Standard Schnauzer 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.

Characteristics

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.

The breed standard is copyrighted by the UK Kennel Club. Click here for the full KC description.