• Purpose: The AKC breed standard for the Standard Schnauzer guides judges in evaluating dogs at shows, defining ideal traits for conformation, temperament, and coat.
• Recommendation: Attend AKC dog shows to observe Standard Schnauzers, gaining insight into their temperament, coat, and conformation for a deeper breed understanding.
• General Appearance: Robust, medium-sized, sturdily built with strong muscle and bone; square proportion with body length equal to height at withers; rugged build with dense, wiry coat, highlighted by arched eyebrows, bristly mustache, and whiskers.
• Size: Ideal height at highest point of shoulder blades is 18.5–19.5 inches for males, 17.5–18.5 inches for females, ensuring a balanced, athletic frame.
• Head: Strong, rectangular, elongated, narrowing slightly from ears to eyes and to nose tip; head length approximately 1.5 times back length (withers to tail base); reflects dog’s sex and substance; alert, intelligent, spirited expression.
• Eyes: Medium-sized, dark brown, oval, forward-facing, neither round nor protruding; framed by arched, wiry brows that do not impair vision.
• Ears: Set high, evenly shaped, moderate leather thickness; erect when cropped or folding close to head when natural.
• Temperament: Highly developed senses, intelligent, trainable, fearless, enduring, and resilient to weather and illness; high-spirited yet reliable, requiring consistent leadership and socialization; excellent watchdog and companion.
• Coat: Tight, hard, wiry, with soft, dense undercoat and harsh outer coat; maintained natural through hand-stripping for shows or clipped for pets; minimal-shedding, suited for indoor living.
• Colors: Salt and pepper (banded black and white hairs, dark iron-gray to silver-gray) or solid black (small white chest spot permitted).