Are Schnauzers Hypoallergenic?
Yes! The Schnauzer is a hypoallergenic dog breed that hardly sheds or drools.
As soon as you saw the Schnauzer, you probably fell in love with its handsome, distinctive demeanor. Then you may have wondered “are Schnauzers hypoallergenic dogs?”. Luckily for those dog lovers who suffer from allergies, this adorable breed is indeed an ideal candidate for those who need a low dander, low shedding, and low slobber option. These are the three factors that help to determine if a dog is truly a good fit for people who are allergic to dogs.
There are plenty of great aspects about the Schnauzer, no matter what size you are looking at adding to your family. First, they are great with children. Secondly, the Schnauzer actually does fairly well as an apartment dwelling dog – even the giant version – as long as they are given plenty of time to exercise and get fresh air on a daily basis. Additionally, this breed doesn’t bark randomly or without reason, making it a favorite for your neighbors as well.
For a quick summary of the Schnauzer breed features, skip to our Schnauzer Dog Breed Summary further down the page.
Schnauzer Quick Facts
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Hypoallergenic Dog: Yes! |
Shedding: Non-shedding | Drooling: Low |
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Size: Miniature, Standard, Giant |
Breed Group: Terrier |
Lifespan: 12 – 16 years |
| Energy Level: Medium | Trainability: High |
Family Dog: Yes! |
About the Breed
The Schnauzer’s Characteristics and Appearance
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The Schnauzer is currently the 10th most popular breed in the world, with nearly 100,000 individual dogs registered. There are three different sizes of the breed for aspiring owners to choose from.
The miniature Schnauzer generally weighs between 14 and 20 pounds, and grows to be about 11 inches tall. The Standard Schnauzer weighs between 30 and 45 pounds, and is about 18 inches tall. Finally, the Giant Schnauzer sits at about 24 inches tall, and can weigh between 55 and 80 pounds.
Schnauzers come in a variety of different colors: black, white, silver, and salt and pepper. They have a thick, wiry coat of hair. This particular feature is what makes the Schnauzer hypoallergenic. Because they have non-shedding coats, you won’t find Schnauzer hair (and dander with it) all over your home – they keep their hair to themselves! These amazing dogs have good longevity if properly taken care of, and generally live between 13 and 16 years.
As you might have guessed, the Schnauzer originated in Germany. This makes them different than many other terrier breeds, as many terriers originated from the British Isles. This breed is known as the Little Beard, obviously due to the adorable facial hair that they are so well known for. Whiskers were incredibly important for working Schnauzers, as they protected their face from getting bitten from the prey they were hunting.
These dogs first came to the United States from Germany in the early 20th century with immigrants that couldn’t bear to leave their beloved family pets behind. Although, this dog is extremely devoted to its entire family, so it is possible that it refused to be left behind as well.
Schnauzer Temperament
Schnauzers are loyal, spirited, extroverted, active, fearless, playful, intelligent, and highly trainable dogs. They are friendly and devoted to their families, and their good nature makes them ideal with young children. Their naturally protective instinct makes them loyal family pets and good watchdogs. While there are many commonalities between the temperament of the various schnauzer sizes, their size also has some influence on their personality.
Exercise & Training
Avoiding Behavioral Problems With Your Schnauzer
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The Schnauzer is a very smart dog. In fact, they are well known for their intelligence. Their smarts make this breed fairly easy to train in basic commands and tricks, though some dogs have a stubborn streak and need a slightly firmer hand during training.
There are a couple of different concerns that you should take into account prior to bringing a Schnauzer into the mix. The first is that Schnauzers, though they are generally independent dogs, can have separation anxiety issues. It is important to consider the amount of time you are realistically able to give this dog prior to bringing one home.
Schnauzers are protective by nature, which makes them great watchdogs, but also means they will bark often to warn. Training them from young to control their barking is very important with Schnauzers, particularly Miniature Schnauzers, who have a
Exercise Needs
It is important to note that Schnauzers are an active dog which needs at least one hour of walking and exercise per day. Thankfully, Schnauzers enjoy many forms of exercise, including swimming, playing fetch, and accompanying their owners on long hikes, short bike rides, or gentle jogs.
Grooming and Care
Maintaining Your Schnauzer’s Coat
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While the hypoallergenic Schnauzers are great for those suffering from allergies, their prospective owners should note that they do have some grooming needs. It is important to take the time to brush your Schnauzer daily. Baths are required at least once a month, but more often if your dog suffers from skin conditions or just loves to play in the mud on your daily walks.
Additionally, it is important to keep a close eye on your Schnauzers nails, skin, ears, and teeth to head off any small ailments before they turn into much bigger problems.
