WHAT IS A STANDARD SCHNAUZER?
The Standard Schnauzer is a medium sized, robust dog that still retains much of the strength, durability and purpose for which the Germans of old bred it. It is used extensively in Germany for guard work, herding and as a ratter.
HOW LARGE IS A STANDARD SCHNAUZER?
The Standard Schnauzer is a medium-sized breed with males approximately 19” high at the shoulders and weighing 40-45 pounds. Females are about 18” and 35-40 pounds.
IS THE STANDARD SCHNAUZER A GOOD WATCH DOG?
As a home guardian the Standard Schnauzer excels. It is completely friendly to friends of the family but warns away strangers with a strong voice which it saves for such occasions.
IS THE STANDARD SCHNAUZER A FAMILY PET?
They are outstanding companions, known for their devotion and love of the family. Although they may have favorites they are not just a “one man dog” but instead become a member of the entire family.
IS A STANDARD SCHNAUZER TRAINABLE?
Due to their intelligence they learn quickly but like a mischievous child they need a firm hand. One breeder and judge always points out that there must be someone in the family smarter than the Standard Schnauzer or the dog will rule the roost. It is said they are the “dog with the human brain.”
DOES A STANDARD SCHNAUZER NEED GROOMING?
They require grooming, but fortunately most Standard Schnauzer breeders are happy to teach you to groom your own dog. Many of the Standard Schnauzer breed clubs have grooming sessions for this purpose. A properly groomed Schnauzer sheds very little.
WHERE WOULD ONE FIND A GOOD QUALITY STANDARD SCHNAUZER PUPPY?
Like all pure-bred dogs the worst place to find a good one is in the large puppy retailers that handle 25-30 or more breeds. These people care little about the future of the puppy and how it will develop. Their only interest is to make a profit.
To get a good quality puppy you should go directly to the breeder where you will probably pay less for a puppy of superior quality and health, than at a “puppy mill.”
It is not always an easy breed to locate for puppy purchasers as they are not bred in great numbers. As a rule the Standard Schnauzer breeder does not breed merely to sell dogs but to breed some improvement into his line, or to continue a lineage which he considers to be the ideal. Most breeders are looking for that near perfect puppy that will be part of the history of the breed.
HOW DOES ONE LOCATE A STANDARD SCHNAUZER BREEDER?
Standard Schnauzer breeders can best be found by writing to the Standard Schnauzer Club of America or one of the regional Standard Schnauzer breed clubs, or by attending dog shows, or checking ads in Dog World, Popular Dogs, Pure Bred Dogs, or other dog publications. It may require some effort and time on your part, but it will be worthwhile. When you locate a breeder, talk to him or write to him about his adult dogs, his objectives in breeding, and why his puppies will be good; ask about pedigrees. Look at his breeding stock if possible; they are your best indication of what the puppy will turn out to be.
SHOULD ONE BUY A PUPPY THROUGH THE MAIL?
If you are buying through the mail and cannot see the puppies or the parents, it’s a bit more difficult. If the breeder is a member of the Standard Schnauzer Club of America or one of the regional breed clubs, he should have the improvement of the breed in mind and usually will try to breed dogs of which he is going to be proud.
HOW CAN ONE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE STANDARD SCHNAUZER CLUB OF CINCINNATI, INC.?
You may do this by writing to the:
STANDARD SCHNAUZER CLUB OF CINCINNATI, INC. 2349 Raeburn Dr Cincinnati, OH 45223-1255
Reprinted with the permission of the Standard Schnauzer Club of Cincinnati, Inc.