Mittelschnauzer

History of origin

There are only three types of schnauzers, which differ in size: the largest giant schnauzer, a small miniature schnauzer and the golden mean – the standard schnauzer. Moreover, it is the latter that is the ancestor of the entire breed group.

It may seem surprising, but the standard schnauzer is one of the oldest dogs, and according to the studies of some scientists, it descends from a fossil peat dog that inhabited the European continent 5 thousand years ago. And judging by the chronicles that have come down to us, dogs very similar to the standard schnauzer were bred as early as the XNUMXth century AD. Which is not surprising, because they performed a vital function in past centuries – they destroyed rats. True, the term “schnauzer” did not exist then (dogs were called wire-haired pinschers), which, however, did not prevent them from being one of the most popular breeds in Germany for centuries. The canvases of such Renaissance classics as Rembrandt, Dürer and others tell us about this. And on one of the squares in Stuttgart there is even a XNUMXth-century statue depicting a night watchman accompanied by a small bristled dog. Of course, the bronze dog does not have a modern model haircut, he is shaggy and rather untidy, but dog handlers have no doubt: this is a standard schnauzer.

The main specialization of these dogs in the Middle Ages was the protection of stables from rats. They were even sometimes called “stable pinschers”. But standard schnauzers not only lived in the stables, but also accompanied stagecoaches as guards, warning of possible attacks by robbers. And during the First World War, they successfully served in hospitals and as liaison dogs.

In our country, the breeding of this breed began a little later than in Europe – dogs began to be imported around the 80s of the last century, and before that only the Giant Schnauzer was known in the USSR. Now the breed is consistently popular and has many fans.

Breed description

Although the standard schnauzer can not boast of high growth, he gives the impression of a powerful and energetic dog. The muscular, moderately stocky body has an almost square format, the muscles are well expressed. The head is large (“schnauzer” literally translates as “muzzled”), the eyes seem deep-set due to thick overhanging eyebrows, the look is lively, alert, but not hostile. The ears are hanging, tightly pressed to the head, sometimes they are docked, making them erect, but now this requirement is not mandatory. The tail is set high, in case of docking, 3 vertebrae are left.

The coat is hard, dense and very dense. Needs trimming 2 times a year – in spring and autumn, when the molting period begins. At the same time, a beard and mustache are left on the muzzle, which are the hallmark of the breed. There are two colors: pepper and salt (the most common) and the rarer pure black.

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Character

The standard schnauzer combines the mind and incorruptibility of service dogs and a lively temperament, coupled with the kindness and cheerfulness of the pinscher. The watchdog qualities developed over the centuries make the standard schnauzer an excellent watchman and keeper of the hearth. This is the kind of dog that never loses its vigilance, even if it is completely relaxed, playing or sleeping. Despite its relatively small size, this dog is absolutely fearless and will fight for his family and home to the last drop of blood. But this is only in the most extreme case, when real danger threatens. The rest of the time you will not find a more affectionate and friendly dog, and the nannies from them are generally exemplary. Unless there is no strictness in them, and they will rather indulge in any children’s pranks, but they will never let the child be offended and will not allow him to harm themselves.

The standard schnauzer is completely focused on the owner and catches his mood with every nerve, so he is good not only as a member of a large family, but also as a companion for a lonely person.

Care and maintenance

The only thing that can be called a difficulty in caring for a standard schnauzer is taking care of its thick coat. Hard and dense, it is practically not subject to molting, which, of course, is an undoubted plus for keeping a dog in a city apartment, but it requires daily combing and obligatory trimming 2 times a year. In addition, before the show, dogs are sheared, giving them the shape established by the standard: short hair all over the body and a beard with a mustache and thick eyebrows on the muzzle.

Otherwise, it is difficult to find a more unpretentious dog than the standard schnauzer, which for centuries has adapted to the rather harsh climate of Western and Northern Europe. He tolerates life equally well both in an apartment and in a private house – the second is even preferable, since in the yard the dog has the opportunity to waste his irrepressible energy. However, this does not mean that it will not be necessary to walk with her. The standard schnauzer is a very active and strong dog, so it is necessary to give it more physical activity. And if you took a puppy to an apartment, then be prepared for many hours of daily walks, otherwise unspent forces will be used to destroy your home.

Education and training

The standard schnauzer is not only very smart, but also an easily trained dog that has served man for centuries and worked with him in conjunction. He subtly feels the mood of the owner and is happy to do whatever is required: whether it be standard commands from the general obedience course or some complex actions.

But it is necessary to socialize a puppy from a very early age, otherwise, in the future, guarding instincts can do him a disservice. It is necessary that the baby is used to trusting other people and not seeing everyone as a threat to his beloved master. To do this, let other people, and especially children, play with the puppy and treat him with food. And only later, when he learns to trust and remembers that you don’t need to expect anything bad from outsiders, explain to your four-legged friend that you shouldn’t take food from just anyone. This way you will raise a calm and friendly dog.

And, of course, remember that the standard schnauzer subtly catches your mood, so in the process of training do not be nervous and do not lose your temper – this will only spoil everything.

Health and disease

The Standard Schnauzer is one of the healthiest breeds. They do not have any specific diseases, and they can catch only the most common diseases, such as distemper, which are successfully vaccinated today.

But because of their active lifestyle, mittels can easily pick up ticks, so do not forget to pre-treat them from all sorts of skin parasites.

In addition, it is necessary to trim the nails and clean the ears of dogs as necessary (this is especially important for those whose ears are not cropped).

So, subject to all conditions of detention and a balanced diet, your friend will live a long and happy life.

Word to the breeder

Eva Pozhidaeva from Naberezhnye Chelny, kennel “Excellent Style” says:

What kind of schnauzer is he? An excellent companion, a tireless companion, a sensitive and vigilant watchman. An affectionate mimic with his own, but does not tolerate familiarities from strangers. Ready with the owner even to the ends of the world. But at the same time, not an ounce of sycophancy and fawning. Self-sufficient and full of dignity. Cheerful and cheerful, he never has a bad mood.

In our time, when the choice of breeds is huge, the mittel may not be among the leaders among any exotic, but there are undoubtedly admirers of the breed. German classics never lose their relevance.

Oksana Ivanova, owner of the black standard schnauzer kennel “Yarox Alfer” shares:

– Our kennel is only 11 years old, I have been fond of dogs for a long time. Before that, a variety of breeds lived in our family: Great Dane, German Shepherd, Spaniel and Laika, and they were all wonderful in their own way.

Now I can proudly call myself the owner and huge fan of the amazing breed – the standard schnauzer.

This is a wonderful friend for his master, he will gladly become his companion on any walks, moreover, you can always take him with you on a trip. The goodwill and optimism of the Schnauzer makes him an excellent friend of children, he gets along well with other pets. The standard schnauzer is always in a good mood, it easily adapts to the mood and character of the owner. This is a great dog to keep in an apartment.

Popular questions and answers

We talked about the content of standard schnauzers with zoo engineer, veterinarian Anastasia Kalinina: