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Let's talk about... Schnauzers: What are they?

• Schnauzers are a delightful breed known for their distinctive bearded snouts and wiry coats.
• They come in three sizes: Giant Schnauzer, Standard Schnauzer, and Miniature Schnauzer.
• Originally from Germany, these intelligent dogs were bred for various purposes, including herding, guarding, and companionship.
• They have an average height of 30-36cm for Miniatures, 47-50cm for Standards and 65-70cm for Giants,
• Weights also vary depending on the size: Miniatures weigh approximately 5-9kg, Standards weigh around 14-20 kg, and Giants weigh between 29-41 kg.
• Schnauzers have a life expectancy of about 12 to 15 years.

What is the temperament of Schnauzers like?

• Schnauzers are known for their spirited and friendly nature.
• They are intelligent, alert, and make excellent family companions.
• With proper socialisation from an early age, they can get along well with children and other pets.
• Schnauzers are typically loyal and protective of their families, making them reliable watchdogs.
• However, their strong guarding instincts may lead them to be wary of strangers, so early socialisation is essential to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded and confident dogs.

How much exercise do Schnauzers need?

• Schnauzers have moderate exercise needs and enjoy regular physical activity. The amount of exercise required may vary based on the size of the Schnauzer.
• Giant and standard Schnauzers tend to enjoy approximately 1 to 2 hours of exercise per day. This can include brisk walks, jogging, and engaging play sessions.
• Miniature Schnauzers need around 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can include walks, playtime, and mental stimulation through puzzle toys or training exercises.
• Puppies of all Schnauzer sizes have specific exercise needs. Until they reach around 3 to 4 months of age, their exercise should primarily consist of short play sessions to avoid excessive strain on their growing bodies. From 4 months to around 12 months, gradually increase their exercise time up to the recommended amounts mentioned above. At around 12 to 18 months, they can generally handle adult-level exercise routines.

Do Schnauzers need a lot of grooming?

• Schnauzers have a distinctive double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition.
• This coat can be a variety of different colours including salt and pepper, black and black and silver.
• Their wiry outer coat and soft undercoat should be brushed regularly to prevent matting and remove loose hair. Hand-stripping or professional trimming every few months helps maintain their characteristic appearance.
• Schnauzers also have distinctive facial hair that requires special attention. Regular trimming and cleaning of the beard and moustache help keep them neat and prevent food debris from getting stuck.
• Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.

Are Schnauzers easy to train?

• Schnauzers are intelligent and eager to please, which generally makes them trainable dogs.
• They respond well to positive reinforcement methods and enjoy mental stimulation.
• Early socialisation and obedience training are crucial for Schnauzers to develop into well-behaved and confident dogs.
• Training sessions should be engaging and varied to keep their interest.
• Providing mental challenges, such as puzzle toys or interactive games, helps prevent boredom and promotes their mental well-being.

What do Schnauzers eat?

• Feeding your Schnauzer a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for their overall health. Choose high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.
• Divide their daily food into two meals a day as adults
• Schnauzers have a tendency to gain weight, so it's important to monitor their food intake and avoid overfeeding.
• Feed them puppy food 3-4 times a day when they are young, reducing to twice a day at 6 months and feed puppy food until about 12-18 months old, and as advised by your pet food supplier and/or vet.

Are Schnauzers healthy?

Schnauzers are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health conditions.

Eyes

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - this is when the retina of the eye breaks down, leading to blindness
• Glaucoma - the pressure of the eye becomes too high which can damage the eye

Hormonal

• Diabetes - a condition where your dog can’t produce enough insulin to control their blood sugar levels (more common in Miniature Schnauzers than the other sizes)

Pancreas

• Pancreatitis - a potentially serious and painful condition caused by inflammation of the pancreas, often triggered by fatty foods

Urinary

• Bladder Stones - Stones form in the bladder which can be uncomfortable and cause a blockage

This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Schnauzer is right for you, consult with your vet.

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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian.  Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive.  If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.

Schnauzer Breed Guides

Giant Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer

Schnauzer