The three Schnauzer breeds are distinguished mainly by their size: 30-35 cm at the withers for the Miniature Schnauzer, 45-50 cm for the medium Schnauzer and 60-70 cm for the Giant Schnauzer. All three have a saber or sickle tail and a hard coat, solid black or salt and pepper with the exception of the Miniature Schnauzer which can also be pure white or silver black. They have a strong, elongated skull with folded, hanging ears.

The three breeds are classified by the Fédération Cynologiques Internationale as Pinscher and Schnauzer type dogs. (1) (2) (3)

The first of the Schnauzer dogs to be developed in southern Germany is the Average Schnauzer. Presumably present since the XNUMXth century, it was used as a stable dog to hunt rodents because it is very comfortable in the company of horses. Originally named Wire-haired Pinscher, it owes its name of Schnauzer with long mustaches.

The Miniature Schnauzer was then developed around the beginning of the 1920th century in the Frankfurt area. And finally, in the 1s, the Giant Schnauzer, which was used as a dog to guard livestock was also recognized as a breed in its own right. (3-XNUMX)

Schnauzer dog breeds are athletic, intelligent, and easy to train.

Their lively but calm temperament and a reasoned disposition to barking make them particularly efficient guard dogs.

They are of incorruptible loyalty to their masters. This characteristic coupled with great intelligence gives them a particular aptitude for training. They will therefore make good working, family or support dogs.

Schnauzers are healthy dog ​​breeds. The Miniature Schnauzer, however, is more fragile and susceptible to developing diseases. According to the 2014 Kennel Club UK Purebred Dog Health Survey, Miniature Schnauzers are just over 9 years old, compared to 12 years old for the Giant Schnauzer and the Average Schnauzer. . (4)

The Giant Schnauzer

The most common disease in the Giant Schnauzer is hip dysplasia. (5) (6)

It is an inherited disease resulting from a malformed hip joint. The leg bone moves through the joint and causes painful wear and tear on the joint, tears, inflammation, and osteoarthritis.

Diagnosis and staging of dysplasia is primarily done by an x-ray of the hip.

It is an inherited disease, but the development of the disease is gradual and the diagnosis is often made in elderly dogs, which complicates the management. The first line of treatment is most often anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce osteoarthritis and pain. Ultimately, surgery or even the fitting of a hip prosthesis can be considered in the most serious cases. It is important to note that a good medication management can allow a significant improvement in the comfort of the dog.

The average Schnauzer

The average Schnauzer may occasionally suffer from hip dysplasia and cataracts, but is a particularly hardy and healthy breed. (5-6)

The Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is the most likely of the three Schnauzer breeds to have inherited diseases. The most frequent are Legg-Perthes-Calve disease and portosystemic shunt. (5-6)

La Maladie de Legg-Perthes-Calvé

Legg-Perthes-Calvé Disease, also known as aseptic necrosis of the femoral head in dogs is an inherited disease that affects the bones and more particularly the head and neck of the femur. It is a necrosis of the bone which originates from a defect in blood vascularization.

The disease develops in growing dogs and clinical signs appear around 6-7 months. The animal first develops a slight limp, then it becomes more pronounced and becomes constant.

Manipulation of the hip, including extension and abduction, causes severe pain. This can guide the diagnosis, but it is the X-ray examination that reveals the disease.

The recommended treatment is surgery which involves removing the head and neck of the femur. The prognosis is quite good for dogs under 25kg. (5) (6)

The portosystemic shunt

The portosystemic shunt is a hereditary anomaly characterized by a connection between the portal vein (that which brings blood to the liver) and the so-called “systemic” circulation. Some of the blood then does not reach the liver and is therefore not filtered. Toxins such as ammonia can then build up in the blood.

The diagnosis is made in particular by a blood test which reveals high levels of liver enzymes, bile acids and ammonia. The shunt is revealed by visualization techniques such as ultrasound, or medical resonance imaging (MRI).

In many cases, treatment consists of diet control and medications to manage the body’s production of toxins. In particular, it is necessary to limit protein intake and administer a laxative and antibiotics. If the dog responds well to drug treatment, surgery may be considered to attempt the shunt and redirect blood flow to the liver. The prognosis for this disease is still quite bleak. (5-6)

All three of the Schnauzer, Miniature, Medium and Giant breeds require regular brushing to maintain their coat. In addition to weekly brushing, an occasional bath and twice a year coat clipping may be necessary for owners who wish to participate in dog shows.