Health
Potential Schnauzer Health Issues
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There are a couple of health concerns that should be taken into consideration. Schnauzers, particularly the miniature kind, have a tendency to develop Urolithiasis, which are stones in the kidneys or bladder.
Additionally, Schnauzers also tend to develop an ailment known as Legge-Perthes Disease. Also known as Legge-Calve-Perthes Disease, or LCPD. This disease affects the top of the femur, which in turn can cause issues with hip and joint pain. There is no full understanding of what causes this disease, though it is thought to have to do with blood flow issues. Treatment of this disease consists of surgery, pain management, and regular physical therapy.
Standard Schnauzers are rare and suffer few health issues. However, miniature Schnauzers are known to be susceptible to eye problems, heart disease, and dental disease. Hormonal diseases such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease have been noted in this breed as well. Many hereditary diseases can be avoided by selecting your Schnauzer from a reputable breeder! Also, maintaining your pet’s weight and providing them with good quality dog food and plenty of exercise can greatly reduce their risk of developing disorders and diseases!
Schnauzer Health Problems
Condition |
Symptoms |
Treatment |
Prevention |
| Cataracts | A bluish, white, or gray layer in the eye. A sudden reluctance to jump on furniture or climb stairs. Clumsiness. Eye redness/irritation, blinking or discharge. Rubbing or scratching of the eyes. |
Surgery (often not necessary) | Diabetes is the main cause of cataracts in dogs, so maintain a healthy weight and well-exercised lifestyle for your dog |
| Entropion | Excess Tears Inner Eye Inflammation Eye Tics Discharge of pus from the eye Eye inflammation Ruptured Cornea |
Surgery Treatment of underlying ailments |
Select the dog from a reputable breeder Always bring your dog to the vet to treat eye infections |
| Glaucoma | Blinking of the eye The eyeball may recede back into the head Redness in the whites of eyes Cloudy appearance at front of the eye Dilated pupil – or pupil does not respond to light Vision loss |
Medication | Avoid the use of tight collars Provide good quality food, supplemental antioxidants (Vitamins E, C, beta-carotene, lutein, astaxanthin, and rutin) may help prevent glaucoma.Take your dog for regular eye exams |
| Legg-Perthes Disease | In the hind leg dogs may experience : inflammation stiffness pain inability to move or walk Muscle atrophy |
Medication Surgery Physical Therapy |
Affected dogs should not be bred |
| Skin allergies | Redness Irritation Itching Hair Loss |
Medication Reducing environmental triggers |
Wash your dog regularly with dog shampoo that reduces itching and irritation |
| Kidney Stones | blood in urine vomiting recurrent urinary tract infections painful, difficult urination frequent urination, but in small amounts |
Medication | Be sure your dog has access to, and is drinking plenty of water.
Feed your dog good quality dog food. Ask your vet about giving your dog supplements. |
| Pancreatitis | Loss of appetite Vomiting Tummy pain A fever or low body temperature Diarrhea Lethargy Difficulty breathing Dehydration Irregular heartbeat |
Prescription dog food Treatment of underlying ailments |
Feed your dog good quality dog food.
Maintain a healthy weight. Especially do not let your dog become overweight. |
| Myotonia Congenita | Voice change Muscle stiffness Difficulty breathing Difficulty rising or moving Difficulty swallowing Regurgitation, especially after eating Tongue may protrude from mouth |
There is no cure for this disease, however certain medications can make symptoms more manageable. | Choose a dog from a reputable breeder whose dogs have no history of Myotonia Congenita. |
| Progressive Renal Atrophy | Night blindness that progresses to blindness in light as well. Dilated pupils. Inability to see clearly in bright light. The pupil (opening of the eye) has abnormal reactions to light. |
None | The puppy’s parents should be screened for PRA. Infected dogs should be registered with the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) and should not be bred. |
| Hypothyroidism | Lethargy Generalized weakness Inactivity Mental dullness Unexplained weight gain Hair loss (alopecia) Excessive hair shedding |
Lifelong oral replacement hormone administered at home by owner | Maintain overall health of the dog with frequent vet visits |
| Retinal Dysplasia | Bumping into things Reluctance to jump down Reluctance to maneuver stairs Difficulty recognizing people Color changes in the eye Behavioral changes |
None | Affected dogs should not be bred. Parent dogs should have an eye clearance from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation |
| Cushing’s Disease: More common in older dogs |
Increased thirst urination or appetite. Reduced activity excessive panting hair loss recurrent skin infections potbelly. |
Surgery Medication |
Maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle for your dog.
