Friendly, playful and smarter than your average hound, Schnauzers make loyal family pets. All you need to do is keep up with the regular cuddle requests and daily sniffing adventures.
Personality and temperament
Highly intelligent, Schnauzers love showing off their bold, playful personalities and – like any extrovert – enjoy being the centre of attention. Most Schnauzers actually feel more comfortable with humans than with dogs and other animals, so if you’re looking for a fiery but fun-loving housemate, look no further. Despite a stubborn steak, Schnauzers can learn skills and obedience quickly with consistent training, making them great family-friendly pets. Just make sure they (and you) know who is actually in charge.
Size and appearance
Named after the German word for ‘snout’ (schnauze) for their long nose, Schnauzers come in three sizes – Miniature (5-9kg), Standard (14-20kg) and Giant (34-43kg). Each size has the same compact, boxy frame, thick, wiry fur and all are beloved for the exaggerated eyebrows and bushy beards that give them a “distinguished gentleman’ look. They usually have a salt-and-pepper or black coat.
History
Originally bred in Europe during the Middle Ages as farm dogs to herd animals and hunt pests, Schnauzers are athletic and intelligent. Throughout history, they’ve been loyal guard dogs and skilful hunters and are commonly used as working dogs to help with bomb/drug sniffing, therapy work and rescue missions. However, they still enjoy a good belly-rub and cuddling in front of the TV.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
Schnauzers are generally quite a healthy breed but can be prone to:
- Eye conditions (mainly cataracts and retinal dysplasia – usually picked up as a pup)
- Canine hip dysplasia (a deformity in the hips)
- Bladder stones
- Heart problems
- Sensitivity to some medications
Miniature schnauzers can also be susceptible to:
- Dental and liver conditions
- Pancreatitis (an overactivity of the pancreas)
- Knee issues (such as luxating patella and cruciate ligament injuries)
- Spinal stroke
Giant schnauzers can be prone to:
- Gastric torsion (bloating)
- Von Willebrand’s Disease (a blood clotting disorder)
- Thyroid problems
Like other large breeds, they are also more at risk of developing heart disease and obesity.
Food and exercise
Like all dogs, Schnauzers are healthiest on a balanced diet full of easily digestible protein like chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, and fish.
All three Schnauzer breeds need regular, heart-pumping exercise to burn off their energy, as well as lots of playtime with their humans and mental stimulation like puzzle toys and learning new tricks. Aim for around 30-60 minutes of walking per day for Miniatures, and longer periods of running, hiking and agility training for Standard and Giant Schnauzers – these aren’t just dogs, they’re athletes.
Grooming and maintenance
Schnauzers are low-shedding and hypoallergenic, so they won’t leave too much fur on your clothes or around your house. They are considered relatively high-maintenance, requiring brushing several times a week and frequent trips to the groomer.
- Bathe: every 4 weeks
- Professional groom: every 6–8 weeks
How to groom a Schnauzer
- Fur: brush or comb several times a week (especially during the puppy phase)
- Nails: trim every 4 weeks (or as needed)
- Ears: clean weekly to remove wax and hair build up
- Eyes: clean tear stains with a soft, damp cloth
Training and space requirements
Given their history as a farm dog, it’s no surprise that Schnauzers are intelligent and quick witted. These dapper dogs can be a little stubborn, but with consistent and firm training they can learn to be obedient and loyal. Known as an adaptable breed, Schnauzers can live in apartments with cosy couches – especially Miniature Schnauzers – but Giant Schnauzers will long for larger houses and big backyards with balls to chase. As long as they’re getting plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, however, all three sizes can live in smaller, more confined spaces.
Best suited for…
While Schnauzers will love any caring owner, they really thrive in active households and with humans who spend lots of time at home or who are happy to bring them along on their adventures. They’re also great with children (young and old), can’t get enough chin tickles and live for constant activity.
