They are devoted family dogs but generally do best with canine-savvy people. They are not an ideal choice for a first dog. "The Standard Schnauzer can be stubborn and dominant if not raised with a good pack leader," Elvin said. "Standard Schnauzers can be very manipulative and charming, and before the owners know what is going on, the Schnauzer is running the household. If they feel the owners are not in charge, they will assume this position, deciding who can enter the house and yard."
The breed's strong watchdog qualities have persisted over the centuries. "A well-trained and socialized Standard should voice the arrival of strangers," Elvin said. "Once the stranger is greeted by the owner, they should relax."
Show Offs
Standards generally train easily and are eager to please, but they can become bored with repetition. The trainer has to keep the dogs motivated with upbeat, fun sessions. In the show and event rings, Standards respond to the crowd's enthusiasm, enjoying the activity and attention. In 1997, Ch. Parsifal Di Casa Netzer, owned by Rita Holloway and Gabrio Del Torre of Newark, Delaware, won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Show. "Schnauzers enjoy being shown," Cornell said, "and show judges look for that in a dog. These dogs are show-offs."
Jules, one of two Schnauzers owned by Joey Warren of Wenatchee, Wash., has done well in obedience trialsexcept on two occasions when his personal style interfered with his performance. During one event, Jules kept his walking pace perfectly but embellished his usual gait by bouncing like a kangaroo. "Everyone thought it was hysterical," Warren said, "except for the judge." During an obedience trial at a second show, Jules raced toward Warren correctly when she called him but continued past her to hop outside the ring and visit someone he recognized in the crowd. He then returned and completed the command properly. "He knew what he was supposed to be doing," Jules said. "He just added something on."
Standard Schnauzers often zip successfully through agility events. As former rat catchers, they are athletic dogs built for movement and speed. For dogs that grow bored with repetition, agility obstacle courses provide variety and keep them interested. Some Schnauzers have a knack for herding, a holdover from the breed's original duties as farm dogs.
Potential owners must consider the dog's grooming requirements. They can clip or strip the dog's coat, scissoring and clipping to refine the look. While full-body baths are seldom necessary on a stripped coat, the longer whisker and leg hairs require shampooing and combing. Pets not competing in the show ring can be clipped and bathed at intervals from six weeks to a few months. Beard and leg hairs may need occasional combing to avoid matting.
Standard Schnauzers have remained a robust, healthy breed and breeders are working to rid them of hip dysplasia. Incidences of hypothyroidism, treated easily with medication, are low. Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy are uncommon but do occur occasionally.
Most Standard Schnauzers enjoy an active lifestyle. "They play outside," Warren said. "They play tag in the house. Nothing plays like a Standard. And they make up games."
Cornell finds her dogs to be quick studies. Case in point: Darrick, one of her Schnauzers, helps her clean up after dinner. He carries each of the four empty doggie dishes from the living room into the kitchen.
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