Avoid using cortisol-boosting medications unless necessary (ie: prednisone, dexamethasone, prednisolone) Select your dog from a breeder whose dogs have no recent history of Cushing’s Disease. |
| Pulmonic Stenosis | Abdominal distention Difficulty breathing Inability to exercise normally |
Balloon catheter dilation Surgery Long-term treatment, including eliminating stress from the environment. |
This disease is present at birth. Before you purchase your puppy, be sure that they have had their health checked by a vet. |
| Sick Sinus Syndrome | Weakness Fainting Fatigue Collapse Seizure Abnormally fast or slow heart rate (Rare) sudden death |
Only dogs that show clinical symptoms need to be treated.
Surgical implantation of a pacemaker. |
Causes are unknown but the condition may be genetic.
Select your dog from a reputable breeder. |
| Mitral Valve Insufficiency ( a form of heart disease ) |
Earliest sign is a heart murmur.
Symptoms are not obvious, dogs may appear to be “slowing down” from age. Therefore all heart murmurs should be treated with caution and testing. Symptoms include : |
Medication | Regular exercise Healthy DietOral Hygiene : Small dogs often suffer dental diseases that can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream and infect the heart. |
Conclusion
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The Schnauzer, an incredibly family friendly and adorable dog, is an awesome choice for those who are looking for a small, medium, or large hypoallergenic terrier-type dog. There are a couple of drawbacks of this breed that should be considered, but overall, the Schnauzer is a fantastic option for families or single folks who are looking for an active breed to be a loyal companion.
Schnauzer FAQ
Are Schnauzers Good Apartment Dogs?
Miniature Schnauzers make great apartment dogs, as long as you give them enough exercise each day.
Are Schnauzers Good With Kids?
Schnauzers make good family dogs.
Do Schnauzers Shed?
Schnauzers, like many other terrier breeds, have wire coats. These coats are non-shedding and low maintenance.
Are Schnauzers Terriers?
Yes! Schnauzer dogs are in the Terrier Breed Group.
Are Schnauzers Smart?
Yes! Schnauzers are highly intelligent dogs.
Are Schnauzers Easy To Train?
Schnauzers are relatively easy to train because they are smart, but they can also be a little stubborn and determined. Establishing yourself as the alpha dog from the outset will help in training your schnauzer puppy.
Schnauzer Facts Summary
| Breed | Schnauzer |
| Other Names? | Little Beard, Zwergschnauzer (meaning Dwarf Schnauzer). |
| Height | Miniature Schnauzer: 12 – 14 in./ 31 – 36 cm, Standard Schnauzer: 17.5 – 19.5 in./ 44 – 50 cm, Giant Schnauzer: 23.5 – 27.5 in./ 60 – 70 cm |
| Weight | Miniature Schnauzer: 11 – 20 lbs / 5 – 9 kg, Standard Schnauzer: 30 – 50 lbs / 13.5 – 23 kg, Giant Schnauzer: 55 – 85 lbs / 25 – 39 cm |
| Lifespan | Miniature Schnauzer: 12 – 15 years, Standard Schnauzer: 13 – 16 years, Giant Schnauzer: 12 – 15 years |
| Temperament | Intelligent, fearless, spirited, obedient, friendly, and alert. |
| Colours | Black, White, Black & Silver, Salt & Pepper |
| Coat – describe the coat | Hard, wirey coat |
| How much grooming? | High maintenance, daily brushing required |
| How much shedding | Non-Shedding |
| Dander levels | Low dander level |
| Saliva – Do they Drool or Lick much? | Low |
| Energy levels | High-energy dog |
| How much exercise do they need? | 40 – 60 minutes of daily exercise
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| Health problems | Cataracts, Entropion, Glaucoma, Legg-Perthes Disease, Skin allergies, Kidney Stones, Pancreatitis, Myotonia Congenita, Progressive Renal Atrophy, Hypothyroidism, Retinal Dysplasia, Cushing’s Disease, Pulmonic Stenosis, Sick Sinus Syndrome, Mitral Valve Insufficiency |
| Good for apartment? | Good for apartments if exercised properly |
| Suitable for kids? | Kid friendly |
| How much do they bark? | Generally don’t bark without good reason |
| Can they be left alone? | Not very tolerant of being left alone, but better than some breeds. |
| Intelligent? | Highly intelligent |
| Trainable? | Yes, but stubborn |
| How popular as a pet? | Fairly popular |
| Any other important facts? | The Schnauzer looks similar to the Scottish Terrier, but this dog was bred in Germany. They were originally called Wirehaired Pinschers, and they make excellent guard dogs. |
