Giant Schnauzer E-Book

Barbara J. Andrews

• Herausgeber: CompanionHouse Books
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Serie: Comprehensive Owner's Guide
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 248

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2012

Beschreibung

One of Germany's most auspicious contributions to the dog world is the impressive Giant Schnauzer, a purebred dog of unmistakable style and superb working ability. Recognizable for prominent facial furnishings;beard, eye brows, and moustache;his blunt-wedged muzzle, and his solid, muscular "giant" stature, the Giant Schnauzer is the largest of the Fatherland's three schnauzer breeds. The breed today enjoys a true international following stretching from Europe to America and England to South America and beyond. As the author discusses in the chapter on the breed's characteristics, this level-headed working dog is not aggressive by nature, but he is fearless and determined, requiring an owner with a great sense of humor, much patience, and good dog sense. A member of the AKC Working Group, the Giant Schnauzer is called upon to guard homes and estates and to work side by side with military and police personnel, though the breed is by nature docile, extremely intelligent, and highly trainable.New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.

Leseprobe

Physical Characteristics of the Giant Schnauzer

(from the American Kennel Club breed standard)

Skull: Moderately broad between the ears.

Head: Strong, rectangular in appearance and elongated.

Eyes: Medium size, dark brown and deep-set.

Occiput: Not too prominent.

Ears: When cropped, identical in shape and length with pointed tips.

Neck: Strong and well arched, of moderate length.

Nose: Large, black and full.

Muzzle: Strong and well filled under the eyes.

Lips: Tight and not overlapping, black in color.

Jaws: Powerful and well formed.

Shoulders: The sloping shoulder blades (scapulae) are strongly muscled, yet flat. They are well laid back.

Chest: Medium in width, ribs well sprung but with no tendency toward a barrel chest.

Forequarters: Flat, somewhat sloping shoulders and high withers. Forelegs are straight and vertical…with strong pasterns and good bone. They are separated by a fairly deep brisket. The elbows are set close to the body.

Feet: Well-arched, compact and catlike.

Body: Compact, substantial, short-coupled and strong, with great power and agility.

Back: Short, straight, strong and firm.

Tail: Should be docked to the second or not more than the third joint.

Hindquarters: Strongly muscled, in balance with the forequarters; upper thighs are slanting and well bent at the stifles. The legs from the hock joint to the feet are short. Croup full and slightly rounded.

Color: Solid black or pepper and salt.

Height: At the withers of the male is 25.5 to 27.5 inches, and of the female, 23.5 to 25.5 inches.

Coat: Hard, wiry, very dense; composed of a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat. Coarse hair on top of head; harsh beard and eyebrows, the Schnauzer hallmark.

Contents

History of the Giant Schnauzer

Developed in Bavaria, the largest of the Schnauzers became known as a skilled cattle drover and keen guard dog. Learn how Bavaria’s “secret” was discovered as the Giant began to work as a police and protection dog; see how once the secret got out, he skyrocketed to popularity all across Europe and, eventually, around the entire world.

Characteristics of the Giant Schnauzer

A giant breed is a giant responsibility…are you up to the challenge of owning a Giant Schnauzer? He’s eager, intelligent and trainable, a talented working dog at heart as well as a loyal and lively companion. Learn about the breed’s personality and physical characteristics as well as owner suitability and breed-specific health considerations.

Breed Standard for the Giant Schnauzer

Learn the requirements of a well-bred Giant Schnauzer by studying the description of the breed set forth in the American Kennel Club standard. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.

Your Puppy Giant Schnauzer

Find out about how to locate a well-bred Giant Schnauzer puppy. Discover which questions to ask the breeder and what to expect when visiting the litter. Prepare for your puppy-accessory shopping spree. Also discussed are home safety, the first trip to the vet, socialization and solving basic puppy problems.

Proper Care of Your Giant Schnauzer

Cover the specifics of taking care of your Giant Schnauzer every day: feeding for the puppy, adult and senior dog; grooming, including coat care, ears, eyes, nails and bathing; and exercise needs for your dog. Also discussed are dog ID and safe travel.

Training Your Giant Schnauzer

Begin with the basics of training the puppy and adult dog. Learn the principles of house-training the Giant Schnauzer, including the use of crates and basic scent instincts. Get started by introducing the pup to his collar and leash and progress to the basic commands. Find out about obedience classes and other activities.

