog goes back to 15th century Germany. At that time, it was known as a wire-haired pinscher. Pinschers were kept by many German farmers to drive out mice, rats, and other pests on the property. In 1879, the wire-haired pinscher name was dropped in favor of Standard Schnauzer. In short, this dog became an official breed as opposed to simply having a name referring to the appearance of its coat. It belongs to the working group.

This dog is popular due to its combination of favorable qualities. It’s playful, friendly, smart, easy to train, and gets along well with other pets.

The 12 Different Types Of Standard Schnauzers And Standard Schnauzer Mixes

  • Schnoodle
  • Schnauzador
  • Mauzer
  • Schnauzer Pit
  • Schneagle
  • Schnorgi
  • Pom-A-Nauze
  • Standard Wauzer
  • Border Schnollie
  • Carnauzer
  • Schnese
  • Scottish Schnauzer

3 Pros And Cons Of Owning A Standard Schnauzer

Pros!Cons!
Easily trainable: These dogs are alert and ready to learn obedience lessons to please their owner.Grooming attention required: Though this dog has minimal shedding, it should be groomed daily.
Low shedding: Their double coat experiences minimal shedding.Wary of unfamiliar people: This dog is very loyal which means it is sometimes wary of unfamiliar people.
Good with young children: These dogs are playful and tolerant of children.Potential barking issue: If this dog is not properly socialized, it may bark a lot.
Profile of Standard Schnauzer
This breed has minimal shedding.

Size And Weight

Standard Schnauzers are dogs of medium size with a double coat of wiry hair. A male can be 19.5 inches tall at the shoulder while a female can be 18.5 inches in height. Males can be as heavy as 50 pounds whereas females can be 45 pounds, full-grown. At eight weeks old, puppies weigh nine to ten pounds. They’re full-grown at one year old.

Height (Male):19.5 inches tall
Height (Female):18.5 inches tall
Weight (Male):50 pounds
Weight(Female):45 pounds

Standard Schnauzer Vs Miniature Schnauzer

A Standard Schnauzer and a Miniature Schnauzer have some similarities as well as several differences. One similarity is they both need at least an hour of exercise each day to keep healthy. In terms of grooming, they both need to be brushed daily. Both the Standard and the Miniature Schnauzer are intelligent dogs with loyal temperaments. The history of both started in Germany.

The main difference between these two dogs relates to their size. A Miniature Schnauzer weighs less and is shorter than a Standard Schnauzer. Also, a Miniature Schnauzer has a somewhat shorter lifespan. Its lifespan is 12-15 years whereas a Standard Schnauzer’s lifespan is 13-16 years. A Miniature Schnauzer doesn’t have the strong hunting instinct of Standard Schnauzers. Miniature Schnauzers are less inclined to go outside in search of rodents to chase. A Standard Schnauzer likes all family members equally. Alternatively, Miniature Schnauzers have a tendency to choose one family member to follow around.

Common Health Issues

silver standard schnauzer standing in front of woods

The Standard Schnauzer, originally called the Wire-Haired Pinscher, may develop hip dysplasia.

The Standard Schnauzer has a few common health issues to think about. Hip dysplasia is a health issue many Standard Schnauzers deal with. Due to a malfunctioning hip joint, a Schnauzer may limp, hop, or avoid going up a set of stairs. Some dogs with hip dysplasia get better with the help of physical therapy while others need surgery. Cataracts are also a common health issue of Standard Schnauzers. A cataract takes the form of cloudiness over one or both of a dog’s eyes. They can eventually cause blindness. Fortunately, surgery is an effective way to treat them. Bladder stones are another health issue for this breed. Older dogs are especially prone to this condition. The stones are made of calcium or struvite and form inside a dog’s bladder. Generally, these stones appear as a result of an infection. A Standard Schnauzer with bladder stones may have trouble urinating. A reliable veterinarian can diagnose the issue by taking an X-ray of the dog’s bladder. Sometimes the stones can be flushed out while in other cases surgery is necessary to remove them. A special diet can sometimes prevent this condition.

Common health issues for Standard Schnauzers are:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Cataracts
  • Bladder stones

Temperament And Behavior

Standard Schnauzer Duo

Standard Schnauzers are very loyal and can be suspicious of unfamiliar guests.

