Giant Schnauzer - description of the breed and character of the dog

The history of schnauzers goes back many decades, and this is not surprising. The obvious and largest representative of the family is considered to be a schnauzer. It attracts with its appearance and proud appearance, as well as its rather impressive size.

Historical summary

Despite the many studies carried out regarding the study of the origins of the rock, it was not possible to establish all the time periods. However, experts from cynological institutes found that the family of schnauzers supposedly lived in southern Germany, they were also noticed in Austria and Switzerland.

At first, the animals were not perceived as a specific breed, they were used as domestic animals for protection and assistance in cattle breeding. In the Austrian lands, schnauzers were kept to accompany the most valuable goods during transportation, and also help to drive cattle. According to some reports, it can also be concluded that before the dogs were kept exclusively in the form of shepherds.

Around the breed there are many secrets, the date of its origin has not yet been established. It is also not clear which dogs are the ancestors of today's Giant Schnauzers. However, cynologists mention in their studies some similarities with the Pinscher family. The breed formed only after experienced breeders took up it around the end of the 19th century.

Breed description

1. Outstanding data encourages people to have small puppies so that they later grow up in a patient, worthy of the love and care of dogs. The main distinguishing feature is assertiveness, endurance, unwavering fidelity and kindness. Despite this, the dog is quite capable of standing up for itself and protecting the owner from the threat.
2. Schnauzers move quickly, they are agile and strong. Partly for this reason, they are preferred to be used for the service and protection of others. Often, pets go hunting. But this does not mean at all that the dog is not suitable for housing. She feels great in tight spaces, despite her impressive size.
3. The skin does not sag, it is elastic and dense. The undercoat is thick enough with an oily impregnation at the base. This helps protect dogs from water. Muscles are well developed, joints and bones are strong.
4. In terms of growth, males range from 65 to 70 cm, smaller females (60–65 cm). By sexual dimorphism, you can immediately determine who is in front of you. The female has a less developed muscular system, males are muscular and large with a wide torso. Also, the male head is larger, the withers are better visible. And if you look at the bitch from the side, the body parts are miniature and harmonious.
5. The proportional head is not pretentious, the correct form. The frontal section gradually flows into the back of the nose, the muzzle is square. The head is rectangular at any angle. The main distinguishing feature is the beard, it must lie perfectly in order to emphasize the special features of the head.
6. The tubercle on the occipital part is noticeably imprinted. The muzzle is massive, strong teeth and jaws. The lips are dry, the nose is large with a noticeable lobe. Eyes with a dark iris are set close. The look is deep and attentive, not missing details. Some owners claim that they determine by their eyes what mood their pet is in.
7. Until recently, dogs had their ears stopped, as a result of which they stood and made the pet serious. Today, this is not necessary, so you can meet schnauzers with drooping ears.As for the neck, it is muscular, elongated, the transition from it to the body is high. This gives the dog a certain aristocracy.
8. The chest is developed, in males stronger than in bitches. The front legs are slightly longer than the hind legs, as a result of which the croup is slightly lowered. The tail was stopped earlier, but today Giant Schnauzers with a straight tail, not cut to two vertebrae, are more common.

Color and type of coat

1. The body is covered with double wool. The undercoat is dense, with water-repellent grease. The upper coat is spring, which protects the dog from environmental factors.
2. The wool is tight, curls at the ends. On the limbs it is long, on the back is short. The breed is famous for its beard and elongated mustache, as well as wide eyebrows.
3. Representatives of this family practically do not lend themselves to molting, which pleases the owners. However, they require a systematic haircut in order to maintain the condition of the coat at the proper level. Usually dogs are sheared in a fashionable fashion, short at the top and a little more authentic below. A prerequisite is shaping the beard.
4. As for coloring, several shades of wool are distinguished. The first is black, coal, some white hairs are allowed. There is also a gray schnauzer, can be light or dark.
5. If you listen to the global standards established by the International Kennel Federation, special requirements are imposed on the quality of the coat of schnauzers. The undercoat should not be excessively soft and wavy. A prerequisite is good hair growth on the head and legs.

Breed character

1. Often this breed is compared with a German shepherd due to excellent service characteristics. Due to their high intelligence and ability to learn, Giant Schnauzers are among the dogs of this profession. They have a clear ear, good eyesight and, of course, a sense of smell. Active and energetic, they are ready for anything to fulfill their duty.
2. Since they are hunters by nature, owners should always be on their guard. When the schnauzer sees “prey” on the horizon, he will immediately try to grab it. Therefore, dogs are displayed in muzzles, on a leash. Self-walking is unacceptable. There are frequent cases when dogs that are not morally attached to the owner run away.
3. However, by their nature they are faithful, wonderful companions and silent interlocutors. If you shelter a little puppy and raise it, the adult dog will have unlimited loyalty. Giant Schnauzers love to be in the spotlight, they like stroking and kind words.
4. Some believe that the formidable appearance and impressive size will prevent the Schnauzer from getting along with children. But by their nature, they are nannies, they can easily endure the attacks of the younger generation, play with them and have fun.
5. It is worth mentioning separately that you can raise a schnauzer along with other pets. For example, a cat or a second dog. But a mandatory condition should be joint maturation, since dogs are suspicious of unfamiliar animals. They look wary, bark, can bite.
6. Among the main characteristics should be highlighted courage, but not recklessness. Schnauzers stand up for their master, can at a subconscious level to catch the threat emanating from another person. If he is angry or conceals aggression, the dog will feel it.
7. If the dog is not raised alone, he will be faithful to all members of the family. But, of course, like all pets of this kind, he will single out one owner for himself and will obey him in everything.
8. If you aim to bring a schnauzer into the house, you should carefully consider everything. Dogs require a constant active life, they are taken for a walk and run, arrange outdoor recreation. To people who are constantly busy or sitting at home, this breed is contraindicated.Due to a lack of love and attention, the dog will grow aggressive or cowardly.