Healthcare of Your Giant Schnauzer

By Lowell Ackerman DVM, DACVD

Become your dog’s healthcare advocate and a well-educated canine keeper. Select a skilled and able veterinarian. Discuss pet insurance, vaccinations and infectious diseases, the neuter/spay decision and a sensible, effective plan for parasite control, including fleas, ticks and worms.

Your Senior Giant Schnauzer

Know when to consider your Giant Schnauzer a senior and what special needs he will have. Learn to recognize the signs of aging in terms of physical and behavioral traits and what your vet can do to optimize your dog’s golden years. Consider some advice about saying goodbye to your beloved pet.

Showing Your Giant Schnauzer

Step into the center ring and find out about the world of showing pure-bred dogs. Here’s how to get started in AKC shows, how they are organized and what’s required for your dog to become a champion. Also explore some competitive performance events.

KENNEL CLUB BOOKS®GIANT SCHNAUZER

ISBN 13: 978-1-59378-242-9

eISBN 13: 978-1-59378-627-4

Copyright © 2005 • Kennel Club Books® A Division of BowTie, Inc.

40 Broad Street, Freehold, New Jersey 07728 USA

Cover Design Patented: US 6,435,559 B2 • Printed in South Korea

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by photostat, scanner, microfilm, xerography or any other means, or incorporated into any information retrieval system, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright owner.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Photography by:

Paulette Braun, T.J. Calhoun, Alan and Sandy Carey, Sue Cox, David Dalton, Isabelle Français, Johan & Edith Gallant, Rimma Gurevich, Sylvia Hammarstrom/Skansen Kennel, Carol Ann Johnson, Bill Jonas, Jack and Frances Krall, Alice Roche, Karen Taylor, Michael Trafford and Alice van Kempen.

Illustrations by Renée Low and Patricia Peters.

The publisher would like to thank all of the owners of the dogs featured in this book, including Louise Barbieri, D. Bonow, Sue Cox, Johan & Edith Gallant, Rimma Gurevich, Sylvia Hammarstrom/Skansen Kennel, Dr. Dorothy Izmirlian, Jack & Frances Krall, Eileen Madsen, Lisa Mettler, Judy L. Rodrick and Leesa Stewart.

The Giant Schnauzer is an extremely popular breed in South Africa, where it functions as a guard dog and family companion. This couple, Johan and Edith Gallant, with dogs from their well-known Wareheim Kennels, are actively promoting the breed there.

“What a dog!” Giant Schnauzer owners often hear such comments. Indeed, the largest of the Schnauzers is an exceptionally impressive canine. He is tall yet powerful; dignified yet ever watchful and alert. His symmetry is appreciated by all with an eye for artistic balance and grace. Sylvia Hammarstrom, one of the world’s top breeders, describes the Giant as “aristocratic in his carriage.”

The more one learns about Giants, the more one comes to respect and admire the breed and the talents of those who brought him to the state of perfection that he currently enjoys throughout the world. His birthplace is, of course, Germany, an enterprising country that has given the world many utilitarian yet stylish canines like the Riesen-schnauzer—the Giant Schnauzer. The Germanic talent for creating a handsome dog that performs a useful duty to man is well documented. The Giant Schnauzer is an excellent example for, even today, he retains an inherent ability to guard, control and move cattle, and, upon occasion, he has been known to use these skills with sheep as well. Although his herding capabilities are seldom utilized today, the attention to duty that made him such a great choice as a protector of the cattle traders makes him an ideal family protector.

CANIS LUPUS

“Grandma, what big teeth you have!” The gray wolf, a familiar figure in fairy tales and legends, has had its reputation tarnished and its population pummeled over the centuries. Yet it is the descendants of this much-feared creature to which we open our homes and hearts. Our beloved dog, Canis domesticus, derives directly from the gray wolf, a highly social canine that lives in elaborately structured packs. In the wild, the gray wolf can range from 60 to 175 pounds, standing between 25 and 40 inches in height.

