Schnauzer

[27] The breed is of above average intelligence and can be independent minded, so early training and diverse daily exercise are recommended.

[28] They are protective and energetic, and will alert members of the household to any potential danger, although its watchful nature can lead to persistent barking.

[29] To avoid annoying the neighbors, dog owners should make every effort to curb excessive barking through training.

Some owners shave their Schnauzers down the back while the hairs on their legs are kept long and curly, but this may change the coat colour, so show Schnauzers especially will have their back coat "stripped" by hand, to encourage the salt and pepper pattern to emerge.

It was traditional to have the tails docked and the ears cropped to give an alert appearance, but in many countries it is now illegal.

For working dogs that are ratters, these procedures don't give the rat anything to grab on to when being attacked and therefore cannot fight back.

A shaved pet will lose the wiry top coat and only exhibit the soft undercoat.