TELL ME ABOUT THE STANDARD SCHNAUZER!
Comedian...
Guard... Companion...
Sociable... Alert...
Very reliable with children... That's
a Standard Schnauzer!
The Standard Schnauzer is a robust, sturdily build dog with a
dense harsh no-shed coat. Of medium size, he is knee high, about 35 to 40
pounds, and very strong for his size. The Standard Schnauzer combines a
spirited temperament with extreme intelligence and reliability.
COMPANIONS - We live
with 4 Standard Schnauzers who love to cuddle, sleep on the bed day and
night, watch TV (especially shows about dogs), eat our supper, and in all
ways are full of fun. They are not barkers, but make themselves known when
visitors or trespassers come on the scene. However, they love all my family
and friends and neighbors. These Standard Schnauzers are my wonderful
friends and guardians.
In addition to our Standard Schnauzer family, we live with Reba the
Quaker Parrot and Quincy the Blue Crowned Conure Parrot. Both parrots talk a
lot as well as bark.
GUARD - The
Schnauzer's home is his castle and we inhabitants of the castle are
protected with love and a sense of fun. When I am home, my Schnauzers
joyfully greet anyone who comes to the door as if the visitors came just to
see them. But if I am not happy about the visitor or am uneasy, then they
are suspicious and looking to me for their queue -- waiting to protect me if
needed. If you come when no one is home, don't count on getting into our
house. My doggy friends would never let you in. If I have to run an errand
after dark, I always take a Standard Schnauzer with me. They make me feel
safe -- I know no one will bother me with my Schnauzer in tow. And,
certainly, no one will mess with my car!
SOCIABLE and GOOD WITH
CHILDREN - My dogs have favorites among my friends and love a visit.
All of my dogs but one love children. Neighbor children come over about once
a week to play with the Schnauzers who think this is wonderful. My dog, who
is not too happy about children, always greets them in a friendly way then
sneaks off to lay on my bed until these pests are gone. I have noticed,
however, she is sticking around a little bit longer each visit to see what
all the fun is about.
INTELLIGENT
- Don't expect a Standard Schnauzer to grow up and become sedate.
Elegant with aristocratic bearing maybe, but never sedate. Most retain their
puppy, bouncy exuberance throughout their life. Always ready to play, go for
a walk, chase a ball, learn a new task.... They are wonderful obedience dogs
-- maybe not always perfect -- but always ready to try anything and game for
a class or trial. All my dogs love obedience class and especially agility
class. Of all the agility classes I have attended, the Standard Schnauzer
has always been the most exuberant, the most game, the most fun to watch,
and still very reliable.
CLOWNS - Standard
Schnauzers love to make you laugh. The more you enjoy them, the more
outrageous they will be. My Sugar loves to hop
down the stairs. If I am with her she stops on each step and sits up and
wags her front legs. The more I laugh, the more wild she gets.
Standard Schnauzers love love love toys. If they don't have
their own, then they will take something of YOURS and turn it into THEIR
toy. Children's toys are their favorite, but houseshoes, gloves, and other
clothing are just fine. My Schnauzers have toys galore, yet my
Jalapeno thinks my furry winter hat is an
excellent toy and persists on stealing it. She has never hurt it, just plays
with it and protects it from the other dogs.
HUNTERS - Standard
Schnauzers go nuts over squirrels. Just say the word squirrel or bunny and
they start looking. Mine have killed moles, rabbits, rats, other rodents of
which I have no name, and, unfortunately, birds. My foundation bitch, Bella,
brought me one rat. I screamed and hollered, so that was the last rat I saw.
She also used to bring dead birds to me and I would always tell myself that
the "bird had to have been sick". Then I saw her catch a bird -- a
cat couldn't have done better. She especially loved to catch crows.
Fortunately, she is the only dog who has ever brought me a bird but I do
find them chewed on in the yard. The Standard Schnauzers we live with today
ignore the parrots but I don't know what they would do if the parrot was on
the floor which sometimes happens.
We now live on 4 acres and the Schnauzers have more
interesting animals to investigate than rats. We have deer, a red fox,
turkeys, and other assorted critters. My dogs spend lots of time running the
fence with the deer - who seem to know the schnauzers are just fun and can't
hurt them. They also have marking contests with the fox.
IS THERE A STANDARD
SCHNAUZERS in your future? - Standard Schnauzers are not for
everyone. They require attention, training, grooming, and lots of love. They
are very smart and are easily bored. They also demand to be part of the
family not just fed and ignored. They are the happiest if they can go with
you on all your activities. They are great hikers, rafters, campers, as well
as excelling in the AKC sports. The Standard Schnauzer LOVESSSS his family -
all the members of the family.
If this sounds like your kind of dog, consider a Standard
Schnauzer for your home.