The Schnauzer developed into three distinct sizes that became three separate breeds, each the embodiment of power and function. The Standard, or medium-sized, Schnauzer is the oldest and was a highly regarded home companion. In England, the breed is simply known as the Schnauzer. He is represented in paintings by Albrecht Durer, dated about 1492, who himself owned a Standard for many years. Rembrandt, Lucas Cranach the Elder and other famous artists depicted the Schnauzers in many media, ranging from oil to tapestry. The Standard Schnauzer of that time, known as one of the Nachwachter-Brunnen or night watchmen, was even characterized in a poignant statue erected in the square in Stuttgart, Wurttemberg, about 1620. Another statue of a hunter with a Schnauzer at his side appeared in the market place in Mecklenburg, Germany. It is said to represent a dog of such overall breed type that it might well compete in today’s show rings. Such works of art help students of the Schnauzer breeds to pinpoint their breeds’ origins and stages of development.

True to the purpose of men who set about developing a helper that was fleet of foot, large in courage and keen of mind, the three sizes of Schnauzer were shaped by local custom, weather and the occupation of the owner. Their genetic beginnings are believed to have been in Wurttemberg and Bavaria. In those areas, sheep and cattle had to be driven to the marketplace. There were no railroads, trucks or boats. There were only the hard-working farm dogs, each beginning to develop very specific skills, depending on the demands of the era and locale.

As cattlemen from Bavaria journeyed into Stuttgart, they must have been quite impressed by the medium-sized Schnauzer. The dog’s coat was perfect for the climate and rough terrain. His terrier-like qualities ensured the agility needed to traverse rough countryside with the added benefit of possessing the courage required to handle a stubborn bull. As the breed was quite muscular and strong, many thought that an even larger, stronger dog would better handle their cattle.

So began the work of crossing the medium-sized Schnauzer with larger cattle- and sheepdogs. Dogs that developed into what we now recognize as the Bouvier des Flandres preserved coat type, and the largest working breed, now known as the Great Dane, was subsequently used to increase size even further.

Whereas the smaller-sized Schnauzers were invaluable as exterminators of vermin and were later used as dispatch carriers in war time, the Giant or Munchener dog began to earn quite a reputation as both a droving dog and guard dog. He not only guarded the cattle but he also watched over the men who tended the cattle, as they often carried large sums of cash. Von Stephanitz, the founder of the German Shepherd Dog, actually identifies the southern part of Bavaria as the primary place of the Giant Schnauzer’s development, and the breed is believed to have been perfected in a region between Munich and Augsburg. During the 1800s, the Giant Schnauzer’s courage and size also made him a favorite of the German working class. He was welcomed in the beer halls and was always found wherever men gathered to socialize and boast.

PURE-BRED PURPOSE

Given the vast range of the world’s 400 or so pure breeds of dog, it’s fair to say that domestic dogs are the most versatile animal in the kingdom. From the tiny 1-pound lap dog to the 200-pound guard dog, dogs have adapted to every need and whim of their human masters. Humans have selectively bred dogs to alter physical attributes like size, color, leg length, mass and skull diameter in order to suit our own needs and fancies. Dogs serve humans not only as companions and guardians but also as hunters, exterminators, shepherds, rescuers, messengers, warriors, babysitters and more!

The Bouvier des Flandres was introduced into the Schnauzer gene pool in order to increase size and contribute to coat type.

The Giant was, however, a closely held secret outside Bavaria until well into the 20th century. By then, cattle were being moved in vehicles and by rail; therefore, the breed seemed to have outlived its purpose. This was far from the case. As cities developed and cattle were moved by rail, butchers and operators of stockholding facilities (often one and the same) depended on the big dogs to move the cattle to the appropriate holding pens. The Giant also remained a favorite with the breweries, where he continued to afford bragging rights due to his outstanding guarding abilities. Although the amount of quality food needed to maintain a large working dog was sometimes in short supply, the butcher was sure to find a few scraps for such a prized working companion.

The smallest of the Schnauzers, the Miniature Schnauzer is most well-known as a vermin exterminator and even classified in the AKC’s Terrier Group.

Before World War I, the breed also caught the eye of men who enforced the law. Bavaria’s secret was discovered! Just as the Doberman Pinscher was to become a favorite for those who patrol the night, the Giant Schnauzer also began to be considered for this purpose. His desire to please and protect his human partner and his steadfast loyalty and devotion to whatever task he was assigned began to be assessed as very valuable tools. Police training schools in Berlin and other large cities began to work with the breed and, more than ever, the Riesenschnauzer demonstrated a natural aptitude that forever changed his job description.

