Standard Schnauzer vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison

Standard Schnauzer vs Mucuchies - Breed ComparisonStandard Schnauzer is originated from Germany but Mucuchies is originated from Venezuela. Standard Schnauzer may grow 20 cm / 7 inches shorter than Mucuchies. Standard Schnauzer may weigh 35 kg / 77 pounds lesser than Mucuchies. Standard Schnauzer may live 4 years more than Mucuchies. Standard Schnauzer may have more litter size than Mucuchies. Standard Schnauzer requires High maintenance. But Mucuchies requires Low maintenance

History

standard schnauzer - historyComing out of Germany in the 14th and 15th century is the Standard Schnauzer or Mittelschnauzer. Both the Giant Schnauzer and Miniature Schnauzer are descendants of the Standard Schnauzer. The first name for this breed was the Wire-haired Pinscher until 1879. The breed is a working breed that is popular in Europe and was first in a dog show in 1879 in Hanover, Germany. In 1997 they won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club in New York.

These medium size Schnauzers were bred in the Middle Ages to be versatile in working and herding in Germany. There seems to be artwork from the 14th through the 16th centuries featuring this breed of dog as a hunter. It is believed that the common ancestors of the Standard Schnauzer is the German Pinscher and the gray Wolf Spitz, along with the black German Poodle and the Bolognese.

It was 1850 when the breed gained recognition as a purebred with distinct and recognizable features. Those are not all the same features that the dogs of today show. These dogs had thick hair on their face, a double coat that is wiry, and their tails were cropped. These dogs were initially Wire-haired German Pinscher then in 1879, a dog named Schnauzer won Best in Show in Hanover. By 1900, the breed was being called Schnauzer everywhere.

The first breed standard was written under the Wire-haired German Pinscher name in the early 1880’s. This standard allowed for a lot of different colors, but the salt and pepper of today was not introduced until the late 1800’s. Then the standard was rewritten in 1907 for the Standard Schnauzer with this as the dominant color.

The first official Standard Schnauzer imported to the United States came in 1905 even though there is a claim that one competed in the 1899 Westminster Kennel Club in the Miscellaneous Class. Following the first World War, the breed became increasingly popular in the States. At that time the US club was called the Wire-haired Pinscher Club of America in 1925. Both standard and miniature sized schnauzer are included in this club.

The breeds were separated in 1933 and became the Standard Schnauzer Club of America and classified by the American Kennel Club as part of the Working Group. In 1926 they moved the Standard Schnauzer to the Terrier Group. By 1926 the Schnauzer Club of Great Britain was formed.

mucuchies - historyThe Mucuchies are a breed born in the Venezuelan mountains, in the late 1700s. They are rare today but were popular in the mountains for hundreds of years. They are believed to be a cross between the dogs brought by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 14th and 15th centuries and the local dogs. However, by the 1960s this rare breed was close to extinction.

Bred primarily as herders and watchdogs, their ancestry likely included the Algerian Mastiff, the Spanish Mastiff, the Great Pyrenees, and the Atlas Shepherd, otherwise known as the Aidi. The early development of the Mucuchies is attributed to Wilender Ferrari, DVM. At the time, Simon Boliva was fighting for Venezuelan independence in the city of Mucuchies. He adopted a member of the breed and named it for the city. The name stuck as the name for the breed.

Later in this timeframe, the Mucuchies was crossbred with the Pyrenean Mastiffs that friars brought to the Andes from their monasteries. With them, they also brought the sheep for the dogs to herd and guard. During the 1920s the breed spread throughout the country, but by the beginning of the 1960s there was a major decline in the breed. This was partly due to changes in culture and lifestyle in the Andes.

In 1961 a Mucuchies club was formed for the breed preservation and the breed was formally named the National Dog of Venezuela. The club was disbanded in the mid-1960’s and this led the breed to the edge of extinction. By 2008 there was another major push to save the breed. This effort came from the government who wanted to preserve the breed. In 2008, they created the Fundacion Nevado and sent six Mucuchies to the Waraira Repano Cable Car System in the El Avila National Park so that the dogs would be in a climatic environment as similar to the Andes mountain as possible. This was successful and the program was increased by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

As the breed continued to develop the shepherding instincts were lost and the guarding aspects were strengthened. This left today’s Mucuchies as a breed of gentle, active dogs with strong characters and a loving disposition. They are gentle with their families but protective and aggressive with strangers. They are the only native breed of Venezuela and currently, there are programs in the mountains to re-establish and strengthen them.

In addition to their name for the town of Mucuchie, the breed is also called the Paramo’s Dog or the Snowy. These programs exist because in Venezuela they are near extinction once again. This is the result of inbreeding and more cross-breeding, this time with larger dogs like St. Bernards. Thus, the continued efforts by the Nevado Foundation with the assistance of the government to restore the original Mucuchies breed to Venezuela.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
Germany
Venezuela
Height Male:
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
56 - 71 cm
22 - 28 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
51 - 66 cm
20 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 26 kg
35 - 58 pounds
46 - 61 kg
101 - 135 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
47 - 57 kg
103 - 126 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 16 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 13
3 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Mittelschnauzer, Wire-Haired Pinscher, Schnauzer
Paramo's dog , Venezuelan Sheepdog Dog of Páramos ( Snowy (Nevado)
Colors Available:
black, Pepper-and-salt
all white or white with spots of other colors
Coat:
Harsh and wiry when hand stripped, soft when clippered/scissored
short coats smooth, medium-haired double coat
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Gentle, Loyal, Social
Affectionate, Aggressive, Courageous, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective
Grooming:
High maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

standard schnauzer puppy - descriptionToday’s Standard Schnauzer is a square, robust, medium sized dog. The breed boasts heavy eyebrows and thick beards. They are salt and pepper or black and their coat is wiry and stiff. The breed have excellent muscle tone and a body in proportion height to length. Their build is rugged, and coat is dense.

mucuchies puppy - descriptionThe appearance of the Mucuchies is that of a breed of large dogs who stand two feet at the shoulder and can weight one hundred pounds. They have a deep chest, heads that are wedge-shaped and skulls shaped like domes. Their muzzles are straight, and their nostrils are large on their black nose. The Mucuchies have dark eye and eyelids along with ears that are triangular in shape and medium in size. Their lips are black but this and he has a well-developed ruff.

