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Known as the dogs with bushy eyebrows and beards, Schnauzers are instantly recognisable for their unique looks, but it's their personalities that really steal the show. Bold, energetic, and full of spunk, they’re a fiercely loyal family companion that’s always up for adventure. Mischief is never too far away either, as Schnauzers often get into a bit of playful trouble.
With their working heritage, they take their guarding duties very seriously and are renowned for being effective watchdogs. They’ll raise the alarm if anyone dares approach their kingdom, but it’s always all bark and no bite. Despite their dignified appearance, Schnauzers are athletic dogs that boast great endurance, which sees them excel in canine sports as well as search and rescue work. As long as they’re kept busy, they’re happy.
There are three Schnauzer sizes, the Standard, Miniature, and Giant Schnauzer, with slight variations in their temperament…
The Miniature Schnauzer personality is larger than life. They’re curious, lively, and confident dogs that love being the centre of attention. While they might be the smallest of the bunch, they’re definitely not the quietest, and don’t like being treated like a toy either. They make great little watchdogs, alerting you to anything they deem mildly suspicious. Feisty but fun-loving, Miniature Schnauzers are super affectionate and great with families.
The Standard Schnauzer is the original, and is the perfect combination of all three. Their temperament is more independent and protective than the Miniature, but they still retain a playful, lively spirit. Bred as a ratter, hunter, and farm watchdog in Germany, they’re natural guardians that won’t be making friends with the postman anytime soon. Boasting high intelligence, these dogs need plenty of mental stimulation and lots of exercise to prevent boredom kicking in. They learn quickly and are an ideal student for advanced training. Standard Schnauzers are loving, loyal, and adore their humans, but they can be quite territorial and stubborn.
The Giant Schnauzer temperament is more serious than the other types, as they’re powerful working dogs. Known for their strength and loyalty, they’re often used in police and military work as protection dogs. When it comes to training, they need a confident leader, as well as lots of physical exercise and mental challenges to remain well-behaved. Giant Schnauzers still have a playful streak, but with a more intense and focused demeanour than their smaller counterparts.
Whatever size Schnauzer you get, life will never be boring again. They’re clever, confident canines that approach life with gusto and always deliver their signature Schnauzer sass.
As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So if you’re looking for an effective guardian with bags of personality, the Schnauzer could be the breed for you.
Bold and fearless
Loyal and devoted
Highly energetic
Has lots of stamina
Territorial and protective
Alert and intelligent
Very inquisitive
Quick learners
Loving and affectionate
Playful and fun-loving
Thrives on companionship
Loves being centre of attention
Adaptable to different environments
Reserved with new people
Can be a bit stubborn
Gets bored easily
Needs lots of stimulation
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Loyal and devoted to family | Can be territorial and stubborn |
| Highly intelligent | Wary of strangers and unknown dogs |
| Excellent watchdog | Needs lots of physical and mental exercise |
| Good with children | High maintenance grooming needs |
| Long life expectancy | Can be difficult to train |
| Hypoallergenic coat | More suitable for experienced owners |
Absolutely, the Schnauzer dog breed is an amazing choice for active, adventurous families who can dedicate lots of time to their pooch. They’re sociable dogs that crave interaction with their loved ones, whether that’s out working in the field, taking part in agility trials, or playing frisbee in the park. If you’re looking for a lazy lapdog to watch TV with, this breed isn’t for you. They have strong personalities and suit homes that are full of life and activity. Known to be more of a one-man dog, they’ll form an exceptionally strong bond with one person, but they’ll love the rest of the family all the same.
Yes, Schnauzers are known to be patient and protective when it comes to children, given they’re socialised properly from a young age. However, they might not tolerate rough handling, and larger Schnauzers could easily knock little ones over, so be mindful of this if you have very young children.
You should always teach children how to properly interact with dogs, regardless of breed. This includes no pulling, smacking, poking, or disturbing them while they’re eating and sleeping. Great care should also be taken when introducing dogs and children, making sure to never leave little ones unsupervised no matter how well trained your pooch is.
Schnauzers are generally good with other dogs and cats they’ve been raised with from a young age, however they can be standoffish or aggressive with unknown dogs. If you have pet hamsters, gerbils, or mice, the Schnauzer isn’t for you, as this breed has a strong prey drive thanks to its ratting roots.
Introducing new animals into the pack should always be managed carefully. Remember, every Schnauzer is unique, so monitor their body language, provide space and reward good behaviour.
We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Schnauzer properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered.
Full grown Miniature Schnauzers need up to 1 hour of exercise a day, while adult Standard and Giant Schnauzers need 1–2 hours of exercise a day. This should involve vigorous walks, lots of activities, and plenty of mental enrichment. A walk around the block won’t cut it for these high-energy dogs.
Being outdoors is their favourite thing, and they’re not precious when it comes to weather. Come rain or shine, Schnauzers are ready to go. Swimming, fetch, and frisbee are good forms of exercise for them, and they make a great hiking partner too.
The fun shouldn’t stop once they’re inside though. Puzzle toys and games of hide-and-seek will ensure their brains get a good workout.
Being both intelligent and athletic, Schnauzers excel in canine sports such as agility, tracking, and herding, which helps them stay trim, sharp, and stimulated.
If they don’t get the exercise they need each day, Schnauzers will descend into destruction. They bore easily and don’t do well left on their own with nothing to do, so it’s vital they’re able to let off steam with as much off-lead time as possible.
Schnauzers can be little escape artists! Make sure your back garden fence is thoroughly secure, as they might jump, dig, or climb their way out if they sense more fun is on the other side.
Schnauzers are very clever canines, but this intelligence can be a double-edged sword. They’ll use their smarts to, well, outsmart you, and avoid obeying your commands. They need a trainer who is equally as strong-willed as they are, so any undesirable behaviours are nipped in the bud immediately.
However, Schnauzers are fast learners and thrive on having a job to do, so with the right approach, they can be a delight to train.
Unleash your Schnauzer’s potential with some fun training tips.
1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and tasty treats, such as these Duck & Rosemary Meaty Treats. Schnauzers are sensitive to harsh corrections and won’t comply if they feel they’re being scolded too much.
2. Establish who’s top dog. Schnauzers can easily sniff out a wishy-washy leader, and will try to take charge if they don’t feel you’re in control. It’s vital to set clear rules from day one and consistently enforce them. They’ll quickly learn what’s acceptable, but you need to remind them when they challenge you. A calm, confident approach to training will build respect and ensure your Schnauzer follows your lead.
3. Socialise from the start. Schnauzers can be a bit wary of strangers and other dogs, especially the Standard and Giant types, so expose them to new people, dogs, smells and situations to help them become calm and confident canines.
4. Keep sessions short and varied. Avoid too much repetition and keep training sessions short and sweet (about 5–10 minute bursts). With their high energy and sharp minds, Schnauzers get bored fast, so rotate between different commands and games to help them stay interested.
5. Work on impulse control. Schnauzers can be impulsive, especially when they’re excited. Teach them to ‘wait’ or ‘stay’ before mealtimes or when leaving the house, which will help them become patient and self-controlled.
6. Channel their intelligence. Schnauzers are problem solvers, so teach them complex tricks or introduce them to dog sports like agility or rally. They’ll love the challenge and it’ll keep them mentally sharp.
7. Keep the barking at bay. Schnauzers love to talk, especially the Minis who might feel the need to bark at every leaf that blows by. Teach them the ‘quiet’ command early on by rewarding them for being silent, and remember, patience is key when breaking their chatterbox habits.
8. Get them used to being handled. Grooming will be a big part of their life, so get them prepared by frequently touching them around the ears, legs, undercarriage, feet, and mouth.
9. Reduce the risk of separation anxiety. While dogs should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help them be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.
Schnauzers need a fair bit of grooming. Their famous beards, bushy eyebrows, and wiry, double coat gives them their trademark look, but keeping a Schnauzer looking sharp isn’t just about style – proper grooming is key to keeping their coat healthy and comfortable.
