WHAT IS A STANDARD SCHNAUZER?

"The dog with the human brain". The original of the 3 sizes of Schnauzers, the Standard Schnauzer is a handsome, robust, squarely built, medium size dog with aristocratic bearing. Salt and pepper or solid black in colour, with a wiry no-shed coat. Sociable... Alert... Comedian... Guard... Companion... Very reliable with children... Not unnecessary barkers. Noted for absolute loyalty in guarding the home coupled with affectionate devotion.

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HOW LARGE IS A STANDARD SCHNAUZER?

The Standard Schnauzer is a medium sized dog. Males are between 18-20" high at the shoulders and generally weigh about 40-45 pounds. Females are between 17-19" and generally weigh about 35-40 pounds.

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IS THE STANDARD SCHNAUZER AN EFFECTIVE WATCH DOG?

As a home guardian, the Standard Schnauzer excels. It readily accepts friends of the family, but warns away strangers with a strong voice which it saves for such occasions.

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IS THE STANDARD SCHNAUZER A GOOD PET?

The Standard Schnauzer is not the breed for those who want a slow, placid dog, or a dog that can be "fed and forgotten", for they insist on being a part of the family activities and develop best when treated in this manner. For this reason, most Standards, even the top show winners, are house pets. They are outstanding companions, known for their devotion and love of the family. Although they may have favorites, they are not just a "one person dog" but instead become a member of the entire family.

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IS THE STANDARD SCHNAUZER TRAINABLE?

Due to their intelligence, they learn quickly; but like a mischievous child, they need a firm, but not rough hand. They will get away with whatever they can and soon "rule the house" if allowed. They excel in obedience and agility, both in ethusiasm and intelligence.

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WHAT ABOUT GROOMING?

Every dog, no matter what breed, needs some basic maintenance grooming: nails clipped, ears cleaned, coats brushed. The Standard Schnauzer, however, requires even more grooming as do all wire-coated breeds. Beard and leg hair must be combed and brushed often enough to prevent the formation of mats. Generally, a Standard Schnauzer's coat must be "stripped" at 5 or 6 month intervals. Stripping small amounts of the coat every two weeks will keep the dog in coat for longer periods. Stripping (or plucking) is necessary if you plan to show your dog or like the banded appearance, wiry texture and the advantage of a double coat. However, house pets may be machine-clippered, a quicker and simpler process which can be learned by the owner or done by a professional groomer accustomed to grooming the breed. A clippered coat usually becomes softer and an overall lighter grey in colour in time. The coat of a well groomed Standard Schnauzer should shed very little, if at all.

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WHERE SHOULD I BUY A STANDARD SCHNAUZER?

They are not always easy to find, as they are not bred in great numbers. As with all pure-bred dogs, the worst place to find a good one is in the large puppy retailers. To get a good quality puppy, you should go directly to a breeder who is a member of The Standard Schnauzer Club of Canada. As a rule, the Standard Schnauzer breeder does not breed merely to sell dogs, but to continue and improve upon lineage which he/she considers to be the best. Buying from a breeder is not just a business transaction.

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