He was, and is, an intelligent, attentive pupil. He is blessed with an extraordinary combination of courage and calmness, tenacity and tenderness and, above all, dedicated devotion to his family or handler. His usefulness as a guarding companion combined with such a commanding appearance began to be noticed outside his homeland. Despite the horrors of war, the scant food supplies and the long periods of recovery, the Giant Schnauzer gained in popularity all across continental Europe and the British Isles.

Quoting from breed information published in the UK, Sue Cox, proprietress of Grovelea Giant Schnauzers in Kent, England says, “It was in the early 1970s that serious breeding of the Giant Schnauzer began. With dogs imported from Sweden, Holland and Denmark, Mr. Donald Becker and Mrs. Angela Gwinell started the ball rolling. It was not long before there were more breeders contributing to these early times in English Giant Schnauzer history.” To attest to the Giant’s quality in the UK, Eng. Ch. Jafrak Phillipe Olivier, bred by Jack and Frances Krall, was recently England’s Number-One Dog All-Breeds.

RUSSIAN SPINOFF

If “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” then the Giant Schnauzer breed feels duly flattered by the Black Russian Terrier, a very recent addition to the pure-bred dog world. Devised in the 1960s by the Soviet Red Army, the Black Russian Terrier is derived from the Giant Schnauzer crossed with other hard-hitting, hard-working breeds, such as the Rottweiler and the Airedale Terrier. This handsome Russian creation, colored not coincidentally in solid black or salt/pepper, has gained a following outside the Russian states since the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Black Russian Terrier

IT’S A SCHNAUZER THING

Germany is the homeland of many of the world’s most famous dogs, including the Dachshunds, Poodles and German Shepherd Dogs, but the Schnauzer breeds hold a special place in the world’s dog-loving heart. The Standard Schnauzer (known simply as the Schnauzer in some countries, like the UK) is colored identically to the Giant and stands “in the middle” at 17.5 to 19.5 inches tall. The Miniature Schnauzer, known in Germany as the Zwergschnauzer, also comes in solid black and salt/pepper in addition to black/silver. This smallest of Schnauzers stands from 12 to 14 inches tall. The Miniature Schnauzer is exhibited in the AKC’s Terrier Group while his two larger relatives are members of the Working Group.

Standard Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer’s reception in the United States was somewhat overshadowed by the well-established German Shepherd Dog. The Giant Schnauzer presented a very “foreign” look to American fanciers, but they gradually began to realize the Giant’s capabilities as a family protector and devoted companion. The Giant Schnauzer was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1930 but did not truly establish a foothold until a few decades later. The Giant Schnauzer Club of America was established in 1962. In the early 1960s, Sylvia Hammarstrom, a very talented breeder who had worked with Schnauzers in Sweden, moved to the United States and established the famous Skansen Kennels. Through the efforts of Sylvia Hammarstrom and other Americans who recognized the multiple talents of the Giant Schnauzer, the breed is now very much appreciated throughout the United States. Canada also loves the Giant Schnauzer. Janine Starink owned the top Canadian Giants for several years during the late 1990s.

The Giant has also aroused strong interest in South and Central America, and one of America’s top handlers has presented some fabulous South American dogs to top wins in AKC competition. Gabriel Rodriguez Colona of Guatemala owns many top show Giants. With the British Pet Travel Scheme and changes to quarantine laws, there will no doubt be even more sharing of bloodlines and great breeding strategies between the US and the UK. It is now much easier to fly dogs from country to country today. As quarantine regulations have eased up, dogs now can get “passports” and travel to almost anywhere in the world to compete in dog shows.

As the use of frozen semen is perfected and accepted between registering bodies, new horizons will be reached. Dogs will still be flown across the oceans, but new genetic combinations will become easier as vials are sent instead of the dogs themselves. Owners are reluctant to part with their good dogs, but science has now given us the means to share them around the world.

Ch. Skansen’s Youngblood, from top bloodlines of Sylvia Hammarstrom, pictured here as a youngster on his way to his championship.

The Giant Schnauzer has made great leaps forward in quality of temperament, health and conformation. The breed is now regularly represented in Best in Show lineups. A recent star in the US is the Number-One Giant Schnauzer for 2003 and 2004, the beautiful Ch. Lowdown Jaquie Frazier (“Jaqui”), owned by Mr. and Mrs. Lowe of Arizona and presented by Gabriel Rangel. She is a classic combination of the best of Europe and the US, with her father, the Spanish import Ch. Lennox Lewis, and her dam, Ch. Skansen’s Singular Sensation.

