Russian Bear Schnauzer

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Former Soviet Union
MOST SUITED AS Watchdog, guard-dog, and family pet.

SIZE
The shoulder-height is 66 - 72cm (26 - 281/2in) for dogs and 64 - 70cm (251/2- 271/2in) for bitches.

COAT
The breed has a thick under-layer to the upper rough-haired coat. Their colours are plain black, or black with some grey mixed in.

CARE REQUIRED
The coat requires plucking about two to three times each year. This is necessary to maintain a good tough coat. Between these occasions the excess hair in the ears and between the pads of the feet should be trimmed. Comb the beard and moustache regularly to prevent tangles.

CHARACTER
This dog is vigilant and protective without bar­king greatly, quiet in the house, intelligent, cun­ning, obedient, loyal to its handler and family, and sober. Russian Schnauzers like to show their own initiative.

TRAINING
This interesting breed likes to work and quick­ly grasps what is required. The training has to be clear and consistent in nature to succeed. The dogs react very well to the voice and punishment is rarely necessary.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
The Russian Bear Schnauzer is very friendly with children and can get along fine with cats and other household pets. Family friends will be enthusiastically greeted but strangers will be halted in their tracks. The breed is naturally reserved with strangers but after its handler says they are all right, this is accepted.

EXERCISE
Russian Bear Schnauzers likes to be kept busy but they do not misbehave if you do not have time to take them for a long walk. The breed is suitable for a wide variety of dog sports and particularly for defence dog trials.

GENERAL
A Russian Bear Schnauzer is an ideal family pet but is not a dog for beginners. Dogs which are imported from their Country of origin or surrounding countries can often have sharper and harder characteristics than similar breeds bred in Western Europe or North America.