The Schnauzer or Mittelschnauzer is a German breed of dog in the Pinscher and Schnauzer group. It is characterised by an abundant bristly beard and whiskers, usually lighter than the coat. It is one of three Schnauzer breeds, the others being the Giant Schnauzer or Riesenschnauzer, and the Miniature Schnauzer or Zwergschnauzer. In Germany it is an endangered breed, and is listed in category III of the Rote Liste of the Gesellschaft zur Erhaltung alter und gefährdeter Haustierrassen.
The Standard Schnauzer was developed in Germany, primarily in urban and rural environments.
The Standard Schnauzer is known for its distinctive appearance, including a bristly beard and whiskers. It is the original and intermediate size of the Schnauzer breeds, with the others being the Giant and Miniature Schnauzers. Due to its intelligence and alert nature, it excels in various roles, including guarding and companionship.
![Wire-haired Pinscher, illustration by Ludwig Beckmann [de] from his Geschichte und Beschreibung der Rassen des Hundes, 1895](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2Fa%2Fa7%2FRauhhaariger_Pinscher%252C_illustration_from_Beckmann%252C_Geschichte_und_Beschreibung_der_Rassen_des_Hundes.jpg%2F960px-Rauhhaariger_Pinscher%252C_illustration_from_Beckmann%252C_Geschichte_und_Beschreibung_der_Rassen_des_Hundes.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Wire-haired Pinscher, illustration by Ludwig Beckmann [de] from his Geschichte und Beschreibung der Rassen des Hundes, 1895
Schnauzer of medium size, from W. E. Mason's work Dogs of All Nations (1915) prepared for the Panama–Pacific International Exposition
The black
Trainability
Responsiveness to training: —/5