Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Schnauzer is a German working breed that developed in southern Germany in the 19th century, originating from wiry-coated Pinschers, stable dogs, and local guarding types. Initially, Schnauzers were used for protecting stables, accompanying carts, guarding property, and exterminating rodents. By the late 19th century, the breed had acquired its recognizable type with a harsh coat, characteristic beard and eyebrows, and a pronounced working temperament. The first standards were established by German kennel clubs, after which the Schnauzer spread widely across Europe. The breed became the foundation for the development of both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Giant Schnauzer, retaining versatility, endurance, and strong working qualities.
General Appearance
The Schnauzer is a sturdy, medium-sized dog of square format, harmoniously built and expressive. The body is dense and muscular, with a strong topline and a well-developed chest. The head is elongated and rectangular, with thick eyebrows and a harsh beard that emphasize breed type. The limbs are straight, strong, and provide stability along with free, energetic movement. The coat is harsh, dense, with a thick undercoat and characteristic trimming that creates a clean outline. The Schnauzer’s overall appearance expresses strength, endurance, balance, and a confident working temperament.
Important Proportions
The Schnauzer’s format is strictly square: height at the withers equals body length from shoulder joint to ischial tuberosity. Chest depth is approximately half the total height, providing endurance and proper volume. The head is proportional to the body, its length roughly half the back length, with a 1:1 ratio of skull to muzzle. The neck is of medium length, blending smoothly into the body and supporting a proud head carriage. The limbs are strong, straight, and well-angled, their length contributing to the square outline. All proportions aim to create a balanced, strong, and functional silhouette of a working dog.
Behavior and Temperament
The Schnauzer has a balanced, confident, and energetic character, combining high working ability with developed intelligence. Attentive and observant, it reacts quickly to its surroundings, making it a reliable guard and an excellent working partner. The dog is devoted to its family, friendly toward familiar people, yet cautious with strangers while maintaining a stable temperament without undue aggression. The Schnauzer learns easily, enjoys interaction, and requires regular mental and physical activity. Its behavior reflects courage, discipline, and natural independence, highlighting the breed’s versatility.
Head
The Schnauzer’s head is elongated, rectangular, dry, with clear expressive lines and a distinct breed structure. The skull is moderately broad and flat, without roundness, flowing into a strong, well-filled muzzle. The stop is defined but not abrupt. The muzzle is rectangular with a straight nasal bridge, accentuated by a thick beard. Lips are dry and tight with dark pigmentation. Jaws are strong, with a full set of teeth and a correct scissor bite. Cheeks are smooth and not protruding. The overall expression is alert, energetic, and confident, created by the geometric outline and characteristic breed details.
Facial Region
The facial region is clearly defined and clean, emphasizing strength and dryness of type. The muzzle is elongated and rectangular, well-filled under the eyes, neither narrow nor coarse. The nasal bridge is straight, with a black nose and well-opened nostrils. Lips are thin, dry, and tightly fitting. The chin is strong, highlighted by the thick beard that defines breed expression. Jaws are strong and symmetrical, providing a correct scissor bite. The area under the eyes is dry and well defined, without hollows or excess volume. The facial region must appear strict, expressive, and functional, reflecting the breed’s working background.
Eyes
The Schnauzer’s eyes are oval, of medium size, set straight and sufficiently deep, giving an expression of attentiveness, seriousness, and composure. Eye color is dark, harmonizing with overall pigmentation; light or protruding eyes are considered faults. Eyelids are tight, well pigmented, without sagging. The gaze is lively, intelligent, and alert, underscoring the dog’s working nature. Eyes must not be round, narrow, or slanted, as these distort proper expression and the characteristic strictness of the breed.
Ears
The ears are set high, V-shaped, of medium size. In natural form, they fold forward, lying close to the head and forming a neat triangular outline with tips pointing toward the temples. The cartilage must be firm, and the ears mobile, enhancing attentiveness and working expression. When alert, the ears lift slightly, intensifying the expression. In countries where cropping is permitted, cropped ears must stand upright and symmetrical. Oversized, heavy, widely set, or low-set ears are undesirable and disrupt breed type.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, dry, strong, and gracefully arched, enhancing the proud head carriage and working outline of the breed. Musculature is well developed but not coarse. The upper neck line is smooth, with a natural transition into the withers. The neck must be long enough to allow free movement and proper balance without appearing elongated or heavy. Skin fits tightly without folds or dewlap. Proper neck placement promotes stability, strength, and confidence, highlighting the dog’s energy and composure.
Body
The Schnauzer’s body is strong, compact, and harmoniously balanced, reflecting its working origins. The topline is straight and firm: the withers are moderately pronounced, flowing into a short, hard back. The loin is strong, slightly arched, muscular, giving an impression of power and stability. The chest is deep and oval, reaching the elbows, with moderately sprung ribs providing volume and endurance. The croup is short, slightly sloping, broad and powerful. The underline is slightly tucked up, emphasizing a dry, functional silhouette. The body must project strength, compactness, and working readiness without heaviness or looseness.
