Breeds
Standard Schnauzer: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A Standard Schnauzer is a goofy, playful, alert, medium-sized terrier-like working dog with a bristly beard and eyebrows. Standards are devoted to their families and excellent watchdogs, and they shed very little, but they need daily exercise, daily brushing and firm, consistent training. Here is what VCA Animal Hospitals and the AKC say about the breed.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read3 sources
Standard Schnauzer temperament and personality
VCA describes the Standard Schnauzer as goofy, playful, alert and active, high-spirited but steady, devoted to its family and highly territorial, which makes it a good watchdog.
The Standard is the original schnauzer, the middle size between the Miniature and the Giant. It is a clever, busy dog that likes structure and company, and it does not suffer nonsense from children or other dogs.
Standards are happiest included in family life.
How big do Standard Schnauzers get?
VCA gives a height of 17.5 to 19.5 inches, with a slightly wider 17 to 20 inches in its appearance notes, and a weight of 30 to 50 pounds. The AKC's breed weight chart lists the same 30 to 50 pounds.
Standards are square and muscular. The beard and furnishings can hide weight, so feel for the ribs and ask your vet what a healthy weight is for your dog.
Standard Schnauzer lifespan and common health issues
VCA gives a lifespan of 12 to 14 years and notes possible inherited problems including various eye disorders, cancer and hip dysplasia.
Ask a breeder for hip evaluations and eye exams on both parents and which other screenings the national breed club recommends. Ask your vet which lumps to have checked. A cloudy or painful eye, or a new or changing lump, should be seen promptly.
Regular checkups help catch problems early.
Exercise needs
VCA rates exercise needs as high, with a daily walk plus running and play. An hour or so a day of activity and training suits most adults.
VCA warns never to let a Standard off leash during training because it may dart away suddenly. Use a secure area for free running, and try agility, rally, barn hunt or herding.
Puzzle feeders and scent games add mental work on quieter days.
Mix walks with off-leash play in a secure, fenced area and with short training sessions, which tire an intelligent working breed as much as a run does.
Grooming and shedding
VCA says the coat needs brushing and combing daily and hand-stripping about twice a year, and that the breed sheds very little. Show dogs need regular professional grooming.
Comb the beard and leg furnishings to prevent mats and wipe the beard after meals. Many pet owners have the coat clipped for easier care. No breed is allergen-free, whatever its shedding level.
Trim the hair between the pads and keep the nails short.
Training a Standard Schnauzer
VCA says early socialization and obedience training are essential, and that training should be serious and firm because the dogs are playful and may resist.
Keep sessions short, structured and rewarding. Teach a quiet cue for a territorial watchdog, calm greetings and a reliable recall on a long line.
Use food and play as rewards, and practice in different places so the dog learns to listen everywhere.
Many Standards enjoy dog sports such as agility, rally and herding, which channel their energy and sharpen their manners. A class with an experienced trainer also gives the dog regular, structured time around other dogs and people.
Are Standard Schnauzers good with kids and other pets?
VCA says older children are the best fit, since the dog does not tolerate nonsense well. Teach children to respect the dog's space.
VCA warns the breed can be aggressive with other dogs and tends to chase small animals. Socialize early and supervise introductions to other pets.
Give the dog a quiet space to rest, and teach children to respect it. Supervise meetings with unfamiliar dogs.
Raise the puppy around the household's cats where possible, and keep small pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs safely out of reach of a dog that likes to chase.
What a Standard Schnauzer needs at home
A secure fence, a crate, a washable bed and a dog harness and leash for walks are the basics. Puzzle feeders and durable toys keep a clever dog busy.
For the coat, keep a slicker brush, a metal comb, a stripping knife or groomer on call, nail clippers, ear cleaner and a dog toothbrush. Ask your vet about eye checks.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do Standard Schnauzers live?
VCA gives a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Hip and eye screening of the parents and regular lump checks as your dog ages are worth discussing with your vet.
How big do Standard Schnauzers get?
The AKC lists males at 18.5 to 19.5 inches and 35 to 50 pounds, and females at 17.5 to 18.5 inches and 30 to 45 pounds.
Do Standard Schnauzers shed?
VCA says the breed sheds very little. The wiry coat still needs daily brushing and combing and hand-stripping about twice a year, or regular clipping.
Are Standard Schnauzers good with kids?
VCA says older children are the best fit, since the dog does not tolerate nonsense well. It is devoted to its family and a good watchdog.
What is a Standard Schnauzer's temperament like?
VCA describes the Standard Schnauzer as goofy, playful, alert and active, high-spirited but steady, devoted to its family and highly territorial, which makes it a good watchdog.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
