Although there are no bad dogs in this world, it’s true that some suit certain households more than others. Schnauzers are no exception. So, why are Schnauzers the worst dogs for your household?
Well, for starters, they’re not big fans of children. They hate staying indoors, have tons of energy, and at the same time, they may not want to play with you. Their dominant nature may be exhibited in their vocal range and aggression.
Before we discuss these reasons in more detail, let’s talk about the origins of the Schnauzer.
Before scrolling down this article, “Why Schnauzers are the Worst Dogs,” check out: 7 Reasons Why Shih Tzus Are the Worst Dogs! (2023) and Why Pugs Are the Worst? (2023).
Origin of the Schnauzer Breed
The Schnauzer breed comes in three sizes: Miniature, Standard, and Giant. In this section, we’ll look at each of their origins separately.
Standard Schnauzer Breed
Since the Middle Ages, the Standard Schnauzer has been mentioned as the classic Schnauzer breed.
Schnauzers are adaptable in general. The Schnauzer was created to serve farmers with a variety of jobs, including ratting, herding, guarding, and hunting. Standard Schnauzers sprung from early European guarding and herding breeds.
They may have subsequently crossed with black Poodles and gray Wolfspitz to get the recognizable salt and pepper coloring that we now admire.
Wire-Haired Pinschers were the original name for modern Schnauzers. They weren’t given the name Schnauzers until the 19th century. At first, the German Pinscher and Standard Schnauzer were thought to be two different breeds, and even up until the late nineteenth century, they occasionally had littermates.
After World War I, when they served as dispatch dogs and assisted Red Cross aid workers, Standard Schnauzers gained increased notoriety. Following this, interest in this adaptable breed increased. They are no longer classified by breed as they formerly were.
They were first categorized by the AKC as a working breed until 1926, after which they were transferred to the Terrier category, where they remained until 1946. It seems that this amazing breed’s extreme flexibility makes it challenging to place them in a box.
Miniature Schnauzer Breed
The Miniature Schnauzer breed has been recognized since around the time when dogs were first classified into distinct breeds in 1899.
These were farm dogs that were ratter-bred from Standard Schnauzers. Although we cannot be positive about their ancestry, it is largely accepted that Standard Schnauzers, Affenpinschers, and Poodles were used in their breeding. In the initial years of their acknowledgment, confusion ruled. Even until the 1920s, several puppies from the same litter were recorded as Miniature Schnauzers and even Affenpinschers!
Miniature Schnauzers were constantly changing, both in appearance and temperament. Affenschnauzer was the name given to the Miniature Schnauzer by the Kennel Club in 1935, however, this shift was short-lived. The German Kennel Club was furious, and the next year the name was changed again to Miniature Schnauzer.
Before 1926, when they received the name we use today, the American Kennel Club initially recognized Miniature Schnauzers as Wirehaired Miniature Pinschers. For the Miniature Schnauzer, there is still a lot of ambiguity around dog breeds and their classification.
They are categorized as Terriers by the American Kennel Club, Utility by the UK Kennel Club, and Schnauzers and Pinschers by the FCI (World Kennel Organization).
The Miniature Schnauzers that we know, and love are excellent family dogs, regardless of how they reached there.
Giant Schnauzer Breed
Of all of our Schnauzer breeds, the magnificent Giant Schnauzer is by far the biggest. They exude an aura of regal authority, and to match their brilliance and stature, they need big occupations.
Giant Schnauzers were primarily developed at first to help farmers herd animals for sale. They are likely a cross between the Bouvier des Flandres, Great Dane, Sheepdog, and Standard Schnauzer.
The Giant Schnauzer and German Pinscher breeds were not clearly distinguished from one another, much like modern Standard Schnauzers and puppies from the same litter were given separate designations. A rule was put in place by the German Pinscher Schnauzer Club to promote breed distinctiveness.
As time went on, they took on guarding duties, safeguarding cattle, merchant merchandise, and even breweries. They eventually evolved into police dogs in the early 19th century, receiving their initial training in Berlin before emerging as the go-to choice for assisting law enforcement in many important German cities.
They served as messengers and defense dogs during both World Wars. The breed’s population reduction is believed to be impacted by its involvement with the military during WWI and II.
In 1930, the American Kennel Club granted the Giant Schnauzer its initial recognition. However, it was not until the 1960s that they began to gain popularity and attention, at which point the Giant Schnauzer Club of America was established. Because of their intelligence, they make excellent detection dogs and do well in speed and combat work.
They have gone by numerous names throughout the decades, just like the Miniature and Standard Schnauzers. They have also been known as Munich Schnauzers and, most frequently in their initial years, Munchener. Giant Schnauzers have a noticeable lack of accessible history, but these giants do not seem to care. They feel secure and at ease in their position both on this planet and in our hearts.
