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First of all, understand the
Standard Schnauzer is a very hearty, active, high-spirited,
feisty, intelligent, devoted, courageous, affectionate and bold dog. This
breed, pet or show quality will require a firm, active, confident leader
with time to train, socialize, and exercise! |
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If you are considering a Standard Schnauzer
in your life; use the information assembled here to better know this breed
and understand the high level of commitment and time it requires from you
to own the "perfect dog". |
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Schnauzer means muzzle in
German, so this breed was named for its characteristic shaggy muzzle. The
standard schnauzer is the prototypical schnauzer, the oldest of the three
breeds. Definite evidence of the breed exists from as early as the 14th
century; even then, it was appreciated as a household pet and hunting
companion. The breed is a fortuitous blend of terrier, working and hunting
stock, most likely derived from crossing wirehaired pinschers with black
German poodles and gray wolf spitz. The result was a hardy rat catcher
that also functioned as a capable guard dog. By the beginning of the 20th
century, standard schnauzers were the most popular dogs for guarding
farmers carts at the marketplace while the farmers were elsewhere. The
first schnauzers entered the show ring as wirehaired pinschers at an 1879
German show. Their smart looks quickly enamored them to the dog fanciers,
and they became very popular as show dogs by 1900. Although the first
schnauzers had come to America by this time, they were slower to catch on
with American dog fanciers. The breed was initially classified as a
terrier, but it was later reclassified as a working dog. Their alert and
intelligent nature gained them a role as dispatch carrier and aide during
World War I. Like the larger giant schnauzer, the standard schnauzer was
also used in police work. Only after World War II did it gain more public
attention. |
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