Their soft undercoat and harsh, wiry topcoat helps to protect them from the elements, such as dirt, bramble, and water. To keep these protective properties, Schnauzers are traditionally handstripped every 4–6 months. Handstripping also helps to maintain the coat’s natural colour and make it less prone to matting. It’s a time consuming process that involves plucking out the dead topcoat by hand or using a stripping tool.
This is why many pet parents get their Schnauzer clipped. Clipping simply cuts the coat instead of removing the dead hairs. While this type of Schnauzer cut is more convenient, it softens the texture of the coat, makes it more prone to mats, and causes more shedding. Clipping is perfectly fine for most pet Schnauzers, but just know that their coat will fade in colour and lose the rough, traditional look over time.
The Standard and Giant Schnauzer coat comes in either pure black or salt and pepper. The Miniature Schnauzer coat comes in pure black, salt and pepper, black and silver, or white.
Here are some Schnauzer grooming tips to ensure they look their best all year round.
Brush your Schnauzer a few times a week using a slicker brush or a comb. Pay extra attention to the beard (crumbs and food love to hide there) and their leg fur, which can get tangled easily.
Wipe down their iconic beard daily or after mealtimes using a soft, damp cloth.
Trim down their furnishings (the long hair on their legs and belly) regularly using scissors or clippers. Trim around their eyes too so they see all the mischief they’re getting into!
Bathe every 4–6 weeks using a dog-friendly shampoo. Don’t overdo it though, as too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause allergies to flare up.
Schnauzers, especially Miniatures, can sometimes get tear staining, so clean around their eyes regularly with a damp cloth to remove any gunk.
Their folded over ears can trap moisture, leading to infection, so clean their ears regularly and dry thoroughly after baths or swims.
Book them in with a professional groomer to have them handstripped a few times a year. If you want to handstrip at home, you’ll need a stripping knife and some tips and advice from a professional.
Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.
If you want a short Schnauzer haircut, you’ll need to visit a professional groomer every 6–8 weeks to have them clipped. There are different Schnauzer grooming styles to choose from that’re easier to maintain, such as the puppy cut, summer cut, or the teddy bear haircut. While adorable, your pup will lose their hallmark beard, which is a staple Schnauzer characteristic.
Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath.
Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!
Yes, they’re low-shedding dogs so are a paw-fect choice for some allergy sufferers, However, no dog is completely hypoallergenic, and the amount of allergens a dog produces varies between each individual dog. The Schnauzer coat type is considered hypoallergenic as the shed hairs stay trapped in the undercoat instead of falling to the floor, meaning fewer allergens are spread around the house. However, clipping a Schnauzer will result in more shedding.
Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the Miniature and Giant Schnauzer lifespan is 12–15 years. The Standard Schnauzer’s life expectancy is 13–16 years. Like all dogs though, they can be subject to a few health issues.
Healthy Schnauzers should be seen by a vet at least once a year, with senior dogs (seven years and older) needing more frequent visits. Monitor your pooch regularly and ensure they’re getting what they need for a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is an inherited condition that causes dogs to go progressively blind, and there’s sadly no cure. It’s strongly advised that breeders screen their breeding stock for this debilitating disease.
Cataracts. This is a hereditary condition that causes the eye lenses to harden. Cataracts can develop as early as six months old, but it’s treatable through surgery.
Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Those looking to bring a Schnauzer puppy home should aim to buy from reputable breeders who disclose the hip scores of the parents. Diseases of the joints can usually be managed with a combination of pain relief, anti-inflammatories, joint supportive dog food, and joint supplements.
Hypothyroidism. This disorder causes the thyroid gland to stop producing thyroid hormones, leading to weight gain, lack of energy, skin and ear infections, dry skin, and thinning of the fur. Schnauzers usually develop symptoms when they’re middle aged, but it can be managed successfully with lifelong medication.
Pulmonic Stenosis. This congenital heart problem affects the pulmonic valve, resulting in blood not being able to flow properly from the heart into the lungs. Cases range from mild to severe, with mildly affected dogs often showing no signs and needing no treatment. Dogs with severe cases might show reluctance to exercise, or collapse when excited or stressed, and surgery can be performed to open up the valve. If the condition is serious and is left untreated, it can sadly end in heart failure. Responsible breeding is necessary to prevent this condition.
