Schnauzers

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Article: Dog Types » Schnauzers

A black schnauzer

A Schnauzer /ˈʃnaʊzər/ (German: [ˈʃnaʊtsɐ], plural Schnauzers) is a German dog type that originated in Germany in the 15th and 16th centuries.[1] The term comes from Schnauze , the German word for “snout”,[2] because of the dog’s distinctively bearded snout. The word Schnauzer also means mustache in German; some authorities, such as Encyclopædia Britannica, say this is the origin of the name.[3] Although the Schnauzer is considered a terrier-type dog, they do not have the typical terrier temperament. They seem to be kinder, calmer, less energetic, and easier to train than a dog such as a Scottish terrier would be.

Breeds

The Schnauzer type consists of three breeds: the giant, standard, miniature. Toy and Teacup are not breeds of schnauzer, but the often used marketing term is used to market undersized or ill-bred miniature schnauzers.[4] The original Schnauzer was of the same size as the modern standard Schnauzer breed, and was bred as a rat catcher, yard dog and guard dog. The miniature Schnauzer is the result of crossing the original schnauzer with breeds including the poodle and the affenpinscher.

Miniature Schnauzers are around 1 ft (30 cm) tall at the shoulder and weigh between 14 and 20 lbs.[5] They have high energy levels and are very intelligent dogs. The American Kennel Club (AKC) approves salt and pepper, black, and black and silver as acceptable coat colors for a miniature schnauzer. They are often bred in pure white or even parti (multi) colored, but neither are approved by the AKC.[6][7] The miniature is more delicate, but robust than his cousins and should not live outside. They make excellent pets as they are loyal companions and are rarely aggressive toward strangers, although they are quick to sound the alarm at a perceived threat.

Standard Schnauzers are around 11⁄2 ft (46 cm) tall at the shoulder and weigh 30 to 45 lbs. They are in the group of working dogs. Standard schnauzers have been used to catch rats and as guard dogs. They have also carried messages in times of war, helped the Red Cross and been police dogs.

Giant Schnauzers are around 2 ft (60 cm) tall at the shoulder and weigh between 55 and 80 lb. They also are working dogs. Historically, Giant Schnauzers helped herd cattle and were also guard dogs at breweries.

Description

Friendly and loving, Schnauzers become part of their families and can get along well with children if raised and socialized properly. They are protective, energetic and will alert members of the household to any potential danger. The Schnauzer, ever alert, makes an excellent watchdog, although its watchful nature can lead to persistent barking.[8] To avoid annoying the neighbors, dog owners should make every effort to curb excessive barking through training.[9] The breed is of average intelligence and can be independent minded, so early training and daily exercise is recommended.

Schnauzers are known for their distinctive beards and long, feathery eyebrows. Typically, they are shaved down the back while the hairs on their legs are kept long and curly. Some show-schnauzers have their back hairs ‘stripped’ by hand. It is traditional to have the tails trimmed and the ears clipped to give an alert appearance. The Schnauzer’s beard and leg hair should be brushed often to prevent mats from forming. Schnauzers have a double coat. The top or guard coat is wiry, while the undercoat is soft. Stripping removes the undercoat and stimulates the hard top coat to come in fuller. The undercoat coat should be “stripped” (loose, dead hair is plucked) at least twice a year. A stripped schnauzer will have a hard wiry coat as described in the breed standard . A shaved pet will lose the hard top coat and only exhibit the soft undercoat.[10] Schnauzers are a breed of dog that sheds less often than most dogs but is not hypoallergenic, as allergies are caused by dander. Dander can be controlled by feeding your dog a higher quality diet, and grooming it frequently.

References

1. Schnauzer history at American Kennel Club
2. Schnauzer at Merriam-Webster Dictionary
3. Schnauzer at Encyclopædia Britannica
4. Puppy mill puppy mill
5. amsc.us Miniature Schnauzer Breed Club Standard
6. Miniature Schnauzer at American Kennel Club
7. amsc.us Catherine McMillan (AMSC)
8. Horan, Stephanie (February 2011). “Face Time”. Dog World: 28–33.
9. Horan, Stephanie (February 2011). “Face Time”. Dog World.
10. strippingknives.com, Grooming

External links

• American Miniature Schnauzer Club
• Standard Schnauzer Club of America
• Giant Schnauzer Club of America

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It uses material from the Wikipedia article Schnauzer