The Standard Schnauzer

The American Kennel Club defines the Official Standard of the Standard Schnauzer in General Appearance as a robust, heavy-set dog, sturdily built with good muscle and plenty of bone; square-built in proportion of body length to height. His rugged build and dense harsh coat are accentuated by the hallmark of the breed, the arched eyebrows and the bristly mustache and whiskers.  More info can be found at: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/StandardSchnauzer.pdf

Fully grown Male Standard Schnauzers generally weigh 40-50# and the females weigh 30-40#.  If showing a Standard Schnauzer in conformation, weight is not as important as Standards set for the breed regarding height, coat, structure, proportion and movement.

Standards are very smart and human-like in their intelligence. Many people refer to them as the dog with the human brain.  They like to think for themselves but will do as you ask if they can see reason behind it. They can be a handful as a puppy but once they reach adulthood and if trained properly are the most wonderful companions... likely even protecting you with their life if needed. This breed is large enough to hike, bike, run with their owners but love to sit next to you or at your feet in the evening. 

The Standard Schnauzer comes in either Pepper Salt or Pure Black.  Some shed slightly and others a bit more.  They have very few health problems and many live to be 15 years old and upward.  The main testing done on the parents include DCM https://ofa.org/dilated-cardiomyopathy/ (Dilated CardioMyopathy- heart), Eyes, Thyroid, and Hips.  We are diligent about health and temperament in our puppies and complete health testing on the dogs that are bred.     

Standard schnauzers are very intelligent and can be strong willed. You  must be prepared to train your new puppy from the beginning.  Attending puppy kindergarten classes, regular obedience classes, and advanced obedience classes is the best approach. As puppies, they can be destructive (chewing & digging) and will require crate training. They play very rough.  Once they reach adulthood and have been trained properly you will have the most wonderful family member and protector.