10 Reasons Why Schnauzers Are The Worst Dogs (2023)

If you have ever considered bringing a dog into your home, you may have heard that Schnauzers are not the best choice. 

They are often seen as mischievous, stubborn, and even a bit aggressive, leading some people to believe that they are the worst dogs to own. But is it really fair to call them the “worst” dogs? 

This blog will look closely at Schnauzers and why they are the worst dogs.

This article is based on personal opinions because we can’t say who decided why this dog breed is the worst. We believe the American Kennel Club cannot come up with such a list. 

However, please keep reading to know why they fall into the category of the worst breed. 

We were not trying to be judgemental, as individual dogs have pros and cons, but we gathered this information.

Read Also: Schnauzer Cairn Terrier Mix (Carnauzer): The Ultimate Guide

What is a Schnauzer?

These breeds have been around for centuries, originally bred as farm dogs in Germany. The Schnauzer is an excellent watchdog and guard dog, which makes them a popular choice for many households.

The Schnauzer is an iconic breed of dog that comes in three distinct sizes – Giant, Standard, and Miniature.

The Standard Schnauzer is the original and typically ranges from 16 to 19.5 inches in height. The Miniature Schnauzer is smaller and usually stands between 12 and 14 inches in height. Lastly, the Giant Schnauzer is the largest and tallest of the three, often growing up to 27 inches.

Read Also: 200 Giant Schnauzer Names For Male And Female Puppies

10 Reasons Why Schnauzers Are the Worst Dogs?

Are you considering getting a Schnauzer as a pet? Before making that final decision, you should be aware of some potential drawbacks of owning this dog breed. 

From high maintenance to being too suspicious of strangers, here are some reasons why Schnauzers might not be your best breed.

1. High-Maintenance

Schnauzers are a high-maintenance breed of dog that requires much care and attention. Schnauzers require a lot of grooming because of their wiry coats to stay healthy and look their best. 

They need to be brushed regularly, and their coats should be clipped at least once every six months. They also need to be bathed regularly, and their nails should be trimmed. 

This high-maintenance routine can be time-consuming and expensive, so it’s important to consider if you have the time and resources available to care for a Schnauzer properly.

2. Suspicious of Strangers

As earlier said, they’re very protective of their family and tend to be wary of anyone they don’t know. This can be a problem if you’re someone who likes to entertain guests or invite people over to your home. 

This means that if someone unfamiliar enters their home or yard, they may bark, growl, and even become aggressive. A Schnauzer’s temperament could make it difficult for you to socialize with others in your home.

3. Barks A Lot

Schnauzers are known for their loud barking, which can be especially annoying if your neighbors are nearby. While barking is natural for a dog, it can be annoying and disruptive, especially if your Schnauzer barks at all hours of the day and night. 

A Schnauzer is not your best choice if you live in a densely populated area or have close neighbors. As a dog owner, this might be a total turn-off. 

However, if your purpose of getting this breed is to guard over your livestock, then a Schnauzer might be the best dog.

4. Finding Good Schnauzer Breeders can be challenging.

Another reason Schnauzers are among the worst dogs to own is the need for good breeders. It can be hard to identify a reliable and ethical breeder who takes proper care of their dogs and follows best practices regarding breeding. 

This means that if you do decide to get a Schnauzer, there’s a good chance you’ll end up with one that isn’t healthy or well-socialized.

Read Also: Schnauzer Lab Mix: Everything You Need To Know

5. They have a stubborn Temperament.

Schnauzers can be very territorial and aggressive, although they have a friendlier temperament than terriers. They can become aggressive when they feel threatened. 

This breed is not one to be taken lightly, as their stubborn nature can cause them to be unresponsive to commands and even aggressive toward other animals. 

Their stubbornness can also affect their behavior, as they may refuse to obey commands or even ignore their owners. This can lead to dangerous situations.

This means they are not better choices for families with small children or other pets. 

6. Schnauzers tend to Chase Small Animals (High Prey Drive)

Unfortunately, Schnauzers have a tendency to be overly excited when they see small animals. Schnauzers have strong instincts to chase small animals. 

This can be a problem when they encounter cats, rodents, squirrels, or other small creatures. If you have a Schnauzer and don’t want it to chase small animals, you’ll have to train it properly and keep an eye on it when it’s outside. 

