Schnauzer Facts for Kids

The three main types of Schnauzers: Miniature, Standard, and Giant.

A Schnauzer is a special type of dog breed that first came from Germany. This happened a long time ago, around the 14th century. The Standard Schnauzer is the oldest of the three main kinds: Miniature, Standard, and Giant. All Schnauzers are easy to spot because of their unique whiskers, mustache, and eyebrows.

The History of Schnauzers
What Makes a Schnauzer Special?
- Schnauzer Looks
The Three Types of Schnauzers
Related Pages
Images for kids
See also

The History of Schnauzers

The Standard Schnauzer is the original dog from which the other two types were developed. For many centuries, starting in the Middle Ages, these dogs helped protect farm animals and families. They came from European dogs that were used for herding and guarding. We can see them in old pictures from the 14th century and 15th century.

Scientists believe Schnauzers were bred from dogs like the Gray Wolf Spitz, the German poodle, and the Wirehaired Pinscher. In the mid-19th century, people in Germany who loved dogs became very interested in Schnauzers. Dog breeders started trying new things, mixing Schnauzers with other breeds. This is how the Miniature Schnauzer was created first, and then the Giant Schnauzer.

What Makes a Schnauzer Special?

A Schnauzer running with energy.

Schnauzers are very smart dogs, but they can also be quite independent. Because of this, it's a good idea to start training them when they are young. They also need different kinds of exercise every day to stay happy and healthy.

According to a book called The Intelligence of Dogs by Stanley Coren, Schnauzers are very intelligent. The Miniature Schnauzer ranked 12th, the Standard 18th, and the Giant 28th out of many breeds. This ranking shows how well they can learn and follow commands. Miniature and Standard Schnauzers are considered "excellent working dogs," while Giant Schnauzers are "above-average working dogs."

Schnauzers are also good at solving problems. They are protective and full of energy. They will often bark to let their family know if something unusual is happening. This watchful nature can sometimes lead to a lot of barking. Owners can train their Schnauzer to bark less if it becomes too much.

Schnauzer Looks

Schnauzers have special beards and long, bushy eyebrows. Their fur is usually a mix of colors called "salt and pepper," or it can be all black or all white. Sometimes, they can even be brown.

Schnauzers have two layers of fur. The top layer is rough and wiry, and the undercoat is soft. To keep the wiry top coat healthy, the soft undercoat needs to be "stripped." This means gently plucking out the loose, dead hair at least twice a year. This helps the hard, wiry coat grow back strong. If a Schnauzer's coat is shaved instead of stripped, it will become soft. Schnauzers are known for shedding less hair than many other dog breeds.

In the past, it was common to shorten their tails and trim their ears. This was done to make them look more alert and to help them when they were working as rat catchers. These procedures are now against the law in many places, like the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand. The beard and leg hair of a Schnauzer should be brushed often to stop it from getting tangled.

The Three Types of Schnauzers

There are three main types of Schnauzers, each with its own size and characteristics.

Miniature Schnauzer

Two Miniature Schnauzers, a female and a male.

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog that is full of energy and very strong. They are also very smart dogs. They usually stand about 14 to 16 inches (36 to 41 cm) tall at the shoulder. They weigh about 13 to 15 pounds (6 to 7 kg). Their common colors are salt and pepper (a mix of off-white, gray, and black), all black, or black and silver. They look a lot like the Standard Schnauzer, but they are smaller. They were first shown in dog shows as early as 1889.

Standard Schnauzer

The Standard Schnauzer is the original type of Schnauzer. Farmers in Germany used them for hunting, catching rats, and as watchdogs. They are a medium-sized dog with a hard, wire-like coat. They are strong and very fast for their size, able to move easily over long distances. Like all Schnauzers, they have the same distinct whiskers, eyebrows, and mustache. They usually stand about 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) tall at the shoulder. Standard Schnauzers typically weigh between 35 and 50 pounds (16 and 23 kg). Their colors are usually salt and pepper or solid black.

Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer looks like the Standard Schnauzer, but it is much bigger and stronger. They are very muscular dogs. They can stand as tall as 27.5 inches (70 cm) at the shoulder and can weigh around 95 pounds (43 kg). Their double coat is either solid black or "pepper and salt." Just like their smaller cousins, they have the famous whiskers, eyebrows, and mustache.

This breed was first developed in areas of Germany like Württemberg and Bavaria. They were used as farm dogs to help move farm animals to market. During World War I, Giant Schnauzers were used as military guard dogs and police dogs. Today, they still work with police and also help as Search and rescue dogs. They are also popular as guard dogs for families.