Schnauzer Comedone Syndrome. This condition is also known as Schnauzer Bumps, due to the fact it causes little cysts to usually develop on the dog’s back. If they become infected, they can be filled with pus. It occurs when the sebaceous glands (that excrete oils to keep the skin and coat healthy) become blocked. They resemble warts but they’re not contagious. A vet can prescribe antibiotics to clear up an outbreak, but once they’ve had it once, dogs have the condition for life. Some just have the occasional flare up, whereas other dogs might get them more frequently.
Bladder Stones. These can occur due to too much protein, magnesium, and phosphorus in the diet, not urinating frequently enough, or a hereditary gene. Diet changes and medication can treat bladder stones, but sometimes surgery is required.
Atopy. Canine atopic dermatitis (allergic dermatitis, canine atopy) is a hereditary condition affecting the skin. Allergies can be triggered by food or environmental factors like pollen, grass, household chemicals, dust mites or flea bites. Allergies cause itchy skin and digestive issues. If your dog is excessively scratching, rubbing their face, licking their paws, vomiting or having bouts of diarrhoea, they may be suffering from an allergy. Skin allergies in dogs tend to make themselves known between the ages of 1 and 3, with itchiness and scratching being the main symptoms.
Dental Disease. This is a common old age problem for Miniature Schnauzers, where tartar buildup and plaque leads to gum and root infections and tooth decay. Keep on top of their oral hygiene and consider using specially formulated dental treats and dog food.
Feeding your Schnauzer a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay healthy to maintaining a good weight, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant!
The amount you feed your Schnauzer will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity level and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed. The size of your Schnauzer will also play a pivotal role in how much to feed them.
A good rule of thumb is to feed full grown Schnauzers twice a day, ensuring they’re well fueled for all their activities.
You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!
Feed a balanced diet
Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Schnauzer’s nutritional needs. You should also consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil, which helps to boost your pet’s physical and mental health.
Protect their joints
Schnauzers are spritely dogs with lots of energy, so it’s important to help keep the hip dysplasia at bay. Consider adding Joint Tablet supplements to their diet as an extra preventative measure.
Monitor weight
A healthy Standard Schnauzer weight is 14–20 kg. A Giant Schnauzer should weigh 30–43 kg, and a healthy Miniature Schnauzer weight is 6.4–10 kg. Make sure table scraps don’t become a fixture in their diet though, as carrying extra weight puts pressure on their internal organs and joints, reducing their quality of life.
Look after their eyes
Regular eye tests can detect early signs of cataracts, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health.
Protect their coat and skin
For dogs suffering from atopy, you might want to consider a daily care supplement like Pooch & Mutt’s Bionic Biotic, or dog food made specifically with allergies in mind. Frequent grooming will also prevent matting and tangling which often exacerbates skin irritability.
Encourage wee-wees
To reduce the risk of bladder stones, ensure your Schnauzer doesn’t have long periods between urination. If you live in a flat, this means you’ll need to actively take them outside regularly.
Take them to the vet
It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.
Always speak to your vet about the best course of action in treating health problems in your dog.
Take a look at the Schnauzer’s dream home.
| Type of owner? | Active individuals, couples, and families that spend a lot of time outdoors and can dedicate time to training. |
| Outdoor space? | A very secure back garden, as well as access to large open spaces for running and exploring. |
| Adaptability? | They’re highly adaptable to different living environments. Standards and Miniatures can live in a flat as long as their exercise needs are met, but Giants need more space. |
| Multi-pet home? | They can live with other dogs and cats if they’ve been raised together and socialised properly. They can’t live with small animals as they have a strong prey drive. |
The Miniature Schnauzer is a registered breed, however you might come across pups being advertised as Toy Schnauzers or Teacup Schnauzers. These are not proper breeds, and are terms used to describe a dog that’s smaller than the breed standard. They could be the result of two naturally small dogs mating, but some breeders have resorted to using unethical practices – such as breeding runts or using malnourishment – in order to produce ‘teacup’ versions. These dogs are unfortunately usually predisposed to a lot of health problems.