A Standard Schnauzer has laser focus when searching for a mouse or other rodent in the yard. This same dog can exhibit a playful, affectionate personality while running, jumping, and chasing the kids in a household. In short, whether working or playing, a Standard Schnauzer puts its whole heart into the activity.

One of the most significant traits of this breed is loyalty. In fact, it is so loyal to its family, this dog can be very suspicious of unfamiliar guests. But a Standard Schnauzer’s behavior usually changes as it gradually warms up to the person. These dogs have inquisitive eyes that always seem to be taking in their surroundings.

How To Take Care Of Standard Schnauzers

Learning about the dietary, health, exercise, and grooming needs of a pet Standard Schnauzer can help an owner to care for it throughout their entire life. Whether someone is looking for a Standard Schnauzer puppy from reputable breeders or wants to go to a rescue organization in search of an adult dog, knowing as much as possible is always an advantage.

The Best Dog Food For Standard Schnauzers

Standard Schnauzer puppies and adult dogs have different nutritional needs. It’s a good idea for an owner to take a close look at the nutrients needed to keep puppies and adult dogs healthy.

Standard Schnauzer puppy food: Protein in the form of lamb, chicken, wheat, or salmon helps build powerful muscles and healthy tissue in this lively puppy. Fat supplies a puppy with the nourishment it requires to check out its environment. Calcium lends to the development of bones, teeth, and nails. Vitamin C and E build up a puppy’s immune system so it can fight off illness. Fiber along with plenty of clean water is important for a puppy’s digestive system. Omega-3 fatty acids have a direct effect on the development of a puppy’s brain and vision.

Standard Schnauzer adult dog food: Lean protein is vital for the health of a growing dog’s muscles and helps to maintain a shiny coat. Fat is essential in an adult dog’s diet, but in smaller amounts as compared to a puppy. Vitamin A contributes to healthy eyes and strong vision which is especially beneficial for a breed that suffers from cataracts. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can decrease inflammation.

If you’re concerned about your Standard Schnauzer developing bladder stones, talk to your vet about the urinary care dog food we recommend for Standard Schnauzers:

A-Z Animals thinks that, under veterinary guidance, Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet W+U Weight Management + Urinary Care Dry Dog Food and Wet Dog Food is the best dog food for Standard Schnauzers’ overall health.

Its nutrition is specifically designed to prevent urinary complications like bladder stones, with Vitamin C for immune health and inflammation reduction, plus Vitamin E. There’s also calcium for a Standard Schnauzer’s bones and joints, with amino acids, B12, and the perfect balance of protein, fat, and fiber.

Here’s where you can get Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet W+U after talking to your vet.

Best for Urinary Health
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet W+U Dry Dog Food
  • Weight Management + Urinary Care Dry Dog Food
  • Enhanced with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients for urinary health
  • NO corn, wheat or soy, and NO artificial flavors or preservatives
  • Available by prescription only
Check Amazon

Maintenance And Grooming

How much does a Standard Schnauzer shed? This dog experiences minimal shedding. That’s why it’s especially popular in households with family members who suffer from allergies.

Standard Schnauzers have a double coat of hair that needs to be brushed once per day. A slicker brush can get rid of tangles stuck in this dog’s wiry coat. Start at the dog’s head and brush with the flow of its hair. When you find a tangle, use your fingers to gently separate it into small sections and work through each one using the slicker brush.

Taking a Standard Schnauzer to a professional groomer twice a year (or more) can keep its coat in excellent condition. A groomer can hand strip the dog’s coat to remove dead hair and enhance their salt and pepper coloration.

This breed is prone to a skin condition called Schnauzer Comedo Syndrome. This condition appears as black, wart-like bumps. These harmless bumps may appear and disappear throughout the dog’s life.

Training

The intelligence of this dog makes it relatively easy to obedience train. They’re alert and eager to have a task to tackle!

Exercise

Standard Schnauzers are energetic dogs that need exercise to maintain their physical, mental, and emotional health. They need at least 60 minutes of running exercise each day. A jog in a nearby woods or field, a game of chase in the backyard or some time spent at the dog park are all good possibilities. As a note, this breed or a mix that includes this breed is likely to become destructive if not given exercise each day.

