Schnauzer: getting to know this great family breed
Get to know Schnauzers
Schnauzers, the German breed originally bred for hunting, now make great family dogs.
Loyal, fun, inquisitive, free thinking, self-important (keep me involved!), energetic and intelligent, this breed will keep you entertained!
Stats
Schnauzers come in three sizes and, as a guide, weigh in the region of...
| Mini | Standard | Giant |
| 5-8kg | 15-20kg | 30-40kg |
They come in three colours, black, salt & pepper and black & silver.
Temperament
Generally, Schnauzers are fun-loving and good tempered. They make a great addition to the family and are good with children.
They are known for being a loyal breed and given their breed background (working/hunting) they tend to be alert, playful and curious souls. They can be attention seeking and love to be part of the action. Although, there are slight differences in the personalities between the three sizes.
They are a breed that like 'to do' stuff and will enjoy playing games with you.
They are known for being barky, it's just in their nature and part of their personality - they like to be heard.
In general (I'm always going to write 'in general' because obviously all dogs are different!) Schnauzers are good tempered and not aggressive toward other dogs.
They can be aloof with other dogs and although they may not like the attention of another dog, they are more likely to ignore them than to pick a fight.
Do you agree? Tell us about your Schnauzer's temperament in the comments!
History
Miniature: developed in the late 1800s by breeding the standard schnauzer with a smaller German pinscher. The miniature schnauzer was used as a working dog for hunting rats and vermin.
Standard: developed in the area east of the Rhine River in Europe (today called Germany) around the 14th century or maybe earlier. It was a great guard dog and was also used for herding and hunting vermin.
Giant: The giant schnauzer was developed later in the southern Bavaria area. It's a possibility that standards were bred with Great Danes, Bouvier des Flanders, or possibly the Doberman. Giant Schnauzers' primary purpose was to drive cattle.
*Do you know more about the history that you'd like to share in comments below?
General Health
All breeds have various health issues, and Schnauzers are no exception. It's worth keeping in mind the general concerns with this breed so that you can be informed and aware of anything you can do to prevent any issues or help with your dog's wellbeing.
The PDSA list the following health concerns for Schnauzers:
- Cataracts (opacity of the lens of the eye – giving a 'cloudy' appearance)
- Pancreatitis
- Bladder stones
- Atopy (hypersensitivity to certain allergens, causing itching and skin trauma)
- Urolithiasis
Given the breed's propensity for pancreatitis and bladder stones, it's a good idea to feed Schnauzers a low fat diet and do try not to give them human food titbits - but that goes for all breeds. No need to feed a dog human food, there are so many wonderful, yummy, good-for-you treats for dogs!
We have many, many low fat and healthy treat options at Be More Bob, including treats for dogs that have been diagnosed with Pancreatitis.
Having said that, Schnauzers are a hardy breed.
Exercise requirements
All three sizes of Schnauzer need daily exercise and play.
They do well with dog agility as they love to play and learn. They will enjoy long walks in a variety of places as they are inquisitive.
Without proper exercise they may develop bad behaviours such as chewing or digging - but this goes for most breeds. All dogs need stimulation, exercise and interaction.
Grooming and coat health
Schnauzers are classed as 'wire haired' which means short and course coat that doesn't shed.
This means that grooming is a must to keep your dog's coat in good condition.
Do you own a Schnauzer? How often do you groom your pal - let us know in the comments!
Schnauzer Charity
We love Schnauzerfest who help to re-home, foster and care for Schnauzers. If you are thinking of re-homing a Schnauzer, they offer advice and links to reputable rehoming organisations.
Have you rehomed a Schnauzer? Tell us your story in comments!
Lexi is our first, but definitely not last mini schnauz. She is now 7 and although born a city pup in Glasgow very happily lives with us a top a hill in very rural Dumfries & Galloway. She has a wonderful kind nature with both humans and dogs. Lexi surprised me with her intelligence, but is stubborn and knows what she wants. Not too barky, yes loves her food, of which we are really careful with, and very, very tolerant of her new border collie brother. Lexi is proud to shop at Be More Bob and hopes to visit 1 day 🥰
I’ve borrowed a mini over the last 6 years. Love him (and his family) to bits. He’s got quite strong opinions but he’s a great walking buddy. Just don’t give him a ball – you’ll never get him or the ball back!
I agree with all the comments about the breed, they are amazing little dogs. I’ve personally had 3 minis and as a family we have had a total of 7 minis and a standard (who forgot to stop growing and was an inch short of a giant). He really was a gentle giant and, like all of them had a unique personality. Sadly my last 2 suffered with Pancreatitis, the first one quite severely and sadly I lost her just 7 months after her first attack. The second one had it much milder and I’d also found a supplement that supported her pancreas but unfortunately hers developed into Diabetes and ultimately, I believe Pancreatic cancer brought on I suspect by a trauma. This is the only reason I don’t have a Schnauzer now, I couldn’t face going through that again but they remain without question my favourite breed, I still have a huge soft spot for the breed and hope my love affair with the breed will be rekindled one day
My mini is 6 and has the kindest heart. (She’s met bob) Although schnauzers can sometimes be barky mine very rarely barks. Loyal, clever and loves to snooze. Agree with the diet and we are very strict with human food. Also being groomed regularly keeps her knot free, and they don’t shed. Highly recommend getting a miniature schnauzer.
I had a Mini, Tasha, until last year and I collect a Mini puppy in just over a week. Great dogs, loyal, loving, clever, mischievous, stubborn and wonderful companions. My best advice re their health is very low fat diet. They can suffer badly from pancreatitis which is such a worry. They also can be quite needy, they love attention and will put demands on your time. I loved every second of Tasha’s 14years and 8months, losing her almost broke me. In my opinion they are the best little dogs in the world and I’m more than over the moon to welcoming another little girl into my world.