The schnauzer is an exciting animal to see and own. The clean, sharp beauty of this breed is impressive. The personality of the schnauzer makes him a joy to live with. The schnauzer is truly the most versatile of all breeds. He is small enough for a woman to handle, yet large enough for the biggest of men. He is robust and sturdy,enough to be a working dog, yet small enough in stature, so as not to be overwhelming. His ideal size, combined with this breed’s properly maintained coat has that minimal shedding and “doggy odor” lead many people to think that this is the dog for everyone. However, nothing could be further from the truth. The breed’s combination of intelligence and high spirit can make the schnauzer more of a handful than some people can handle. This is the breed many call “the dog whit, the human brain”. Of course, the highly intelligent brain inside, this somewhat very quick body, when properly trained, does make a sensible and reliable working dog.

The mind of the schnauzer doesn’t develop his full personality as a kennel dog. The schnauzer’s mind develops best with close contact with his family. The breed in general is very clever and inquisitive. These dogs can also be mischievious and stubborn. The schnauzer has a strong sense of self-dignity, and can be non-forgiving to people who tease.

This is a true “people breed” and the schnauzers’ brain needs stimulation that living with a family only can provide. The schnauzer isn’t a one man dog. Some will pick one member of the family as their favorite, but generally accept all members. Children, especially, must treat this dog with respect. Only family, and special friends will be greeted with a friendly wag of the tail. This breed is very selective in greeting people, a main characteristic of the breed. Never belittle the schnauzer with tricks. He takes his job of home guardian very seriously.

The family home and car belongs to him. He is alert to his surroundings, and every little noise or change. He will not attack unless provoked. He demands respect from all who pass

Perhaps the very best adjective to describe the schnauzer is feisty. Like most, if not all terriers, schnauzers also display a wonderful enthusiasm. They are usually quite gentle with resident household children, yet make modest-sized watch dogs. While not going out of its way to pick a fight, a typical schnauzer usually, will not retreat from an aggressive encounter, and is quite capable of giving a good account of itself. Generally males will be larger than females. when fully mature, all schnauzers are robust and sturdy animals.

Standard schnauzers possess a voice typically associated with that of a large dog, full of authority, and capable of commanding the attention of household residents in case invited or uninvited persons arrive. Being intelligent dogs, they can be trained not to bark incessantly.

Miniature schnauzers, like so many of the terrier-type breeds, tend to be more apt to bark, escpecially at the approach of strangers and other dogs. Depending on the circumstances, other vocalizations can be barks of joy, yelps of pain, or calls to entice someone to play, howls at the sounds of sirens, growls of the sign of intruders, or sounds of play. When happy, schnauzers often"dance" about on their feet, especially the front feet, in an obvious display of bliss at being noticed. When content, the facial expression of the schnauzer reflects interest in its surroundings. When stirred to aggression, the lips, may be curled, exposing the teeth, particularly the incisors and canines. Fortunately, schnauzers, generally are not especially aggressive, and only resort to this behavior when provoked, or protecting territory.

When you share your home with but a single schnauzer, it's common for the dog to consider itself submissive to its human owner. When more than one dog is in the family, it's normal for one of the dogs to assert its dominance over the other. Very submissive dogs will exhibit their deference by rolling over on their side or back.

This is the beginning of a long and happy relationship for human and schnauzer.