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Brief History of the Standard  Schnauzer

• Early History

• Emergence in the U.S.

• Todays's Standard

About The Standard Schnauzer

EARLY HISTORY
​The Standard Schnauzer (SS) is the oldest (and original prototype) of the three Schnauzer breeds. Since the Middle Ages, dogs very like today's Standard Schnauzer performed household and farm duties in Germany: guarding the family and livestock, ridding the farmyard of vermin, and protecting their owners as they traveled to market. These rough-haired, medium-sized dogs were descended from early European herding and guardian breeds and were not related to the superficially similar terriers of Britain. 

In the mid-19th century, German dog fanciers began to take an interest in this useful native breed. Crosses were made with gray Wolfspitz and black German Poodle to produce the distinctive pepper and salt and black colors. At this time, the medium-sized dogs were also being crossed with other breeds to develop the Miniature and, later, the Giant Schnauzer. 

Wire-haired Pinschers, as the breed was originally known, were first exhibited in Germany in the 1870s. The official German breed standard of that era describes a dog remarkably similar to the Standard Schnauzer of today. 

By the turn of the century, the breed was becoming universally known as the Schnauzer, a reference to the breed's hallmark a muzzle (German: schnauze) sporting a bristly beard and moustache, as well as to an early show winner of that name

BREED EMERGENCE IN THE UNITED STATES
The first importation of the Standard Schnauzer was apparently around 1900, but it was not until after World War I that the breed was brought into the United States in any significant number. The Standard Schnauzer has never been a popular breed in the USA, which is one reason why most puppies are bred by serious fanciers whose primary goal is the preservation and improvement of the breed.

In 1925, the Schnauzer Club of America was formed, with the club being split in 1933 to form the Standard Schnauzer Club of America (SSCA) and the American Miniature Schnauzer Club. A written standard of perfection describing the ideal Standard Schnauzer was approved by the AKC in 19--. It has been revised several times in the intervening years to further clarify the picture of the ideal dog.

TODAY'S STANDARD SCHNAUZER
Today's Standard Schnauzer is a medium-sized working breed in the schnauzer/pinscher canine family. It is not a terrier and was not developed to "go to ground." SS are characterized by a robust, square, athletic build, a dense, wiry, harsh coat of black or pepper and salt and an energetic, intelligent temperinment. Standard Schnauzers are sociable, alert, affectionate, protective and reliable in nature, with a good sense of humor. They are generally healthy, sturdy and long-lived with few hereditary illnesses. SSCA breeders check their stock for hip dysplasia, and most also screen for eye defects and other hereditary problems.

The breed is of true medium size, with males between 18-20" high at the shoulder, weighing 40-45 lbs, while females are between 17-19" high, weighing 35-40 pounds.

The Standard Schnauzer is not the breed for those who want a slow, placid dog or one that can be "fed and forgotten" for they insist on being part of the family activities and develop best when treated in this manner. They are outstanding companions known for their devotion and love of their family, and are not "one person dogs" but instead become a true family member. SS are particularly good with children, being playful and tolerant. At the same time, they are alert to any intruder which might threaten their home and family.

Standards are very intelligent and can be strong-willed. Owners must be prepared to train their new puppy from the beginning. Early Kindergarten Puppy Training and later, regular obedience classes, is the best approach.