Giant schnauzer

History of origin

All that we can say with certainty about the origin of the Giant Schnauzers is that they trace their pedigree from German, or rather, Bavarian shepherd dogs. Those, apparently, crossed with the wire-haired hunting dogs common throughout Europe. One way or another, the history of these black beauties is not completely clear.

It is only known that relatively recently the blood of black Great Danes, Bouviers of Flanders and smaller varieties of schnauzers: mettelschnauzers and miniature schnauzers were mixed into the breed. And for the first time the breed in its modern form was presented at the Munich exhibition under the name ” Bear Schnauzer”. Moreover, where the name “” came from is not clear – the breed has nothing to do with our country.

But the Giant Schnauzers have more than enough fans in Our Country. They were especially popular in Soviet times and in the 90s, when I. Selezneva’s film “Education of Cruelty in Women and Dogs” was released with Elena Yakovleva and a handsome rizen in the title role.

Breed description

Harmoniously built large dog of square format – its height at the withers is equal to the length of the body. The head is rectangular, the back of the nose is parallel to the line of the forehead, the eyes are small, the look is attentive and alert. Ears are triangular, hanging. Previously, the breed standard prescribed stenciled ear cropping, as in Great Danes and Dobermans, but recently this requirement is not mandatory. The same applies to the tails, which previously docked almost completely. The undocked tail is long, set high, curved at the end, without dewlap. The figure is muscular, lean, but without thinness.

The color is predominantly black, less often “pepper and salt” (more common in small varieties of schnauzers), any spots are unacceptable. Wool of medium length, thick, shiny, hard. Trimming is necessary, in which longer hair is left on the underside of the body, on the paws and muzzle, where there should be a pronounced beard and mustache.

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Character

In many ways, the Giant Schnauzer resembles a German Shepherd in character. The same devotion, the same willingness to protect your man. He is always on the alert, always ready to fulfill the commands and requirements of the owner and is happy to serve him. And if, in the event of a threat, the dog can show aggression towards the offender, then with the children he will be tenderness and patience itself. The Giant Schnauzer will never offend a child and will allow him to do whatever he wants with him. That is why these campaigners are excellent nannies. They love their family very much, but still they will definitely make one person out of it, to whom they give all their loyalty and devotion.

But these dogs grow up slowly, and it turns out that physically the puppy has already grown up, but by nature it is still a mere child. For the mind they are taken by about two years.

In general, the Giant Schnauzer is a smart, and with the right upbringing, a friendly dog ​​that will become your reliable friend and companion for life.

Care and maintenance

Giant Schnauzer is a very unpretentious breed. They can live equally calmly both in the apartment and in the yard. Of course, provided that they will walk a lot with them. This is a prerequisite, because rizens are active and strong dogs who simply need to waste their strength somewhere. It is especially good if these are not just walks, but also classes. Black beauties will be happy to carry out your commands, and their mind and strength will not be wasted.

Giant Schnauzers do not shed, which makes them suitable for apartment keeping, but dogs need to be trimmed every few months, otherwise the coat will turn into matted dreadlocks.

They do not need frequent bathing, and it is difficult to drag such a large dog into the bath, so it is enough just to wash their paws if it is slushy outside.

Education and training

Giant schnauzers are campaigners to the brain of the guests, so they are happy to do it. Like German Shepherds, Riesens readily execute commands and easily learn them, moreover, you can teach them almost everything. But you need to start, of course, with a general course of education, moreover, from a very early age. Do not be afraid, for a puppy, classes will only be a joy, the main thing is not to miss the moment – raising a teenager or an adult dog is much more difficult. Moreover, not feeling themselves at work, rizens become nervous and unbalanced, and this is not far from anger.

To get started, teach your puppy to respond to his name, as well as the “come” and “place” commands. Then you can move on to other activities. Pay special attention to walking nearby, because when the dog grows up, not everyone will be able to keep him, especially given his rather hot temperament. And, of course, the sooner you begin to socialize the puppy, the sooner he will learn that the people and animals around him are not the enemies of his dear owner.

It is difficult for Giant Schnauzers to exercise endurance. It is difficult for them to sit still – they always want to run somewhere and do something.

By the way, as mentioned earlier, black beauties grow up quite late, so if your dog at the age of one and a half years still behaves like a silly puppy, do not be afraid, he will settle down by about two years.

Health and disease

Giant Schnauzers do not have any diseases characteristic of the breed, and they suffer from the same diseases as other dogs. Therefore, in order to avoid enteritis, distemper and other problems, do not neglect vaccinations. It is also necessary to monitor the nutrition of the dog, which must be balanced. Like people, from an abundance of high-calorie food and with a lack of movement, dogs get better, which adversely affects the state of all other body systems. Also, do not underfeed your four-legged friend, especially in childhood, when the puppy is growing rapidly. Malnutrition or lack of calcium and vitamins in food can affect the dog’s skeleton as well as its size.

Particular attention should be paid to the treatment of the Giant Schnauzer from fleas and ticks. The fact is that parasites in thick black wool are not so easy to notice visually, so it is better to take measures in advance, preventing ticks from getting on the dog.

Word to the breeder

Here’s what she said about these dogs Alla Chesnokova from St. Petersburg, the owner of a Giant Schnauzer named Cel vom Elberfeld, and for her family – Koti (her children today successfully serve in the St. The Ministry of Internal Affairs in various areas: the search for substances and the detention of violators.Successfully show themselves in the obedient disciplines of OKD, Obidiens, Obidiens Rally, as well as in protective and complex ZKS, IGP, various rings.

Recently, they began to start less because they are large and require training.

Yulia Ulyanova from the city of Rybinsk, the owner and friend of the wonderful dog Gently Born Bee Happy, and for home – Barca, shares his impressions about the breed: “They have a rather stubborn character, and the main thing here is to overdo it yourself. But Barça and I live in perfect harmony. Always with me, always by my side.

Rizens have good watchdog qualities: a car, an apartment, a plot – everything is under guard. But she will not bite everyone indiscriminately, but if strangers come in, she will definitely watch.

Popular questions and answers

We talked about the content of the Giant Schnauzer with zoo engineer, veterinarian Anastasia Kalinina.