Schnauzers are a small to medium breed of dog reigning from Germany notorious in the canine community. Although they may not be suitable for all pet owners, they are definitely loved by the schnauzer community.
Like any breed, you will find things that are great and not so great about it. As many pet owners know, it is essential to remember that not all dogs are the same just because of their breed.
At the end of the day, whether you are a schnauzer owner or looking to become one, learning the individual personality of your canine is the number one way to train them and have a good relationship.
Known for their bursts of energy and high stamina, these are common farm dogs you can expect to find roaming and running around as they love the outdoors. Although they have energy as natural farm dogs, they are not as wild as other breeds such as Jack Russell terriers. It is not uncommon to find schnauzers as show dogs.
Are you thinking of getting a schnauzer? Read below to learn about the best and worst qualities that make up this dog.
Why Schnauzers Are The Worst Dogs
Of course, with all of their upsides (discussed below) comes downsides as well. Some owners have found not-so-great experiences with owning a schnauzer. Schnauzers can require in-depth training and extreme patience, so they may not be for everyone.
Hefty Exercise Requirements
As mentioned earlier, schnauzers are farm dogs. This is the worst trait to have in a dog for some people due to their high energy demands. It is not uncommon to find your schnauzer easily energized or bored.
There have been many reports of schnauzers tearing up the home as puppies and older dogs when their owners leave home.
While they can usually be trained out of these behaviors, their energy still exists, and consistent walks and exercise are absolutely necessary for a schnauzer. This extra energy load can make schnauzers some of the worst dogs for living in small areas or inner cities.
Possibility of Aggression
Now to be fair, schnauzers may not have as much aggression as some of their terrier counterparts. But this doesn’t mean they aren’t aggressive dogs in general.
Their history and evolutionary breeding purposes cause them to have that extra energy that can sometimes be channeled into aggression, specifically against other dogs and animals.
If you are constantly facing aggression issues from your schnauzer, then we highly recommend you take a look at our 7-day series on how to correct every problematic behavior in 10 minutes.
Schnauzers are not an ideal breed to have around tons of other dogs. They often are guarded and can be territorial in the home against other breeds.
That could be one of the reasons why schnauzers growl so much. And this makes them one of the worst dog breeds to have.
They Bark…a Lot
So, this can really go either way. We mentioned earlier how schnauzers are pretty vocal dogs, so expect them to bark, whine and cry.
While some people appreciate this and they can make excellent guard dogs, people looking for a more relaxed, quiet, and temperamental dog should avoid this breed at all costs.
For one, apartment dwellers looking to avoid upsetting their neighbors should stray from having a Schnauzer.
Strong-willed
Although their intelligence can come in handy, this makes schnauzers also extremely strong-willed and stubborn. Once a schnauzer is trained, there can be a great relationship but getting to this level is often an uphill battle.
Schnauzers’ high energy, slightly aggressive nature, and strong-willed temperament make them harder dogs to train. These are one of the worst dogs for beginner owners who lack confidence. Schnauzers need an owner who can take charge as the alpha in the relationship.
Regular Grooming Needed
While the benefits of hypoallergenic dogs can be great, their fur also tends to require more maintenance than a typical canine.
Schnauzers are not a “wash and wear” dog but require standard grooming to keep fur from becoming knotted and matted about every 4-6 weeks.
For owners looking to get an easy-to-maintain breed and not have to invest a ton of time, money, or energy into the grooming upkeep, schnauzers are definitely a breed to avoid.
Why Schnauzers Are The Best Dogs
Schnauzers are actually very common outside of Germany, including other parts of Europe and across the US. They are number 18 on the most popular dogs list of America’s kennel club-and with that comes tons of owners that rave about owning a schnauzer.
These intelligent and determined dogs can be great guard dogs for your farm or family home as they are lively, always on the watch, and strong-minded.
Their Temperaments Are Friendlier Than Other Terriers
Due to their terrier origin, people who aren’t as familiar with Schnauzers may view that as overly aggressive, but Schnauzers are actually one of the less aggressive terrier dogs. They were not meant for burrowing as much as other terriers.
Of course, like all canines, they have their wild side, but overall, these guys know when to turn it off.
These dogs were historically bred as farm dogs. Mini ones were also born to be taken to the market and became much more domesticated.
Their versatile personalities make them one of the best breeds of dogs and definitely the best of the terrier family.
Hypoallergenic
An added benefit of these German canines is that their wired hair fur means they are hypoallergenic. Schnauzers are perfect for owners who want a pet but have a dog hair allergy.
Hypoallergenic dogs rarely ever shed, so this takes the fear of pet fur and dirt sticking to them, which causes allergies away. Schnauzers’ wiry hair also adds on a second protectant from dirt and dust.
Natural Rodent Hunter
The large and wide noses or “schnauzers” of these dogs are made for hunting rats and rodents. This is an interesting phenomenon because many owners can’t rely on their dogs to keep rats and mice out of the home.
Some owners even joke that having their Schnauzers are like having a cat. Their long noses and protective mustaches help to prevent rodent attacks and other pests from getting too close to their face and eyes.
They Love to Talk to Their Owners.
Schnauzers are extremely vocal dogs, and for some owners, this can be a great or terrible thing. Expect your schnauzer to be barkers, criers, and vocal in general.
These guys are a perfect match for owners looking for a guard dog or a true second member of the family. Owners who struggle to understand their pets’ behaviors may find Schnauzer’s lively communication helpful.
Of course, some people are looking for dogs that are quieter or made for residential areas. Those owners would be best to avoid getting a Schnauzer.
But for someone such as an older person looking for vocal guard dogs to always alert them when someone is around, these are some of the best breeds.
Two Sides to These Playful Pets
While most people see schnauzers as energetic, vocal, and aggressive, they have two sides to them, like many breeds. Schnauzer owners talk about how loving, calm, and tired their schnauzer gets in the evenings and when it is just the two of them.
Something warm gets sparked inside of us when we see pups chill out in the evening when they are sleeping next to us. Schnauzers are one of the best dogs to experience the best of both worlds when it comes to playtime and naptime!
Great Family Dog
Many owners report Schnauzers being protective, sweet, and a second sibling to their children. These dogs, to many people’s surprise, are actually great with children.
Their terrier nature provides a protector element that must apply to kids. Many owners report their schnauzers only getting aggressive in a preventable situation or if the dog feels threatened.
For example, a child getting close to the dog’s food bowl while it is eating may cause a schnauzer, or any dog for that matter, to snap out of defense – Not necessarily aggression.
Schnauzers are loyal dogs and, as mentioned above, pretty vocal. They will definitely be alerting you when someone is at the front door or if there is a family emergency in another room.
Should I Get a Schnauzer As a Pet?
If you have made it this far, you are probably contemplating whether you want to continue your search to bring a schnauzer into your family. Overall, schnauzers have upsides and downsides like any breed.
It’s important to know what kind of home you are bringing your schnauzer into and what type of dog lifestyle you are looking to support. It is unfair to bring a schnauzer into a home you know won’t support its lively personality.
Sometimes, owners bring dog breeds in the wrong environment and get upset when they don’t change or develop behavioral issues—the moral of the story: your environment matters.
If you live on a farm or have a large yard and want a family-friendly guard dog, then a schnauzer may be the perfect pet for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a laid-back city apartment dog, this may be a breed to avoid.