Read About Schnauzers

Schnauzers and everything you need to know about it is contained in this article. Wiry and robust dogs, Schnauzers come in three delightful sizes to choose from.

Schnauzers - Dog Type Facts

1. Type Description:

   Schnauzers are robust dogs that originated from Germany. The name in Germany means moustache, referring to the prominent whiskers typical of the breed.

2. Varieties:

   The Schnauzer family consists of three breeds -- Standard Schnauzer, Giant Schnauzer and Miniature Schnauzer.

3. AKC Group:

   The Standard Schnauzer and the Giant Schnauzer fall under the Working Group, while the Miniature Schnauzer belongs to the Terrier Group.

4. Popularity:

   Miniature Schnauzer is the most popular of all the three, probably because of its small size, and is followed by Giant and then by Standard Schnauzers. AKC rankings of these three in 2005 are as follows: Miniature, 10; Giant,78; and Standard,99.

5. History:

   Schnauzers are German dogs and Standard is the oldest of all originating around 15th century. The Giant and Miniature came around the 19th century. The Standard was used for herding and as ratters. During the World War II he served as an aid to Red Cross. Giant and Miniature Schnauzers too served their share of herding in Germany.

6. Physical Traits:

   The Giant Schnauzer is 23-28 inches tall, 55-80 lbs in weight; Standard Schnauzer measures 17-20 inches tall, 30-45 lbs in weight; Miniatures are 12-14 inches tall, 10-15 lbs in weight. All the breeds are square in proportion i.e., they are as long as they are tall, with rectangular heads, wiry whiskers and hard, wiry outer coat.

Schnauzers - Dog Type Defining Characteristics

1. Shared Characteristics:

   These dogs are robust, energetic, intelligent and loyal. These dogs tend to be protective and love human company. They are much attached to their family but can be obstinate. They are always in high spirits.

2. Training:

   These dogs need consistent training and a firm handler who can be authoritative. These dogs can be willful. They hate repetition and need variety to keep learning.

3. Child Friendly:

   They are friendly with children, but the Giant Schnauzer needs to be socialized from young.

Schnauzers - Dog Type Concerns

1. Benefits:

   These dogs make excellent companions and love to be with you always. They make good watch dogs for the family.

2. Liabilities:

   Schnauzers can be very obstinate at times and they are not for all families. They tend to dominate and become over protective that can lead to unnecessary trouble.

3. Health Issues:

   Genetic eye diseases, bladder stones, liver problems, hip dysplasia and skin disorders are major health issues.

4. Specific Care Needs:

   Daily brushing of the coat is compulsory to prevent matting. Trim around ears and eyes with blunt nosed scissors. Clean the whiskers after every meal. And the coat should be plucked every six months.

5. Special Household Needs:

   Wire brush, blunt-nosed scissors and the regular dog needs would suffice.

Schnauzers - How to Choose a Dog Type

1. What to Look for:

   Since these dogs are prone to genetic disorders, always buy from a reputed buyer and check the certification of the parents. Personally examine the litter and the pup.

2. Supplies:

   These dogs would need regular dog supplies.

3. Expense:

   Buying a schnauzer would cost anywhere from $400 to $2500 depending on the breed you would want. Then there are the maintenance and supplies expenses. Health costs are usually less as these are healthy creatures.