They are large, sturdy dogs with a grand appearance and tremendous energy. Their neck is strong, short and very muscular with wide shoulders and a straight back. The tail is much longer than their hocks and it is shaped like a fan and he raises it when he is alerted. They have a short, thick coat and most are white or white with gray, honey or black. This is a very attractive breed.

Characteristics

1Children friendliness – yes, they love children and love to play.

2.Special talents include cancer scenting/search and rescue

3.Adaptability is good can live in the apartment/play indoors

4.Learning ability excellent but independent and stubborn

Children friendliness

mucuchies dog - characteristicsGood with children and very good with their own families. Might be a little standoffish with others.

Special talents

They no longer have the strong herding instinct but are outstanding guard dogs.

Adaptability

Yes but need land to run in. Don’t put this giant dog in an apartment. You will both be miserable.

Learning ability

Very intelligent and their ability and willingness to learn is very good.

Health Problems

standard schnauzer puppies - health problemsThere are a couple of major hereditary health issues faced by the Standard Schnauzer.

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness or arthritis.
  • Elbow dysplasia– can cause lameness or arthritis.
  • Eye disease – cataracts – can diminish eyesight or cause blindness.
  • Heart disease – can be fatal.
  • Epilepsy – can be treated with medication.
  • Skin issues including cancer – various degrees of seriousness.

mucuchies puppies - health problemsBecause of their rarity and somewhat isolation, they do not have many genetic health concerns. They do however face at least a couple of the issues that most large dogs face.

Hip and/or Elbow Dysplasia

This can be a serious issue for such a large dog. It can cause arthritis and lameness.

Accidents

This might be the biggest threat to the Mucuchies’ health. They are big dogs and if they injury limbs it can be quite serious.

Bloat

The distension or inversion of the stomach and intestines is potentially fatal and must be treated immediately. Large dogs are prone to bloat and feeding schedules can go a long way in preventing it.

Caring The Pet

standard schnauzer dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy: At 8-12 weeks feed four times a day. At 3 to 6 months feed three times a day. At 6 to 12 months feed twice a day.

2.Feeding the adult – feed one meal a day or two small ones.

3.Points for Good Health – very energetic breed

4. Games and Exercises – The breed is extremely athletic and needs daily exercise. They are playful with dogs and people and they are family dogs. They want to go wherever you go. Hiking, running, jogging and organized activities.

They are great at obedience, agility, flyball, disc dog, herding and tracking. They have also been involved in search and rescue, bomb detection, and cancer detection.

Feeding the puppy

mucuchies dogs - caringAs mentioned in health concerns, feeding appropriately is critical to the Mucuchies’ health. Puppies need a high quality, large breed dry food 2-3 times per day at ½ cup each time. Don’t overfeed. Don’t exercise before or after eating to prevent bloat.

Feeding the adult

The adult Mucuchies should eat at least twice a day for a total of two and one-half cups. So, you might feed one and ¼ cup at each meal. Again, it is critically important that you don’t overfeed. Don’t feed before or after strenuous exercise and don’t let your Mucuchies eat too quickly in order to avoid bloat.

Points for Good Health

This is a large dog with generally very good health. His stamina and heart will impress you.

Games and Exercises

The Mucuchies is not an active inside dog, but he is a large dog that needs daily exercise. They need to be able to run or at least to trot. A large yard or dog bark is necessary. However, this big, double coated dog hates the hot weather and needs a cooler climate. Winter is fine with him. Don’t overwork them while they are growing. Walks are the best exercise for this breed.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Standard Schnauzer vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Standard Schnauzer vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  3. Standard Schnauzer vs Sakhalin Husky - Breed Comparison
  4. Standard Schnauzer vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  5. Standard Schnauzer vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  6. Standard Schnauzer vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  7. Standard Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Standard Schnauzer vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  9. Standard Schnauzer vs Puli - Breed Comparison
  10. Standard Schnauzer vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  11. Standard Schnauzer vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  12. Standard Schnauzer vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  13. Standard Schnauzer vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  14. Standard Schnauzer vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  15. Standard Schnauzer vs Porcelaine - Breed Comparison
  16. Standard Schnauzer vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  17. Standard Schnauzer vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  18. Standard Schnauzer vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  19. Standard Schnauzer vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  20. Standard Schnauzer vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  21. Standard Schnauzer vs Pumi - Breed Comparison
  22. Standard Schnauzer vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  23. Standard Schnauzer vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  24. Standard Schnauzer vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Standard Schnauzer vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  27. Presa Canario vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  28. Pyredoodle vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  29. Sarplaninac vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  30. Native American Indian Dog vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  31. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  32. Mucuchies vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  33. Mucuchies vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  34. Mucuchies vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  35. Mucuchies vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  36. Mucuchies vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  37. Mucuchies vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  38. Mucuchies vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  39. Mucuchies vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  40. Mucuchies vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  41. Mucuchies vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  42. Mucuchies vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison
  43. Mucuchies vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  44. Mucuchies vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  45. Mucuchies vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  46. Mucuchies vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Mucuchies vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  48. Mucuchies vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  49. Mucuchies vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  50. Mucuchies vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds