Appearance

Generally classified as a working or utility dog, this versatile breed is a robust, squarely built, medium-sized dog with aristocratic bearing. They are distinguished by their long, regal-looking beards and eyebrows. They have a hairy coat, which is stiff and wiry, with colors in pepper and salt, and sometimes, black. Contrary to public belief, their non-hypo-allergenic hair grows to, in some extent, extreme lengths, without shedding for certain periods.

History

Bred for herding, ratting, and guarding of livestock during the Middle Ages, the schnauzer-type dogs captured German fanciers during the advent of dog showing in the 19th century. The German breeders began standardizing their look and temperament for the show ring. The Standard Schnauzer (German word for snout due to its long hair on the muzzle) is the original breed of the three Schnauzer breeds. They are not related to the British terriers, even though they have the same wiry coat and general appearance. The Standard Schnauzer was cross bred with a German Pinscher and a German Black Standard Poodle, giving it its dignified look. Previously, a Standard Schnauzer puppy was classified either German Pinschers or schnauzers, depending on the length of its coat. The medium-sized schnauzer was further developed in three, distinct breeds: the Miniature, the Standard, and the Giant. As of today, the current Standard Schnauzer excels at obedience, agility, tracking, herding, and therapy work. Although popular in Europe, the American Kennel Club only registered about 540 puppies every year compared to the Labrador Retriever’s 100,000 registrations per year.