Why Schnauzers Are the Worst Dogs: Debunking Common Misconceptions

Dogs have been man's best friend for centuries, providing companionship, loyalty, and love. However, when it comes to individual preferences, not all breeds suit everyone's taste. 

Schnauzers: You either love them, or you hate them!

These dogs are one of the most popular breeds in the United States, consistently ranking in the top-20 list from the American Kennel Club.
There are three main types, Standard, Giant, and Miniature. A Standard Schnauzer stands about 1.5 feet (46 cm) tall at the shoulder and weighs between 30 and 45 pounds (14 and 20 kg). Miniature Schnauzers are the result of crossbreeding with Poodles and weigh between 14 and 20 pounds (6.4 and 9.1 kg). The Giant Schnauzer, on the other hand, weighs almost five times as much as the Miniature Schnauzer, between 55 and 80 pounds. 

In this article, we will discuss some common misconceptions surrounding Schnauzers and explore why they are unfairly labeled as the worst dogs. 

Why Schnauzers Are The Worst Dogs

1. Misconception: Schnauzers are aggressive and unpredictable

One of the most common misconceptions about Schnauzers is that they are inherently aggressive and unpredictable. But their behavior largely depends on how they are raised, socialized, and trained. Like any other dog breed, Schnauzers respond positively to consistent and positive reinforcement-based training methods. 

2. Misconception: Schnauzers are excessively noisy

Another stereotype surrounding Schnauzers is their reputation for excessive barking. While it is true that Schnauzers have a natural tendency that they are protective and energetic and will alert family members to any potential danger, their vigilance may result in persistent barking. To avoid disturbing neighbors, dog owners should make every effort to curb excessive barking through training. By providing Schnauzers with adequate mental and physical stimulation, they can become less prone to excessive barking and adapt to their surroundings.

3. Misconception: Schnauzers require extensive grooming

The Sheltie has a unique appearance with feathery eyebrows, whiskers and beard and possesses a double coat, which may lead some to believe that they require a lot of grooming. While it is true that the Sheltie requires regular grooming and occasional professional grooming, their maintenance is manageable with the right tools and techniques. Regular grooming helps maintain coat quality and prevents tangles. However, the Sheltie can also be groomed in a shorter "puppy cut" style, which greatly reduces the amount of grooming required.

4. Misconception: Schnauzers are difficult to train

Schnauzers are intelligent dogs known for their resourcefulness and eagerness to please their owners. While they may show a hint of stubbornness at times, it's not as bad as Huskies and Shelties. It can be overcome through consistent and positive reinforcement training methods. And it is recommended to start training at an early age, as according to the ranking methodology of the book "Dog Intelligence" (2006) by Stanley Coren, small dogs ranked 12th out of 140 breeds in 79 classes in terms of their ability to learn and obey new commands (i.e., Working and Obedience Intelligence). Early training and a varied exercise routine are therefore recommended. With patience, consistency, and positive rewards, the Schnauzer can be a highly trainable and obedient companion.

5. Misconception: Schnauzers are not good with children or other pets

Schnauzers are often perceived as being less tolerant of children and other pets. However, this misconception is not based on the true nature of the breed. Schnauzers were originally bred to catch rodents on farms. This strong prey drive is still present in modern dogs. But with proper socialization and supervision, Schnauzers can develop strong bonds with children and coexist peacefully with other pets.

How to Train a Schnauzer？

Training a Schnauzer, or any dog for that matter, requires consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience. 

