The "standard" is a list of what the ideal miniature schnauzer should look like, act like and whose structure should resemble. This section may be of little consequence to you if you just want a pet....or is it?
I believe that you should at least, read the standard, to understand exactly what a miniature schnauzer is. A mini is not what your friends think it is, or an idea you may have conjured up in your own mind.
I remember hearing friends regale me with stories of beastly minis from their childhood. Minis that were nasty and hated children. That would bite your arm off, just as well as look at you. Minis that barked from sun up to sun down and who were constant whiners, as one of my dear friends conveyed to me when she heard that I had purchased my first mini years ago.
In fact, minis are quite loveable and are naturally protective of their owners. Or is it the other way around? They think we are the pets? Many of you who are presently owned by minis can relate to that statement, I'm sure!
As with any dog, minis can turn aggressive if not handled correctly, if not bred responsibly, and if not socialized properly. But that is another lesson on another page of this website.
The main reason for knowing whether or not your mini is within the standard is primarily for conformation exhibition (or show dog status). This standard has been painstakingly developed by our "forefathers" in the breed: Judges, breeders, owners, etc. This list gives us a model to emulate in our breeding programs. To decide which dog or bitch makes it to the show ring and which puppies makes it to the whelping box. It is a guide to help experts and novices alike, maintain the breed characteristics and hopefully better the breed through thoughtful pedigree analysis.
The standard is also relevant to the pet owner. It is with this list of guidelines that a prospective pet owner can understand what to look for. What colors are recognized as true colors, which temperment is acceptable, and what a mini actually looks like.
While the standard cannot guarantee your mini to be free from genetic diseases, it will help you discern what sometimes is passed off as a mini and what truly is a mini. It would be natural to assume that if a prospective pet owner were concerned enough to read and understand the standard, that this same person would also research any genetic defaults that may affect the breed as well.
If you are interested in other areas of competition such as agility or obedience, the standard can assist you in selecting a prospect that is structured correctly or has an agreeable temperment also. These are paramount when selecting an "active" dog and of even greater benefit than conformation exhibition. If you select a dog with poor physical structure, the dog may not be capable to perform the physical tasks demanded of it in agility. If the temperment is not correct, the dog may not be mentally able or willing to perform in obedience trials either.
So there are many reasons why the standard affects you. Just pick one, read the standard, and select the best possible mini for your lifestyle.
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