Are Schnauzers Good With Kids?

According to the American Kennel Club, Schnauzers are good with kids and great for families who are looking for a family pet. On a scale of 1-5, one being the worst and five being the best, Schnauzers scored a five in the two following categories; affectionate with family and good with children. Let's take a deeper look into why a Schnauzer could be a good fit for you and your family.

Breed Specifications

The Schnauzer breed is dated back to the 15th century and was originally bred as a farm animal in Germany. Schnauzers are identified as having a wiry and ‘salt and pepper' coat with arched eyebrows and bristly whiskers. The Standard Schnauzer was said to be a perfect size because it was small enough to fit in the farmer's cart but big enough to serve as a guard dog. The Standard Schnauzer, which we will look at today, is a medium-sized dog that can weigh between 35 and 45 pounds. The Miniature Schnauzer is a smaller-sized dog that can weigh between 10 and 20 pounds. The Giant Schnauzer is a larger-sized dog that can weigh between 55 and 85 pounds.

Great for All Ages

Many people love Schnauzers because they are great companions who connect to the whole family rather than just one person. They have a pack mentality and love every family member alike. They are very playful which children love but they are also tolerant making them the perfect family dog.

How to Care for a Schnauzer

Exercise

The Standard Schnauzer loves to play with kids as they are an energetic breed. They are playful and love being a part of family activities, they never want to be left out. They are great at sports like agility, hunting, and herding. Sometimes the Schnauzer's herding instincts can kick in when playing with kids in the yard. But no need to fear, this can be trained away very easily.

Grooming

The Standard Schnauzer does require regular grooming. They have a double coat that requires the outer wiry coat to be clipped otherwise it can lose its dirt, bramble, and water resistance which can lead to more dirt and shedding in the house. Clippering also helps keep the coat soft and can also lighten the color of the coat. Once properly groomed, it can be maintained for a long period of time with regular brushing. This is a great task to pass off to kids who are of age.

Health

Standard Schnauzers are free of most health concerns that can seriously affect other breeds. Breeders do a lot of testing to make sure their dogs won't suffer from hip, eye, or heart disorders so they can live a long and healthy life. They have a life expectancy of 13-16 years making them a great family dog so kids can have their childhood pet for a large portion of their life.

Training

Schnauzers are very intelligent and can understand a command after very few repetitions, a great trait to have so the whole family can train the dog! A common problem with this breed is actually over-training as it can get bored quickly with too many repetitions. If not trained by their owner, Schnauzers will learn on their own but it might not be what the owners prefer their dog to know.

Nutrition

The Standard Schnauzer does well on quality commercially manufactured food or a homemade diet (under veterinarian supervision). This diet is good for any age but it is important to keep an eye on caloric intake as some dogs can be prone to becoming overweight. If you notice your dog is gaining too much weight, check with family members that they are not overfeeding with treats. It is also very important to know what human foods are safe and toxic for dogs. Dogs have a different digestive system than we do and often human foods can't be properly digested by dogs. Toxic foods can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and other conditions that can become more severe. See some tips on what to do and what not to do when treating your dog with human food.

Fun Facts About Schnauzers

“Schnauzer” originates from the German word “schnauze,” which translates to snout or muzzle. They carried out many tasks to help German farmers guard their livestock, hunt vermin, and protect their owners as they traveled to and from the market. The Schnauzer also found themselves useful during World War I in the German Army as guard dogs.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/TaynaPanova.