Tail
The tail is set high and carried in continuation of the topline, emphasizing the breed’s confidence and energy. In natural form it is straight or slightly sickle-shaped. During movement, the tail is active but must not be excessively raised or curled. The base is strong but not coarse, the hair coverage dense and even. In regions where docking is permitted, the tail may be shortened but must remain proportional and not distort the silhouette. Kinked tails, low set tails, overly short natural tails, or any faults disrupting balance are undesirable.
Forequarters
The forequarters are straight, strong, and parallel, with pronounced bone and dry musculature. Shoulder blades are long, well laid back, and close to the body, allowing wide and free reach. The upper arm is equal in length, forming the correct angle for stable, energetic movement. Elbows point straight back, not turned in or out. Forearms are vertical and strong. Pasterns are short, resilient, slightly springy. Feet are compact, round, tight, with strong pads and dark nails. The forequarters must demonstrate strength, stability, and working functionality.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are powerful, well-muscled, and harmoniously angled, providing a strong, springy drive and stability. Thighs are long and strong with dry musculature. Stifles are well formed with proper angulation, neither straight nor overly bent. Lower thighs are strong and parallel when viewed from behind. Hocks are low, firm, correctly aligned. Metatarsi are short and vertical. Feet are compact, tight, with strong pads and dark nails. The hindquarters must work in coordination with the forequarters, maintaining straight, powerful, enduring movement.
Gait / Movement
Movement is free, confident, and energetic, with a steady rhythm and good reach. Front and rear movement must be straight, without crossing, swinging, or cow-hocking. Forequarters provide a firm, adequate reach, while hindquarters deliver a strong, springy push, maintaining a stable tempo. The back remains firm even at increased speed. Gait must demonstrate strength, endurance, and working functionality. Short steps, weak drive, unsynchronized limbs, or deviations from straight movement are undesirable.
Coat
The coat is harsh, dense, and close-fitting, consisting of a coarse topcoat and a thick, soft undercoat. The topcoat must be straight, wiry, and resilient, without curliness or softness, creating the distinct “wire” texture. The body coat is even, forming a clean and structured outline. The muzzle carries thick eyebrows and a pronounced beard, emphasizing breed type. Leg furnishings are slightly longer but must remain dense and harsh. Proper hand-stripping is essential to maintain coat quality and working expression. Soft, silky, curly, or sparse coats are unacceptable.
Permissible Colors
Permissible colors include classic breed varieties, each of which must be clean, rich, and even. Primary colors are: salt-and-pepper, consisting of mixed dark and light hairs with clear pigmentation of mask, eyebrows, and beard; solid black, deep and uniform without lighter markings; black-and-silver, where the black base contrasts with sharply defined silver markings on the muzzle, chest, legs, and under the tail; and pure white with strong nose, eye rim, and lip pigmentation. Washed-out, brownish, bluish, spotted, or any non-standard colors are unacceptable.
Size
The Schnauzer is a medium-sized dog with strong bone and a balanced square outline. Ideal height at the withers is 45–50 cm for males and 43–48 cm for females, with overall harmony being most important. Weight typically ranges from 14 to 20 kg depending on sex and build. The dog must appear solid and muscular without heaviness or coarseness. Too small, fragile, overly massive, or elongated individuals deviate from breed type. Size must reflect strength, endurance, and working ability.
Faults
Faults include any deviations from breed type that impair balance, functionality, or expression. Weak pigmentation of the nose, eyelids, or lips; light or round eyes; oversized, soft, or low-set ears; insufficient chest depth; weak topline; loose body; insufficient bone; or crooked limbs are undesirable. Soft, sparse, curly, or silky coats violate required texture. Washed-out colors, weak markings, or an unclear mask are faults. Behavioral issues such as shyness, instability, or excessive excitability are undesirable.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include severe deviations that break breed type and functionality: pronounced aggression or fear; complete lack of nose pigmentation, pink or brown nose; overshot or undershot bite; multiple missing teeth; congenital skull or jaw deformities; light, blue, or odd-colored eyes; non-standard coat colors including brown, blue, or spotted patterns; weak or diluted pigmentation; soft, silky, curly, or sparse coat; and any significant structural defects impairing movement or stability. Such dogs must be excluded from breeding.
Important Notes
Evaluation must consider the overall impression of a balanced, strong, functional working dog. Minor deviations may be allowed if they do not affect health, movement stability, or breed expression. Special attention is given to coat texture, correct trimming, clarity of head lines, and body proportions. Temperament must be confident, steady, and energetic. Females may appear slightly lighter, which is acceptable. Any scars or evidence of medical procedures must be documented. Assessment must follow the classic working breed type.
Conclusion
The Schnauzer is a versatile working breed combining strength, endurance, a balanced temperament, and a distinct breed expression. Its appearance, movement, and behavior must demonstrate compactness, functionality, and confidence. Clear proportions, strong bone, a harsh coat, and the characteristic eyebrows and beard form the recognizable silhouette of the Schnauzer. Evaluation must emphasize overall balance and consistency with the breed’s historical purpose. The Schnauzer remains a reliable companion and working partner, preserving the natural courage, intelligence, and devotion that have earned the breed worldwide recognition.
