| Height | 18.5-19.5 inches (male), 17.5-18.5 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 35-50 pounds (male), 30-45 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 13–16+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Fearless / Smart / Spirited [1] |
| AKC group | Working Group [1] |
| Origin | Germany [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 93 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Standard Schnauzers are an energetic breed. They love to play, both with their people and with other dogs. They insist on being included in family activities and don't do well left out alone or tied up in the yard. [1]
Grooming
Standard Schnauzers require regular grooming. Washing beards and leg furnishings, dental care, keeping foreign materials from between foot pads, and nail trims are weekly tasks. SS have a double coat; if the harsh, wiry outer coat is clippered instead of hand-stripped, it loses its dirt-, bramble-, and water resistance, which results in more dirt and shedding of hair in the house. [1]
Health issues to budget for
According to the health surveys the Standard Schnauzer Club of America does every five years, SS are a very healthy breed. SS are mostly free of many health concerns that affect other breeds. Breeders are conscientious about testing for health concerns such as hip dysplasia and eye disorders,and registering the results with the OFA at the University of Missouri. The new DNA test for cardiomyopathy (which in SS is a simple recessive) allows breeders to identify carriers and breed them to non-carriers so they can eliminate the expression of the disease in the breed. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Dilated Cardiomyopathy (Schnauzer) (DCM) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Standard Schnauzer in 1904. [1]
- It ranked No. 93 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 91 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Standard.” [1]
- The AKC lists Germany as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 1/5)
Common questions
How long do Standard Schnauzers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 13-16 years.
How big does a Standard Schnauzer get?
AKC breed information lists height 18.5-19.5 inches (male), 17.5-18.5 inches (female) and weight 35-50 pounds (male), 30-45 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Standard Schnauzer?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Standard Schnauzer, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.