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

The history of schnauzers has many decades, and this is not surprising. An obvious and the largest representative of the family is the Giant Schnauzer. It attracts with its appearance and proud look, as well as quite impressive size.

Historical summary

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

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

Around the breed are many secrets, the timing of its origin has not yet been established. It is not clear what dogs are the ancestors of the current Giant Schnauzers. However, dog experts mention in their research some similarities with the pinscher family. The breed was formed only after experienced breeders took it at about the end of the 19th century.

Breed description

1. Outstanding data encourages people to get small puppies, so that later they will grow into patient, worthy of the love and care of dogs. The main distinguishing feature is assertiveness, endurance, unshakable loyalty and kindness. Despite this, the dog is quite able to stand up for himself and protect the owner from the threat.
2. Schnauzers move quickly, they are agile and strong. Partly for this reason, they prefer to use for the service and protection of others. Often with pets are sent to the hunt. But this does not mean that the dog is not suitable for housing maintenance.She feels great in cramped conditions, despite the impressive size.
3. The skin does not sag, it is elastic and dense. The undercoat is thick enough with oily impregnation at the base. This allows you to protect dogs from water. Well developed muscles, joints and strong bones.
4. In height, males range from 65 to 70 cm., Bitches smaller (60-65 cm.). By sexual dimorphism, you can immediately determine who is in front of you. The female less developed muscular system, males muscular and large with a wide torso. Also, in the male sex, the head is larger, the withers are better visible. And if you look from the side at the bitch, the parts of the body are tiny and harmonious.
5. The proportional head is not fanciful, the correct form. The frontal section gradually flows into the back of the nose, square muzzle. The head is rectangular at any angle. The main distinguishing feature is a beard, it must lie ideally to emphasize the special features of the head.
6. The hillock on the back of the head is noticeably printed. The muzzle is massive, strong teeth and jaws. The lips are dry, the nose is large with noticeable lobe. Eyes with a dark iris are set close.Look deep and attentive, not missing details. Some owners claim that they determine by eyes what mood their pet is in.
7. Until recently, dogs were stopped by their ears, as a result of which they stood and made the pet serious. Today, this is not necessary, so you can meet schnauzers with hanging ears. As for the neck, it is muscular, elongated, the transition from it to the body is high. This gives the dog some aristocracy.
8. Breast developed, in males stronger than bitches. The front legs are slightly longer than the hind ones, as a result of which the croup is slightly lowered. The tail was arrested earlier, but today, Giant Schnauzers with a straight tail not cut off to two vertebrae are more common.

Color and type of wool

1. The body is covered with double wool. Undercoat dense, with water-repellent grease. The upper spring coat protects the dog from environmental factors.
2. Wool fits snugly, 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 for broad eyebrows.
3. Representatives of this family practically can not be molted, which pleases the owners. However, they need a systematic haircut to maintain the state of the wool at the proper level. Usually, dogs are sheared fashionably, short at the top and a bit longer than the bottom. A prerequisite is the shaping of a beard.
4. As for coloring, they emit several shades of wool. The first is black, coal, some white hairs are allowed. There is also a gray schnauzer, maybe light or dark.
5. If you listen to the global standards set by the International Canine Federation, special requirements are placed on the quality of the Giant Schnauzer wool. Undercoat should not be too soft and wavy. A prerequisite is a good growth of hair on the head and legs.

Breed character

1. Often this breed is compared with the German Shepherd in view of the excellent service characteristics. Thanks to their high intelligence and ability to learn, the Giant Schnauzers are leaders among the dogs of this profession. They have a clear ear, good eyesight and, of course, smell.Active and energetic, they are ready for anything to fulfill their duty.
2. Since they are hunter by nature, owners should always be on their guard. When the schnauzer sees "prey" on the horizon, it will immediately try to grab it. Therefore, dogs are displayed in muzzles, on a leash. Samovygul invalid. There are cases when dogs that are not attached to the owner in the moral sense of the word run away.
3. However, by their nature, they are faithful, beautiful companions and silent interlocutors. If you shelter a small puppy and raise it, in an adult dog loyalty will be limitless. Giant schnauzers like to be in the center of attention, 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 nature they are nannies, they can easily tolerate the attacks of the younger generation, play with them and have fun.
5. It is worth mentioning separately that it is possible to grow a schnauzer along with other pets. For example, a cat or a second dog. But the obligatory condition should be joint maturation, since the dogs are suspicious of unfamiliar animals.They look wary, barking, can bite.
6. Among the main characteristics should be distinguished courage, but not recklessness. Schnauzers intercede for their master, can, on a subconscious level, catch the threat from another person. If he is angry or hides aggression, the dog will feel it.
7. If you raise the dog is not a one-man, he will be faithful to all family members. 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 are aiming to bring a schnauzer into the house, you should carefully consider everything. Dogs require constant active life, they are taken for a walk and a run, they arrange outdoor recreation. People who are constantly busy or sitting at home, this breed is contraindicated. Due to lack of love and attention, the dog will grow up aggressive or cowardly.

