Schnauzers are known by their distinctive bearded muzzle and lively, inquisitive character. The breed is noted for great intelligence and has been called "the dog with the human brain" to reflect how closely their responses mirror that of humans. The schnauzer's intelligence expresses itself in many ways. One look into his face is to sense his ever-active mind and fun-loving personality.
A great sense of self is one of his most endearing qualities, but he does demand human companionship and has great devotion. Schnauzers are not by nature aggressive but they are fearless. He is an ideal guard dog who defends vocally rather than physically. The breed is generally sweet, loving and loyal, yet not at all subservient or overly sensitive.
The average life span is 12-15 years. Schnauzers continually display great stamina and will show no signs of illness until they are quite sick, and even then they will not give up. Their learning capacity is proverbial and limited only by the patience of the teacher. Schnauzers learn quickly as a rule. The only requirements are firmness, repetition, patience, and above all, kindness.
Basic requirements of the breed are companionship and proper care, which includes a routine grooming. Schnauzers are one of the few breeds that do not shed hair, which means the coat must be brushed occasionally to prevent matting. Most Schnauzers are trimmed, or stripped, several times a year to give them the distinctive furnishings, beard and eyebrows. |
