Despite his name, the Giant Schnauzer is not a giant breed, but simply a larger and more powerful version of the Standard Schnauzer. An active and spirited dog, his sound, reliable temperament, rugged build, and dense weather-resistant wiry coat make him one of the most useful, powerful, and enduring working breeds. His coat, including the beard and eyebrows that are the Schnauzer hallmark, is solid black or salt and pepper.
A Look Back
The Giant Schnauzer developed in the Wurttenberg and Bavaria sections of Germany, which were both agricultural areas where dogs were in high demand as farm help. He aided the shepherd in driving livestock to market and was used as a guard dog by the butchers and breweries. During World War I the breed was recognized in Germany for its intelligence and trainability, becoming one of the breeds used for police training.
The Giant Schnauzer developed in the Wurttenberg and Bavaria sections of Germany, which were both agricultural areas where dogs were in high demand as farm help. He aided the shepherd in driving livestock to market and was used as a guard dog by the butchers and breweries. During World War I the breed was recognized in Germany for its intelligence and trainability, becoming one of the breeds used for police training.
Right Breed for You?
An extremely intelligent, energetic, strongly territorial dog, the Giant Schnauzer loves his owners and feels great responsibility to protect them. He learns quickly, however, and can distinguish between friend and foe. Giants need a lot of exercise, requiring daily walks, playtime with another dog or romps in the yard. They especially love having a job to do. The breed also requires regular grooming, including brushing and stripping, so owners should be prepared to spend time maintaining the breed’s coat.
An extremely intelligent, energetic, strongly territorial dog, the Giant Schnauzer loves his owners and feels great responsibility to protect them. He learns quickly, however, and can distinguish between friend and foe. Giants need a lot of exercise, requiring daily walks, playtime with another dog or romps in the yard. They especially love having a job to do. The breed also requires regular grooming, including brushing and stripping, so owners should be prepared to spend time maintaining the breed’s coat.
Source: American Kennel Club - www.akc.org
Grooming
General: The Giant Schnauzerr has a double coat with hard straight coat above a soft furry short undercoat. The coat is usually hand stripped or plucked to insure the coat retains its harsh texture, color and does not become soft. All show dogs are kept hand stripped while many pet owners do have their dogs clipped into a long legged terrier pattern.
Ears: Pull hair from the ears with Ear Powder first and follow up cleaning the ear with Ear Care
Eyes: Optisoothe can be used daily to help flush foreign matter.
Bathing: Frequency of bathing your Schnauzer will depend on what type of grooming you decide is best for your lifestyle and budget. Schnauzer’s love the outdoors and love to get dirty, if your Schnauzer is an indoor dog, more frequent bathing will be desired. Schnauzer’s require 2 baths, The first bath should be a general bath to get off the dirt and grime. Any of the Classic Care or Professional Care products are ideal. The second bath is targeted for the need of your dog to keep your Schnauzer’s skin and coat to keep the correct texture follow with Texturizing Shampoo. If your Schnauzer has allergies or sensitive skin we would suggest a Hypo-Allergenic Coconut Shampoo and follow it with a Oatmeal Baking Soda Shampoo to control the odor. Do not use a heavy conditioner, but choose a light conditioner to keep the coats natural hard texture, Plum or rainforest Conditioners are light and will leave a clean fresh scent.
Common Problems: Keep 3 in 1 Wound Cream on hand for scrapes and irritations. If your Schnauzer is clipped instead of hand stripped then keep Mudbath on hand to bath to keep the skin exfoliated and prevent schnauzer bumps from forming..
Tools: A brush and a comb should be used daily to weekly to keep the coat in good shape and matt free. If your dog is hand stripped a stripping knife or stone will be used. Use stripping powder to help the stripping process.
Show Dog Tips: Freeze! Styling Gel on the eye brows to keep them straight. Add Boost! Volumizing Spray while fluffing for that extra volume on the leg furnishings. Spray Wired! Texturizing Spray to keep the hard texture for the ring.
