There are three sizes of Schnauzer. All originate from the Standard Schnauzer. Dating back to the 14th century, the Standard Schnauzer was bred by local German tradesmen to guard their valuables on their carts. They wanted a dog that would not take up too much room but would still look the part for the job required. Hence the Standard Schnauzer- although it was at least another fifty years before the breed was properly established. The Miniature and Giant were established at a much later date but both originate from the Standard Schnauzer.

Highly intelligent, loyal and dependable, they all have strong personalities. It is for this reason that training should be started from day one and you establish yourself as the leader. In the absence of any leadership, Schnauzers will quickly take over the role themselves and become dominant and overbearing. They are devoted to their family and will welcome guests into their house as long as they know them. However, they are wary of strangers and will guard their property with a well rounded bark until they know the person or persons.

They are a non shedding breed as long as a good grooming routine is maintained. This makes them particularly suitable for allergy sufferers. They must be regularly groomed at least two or three times a week as their coat is very prone to mats. Every 8-10 weeks, they need to visit a professional groomer to be clipped or stripped. It is perfectly acceptable for a pet dog to be clipped as long as it is properly done. However, a show dog must be handstripped (plucking) to retain the harsh, wiry weather resistant outer coat. It also retains the beautiful and distinctive pepper and salt colouring (or truly black colour in the blacks and black and silvers). If clipped, the pepper and salt will turn to a uniform slate grey colour and the blacks will eventually fade to a charcoal black colour.Clipping also softens the coat. However, a good groomer should be able to produce a good looking clipped dog if they are knowledeable about what a Schnauzer should look like. Equally, an inexperienced groomer can totally destroy the beautiful good looks that define a Schnauzer. It is therefore worth doing your homework to find a good groomer. Word of mouth is a great way of finding someone. If you see a smart Schnauzer at the local park, don't be afraid to ask where it was groomed. Most Schnauzer owners are more than happy to talk "Schnauzer" with you ! Prices vary from region to region and many groomers will not handstrip as it is very time consuming. Be prepared to pay alot more for handstripping if that is your preferred choice. As to tails which are now no longer docked, don't be afraid to say what sort of tail YOU like. If you like feathering left on, then tell the groomer. They will trim the tail as THEY like it otherwise and it is not the groomers fault if you turn up to a dog with a stripped, Labrador like tail when you really wanted the hair left on. Remember - it is your dog and you have to look at him/her every day so if you like a long flowing tail on your dog, there is nothing wrong with that.  

Standard Schnauzers are generally problem free when it comes to their health. Miniatures are prone to eye problems (see the Schnauzer Club of Great Britain for more info on PRA and cataracs- they also carry out eye testing sessions so check out their website). Giants are prone to Hip Dysplasia - again, check out the Giant Schnauzer website for more info).

In conclusion, if you are looking for a funny, entertaining and challenging dog, Schnauzers are a great dog to choose. If you are looking for an easy, laid back dog, then choose another breed. They love to be the centre of attention and involved in all the familys activities. If left to their own devices, they will quickly become bored and will resort to making their own entertainment, to the detriment of your house and the limit of your patience. They need a good amount of OFF LEAD exercise to ensure they grow into happy, contented members of the family. If you are prepared to put in the time to train your Schnauzer, are prepared to spend time with them, are happy to include them in your family's activities, then you will reap the reward of a contented, happy, manageable dog that is a sheer joy to own.  

A good site for lots of information on raising a Miniature Schnauzer and asserting your role as pack leader is www.uireda.co.uk. Obviously the same rules apply for both the other sizes.