Right off the bat, let’s start by saying Schnauzers are NOT the worst dogs. They could even be the best dogs for you. The truth is there are pros and cons to every dog breed. It’s just a question of finding the dog breed that’s right for your family and lifestyle.
With that said, the fact that you are reading “Why Schnauzers are the worst dogs” means you’ve heard some bad things about this breed. So, let’s set the record straight today. Here’s what Schnauzers are really like and why they have somewhat of a bad rep.
Schnauzers come in three sizes – Miniature Schnauzers, Standard Schnauzers, and Giant Schnauzers.
There are pros and cons of getting a big dog versus small dog. Nonetheless, the Miniature Schnauzer is the most popular size and is in high demand as a family dog. The reason is simple. Mini Schnauzers are super friendly. But they do have a bad reputation for being “too friendly” to the point of being frantic, hyper, and even overwhelming for new dog parents.
If your family has the energy to keep up with a Schnauzer, this dog could be the perfect pet for you. What’s more, Mini Schnauzers make excellent cuddlers and are super cute.
Caring for a dog is a big commitment. One of the things people look for when choosing a dog breed is how much the dog is likely to shed. Popular breeds like the German Shepherd Dog, Golden Retriever, Rottweiler, St. Bernard, and Labrador Retriever actually shed a fair bit. This means you might need to pull out the vacuum every day or two.
The good news is that Schnauzers don’t shed, AT ALL. This makes Schnauzers excellent pets for people with allergies. It is truly a hypoallergenic breed. In general, Schnauzers are a great choice for families who are looking for low maintenance dog breeds.
Keep in mind though that a Schnauzer’s coat needs to be brushed 3-4 times a week to stay matt-free. You will need to make a time commitment to grooming. On the other hand, their wiry top coat and dense undercoat does not get dirty easily, so a few baths a year are all that are needed.
Many people believe Schnauzers are loud and noisy. There is some truth to this statement. Even a Mini Schnauzer can have a bark that’s loud enough to match his giant cousins.
A Schnauzer will bark for the smallest of reasons – because he saw a squirrel in the yard, because his water bowl is empty, because you’re not giving him attention, because he doesn’t like the song on the radio, or for no reason at all.
If you live in an apartment block with neighbors in close proximity or you simply like your peace and quiet, a Schnauzer may not be the best choice of dog breed for your family.
Schnauzers were bred to be working farm dogs where they were trained to hunt down rodents, vermin, and pests. This behavior persists in Schnauzers who live in modern-day urban homes. If you have a Schnauzer as a pet, expect her to be a confident and brave hunter. Little furry creatures won’t stand a chance. The good news is that if you have an infestation, you might save some money on exterminators.
Some dog breeds, such as Rottweilers, German Shepherd Dogs, Pitbulls, and Bulldogs have a reputation of being aggressive. Schnauzers, which are a German breed, are sometimes included in the list of most aggressive dogs.
The truth is that a properly trained and socialized dog, no matter what the breed, is unlikely to be aggressive without reason. Sometimes, a Schnauzer’s growling is mistaken as aggressiveness, but the dog is simply being territorial, which is her inherent nature.
As long as you give your Schnauzer the proper training and socialization during puppyhood, she should grow up into a well-adjusted adult who isn’t overly aggressive.
Schnauzers have a bad rep of being stubborn in temperament. This is not necessarily true. Sometimes, a Schnauzer is simply too intelligent for his own good. He tries to use his intelligence to manipulate you and this is mistaken as being stubborn. A well-trained Schnauzer is less likely to show these personality traits. However, this breed may not be the best choice for first-time dog parents, given the boundless energy and somewhat challenging training.
Like all dog breeds, Schnauzers can develop certain health problems. Specifically, Schnauzers are prone to a serious genetic muscle condition called myotonia congenita that can leave them immobile. Choosing a Schnauzer breeder carefully can go a long way in bringing home a healthy puppy. The best Schnauzer breeders have the sire and dam genetically tested to reduce the risk of serious health problems in the litter.
While Schnauzers are popular in their native country of Germany, it can be somewhat difficult to find Schnauzer breeders in the US. Puppy Hero makes it easy to find reputable and responsible Schnauzer breeders in your state who follow ethical breeding practices. We pre-screen all breeders to ensure you have the best chance of bringing home a happy, healthy Schnauzer puppy.
13 December, 2022