Dogs 101 - GIANT SCHNAUZER - Top Dog Facts About the GIANT SCHNAUZER

Dogs 101 - GIANT SCHNAUZER - Top Dog Facts About the GIANT SCHNAUZER

The Giant Schnauzer is a working breed of dog, originally from Germany. It was developed in the 17th century in the territories of Bavaria and Württemberg, as an attempt by breeders in the countryside to improve on the Standard Schnauzer. The larger dog, while retaining the qualities of the Standard variety, would be better suited in size to drive cattle. Crosses with several breeds eventually resulted in a weather-resistant, smart-looking drover, which also served many other functions on the farm, including guarding property and drawing carts. By the turn of the 20th century, the Giant Schnauzer had also become popular in the towns as a dog used by butchers, breweries and stockyards. But its presence remained largely limited to Bavaria until World War I, when use as a military dog earned it wider exposure, and import to the US began soon after. While often used as a working dog, and even a police dog in Germany, in the US it mainly serves the purpose of a house pet or a show dog.

Time for some Ruff Trivia:
- The word ‘Schnauze’ that gives the Schnauzer breeds their name is a reference to which distinctive part of the dogs’ body?
o A: Muzzle
o B: Coat
o C: Ears
What do you think, give it your best guess in the comments below before we get to the answer! Hang on tight and we’ll get back to this Ruff Trivia Question toward the end of the video.

Despite what its name suggests, the Giant Schnauzer is not a giant in absolute terms, but only larger compared to the Standard and Miniature Schnauzers. The adult Giant Schnauzer has height in the range of 23.5 to 27.5 inches, and weight in the range of 65 to 90 pounds. Like most other breeds, the female is generally slightly smaller than the male. It is strongly built, well-muscled and square in proportion. The hard, wiry and dense coat is composed of a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat. The characteristic Schnauzer beard and eyebrows are present in the Giant variety too. The head is rectangular in appearance, its total length about half the length of the back. Small button ears are carrier high on the head. The tail, which is generally long, is docked in some countries, and the ear cropped. There are two standard coat colors: solid black, and a pattern called pepper and salt.

Grooming:Apart from brushing once or twice a week, the Giant Schnauzer’s coat also requires periodic shaping. The frequency and the method could depend on whether the dog is a family pet or a show dog. Clipping can work for the pet, but most owners employ professionals for the hand stripping needed for show dogs. The dog’s beard might require more frequent cleaning to remove collected dirt or drool. Other than this, regular brushing of teeth, cleaning of ears and trimming of nails is necessary.

Temperament:Its long heritage as a guard dog means that the Giant Schnauzer remains a bold and territorial animal, generally suspicious of strangers. It can also be aggressive with other dogs. With its own family, it is utterly devoted, and particularly good with children, though some dogs can be a little too high-spirited for small children. Pepper and salt Giant Schnauzers are believed to be slightly more docile than the solid black ones.

Training:Giant Schnauzers are intelligent animals, enjoying being given work to do. While highly trainable, they can try to be the leader of the pack, and it is important to establish early on that the owner/trainer is the alpha in the equation. They regularly excel at dog shows, and agility and obedience trials. They are fairly active dogs, requiring daily walks, hikes or an exhausting game to keep them from getting bored and destructive.

Health:Life expectancy for the breed is 10 to 12 years. Some common health concerns can be eye-related ailments, skin diseases, and hip and elbow dysplasia. Cancer is a common cause of death.

Rugged and reliable, the Giant Schnauzer is known for its versatility, adjusting well to life on a farm or in a house. Though easy to care for, it is best suited for an experienced and active owner, who can bring out the best of its qualities.

Music by Kevin McLeod - Royalty Free

[belle]

My giant schnauzer always has my back! She’s the best girl in the world. She growls at people if they get too close to me when we’re out for a walk alone, and she is always very alert, and protective. Not only is she protective, but she’s awesome in the house, she’s always been dominant, which is a good trait for a dog, and gets along with my other dogs. Giants are a breed I would totally recommend.

[RosaX]

My giant is the best thing that every happened to me

[kimmanning]

Thank you for making it clear these are NOT dogs for everyone. I’ve heard too many stories of people having to lock them away when guests arrive.
Our Rufus was amazing with little ones. But wouldn’t let anyone in unless a family member said it was okay. Once introduced as okay he never forgot and they could come over any time.

[LowLeyeF]

My favorite breed... I really love these dogs, my mini is my heart.

[mg]

i just wanna be done with my education, so i can have enough time to get my own Giant!

[rcasey]

My favorite breed!!! Such amazing dogs!!

[broncobillion]

Currently have a minature, getting my giant in February

[nadinejohnson]

Oops. I guessed B. Muzzle
Years ago when I was dog grooming I had 2 Giant Schnauzers that the dog owners requested my work. They both were wonderful to work with but a challenge too. One of my colleagues helped me to maintain Alpha status as it was not natural to me. Max and Ditka were they're names and I will never forget them. Even though they were challenging I got to love them enough to consider getting one. They definitely will try to be Alpha. The dogs, especially Max, grew to respect me. That respect showed when his leash broke in the parking lot and he came running into the shop. 🐶🐕😂 Happy memories.

[hayleighreese]

I have a giant schnauzer, they are great dogs but if your thinking about getting one, beware they are a handful!!!

[sensoon]

A-muzzle! Nice interactive feature, cheers

[TheJazmino]

My mini boy was with us for 15 years! He passed away from cancer a year ago

[ttfharambe]

Both my miniature schnauzer like to “bully” (I’m using this lightly) my giant Schnauzer puppy that I got not even a week ago but she is holding her ground against my miniature schnauzers

[UKcomedyfan]

There were some strange photos in this video. Lots of cropped shots that didn’t make sense to be cropped (there was one of a Schnauzer that had only the torso showing but they weren’t talking about that part of the dog’s body). I found it confusing and frustrating. The full shots were fine though and actually logical. Aesthetically, they are one of my favourite dog breeds though, so I got to watch a video with some decent pictures of them.

[aja]

my mom is wanting one of these so i’m here to see what they are about!!

[nuccio]

è il cane più strano bello intelligente forte sicuro vero amico del padrone che non abbandona mai che difende contro chiunque il mio mi seguiva anche quando nuotavo

[gj]

I wish the US would stop the practice of cropping tails and ears of certain breeds because it is a barbaric procedure and absolutely not necessary because dogs look beautiful if left natural!

[iliveheadstrong]

Great info. Video editor needs some skills.

[cruzanbum]

I met a woman's female Giant Schnauzer the other day and she was the sweetest, most beautiful, dog with the softest black coat. What an honor to pet her and she even gave me a kiss. Shortly after, we had to put our wonderful Boxer down and, although I'm still mourning, I am considering one of these. I have a friend whose mother breeds these and I may talk to her when I'm ready....

[jfro]

This vlog is ok but do not underestimate what he said about being the Alpha Male in your home. We have a 3 year old Male and I love him to bits but he is very strong, strong willed and will test you all the time. You have to be calm and consistent with them and must have ground rules from the moment you get them as a pup. Loads of socialisation is a must, do not over exercise them when growing up to protect their joints. 5 mins per month of age is plenty for the first 18 months (per day that is). Once mature they will take any amount of exercise And you will give up before they do, trust me! We feed on raw food, no human food or titbits at all. He is magnificent. Mega handsome and a superb guard dog. Strong prey drive and would kill a cat if he got half a chance. These are not easy dogs to have as a pet. They are expensive too, about £400 a month with food, insurance and grooming costs. Do your research and speak to proper breeders before doing anything.

[brodycarlson]

Nobody:

Me: watching this the day before I get one