Types of Schnauzers

There are three types of schnauzer dogs: standard, giant, and miniature. Each of these are different breeds of schnauzers recognized by the American Kennel Club. All three breeds boast a medium-length, wiry double coat with a defining beard and defining eyebrows. The three German dog breeds have a similar appearance but may have different personality types.

The standard schnauzer was bred as a farm dog in Germany. They are members of the American Kennel Club's working group. Male schnauzers grow 18.5 to 19.5 inches tall and weigh 35 to 50 pounds. Females of the breed are slightly smaller, growing to 17.5 to 18.5 inches tall and weighing 30 to 45 pounds. The two accepted coat colors are black and pepper and salt.

Although breed is not a reliable indicator of temperament, some of the schnauzer personality traits include being spirited and fearless. They are intelligent dogs who are eager to please. These dogs are affectionate and do well in families with children. They have an expected life span of 13 to 16 years.

The largest of the different types of schnauzers is the giant schnauzer. The breed is also a member of the working group and was developed by breeding the standard schnauzer to a larger size by crossing with breeds like the Great Dane, aiming to maintain the schnauzer's appearance. They were used to drive cattle and serve as guard dogs for farmers and innkeepers.

A male giant schnauzer grows 25.5 to 27.5 inches tall and weighs 60 to 85 pounds. A female grows 23.5 to 25.5 inches tall and weighs 55 to 75 pounds. Despite the name, these dogs are not considered a giant breed; they are just the largest of the types of schnauzers. The breed also comes in two colors: black and pepper and salt.

The giant schnauzer is described as loyal and alert. They are affectionate but may not be as good with children as the standard schnauzer. They are also a higher-energy breed and need more activity to stay happy and healthy. They have an expected life span of 12 to 15 years.

Miniature schnauzers are the smallest of the different schnauzer types. The breed was bred from the standard schnauzer to a smaller size so that they could work as ratting dogs. This breed is a member of the American Kennel Club's terrier group.

The mini schnauzer grows 12 to 14 inches tall and weighs 11 to 20 pounds. There are three accepted colors for the breed: black, pepper and salt, and black and silver.

These dogs are described as friendly, obedient, and smart. They are good with children and have a medium energy level. Like the giant schnauzer, they have an expected life span of 12 to 15 years.

While the American Kennel Club recognizes three kinds of schnauzer dogs, there are many popular mixes you may encounter when looking for a schnauzer to bring into your home, such as the schnoodle, or schnauzer and poodle mix. The schnoodle comes in varying sizes depending on the size of the parent dogs.

If you want a small dog, consider the miniature schnauzer and Yorkie mix, or snorkie, or the schnauzer and pug mix, or the schnug. For a larger pup, consider a schnauzador, or a schnauzer and Labrador retriever mix, or a schnauzsky, a schnauzer and Siberian husky mix.