The
Standard Schnauzer is a ruggedly constructed, medium-sized dog with
a typically dense, harsh coat, accessorized by arched eyebrows, a
bristly moustache and good Schnauzer whiskers, the Standard
Schnauzer stands a sturdy, well boned, well muscled 18 to 20 inches
tall with the females usually an inch less. Height variations are
not tolerated in show circles. He is square in proportion, his
body length equaling his height. The head is rectangular and
long; eyes medium in size, oval and dark brown; ears set high, erect
and cropped or uncropped and V-shaped, carried forward; skull is
flat, not domed or bumpy; muzzle strong; cheeks well developed, but
not overly; bit scissors. Neck is strong and of moderate
thickness and length, nicely arched; top line horizontal; back
strong, straight and short; body compact and short coupled; chest
medium width; belly moderately draw up, not excessively so; tail set
moderately high and erect, docked not squirrel like. The
shoulders are sloping and strongly muscled; fore legs straight;
hinds muscled and not higher than shoulders; thighs broad with well
bent stifles. The coat is tight, hard, wiry and very thick;
undercoat soft and close; outer coat harsh. Two color possibilities
include the pepper and salt combination of black and white hairs
creating a dark gray to
silver gray appearance and solid pure black. Top coat color
should never appear rust, brown, red, yellow or tan, look spotted,
striped, nor lack peppering.
The Standard Schnauzer
is extremely loyal to his family making him a great family
dog. He is good with children if raised with them. He is
rightly labeled territorial and his family is his family, and their
friends rarely make it into his inner circle. Thus he is an
excellent watchdog and most discriminating in the use of his deep
bark. He has a good memory and is very consistent in his likes
and dislikes. The combination of his intelligence,
trainability and sheer love of fun makes him a prime choice for a
companion. He does not always get on well with other dogs and cannot
be trusted with small mammals, such as gerbils or mice. He is,
after all, an exterminator by trade.
