THE STANDARD SCHAUZER

10th May 2004

Standard Schnauzer Breed Description
General Appearance
Sturdily built, robust, sinewy, nearly square, (length of body equal to height at shoulders). Expression keen and attitude alert. Correct conformation is of more importance than colour or purely ‘beauty’ points.
Characteristic
Strong, vigorous dog capable of great endurance.
Temperament
Alert, reliable and intelligent. Primarily a companion dog.
Coat
Harsh, wiry and short enough for smartness. Closer on neck and shoulders; clean on throat, skull and ears. Harsh hair on legs. Dense undercoat essential.
Colour
Pure black (white markings on head, chest and legs undesirable) or pepper and salt. Pepper and salt shades range from dark iron grey to light grey; good pigmentation. Hairs banded dark/light/dark. Facial mask to harmonise with corresponding coat colour.
Size
Ideal height at withers: dogs: 48.3 cms (19 ins); bitches: 45.7 cms (18 ins). Any variations of more than 2.5 cms (1 in) in these heights undesirable.