Reasons Why Schnauzers are the Worst Dogs
Below are some of the reasons why Schnauzers could be the worst dogs for your household.
1. They Aren’t Big Fans of Children
When you have young children, the breed of dog you choose needs to be suitable for them too. Schnauzers may not be your best option if you have kids in your home. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
2. They Dislike Spending Time Indoors
This breed may not be the best choice if you want a pet that will only live in your home. If your dog needs a lot of time outside, it can try to escape the house.
3. They are Not Compatible with Other Dogs
Any new family member must coexist with existing pets. Schnauzers may not be the best choice for you if you already own pets. If you regularly host visitors, this breed might not be the best option. They often become nervous around strangers and may bite or bark as a result.
4. They Don’t Like Playing
Despite having tons of energy, these dogs may not want to play with you for too long and prefer playing alone. If you need a dog that will play with you all day, consider another breed. They could get nervous during play and hide rather than enjoy themselves.
5. They Must Exercise a Lot
If you decide to have a Schnauzer, be ready to deal with their demanding exercise needs. These canines were initially farm dogs. They required a great deal of energy to do their various jobs. On top of being born to herd animals and watch over cattle, they also took care of rodents.
Schnauzers have developed incredibly high amounts of stamina as a result of the rigorous demands of their employment. That liveliness is still there, even if most pups are now merely cuddly pals. Schnauzers demand a lot of playtime and regular walks. Or else, they will start to cause damage.
These dogs are notorious for damaging furniture and causing chaos when overloaded with pent-up energy.
6. They Have a Great Vocal Range
Schnauzers have a great vocal range, and they love to flaunt it. This is a loud breed that seizes any opportunity to express itself. If they have to eat, go outdoors, or play, they will make sure that you know. Ignoring them will do no good since they will only continue to bark.
If you’re looking for a nice dog that is laid-back, cozy, and peaceful, Schnauzers are not the right breed for you. When adopting, be cautious to consider their barking propensities, as they may seriously disrupt the living environment in apartments or condos.
7. They are Difficult to Groom
Look somewhere else if owning a dog that is easy to maintain is vital. Schnauzers have difficult fur. It should still be treated carefully, even though it doesn’t shed as much as other dogs. The outer part of their hair is long and seems wiry. It must be regularly trimmed since it grows swiftly. But there’s more — Schnauzers frequently get difficult mats.
Most Schnauzer owners send their dogs to a qualified groomer every four to six weeks to avoid all of that. That may get pretty expensive. Even if you wish to handle your dog’s grooming, managing their fur will take away a huge chunk of your dog.
8. Schnauzers Can be Aggressive at Times
Schnauzers aren’t as ferocious or extremely aggressive as some other dogs. Nevertheless, they could turn violent toward you, your family, and other dogs. The issue is all their stored energy. Schnauzers require an outlet for their energy. Some of these dogs would rather use aggression than ruin your stuff.
These dogs are not the easiest to maintain in homes with plenty of animals. They might abruptly become aggressive, growling and showing teeth. You risk getting bitten if the situation gets out of control.
9. They are Obstinate and Have a Strong Will
If you haven’t trained a dog beforehand, prepare for an uphill battle while training a Schnauzer. People who have previously owned dogs shouldn’t experience any problems.
Schnauzers will try to push your buttons even though Huskies and Malamutes are far worse. They feel quite strongly about becoming independent. If you recoil, it could be challenging to express your authority. These dogs require a lot of manual effort to train.
Experienced owners can get there quickly since Schnauzers can pick up commands. Nevertheless, inexperienced dog owners might consider them challenging to handle.
10. They Have a Strong Prey Drive
Schnauzers were initially developed as sheepherders. You won’t be able to raise one of these dogs if you don’t want your pet to pursue small animals. These dogs are descendants of the Vallhund, a canine used to track down and kill native foxes in the Swiss mountains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Due to their intelligence and independence, Schnauzers can make obedience difficult. Expect a longer-than-normal training period for these often stubborn dogs.
Generally speaking, Schnauzers are not mean, but they can be protective — sometimes overly so.
Schnauzers typically enjoy the company of their “pack” rather than being glued to a single person.
Conclusion for “Why Schnauzers are the Worst Dogs”
The Schnauzer is an adorable and loved breed of dog. However, due to the reasons mentioned in this article, they may not be suitable pets for everyone depending on their household and circumstances.
Above all, make sure to do your research before you consider adopting a Schnauzer.
If you enjoyed this guide, “Why Schnauzers are the Worst Dogs,” you might also like:
- 7 Best Mini Schnauzer Rescues in the United States! (2023)
- 8 Best Miniature Schnauzer Rescues in the UK! (2022)
- 12 Best Miniature Schnauzer Breeders in the USA! (2023)
Learn more about this breed by watching “8 Things Only Miniature Schnauzer Dog Owners Understand” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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