Standard Schnauzer (Mittelschnauzer)
Table of contents
Breed Information | |
|---|---|
Another Name | Mittelschnauzer, Schnauzer, Wire-Haired Pinscher |
Origin | Germany |
Height | 45-50 cm |
Weight | 14-20 kg |
Fur | Very stiff and thick |
Colors | Pure black with a black undercoat, pepper, and salt |
Lifespan | 13-16 years |
ICF Classification | Pinschers and Schnauzers, Molossers, Mountain Dogs and Swiss Cattle Dogs |
Group | Guard dogs, guard dogs, protection dogs |
Price | $700-1500 |
Breed photos
Features of the breed
History of Origin
This dog breed has a very ancient origin. It is believed that its relative is the peat dog, the remains of which have been found in the first prehistoric settlements. For a long time, dogs lived in stables, guarded them against strangers, and chased away mice.
Mittelschnauzer-like dogs were painted in the Middle Ages by famous artists such as Rembrandt, Albrecht Dürer, and Lucas Cranach, the Elder. The renowned sculpture “Night Watchman” (1620) in Stuttgart shows us a guard with a lamp in one hand and a schnauzer lying at his feet. It also characteristically reflects the dog’s use in those days – they were faithfully guarding their territories.
The first club of fans of these dogs was created in 1921 in Germany. It is still active today. During the war, Mittelschnauzers willingly and faithfully served in hospitals and were also used as liaison dogs. In the USSR, the dog appeared in 1979 and gave a start to all Ukrainian and Russian Schnauzers’ breeds.
Appearance: height, weight, fur, color
The dog is about 45-50 cm at the withers and can weigh 14-20 kg.
The Mittelschnauzer’s appearance is muscular and compact.
Wool in the representatives of the breed is very coarse and stiff. There is a thick undercoat. On the ears and forehead, hair is shorter than on the body. The dogs have distinct beards, eyebrows, and whiskers, making their muzzle easily recognizable among other breeds.
Mittelschnauzers can be only black or “pepper and salt. The undercoat is also solid black. Variations of dark gray are possible, but the dark color must remain dominant.
The pet’s paws are short, and the fur on them is usually not very stiff. The tail can be cropped and left three vertebrae long. But if the tail remains natural, it is planted high and kept in a crescent shape.
The Character
The peculiarity of these dogs is a combination of mobility and activity with calm reasonableness. They are very loyal to their owner and always watching everything around them. They are distrustful of strangers, so they can easily guard the house and the household.
They are great with children, but they must be taught to properly treat other animals living in the same area. It is better not to have rodents because there is a chance that the Mittelschnauzer will eat them.
Representatives of the breed tend to be independent, so they must be taught obedience from childhood. Pets are very energetic and can play from early morning until late at night. Even when the Mittelschnauzer is resting, or you think it is completely relaxed, it is always alert and ready to continue its duties at any time.
Care
Grooming a dog won’t be much of a hassle, as they have almost no foul odor and hardly any shedding. Ideal to keep in an apartment, but then you will have to walk the pet a lot.
The coat should be brushed regularly. Twice a year to trim because dogs do not shed. The hair around the head, on the neck, and ears is cut with special scissors.
To keep your dog’s beard clean, you should wipe it down daily. It is long and can get dirty often after eating. Once a week, his ears should be checked for cleanliness and preferably his eyes every day.
Training
There should be no problem with training. Puppies should be taught easy commands from an early age. Once they have them memorized, you can begin more serious training.
The dog skillfully obeys and executes commands when it feels the strength and superiority of the owner. But if you doubt your authority, it is better to entrust training to professionals. Mittelschnauzer should often be praised and rewarded with tasty prizes.
Common diseases
The dog is in good health, but hereditary diseases can occur. Diabetes, melanoma, cataracts, hip dysplasia, pancreatitis can occur.
Nutrition
It is up to the owner to choose the best way to feed. This can be both natural food and feed. The main thing is that everything should be of high quality. If you provide raw food, you must remember that the diet should contain plenty of vitamins and minerals.