The unconditional love of a Schnauzer is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one.
Schnauzers can cost anywhere between £700 and £1,500. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Schnauzer is between £50 and £100, depending on size, food, and insurance levels.
Set up costs
Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.
Ongoing costs
When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost anywhere between £20 and £60 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.
Insurance costs
It’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Schnauzer should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)
Get to know the Schnauzer even more with these interesting tidbits and tales!
In the UK, the Giant Schnauzer is considered a Working breed, while the Standard and Miniature are part of the Utility group. However, in the United States, the Standard and Giant are part of the Working group, and the Miniature is part of the Terrier group. The Miniature Schnauzer doesn’t have typical Terrier temperament, nor does it descend from any Terrier breeds, but they’re classed as such in the US due to their history as ratters.
Schnauzers are considered hypoallergenic as their wiry coat rarely sheds, but this can change if you decide to have them clipped instead of handstripped. Handstripping removes the dead hairs, whereas clipping just cuts the hair, resulting in more shed hairs around the house.
Schnauzers know how to strike a pose, as they feature in historic works of art by Dutch painter Rembrandt and famous wood carver Albrecht Dürer. There’s also a 1501 tapestry by Lucas Cranach the Elder that depicts a Schnauzer-looking dog. It’s theorised Albrecht Dürer must have had a Schnauzer of his own, as the same one features in different pictures as his art progresses.
They’re incredibly brave and fiercely protective of their families. A viral online video showed a Mini Schnauzer named Cash chasing a black bear away from its property!
The Giant Schnauzer’s bite force is 556 pounds per square inch (PSI), which can literally crush bones. It’s the 4th strongest bite in the dog world, so anybody planning to intrude on a Giant Schnauzer’s home should think again.
You can get Schnauzer cross breeds. The Schnauzer Yorkie mix is called a Snorkie, the Dachshund Schnauzer mix is called a Schnauzund or Schnoxie, the Schnauzer Poodle mix is called a Schnoodle, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Schnauzer cross is called a King Schnauzer.
Having been depicted in tapestries and paintings from as early as 1492, it’s clear the Schnauzer’s history is as long and unique as its famous beard!
Originating in 15th century Germany, they were hardworking, versatile farm dogs that excelled in a variety of tasks, including guarding property, protecting and herding livestock, and killing vermin. Their desire to work alongside humans, combined with their incredible endurance, also meant they were used to guard the wagons of travelling merchants as they went from village to village.
During the mid 1800s, breeders began to standardise the breed, and it’s thought their coat’s distinctive texture and colour came from crosses with grey Wolfspitzes and black Poodles. The Standard Schnauzer was the first of the three sizes, and is the foundation of the breed, but until the late 1800s, they were known as Wirehaired Pinschers. They were first exhibited in 1879 at a dog show in Hanover, where the winning dog was a ‘Wirehaired Pinscher’ called Schnauzer. It’s believed this contributed to the breed’s name change, along with the fact the word ‘schnauze’ means ‘muzzle’ in German – a nod to their unique moustaches.
As Schnauzers gained popularity, smaller and larger versions were developed to suit people’s different needs. The Miniature Schnauzer was bred down from the Standard by crossing it with smaller dogs like Affenpinschers and Poodles. Still spunky and enthusiastic, they were good little pest hunters and lovable companions. The Giant Schnauzer was developed using larger working breeds, like Great Danes and German Shepherds, resulting in a formidable cattle drover and guard dog for farms, breweries, and butcher shops.
During World War I, Schnauzers played a pivotal role as dispatch carriers for the Red Cross, as well as being used by the army and German police forces.
Today, all three types of Schnauzer continue to shine in various roles, from loyal family companions to working for the police and military. No matter the size, Schnauzers have retained their bold, clever, and loving nature, making them a truly remarkable breed with deep roots in history.
Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Schnauzer.
1. Research the breed. Schnauzers are energetic dogs that require a lot of grooming, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited.
2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.
3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings.
4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Schnauzer puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old.
5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Schnauzers and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.
6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.
When adopting a Schnauzer, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Schnauzers in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.
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