• Begin by teaching your Schnauzer basic commands such as "sit," "stay," "down," and "come." Schnauzers respond well to positive reinforcement methods, so focus on rewarding desired behaviors. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats, praise, and rewards to motivate and encourage your dog during training sessions.
• Consistency is essential in dog training. Use the same commands and cues consistently, and establish a routine for training sessions. Keep the training sessions short and frequent to maintain your Schnauzer's attention and prevent boredom. Patience is key, as it may take time for your dog to understand and master new commands.
• Expose your Schnauzer to various people, animals, and environments from a young age. This will help them develop good social skills and reduce the likelihood of fear or aggression towards unfamiliar situations.
• If your Schnauzer exhibits unwanted behaviors such as jumping, barking excessively, or pulling on the leash, address these behaviors with positive training techniques. For example, if your Schnauzer jumps on people, teach them to sit instead and reward them for sitting calmly. Redirect their attention to appropriate behaviors and discourage the unwanted behavior without resorting to punishment.

 If you are a first-time dog owner or if you encounter difficulties in training your Schnauzer, you may consider enrolling in obedience classes or seeking help from a professional dog trainer.

FAQs

When Do Mini Schnauzers Stop Growing?

Miniature Schnauzers typically reach their full height and stop growing between 10 and 12 months of age. However, their overall physical development, including muscle mass and body structure, may continue to progress until they are around 18 months old. 

Do Schnauzers Shed?

Yes, but schnauzers are generally considered to be a low-shedding breed, making them a suitable choice for individuals who may have allergies or prefer a breed with minimal shedding.  Both Standard Schnauzers and Miniature Schnauzers have a double coat, which consists of a wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat. The wiry outer coat helps protect their skin and provides insulation, while the soft undercoat provides additional warmth.

Are Miniature Schnauzers Hypoallergenic?

As mentioned above, the reason Miniature Schnauzers are often considered hypoallergenic is because they have a low-shedding coat. They possess a wiry outer coat that doesn't shed excessively, which helps to minimize the amount of loose hair and dander that can trigger allergies. However, they still produce dander and allergenic proteins in their saliva, urine, and skin cells, which can potentially cause reactions in sensitive individuals.

Are Miniature Schnauzers Double Coated?

Yes, the Sheltie has a double coat. The top or guard hair is hard and waterproof, while the undercoat is soft. Shedding removes the undercoat and stimulates the hard topcoat to become fuller. They require brushing at least once a week to prevent matting and remove any loose or dead hair from their coat. Additionally, they may need professional grooming every few months to maintain their distinctive appearance.

How Many Puppies Do Miniature Schnauzers Have?

On average, Miniature Schnauzers typically have a litter size ranging from 3 to 8 puppies. 

Do Schnauzers Get Along with Cats?

Yes, early socialization is crucial for dogs to learn how to interact appropriately with other animals, including cats. If a Schnauzer is exposed to cats and other animals in a positive and controlled manner from a young age, they are more likely to develop a positive relationship with cats.

Remember, each dog and cat is unique, and their individual personalities and experiences will influence how well they get along. Some Schnauzers may develop a strong bond with their feline counterparts, while others may require more time and training to establish peaceful coexistence. Patience, supervision, and proper introductions are key to fostering a harmonious relationship between a Schnauzer and a cat.

How Much Do Giant Schnauzers Cost?

Giant Schnauzers are usually the most expensive of the three Schnauzer varieties. The price for a Giant Schnauzer puppy can range from $1,500 to $4,000 USD, with some high-end breeders charging even more.

The cost of a Miniature Schnauzer puppy can range from $500 to $3,000 USD.

The price for a Standard Schnauzer puppy typically falls within the range of $1,000 to $2,500 USD. 

Should I Get a Schnauzer As a Pet? 

The fact that you would ask such a question indicates that you may be considering whether or not you want to continue your search to bring a chenille into your home. Overall, the Schnauzer has pros and cons just like any breed.
With this article, hopefully you can get to know the Schnauzer properly and give it the right education and living environment.
If it is within your budget and you live on a farm or have a large yard and want a family-friendly watchdog, then a Schnauzer could be the perfect pet for you.

The original Schnauzer was the same size as the modern standard Schnauzer and was bred as a rat catcher and guard dog. The innate sensitive intuition may very well help you guard your yard.