10 Amazing Things To Know About The German Pinscher VS Standard Schnauzer

Everyone needs a companion, and we humans are lucky we have dogs that are said to be ‘man’s best friend.’ But how will you know which breed is best for you? Here is a rundown of facts you should know when choosing between a German Pinscher Vs Standard Schnauzer. 

Standard Schnauzers and German Pinschers are medium-sized working dogs from Germany. Easy to train and intelligent, both historically used to serve as farm dogs, with the German Pinscher as rat hunters and the Standard Schnauzer as sheep or cattle herders. 

The two breeds are genetically close to each other and share a similar origin with Affenpinschers and other schnauzers. But despite their shared history and close relations, many factors come into play when choosing the breed that best suits their future fur-ever homes.

There are various things to consider when adopting or buying a German Pinscher or a Standard Schnauzer, from how much care they require to how compatible they are with children and other pets.  

German Pinscher Vs Standard Schnauzer

1. Appearance: German Pinscher Vs Standard Schnauzer

Easily identifiable with their uniquely elegant facial features, Standard Schnauzers are known for their noble-looking beard and arched eyebrows. Meanwhile, German Pinschers are characterized by their solid and square muscular build. And their attentiveness can also be seen in their alert eyes and elongated head. 

2. Color

The coat and fur of German Pinschers come in a variety of colors. Among these are red, a mix of red and black hairs called stag red, brown, black, and ‘Isabella’ or fawn. Standard Schnauzers sport fewer coat colors, as they only come in salt and pepper (black hairs intermingled with white) and pure black.  

3. Size 

A full-grown German Pinscher can range from around 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 25-45 pounds. On the other hand, the height and weight of Standard Schnauzers vary for male and female dogs.

A healthy female dog measures 17 to 19 inches and weighs between 30 to 45 pounds. And a male Standard Schnauzer has an average height of 19 to 20 inches and usually weighs 35 to 50 pounds. 

4. Working and High Energy: German Pinscher Vs Standard Schnauzer

Both German Pinschers and Standard Schnauzers require frequent exercise. They thrive on an active lifestyle that consists of training and daily walking. These high-energy breeds would appreciate a spacious yard for playtime.

They would appreciate it if you would take them out for regular walks. Beyond the physical benefits of regular exercise, constant activity also keeps them mentally stimulated. 

A bored German Pinscher can also become quite destructive. So, buying your puppy only one toy may not do the trick, as the breed is known for its ability to gut plushies at a high rate of speed. My German Pinscher Tucker is quite the toy destroyer, so, therefore, I must provide him with heavy-duty plushies.

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The German Pinscher also becomes very energetic when greeting family members and tends to jump in enthusiasm. Proper training at an early age can help them keep their four feet on the ground when welcoming people. 

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The GP and SS can still live comfortably in a city apartment- given the condition that you could walk them twice a day. A fenced yard is highly recommended for Standard Schnauzer owners as they have the Olympic capability of clearing a six-foot fence. Other recommended activities for a Standard Schnauzer include playing fetch, swimming, or hiking.

5. Grooming and maintenance of the German Pinscher Vs Standard Schnauzer

As elegant and aristocratic as the coat of a Standard Schnauzer may look, it also makes them harder to maintain. To avoid matting and tangling, the dog’s majestic coat requires daily thorough brushing, particularly on the beard and legs.

Their wiry double coat also must be hand-stripped every four to six months. If you wish to keep the coat trimmed short and their facial features in a distinct shape, you could take them to a professional groomer every six to eight weeks. Their beards also need constant cleaning after meals to avoid possible mess and dripping.

The short and shiny coat of German Pinschers requires minimal grooming. It is highly recommendable to brush their coat once a week (preferably with a rubber mitt or a natural bristle brush) to get rid of their shed hairs. And the rest is primary care, such as using mild soap for baths and regular clipping of nails around once a month. 

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6. Sociability with other pets: The German Pinscher Vs Standard Schnauzer

German Pinschers need exposure to different people and surroundings early to grow well. Having a strong prey drive and being used to hunting pests, rats, and moles, raising them in a house with smaller mammal pets is not advisable. 

Standard Schnauzers could develop a good relationship with other house pets, such as cats and dogs if they grew up with them. However, their rat-killing instinct is still strong so keep pet hamsters and mice safely away from your Standard Schnauzer. 

7. Trainability: German Pinscher Vs Standard Schnauzer

German Pinschers and Standard Schnauzers are highly intelligent breeds. However, they are also quite assertive and need early training to grow into well-behaved dogs. The stubbornness of a young Standard Schnauzer can lead to a challenge in house training this breed. Crate training may be necessary.

The German Pinscher requires a firm owner who is consistent and headstrong about training. They tend to become manipulative and determined, and you must remind them that you run the household, not them. This breed may be hard to handle for inexperienced and first-time owners.

Standard Schnauzers are exceptionally smart and could get bored with repetitive tasks. These companions love to work, especially if it means they get to serve their beloved household. These tasks include helping you in the yard or bringing you the mail. Talk about one intelligent dog! 

8. Life span: German Pinscher Vs Standard Schnauzer

The average lifespan of a healthy German Pinscher is around 12 – 14 years. And Standard Schnauzers have a longer lifespan of 13 – 16 years.

9. Standard Schnauzers are good with children

Standard Schnauzers are known to be trustworthy and affectionate companions of children. An intelligent and social dog, your Standard Schnauzer will grow to be an irreplaceable family member. They have a strong instinct to guard and look after their family. The Standard Schnauzer is a serious protector that will guard and protect its family from strangers.

On the other hand, German Pinschers may need early exposure to children to develop harmony with them. Their assertive temperament and abundant energy make German Pinschers best suited for families with older toddlers. In particular, households with children that are mature enough to be taught how to approach dogs properly. 

10. The world almost lost the German Pinscher to war.

We nearly lost the whole breed of Pinschers in both World Wars. We must thank Werner Jung for traveling across Germany in 1958 to seek surviving pinschers, eventually reviving the breed. He went as far as risking his life to smuggle a red pinscher to West Germany! Most pinschers nowadays are descendants of this line. 

The Standard Schnauzers experienced a whole different fate during the first world war. Having worked as part of the German army, Standard Schnauzers served as guard dogs and Red Cross dispatch carriers. Give your snappiest salute to our veterans!

These two breeds are great for those who can keep up with their playful and active lifestyle. They would appreciate an owner who can take them out for long runs and would exercise with them. If you belong to a family with kids and you’re looking for a trustworthy companion, the affectionate Standard Schnauzer would be the perfect new family member. But if the upkeep and constant grooming prove too challenging – the agile, attentive, and sporty German Pinscher may be the best companion of your life.