What is a Standard Schnauzer?

There are many different ways to answer this question but I will start with the basics.

The standard schnauzer is the middle and oldest of the three breeds of schnauzer. All three originate from the areas in and around modern day Germany. While the exact origin of the breed is unknown, it appears most likely that the dogs were first developed in the 1400's, used for a variety of farming related tasks including herding and guarding live stock, hunting rodents, pulling small carts and serving as guard dogs to the farmers who owned them. Because of the diverse purposes that these dogs served, they had to be small and wiry, powerful enough to protect, but gentle enough to live peacefully with live stock and families.

Although our dogs may live and work in very different environments than the ones for which they were originally bred, they still serve many of the same purposes... guardian, partner, and friend.  These dogs excel at obedience, agility, herding, tracking, therapy work and numerous other activities. They are true "working dogs" in every sense.

That's why the standard schnauzer as we know it today is a powerful, high energy, medium sized dog with a strong sense of independence and remarkable intelligence.

They are as different in temperament from their miniature and giant cousins as they are alike in looks.  This is very different than other breeds where dogs sharing the same name are merely different sizes of the same breed and it can be quite confusing at first. Although all three Schnauzer breeds share the same name and certain physical qualities, they are actually three distinct breeds with very different genetic heritages. Each breed was intended to serve a different purpose and that breed heritage while difficult to describe in words is nonetheless very distinct on closer association.

Some of our friends have described miniature schnauzers as the "gateway" dog. Many standard schnauzer owners, including our family, have also owned minis. They are phenomenal little dogs with many wonderful qualities to recommend them. However, if that is the reason you are considering a standard, please reconsider. Standards are more similar in temperament to other working group dogs (German Shepard's, Rottweilers, Boxers, etc) than to miniature schnauzers.

Because they are very independent and intelligent, standard schnauzers require a strong and assertive owner who is willing to spend time exercising, training and playing with their dog. If I make it sound like its a lot of work to own one of these guys, its because it is... but the rewards are totally worth the investment if this is the right kind of dog for you and your family.

Our own boy filled a void in our lives we hadn't even realized was there and now we can't imagine life without him.

For additional information about the development of standard schnauzers as a breed or about the modern accomplishments of these great dogs, please try the link for the Standard Schnauzer Club of America which can be found in the Favorite Links section on the right side of this page.

Our First Champion!

It was a lovely weekend at the Greater Humble Area Dog Show in Humble, Texas last weekend. Several of our Standard Schnauzer friends were in town for the event. The set up was organized and laid back, running like clock work, as we all learned our jobs and helped each other get the dogs ready. 

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Things were equally mellow on Sunday. Spirits were high as the gang sported little plastic cupcake rings, which were a momento of the occasion, and posed for the camera. Even the dogs were hamming it up for the camera.

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And we are "pleased as punch" to report that Kord showed well. He went first in his class and reserve winners dog on Saturday. Then he finished the weekend with Best of Winners and a 5pt Major which was enough to carry him to his championship on Sunday.

 Ch. Stahlkrieger's Southern Light, CGC - Greater Humble Dog Show: Oct. 10, 2010

A little shout out to our friend and handler, Maxine Petteway (Von Schaden Standard Schnauzers) and to our breeder, Cheryl Crompton (Stahlkrieger's Schnauzers).  We couldn't have done it without you!


We got into conformation in a way that is a little different than what is usually recommended ...  We wanted a nice puppy and knew that we wanted to do some performance sports with him (obedience and/or agility). We weren't originally looking for a show puppy, but we were curious about the sport.  I had only been to one or two shows and my husband hadn't even done that.. but we thought that it "might be fun" to try. Cheryl said she thought our boy could be finished if we wanted to try it and suggested that we talk to Max. Max spent months working with us, helping us to learn how to train him and getting his coat into condition... and low and behold, he did good. :-) But more importantly, we had a good time spending time together as a family, with our dog, and making new friends.

Everyone in our little circle of dog show friends has been amazingly kind and generous with both their time and knowledge. They are excellent role models both for the sport and as people. We feel very blessed to have them in our lives.


So, now we are hooked!

A little celebration as the judge chooses Kord!

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Although we have been attending handling classes and I have helped with other's dogs, I have been very anxious about getting into the ring with Kord myself. But after others did all the heavy lifting to get us to the major, I got brave and took my own dog in for Best of Breed judging. We both survived. Proof positive that "if I can do it... you can do it" :-)

Kord and I, in the breed ring for the first time together.