This dog is not a favorable choice for someone who lives in an apartment. They need a large backyard where they can stretch their legs and find something fun to do.

Puppies

Socializing Standard Schnauzer puppies is important. Doing this early on can prevent this breed or a mix of this breed, from barking too much.

Standard Schnauzer Duo
Standard Schnauzer pups should be socialized early on to ensure it doesn’t bark constantly as an adult.

Standard Schnauzer And Children

These dogs are known to do well with children. They are playful and have a gentle temperament suited to interacting with kids.

Dogs Similar To Standard Schnauzer

Canines with similarities to the Standard Schnauzer include the Standard Poodle, the Airedale Terrier, and the Irish Terrier.

Standard Poodle-Standard Poodles are intelligent with a playful temperament just like Standard Schnauzers. But Standard Poodles tend to weigh more than Standard Schnauzers.
Airedale Terrier-Like Standard Schnauzers, these dogs have a lively nature combined with a friendly temperament. However, when it comes to size, Airedale Terriers are larger.
Irish Terrier-Irish Terriers are brave and smart like Standard Schnauzers. But they are a smaller size than Standard Schnauzers and usually have a coat of red or wheaten hair.

Famous Standard Schnauzers

There are some famous individuals in recent history who have owned Standard Schnauzers or a mix of this breed. These individuals include:

  • President Kennedy owned a Schnauzer mix named Wolf
  • Actress Doris Day owned a Standard Schnauzer named Charlie
  • 1940s Actor Errol Flynn owned a Standard Schnauzer named Arno

Popular names for Standard Schnauzers include:

  • Tucker
  • Cooper
  • Bentley
  • Buddy
  • Pepper
  • Sophie
  • Molly
  • Lucky
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What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

X-Small
Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes
No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
How intelligent does the dog need to be?
How much chewing will allow?
About the Author

Melissa Bauernfeind was born in NYC and got her degree in Journalism from Boston University. She lived in San Diego for 10 years and is now back in NYC. She loves adventure and traveling the world with her husband but always misses her favorite little man, "P", half Chihuahua/half Jack Russell, all trouble. She got dive-certified so she could dive with the Great White Sharks someday and is hoping to swim with the Orcas as well.

Standard Schnauzer FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are Standard Schnauzers good family dogs?

Yes. These friendly dogs are good with both children and adults.

How much does it cost to own a Standard Schnauzer?

Breeders charge an average of $2000 for these purebred puppies. But a potential owner can adopt a puppy or an adult Standard Schnauzer from a rescue organization. Rescue organizations charge a very minimal price compared to most breeders.

Taking this dog to the vet each year costs owners from $400 and $600.

Owners can expect to spend from $50 to $60 per month for dog food to feed this pooch.

Is a Standard Schnauzer good with kids?

Yes. Standard Schnauzers are patient and playful with children.

How long does a Standard Schnauzer live?

This pooch has a lifespan of 13-16 years.

Do Standard Schnauzers shed?

Yes, but it’s only minimal shedding.

Are Standard Schnauzers cuddly?

Yes! They like to cuddle with their owner on the sofa or in an easy chair.

What is the difference between a Standard Schnauzer and a Giant Schnauzer?

The main differences between Standard Schnauzer and Giant Schnauzer include their size, adaptability, lifespan, trainability, and health and grooming needs.

What is the difference between a Standard Schnauzer and a Miniature Schnauzer?

The main differences between a Standard Schnauzer and Miniature Schnauzer are their size, adaptability, lifespan, trainability, and their health and grooming needs

What is the difference between a Schnauzer and a Scottish Terrier?

At first glance, Scottish Terriers and Schnauzers may seem very similar. However, the two breeds have key differences, including size, appearance, lifespan, guarding behavior, and trainability.

What's the difference between a Schnauzer and a Schnoodle?

The main difference between a Schnauzer and a Schnoodle is their breeding. A schnoodle is a crossbreed between a poodle and a Schnauzer, while Schnauzers are purebred dogs.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia / Accessed August 20, 2021
  2. Eastside Animal Hospital / Accessed August 20, 2021
  3. Wikipedia / Accessed August 20, 2021
  4. The Honest Kitchen / Accessed August 20, 2021
  5. The Schnauzer Collective / Accessed August 20, 2021