The subtleties of breeding gizmos

1. When the breed was just born, it was called none other than stiff-haired pinchers. Later, the dogs received their present name, gained international standards and began to develop further.
2. Only representatives of the same breed take part in the mating, which is logical in order to avoid defects.In the process of hatching, it is imperative to follow the psycho-emotional environment of the bitch and stala, which are planned to cross in the future.
3. Also in breeding schnauzers, the quality of wool is important. Breeders liked this breed for the relative ease of breeding, sustainable health and the absence of certain mental problems.

Maintenance and care

1. Presented dogs have a rather stiff coat that needs systematic care. For convenience, it is recommended to use a special brush, in which the wire and hard bristles. Also, several times a year, the pet needs to carry out a manual plucking of the cornified wool.
2. This technique is called trimming. You can master it yourself or seek professional help. Regarding the rest of animal care, everything is as usual. Inspect your ears systematically and clean them if necessary. For convenience, use cotton pads. Also shear the claws.
3. Regularly go out with the animal for a walk, these dogs love to learn about the world.Often, many owners of the breed live in a private house with their own plot and think that the territory provided for dogs will be quite enough. Far from it.
4. Giant schnauzers need systematic physical exertion. Therefore, a walk around the site will not be able to give everything a 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, allow your dog to splash energy in the open air.
5. Breeders do not recommend purchasing such a breed of dog unless you are willing to spend 3 hours a day on active walks. Such pets can not stand the passive lifestyle and simply begin to go crazy sitting in the apartment. An active lifestyle they simply need.
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. Also, the dog needs constant care. If you give your pet a proper amount of time and properly educate him, he will become an excellent companion, protector and guard.

Feeding rules

1. As for feeding the breed in question, such dogs are not picky about food. In extremely rare cases, there are pets with a predilection for the development of a food allergic reaction.
2. If this happens to your pet, contact your veterinarian. Specialist without problems will make the right diet for the dog. Pet will follow a certain diet, there is nothing to worry about.
3. It should also be noted that if the pet has a good appetite and has no health problems, it is necessary to feed it with quality food. As a result, the dog will live longer and will look great. Do not forget that the Giant Schnauzers love to eat, they have a good metabolism.
4. The diet should be nutritious and balanced. Also, much will depend on how emotional and physical stress a pet receives. In the feed should be a sufficient amount of fatty substances and protein.
5. Give preference to manufacturers who produce food specifically for active animals, and who play sports, participate in exhibitions. The dog should not be tired if you got out for a long bike ride or horseback riding.
6. If the pet is kept in outdoor conditions, it needs to provide food that contains a large amount of fat. Before you start a dog, you need to decide in advance on what you feed it.
7. In order not to bother much, it is recommended to buy ready-made high quality feed. In such compositions are present all the necessary substances for the health of the dog. However, not all experts are inclined to this option. They believe that products that undergo deep processing do not have all the enzymes.
8. If you do not want to constantly prepare 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. Still, if you have enough time and finances, homemade food is quite suitable for a giant schnauzer. In such products, offal and high-quality meat should prevail in large quantities. As an additional component, give preference to dairy products, cereals and eggs.
10. If a pet eats vegetables and fruits, it will also have a positive effect on his health. Separately, it is worth noting that experts categorically do not recommend giving food from the table to their pet. Salty, spicy and smoked products adversely affect the health of any animal. Consider this fact.
11. In addition to the listed products, fried and fatty dishes, all kinds of sweets are banned. The dog is allowed to pamper with low-fat cheese, boiled liver, heart, lungs and dry biscuits. Do not forget to regularly give your pet a variety of goodies that can be purchased at the pet store. Such delicacies are great during training.

Rules of breeding

1. If you raise the dog properly in advance, it will become an excellent companion, and it will be good to get along with the rest of the animals. Raise a puppy from an early age so that the pet acquires the right behavior skills.
2. Separately, it is worth noting that the training and training of the breed is a time consuming 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. Spend socialization as early as possible. In this way, you can curb his guard instincts. The dog should not think that everyone who visits your home is an attacker.
4. When training, consider the sensitivity of the breed. The dog will not tolerate physical impacts, so please 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 a service dog. Today we reviewed the main characteristics of the breed, especially breeding, maintenance and care.

Video: Giant Schnauzer Dog Breed