SCHNAUZER

The schnauzer is an ancient breed of the Württemberg area in Germany, selected from the Flanders sheepdogs and other shepherds, probably Tyrolese, where it is used as a guardian dog although it was a skilled mice hunter in the past.

PHYSICAL TRAITS of the SCHNAUZER
This dog has three varieties told apart by size: the large or giant is between 60 and 70 cm height, the medium is 50 cm and the midget or miniature is 28 to 35 cm. However, they keep every physical trait. They are rustic, solid and muscular, with a hard, not too short fur that elongates in the face, forming peculiar whiskers, beard and brows. The most common color is pure black, although it can also be salt and pepper with eventual white spots. The eyes are oval, very dark, and the lips and nose are black. The ears, slightly drooping forward, form an inverted V.

One of the most singular traits in this breed is the fur, which elongates around the face forming a typical squared beard and long brows.

TEMPERAMENT AND ADAPTATION of the SCHNAUZER
Yes, besides the size, all three schnauzer varieties have the same typology; it is not the same as when it comes to temperament. The large variety is brave, intelligent, a good guardian that easily adapts to the family environment. It has a calm temperament and gets along well with the kids. The medium variety, the most frequent of the three, is a little more restless, with a strong temperament that, once trained shows no aggressiveness, it is not ideal for small children, that with their games can provoke its defensive instinct. The midget variety, or miniature, it has a nervous temperament, very common in small dogs, but its intelligent and a lot of fun. There are those who say that this is the most popular of the varieties. The two eldest, especially the giant, need free space, for which it is recommended that they live in houses with yards, but if they can guaranteed outdoor walks, they can also adapt to an apartment. However, the midget is ideal for a flat. A giant and medium schnauzer particularity is that it rarely barks, it only does it when their vigilance and guarding functions require it.

The fact that it is a tough and strong dog when it comes to sickness is worth mentioning. Its reflexes are also noticeable.

EXERCISE AND CARE required for a SCHNAUZER
There are those that cut the tip of the ears and tail, but no federation recommends or forces this process. It is best for professionals to groom it monthly to keep its good looks. At home, it is enough to brush it periodically. In larger schnauzer varieties, exercise is essential. Depending on size, it will have different demands: while the giant needs long walks and unleashed running to keep in optimal physical form, the miniature will have enough with minimal exercise. Consequently, the medium sized would need to perform moderate exercise, not as much as its larger relative or as little as the smaller one. But all three need to exercise daily. The brows fall toward the muzzle without covering the eyes completely.