The Schnauzer is the oldest (and original prototype) of the three Schnauzer breeds. Since the Middle Ages, dogs very like today's Standard Schnauzer performed household and farm duties in Germany: guarding the family and livestock, ridding the farmyard of vermin, and protecting their owners as they travelled to market.
These rough-haired, medium-sized dogs were descended from early European herding and guardian breeds and were not related to the superficially similar terriers of Britain
The Schnauzer originated in Southern Germany in the 14th or 15th century when farmers, tradesmen and travelling people travelled all over the countryside with loaded carts and caravans selling their goods and produce at markets.
They needed a medium size and versatile dog which would be strong enough to guard the cart, but small enough to easily fit in that same cart. These practical men also wanted a good ratter to keep down the vermin back at home. The breeders involved in Schnauzer history probably crossed the black German Poodle and the gray Wolfspitz with more than a pinch of Wire-haired Pinscher to create the first Schnauzer.
This medium-sized 'prototype' most closely resembled today's Standard Schnauzer and established the breed as a working dog.
In the mid-19th century, German dog fanciers began to take an interest in this useful native breed and crosses were made with grey Wolfspitz and black German Poodle to produce the distinctive pepper and salt and black colours. At this time, the medium-sized dogs were also being crossed with other breeds to develop the Miniature and, later, the Giant Schnauzer.
Wire-haired Pinschers, as the breed was originally known, were first exhibited in Germany in the 1870s. The official German breed standard of that era describes a dog remarkably similar to the Standard Schnauzer of today.
By the turn of the century, the breed was becoming universally known as the Schnauzer, a reference to the breed's hallmark a muzzle (German: schnauze) sporting a bristly beard and mustache, and also from the pet name an early show winner called 'Schnauze'. This one of a very few breeds who's name is derived from a pet name of one of the originals.
A handsome, robust, squarely built, medium sized dog with aristocratic bearing, the Standard Schnauzer is the original of the 3 sizes of schnauzers. He is salt and pepper or solid black in coluor with a wiry no-shed coat. Standard Schnauzers are noted for absolute loyalty in guarding the home, coupled with affectionate devotion.
Sociable and Energetic The Standard Schnauzer is not the breed for those who want a slow, placid dog, or a dog that can be fed and forgotten, for they insist on being a part of the family activities and develop best when treated in this manner. For this reason, most Standards, even the top show winners, are house pets. They are outstanding companions, known for their devotion and love of the family. Although they may have favourites, they are not just a "one person dog", but instead become a member of the entire family.
Guardian as a home guardian, the Standard Schnauzer excels. He readily accepts friends of the family, but warns away strangers with a strong voice which he saves for such occasions. And woe betide the intruder!
Medium Sized Standard Schnauzer is a medium sized dog. Males are between 18-20 inches high at the shoulders and generally weigh about 40-45 pounds. The Females are between 17-19 inches and generally weigh about 35-40 pounds.
The Dog with a Human Brain Standard Schnauzers learn quickly and excel in obedience and agility. Like a mischievous child they need a firm, but not rough, hand. They will get away with whatever they can and soon "rule the house" if allowed