Standard Schnauzer

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Get the facts on the Standard Schnauzer—confident, loyal and loving—this friendly dog is ready to join you on adventure.
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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:

13 to 16 years

Size:

Medium

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Low

Temperament:

Problem SolversDependableFull Of Energy

Coat Color:

BlackPepper And Salt
Blue Ribbon

Best For

Standard Schnauzers are intelligent and athletic, originally bred to work on farms in Germany. Known for their independence, bushy eyebrows and long beards, they make excellent companions for active pet parents.

Standard Schnauzer Traits

Standard Schnauzer Temperament

A Standard Schnauzer’s confidence is one of their best qualities, but these dignified dogs also harbor deep wells of playfulness and energy.

A Standard Schnauzer’s compatibility with others (both two- and four-legged friends) hinges on early socialization. Standard Schnauzers can be wary of people they don’t know. They tend to sound the bark alarm at passing strangers and won’t tolerate certain things like teasing from children.

Standard Schnauzers are intelligent and learn quickly. They’re also high-spirited and will run circles around you—literally and figuratively—if you let them. Consistent, positive reinforcement training will help your Standard Schnauzer be their best self.

Bred to be Germany’s best all-around farm dog, Standard Schnauzers are their happiest, most authentic selves when they have a job, such as obedience, agility, herding or doing tasks around the house. These brilliant dogs live by the mantra “work hard, play hard.”

How to Care for a Standard Schnauzer

Standard Schnauzers require a fair amount of care and attention, particularly when it comes to addressing their training, grooming and energy needs. Given their independent streak, training, such as obedience training and puppy classes, should begin early. As the caregiver of an active breed, you’ll need to think of creative ways to engage your Standard Schnauzer mentally and physically throughout their life. Grooming will also be a big part of your life, so grab a brush and get ready!

Standard Schnauzer Health

Standard Schnauzers have a lifespan of 13 to 16 years and are generally a very healthy breed. Of course, there are still health issues to watch out for to keep your pal healthy.

  • Heart Disease: Standard Schnauzers can be prone to dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, where the heart becomes large, thin and weak. Symptoms vary, but can include appetite loss, pale gums, coughing and difficulty breathing. Medication can treat the condition if it’s found early.
  • Bladder or Kidney Stones: Standard Schnauzers can develop painful bladder and kidney stones. If they have trouble urinating or there is blood in their urine, call your vet to discuss treatment options, which may include dissolving the stones with a special diet and surgical removal.
  • Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: This inherited disease can cause joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. Stiffness in elbows or hips can develop as your Standard Schnauzer matures. Watch for lameness in their legs or difficulty getting up from lying down. Dysplasia can typically be treated with pain medication, joint supplements and, in severe cases, surgery.
  • Eye Issues: Standard Schnauzers are prone to cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Cataracts can typically be treated with surgery, but PRA does not have a treatment option and will commonly result in blindness. A genetic screening test may be available for both conditions, so be sure to ask your breeder.
  • Hypothyroidism: In this often genetic endocrine condition, the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone resulting in weight gain, hair loss, and lethargy. Treatment is typically daily oral medication.
  • Hemophilia A: This inherited bleeding disorder results from a deficiency in factor VIII clotting factor that prevents pets from clotting appropriating, resulting in bleeding. Genetic screening testing is available, so be sure to ask your breeder.

Standard Schnauzer History

The Schnauzer breed originated in Germany, specifically Bavaria in southeast Germany. During the Middle Ages, they were initially bred to work on farms, designed to be multitaskers capable of hunting, herding and guarding their property. Their name is a nod to their bearded muzzle or schnauze, and those wiry beards have a purpose—protecting the Standard Schnauzer’s muzzle from the vermin they would hunt on the farm. Perhaps it’s no surprise that these multipurpose helpers began to appear in German artwork in the 15th and 16th centuries.

The breed (at the time known as the Wire-Haired Pinscher and considered the wire-haired version of the German Pinscher) was first shown in Germany in the late 19th century, around the 1870s, and became widely known in the U.S. after World War I. In Europe, the German army used Standard Schnauzers as Red Cross aids.

The American Kennel Club recognized the Standard Schnauzer in 1904, and the Schnauzer Club of America was formed in 1925. Are you looking to add a Standard Schnauzer puppy as a pet to your family? You can find a list of reputable breeders on the American Kennel Club’s website. What’s the average Standard Schnauzer price? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 for a purebred puppy. But for that price, you’re likely getting a pup who’s been screened for health and temperament issues and may come with pedigree papers. You can also contact pet rescue organizations to adopt a Standard Schnauzer, keep an eye out for one at your local animal shelter, or search Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area.

FAQs

Are Schnauzers hypoallergenic?

Standard Schnauzers are considered to be a hypoallergenic breed because they have low-dander coats that don’t shed. Like humans, a Schnauzer’s hair would grow to the ground if you let it. The coats require regular grooming and/or hand plucking to maintain.

Are Schnauzers terriers?

No, Standard Schnauzers aren’t terriers, although the Miniature Schnauzer is part of the Terrier group (terriers bred to hunt vermin). The Standard Schnauzer and the Giant Schnauzer are part of the Working group, which includes dogs bred to do a job, like work with farmers or search and rescue.

Are Schnauzers good with kids?

Standard Schnauzers can be good with children. They’re playful, loyal and protective, but it’s essential that they have positive interactions with kids when they’re puppies. It’s also important to teach children the best ways to interact with dogs like the Standard Schnauzer and be respectful of their space.

How do you pronounce Schnauzer?

Schnauzer, taken from the German word meaning “snout,” is pronounced schn-OW-zehr.

What are the most popular Schnauzer names?

Some of the most popular Standard Schnauzer names are Bella, Max, Charlie, Pepper, Luna, Lucy, Molly and Sophie. Get more dog names here.

What are the most common Schnauzer mixes?

The most common Standard Schnauzer breed mixes are:

Note: These are not purebred dogs but mixed breeds.

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Top Takeaways

With chart-topping intelligence, Standard Schnauzers like a daily mental challenge—their motto is “work hard, play hard.” Not one to be mistaken for a couch potato, Standard Schnauzers are perfect if you’re an active pet parent who loves to experience life with a canine companion by their side. With the attention and training they need and deserve, Standard Schnauzers will be an affectionate and loyal member of your pack for a lifetime.

Expert input provided by board certified veterinary behaviorist Amy Peck and certified animal behaviorist and dog trainer Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT-KA, also the founder of Fun Paw Care, LLC.

Breed characteristic ratings provided by veterinarian Dr. Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ, a veterinarian at Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital in Greeley, Colorado; dog trainer and behavior consultant Irith Bloom, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, CDBC, owner of The Sophisticated Dog, LLC, in Los Angeles; and certified animal behavior consultant Amy Shojai, CABC, in Sherman, Texas.

The health content was medically reviewed by Chewy vets.

Search for Adoptable Standard Schnauzers Near You

Top Standard Schnauzer Names

These are the top Standard Schnauzer names as chosen by Chewy's pet parents!

Female Names

  • Luna
  • Pepper
  • Bella
  • Daisy
  • Stella
  • Coco
  • Lucy
  • Sophie
  • Rosie
  • Lola

Male Names

  • Max
  • Winston
  • Tucker
  • Jax
  • Toby
  • Cooper
  • Milo
  • Duke
  • Teddy
  • Jack