7. They are susceptible to Health Issues.

Schnauzers are susceptible to various health issues. These can range from dental diseases and ear infections to hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. 

These conditions can be painful and hard to manage, requiring regular veterinary care and attention. This can be an expensive and time-consuming affair for owners and is not a responsibility that should be taken lightly.

8. They are prone to separation anxiety.

When a Schnauzer is separated from its owner, it can act out in destructive ways. 

Separation anxiety is a behavioral disorder that causes a dog to become excessively anxious when left alone. 

In extreme cases, it can lead to the destruction of property, barking, and howling. Dogs suffering from anxiety often turn to destructive behaviors to cope with being alone.

Miniature schnauzers are particularly prone to separation anxiety, as they are a very people-oriented breed.

This is especially true for miniature schnauzers, as their small size means they cannot cope with being left alone for long periods.

9. Schnauzers Need A lot of Exercise.

Schnauzers are active and high-energy dogs that need lots of exercise to stay healthy and happy. 

These dogs were originally bred for herding and are still happiest when they have plenty of opportunities to run and play. Without proper exercise, they may become restless. 

If you don’t have the time or energy to take your Schnauzer for long walks or engage them in active play, you may opt for a less active breed.

10. They are independent dogs.

They are very independent, so they are less eager to please their owners than other breeds. This can make them difficult to train and control, as they may only sometimes obey commands. 

Additionally, they may not be as affectionate or loyal as some other breeds, making them difficult to bond with.

Related Questions

How to know if a Schnauzer dog is right for you?

If you’re considering getting a Schnauzer, several factors must be considered before making a decision. 

First, determine if you are ready to commit to the time and energy of having a pet.

Additionally, they can sometimes exhibit aggressive behavior or bark excessively due to their herding instincts. Knowing what kind of temperament your Schnauzer may have is important in understanding whether it is right for you.

Researching different schnauzer breeds and talking to experts or owners can help you learn more about the breed’s characteristics and needs. Ultimately, having a schnauzer should be an enjoyable experience.

Are Miniature Schnauzers Easy To Train?

Absolutely! Miniature Schnauzers are arguably one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs out there, which makes them easy to train. 

With the right guidance and consistency, a Miniature Schnauzer can learn commands quickly and be well-mannered in no time.

That said, it’s also important to note that Miniature Schnauzers can have a stubborn side, particularly if they don’t feel comfortable with their training routine. 

It’s important to stay consistent and patient and reward them when they do the right thing. This will help them stay motivated and focused on their training.

When it comes to finding the right training techniques, it’s best that Experienced dog handlers handle miniature Schnauzers.

Are Miniature Schnauzers Good With Children?

A Miniature Schnauzer could be the breed if you’re looking for a four-legged companion that loves kids. Miniature Schnauzers are known for being good with children and generally very patient, gentle, and keen to play with them. 

However, it’s important to keep in mind that, like any other dog, Miniature Schnauzers should always be supervised around young children. 

This is especially true if you have a puppy, as they may not be as aware of their size and can accidentally hurt younger kids while playing. Miniature Schnauzers are known to chase after small children, so keeping them under control is important. 

What is the life expectancy of a Schnauzer?

Generally speaking, the Standard Schnauzers tend to live the longest, with an average lifespan of 13-16 years, followed by Miniature Schnauzers at 12-14 years and Giant Schnauzers at 10-12 years.

It is important to note that these are just averages and that the actual lifespan of your Schnauzer could vary depending on various factors, including diet, exercise, medical care, and genetics.

Are Schnauzers hypoallergenic?

Yes! Schnauzers, which include miniature, standard, and giant varieties, are hypoallergenic and don’t shed.

This makes them a great choice for those who suffer from allergies or asthma, and they can even be a good choice for those who live in homes with other members who suffer from allergies or asthma. 

Additionally, because they don’t shed, Schnauzers make great pets for those who have allergies to pet dander.

Conclusion: Why Schnauzers Are The Worst Dogs

Now you know why Schnauzers are the worst dogs. They require plenty of exercise, stimulation, and training to remain happy and well-behaved. 

While they may not be the ideal pet for everyone, those willing to put in the time and effort to properly train and care for them can find Schnauzers to be loyal and loving companions.