The subtleties of breeding rizenschnauzer

1. When the breed was just in its infancy, it was called nothing more than pincers with hard hair. Later, the dogs got their current name, gained international standards and began to develop further.
2. Only representatives of one breed take part in the mating, which is logical, in order to avoid defects. In the process of withdrawal of offspring, it is necessary to monitor the psychoemotional environment of the bitch and the dog, which they plan to cross in the future.
3. Also in the breeding of schnauzers, the quality of the coat is important. Breeders liked this breed for its relative ease of breeding, sustainable health and the absence of certain mental problems.

Maintenance and care

1. The presented dogs have a rather stiff coat, which needs systematic care. For convenience, it is recommended to use a special brush, which has a wire and hard bristles. Also, several times a year, the pet needs to manually pluck out keratinized hair.
2. This technique is called trimming. It can be mastered independently or seek help from a professional. As for the rest of the care for the animals, then everything is as usual. Inspect your ears systematically and clean them if necessary. Use cotton pads for convenience. Also cut the claws.
3. Regularly go for walks with the animal, such dogs like to learn about the world around them. Often, many owners of the presented breed live in a private house with their own land and think that the provided territory for the dogs will be quite enough. This is far from the case.
4. Giant Schnauzers need systematic physical activity. Therefore, a walk around the site will not be able to give everything the dog needs. The pet will also accumulate a huge amount of energy if it lives in an apartment. He will look forward to the return of the owner. Therefore, let the dog splash out energy in the fresh air.
5. Breeders do not recommend purchasing this breed of dog if you are not ready to spend 3 hours a day on active walks. Such pets cannot stand a passive lifestyle and simply begin to go crazy while sitting in an apartment. An active lifestyle is simply necessary for them.
6. Therefore, when acquiring a puppy, you need to immediately tune in to the fact that regular active walks will become part of your life. The dog also needs constant care. If you give your pet the proper amount of time and properly educate him, he will become an excellent companion, defender and guard.

Feeding rules

1. As for feeding the breed in question, such dogs are not picky about food at all. In extremely rare cases, there are pets with a tendency to develop a food allergic reaction.
2. If this happens to your pet, consult your veterinarian. The specialist will easily draw up the correct diet for the dog. The pet will adhere to a certain diet, there is nothing to worry about.
3. It should also be noted that if a pet has a good appetite and there are no health problems, it must be fed with quality food. As a result, the dog will live longer and look great. Do not forget that Giant Schnauzers love to eat, they have a good metabolism.
4. The diet should be nutritious and balanced. Also, a lot will depend on what kind of emotional and physical stress the pet receives. A sufficient amount of fatty substances and protein must be present in the feed.
5. Give preference to producers who produce feed specifically for active animals, and who play sports, participate in exhibitions. The dog should not be tired if you get out on a long bicycle or horse ride.
6. If the pet is kept outdoors, it needs to provide food that contains a large amount of fat. Before you start a dog, you need to determine in advance what you will feed it.
7. In order not to bother much, it is recommended to purchase ready-made feed of high quality. In such formulations all the substances necessary for the health of the dog are present. However, not all experts are inclined to this option. They believe that products that undergo deep processing do not possess all enzymes.
8. If you do not want to constantly cook huge portions of food for a pet, it is recommended to look at premium feeds. Such compositions are of high quality. You will not need to additionally give the animal vitamin complexes.
9. Nevertheless, if you have enough time and finances, homemade food is quite suitable for a Giant Schnauzer. By-products and high-quality meat should predominate in large quantities in such products. As an additional component, give preference to fermented milk products, cereals and eggs.
10. If the pet eats vegetables and fruits, this will also positively affect his health. Separately, it is worth noting that experts categorically do not recommend giving food to the table to your pet. Salty, spicy and smoked foods negatively affect the health of any animal. Consider this fact.
11. In addition to the listed products, fried and fatty dishes, all kinds of sweets fall under the ban. The dog is allowed to pamper with low-fat cheese, boiled liver, heart, lungs and dry cookies. Do not forget to regularly give your pet various goodies that can be purchased at the pet store. Such goodies are great during training.

Dog Training Rules

1. If you raise the dog correctly in advance, it will become an excellent companion, and will get along well with other animals. Raise a puppy from an early age so that the pet has acquired the right behavioral skills.
2. Separately, it is worth noting that the training and training of the breed is a laborious and complex process. The dog has excellent intelligence and a large list of positive qualities. Despite all this, there are several nuances.
3. Try to get a puppy at a young age. Socialize as early as possible. Thus, you can curb his protective instincts. The dog should not think that everyone who visits your house is an attacker.
4. When training, consider the sensitivity of the breed. The dog will not tolerate physical influences, so be patient. Otherwise, the pet will begin to stubborn even more. You also need to have some experience.

An interesting feature of dogs of this kind is universality. They can act as an integral part of the family or as a service dog. Today we examined the main characteristics of the breed, especially breeding, maintenance and care.

Video: dog breed Giant Schnauzer