One of the well-known British breeder Sue Cox’s dogs, in a show pose. In the UK, all Giant Schnauzers have natural ears.

Ch. Happy Holiday V. Winriks Hof, Best of Winners at a Giant Schnauzer Club of America specialty show.

This exchange of bloodlines has truly improved the overall quality of our dogs, widening the gene pool. Spain has been the most popular country from which to import. In addition, good dogs come from Russia, where they work with old Finnish bloodlines, as well as from Sweden, Norway, Germany and Holland. These days, one can truly claim a very international background on most winning Giants in the US and Europe.

It’s been exciting to see how the breed has improved around the world. The American-style Giant, the variety with a lot of hair on the legs, is still the most popular in the US. The German style, with a very wiry-type coat and very little leg hair, is still the type most in demand in Europe. However, both types are available everywhere, as the genes for both types of coat are deeply ingrained in most bloodlines worldwide.

The pepper and salt (p/s) Giant, who is still rare, has become widely accepted in the US since Sylvia Hammarstrom and other breeders have promoted the heavier leg furnishings by breeding them to blacks. The conformation, character and health profiles of the p/s dogs have also improved greatly, benefiting from this exchange.

In Europe, breeders are not permitted to breed p/s to black, while this is permitted in the US. By mixing the two colors, breeders have expanded the gene pool of the p/s Giant, which was needed even if it meant losing the perfect p/s coloration for a generation or two. The V. Winriks Hof p/s kennel in Holland has imported several of the mixed black and p/s bloodlines, with great results. Some of these dogs have come back to the US, so it is a regular exchange in both black and p/s that has truly been mutually beneficial.

PRICK UP YOUR EARS!

Why do breeders crop their puppies’ ears? As the song goes, “Tradition! Tradition!” The practice of ear cropping goes back many years to when the ears were “surgically” altered on fighting dogs, working dogs and terriers. Dogs with pendant ears faced a greater danger of their foes’ grabbing onto their ears, whether that opponent was a badger, rat or another dog. Today the surgery is considered routine and removes a portion of the ear cartilage. Following the surgery, the breeder sets the ears with surgical tape and splints to “train” the ears to stand erect. Ear cropping is typically done to puppies at around 8–12 weeks of age, depending on the breed and breeder. If purchasing a Giant Schnauzer, and you want a puppy with natural ears, it is essential for you to inform the breeder from the start.

The characteristics of the breed are easily summed up in one word: strong. The Giant is strong in all that he is and all that he represents. His bone is substantial, his body is large and strongly muscled and his determination is equally as strong! He is an extremely statuesque dog, with males between 25.5 and 27.5 inches at the shoulder. His strong blocky head, with its bushy eyebrows and stubby mustache, gives him a somewhat menacing appearance and, indeed, he is a staunch protector of his family, his premises and his master’s possessions.

PEOPLE PLEASER

Unlike many breeds, the Giant Schnauzer does not need another dog for company. He is a 100% “people-dog,” devoted to his family. He is more selective with strangers, but once he decides to befriend a new person, he’s a friend for life!

The Giant Schnauzer seldom guards a flock or herd today but he will oversee the family’s children in a loving and watchful manner. The energy and endurance of the Giant make him an ideal playmate for adolescent and teenage children.

I asked a few of the world’s greatest experts to share their personal experiences and observations. One of the undisputed top breeders of Giants is Sylvia Hammarstrom, whose beautiful Skansen Kennels are located in California. Ms. Hammarstrom has bred over 1,000 Giant Schnauzer champions, among whom are many international champions and over 100 Best in Show winners. This is a record beyond comprehension for all breeders, regardless of their breed, country of origin or century!

When I asked her to describe the essence of the Giant breed, she replied, “The misconception, I’d say, is that they are a very dominant, strong, aggressive breed. In my opinion, it’s a very intelligent, extremely trainable breed that can easily be made aggressive but there is not one single dog in this breed that has ever been born aggressive, nasty or dangerous. Those are man-made traits.”

Other top breeders agree. While the Giant Schnauzer can be fiercely protective, lacking neither courage nor tenacity, he should never be troublesome, nor should he seek out a quarrel as will some of the terrier breeds. His appearance is that of a tough, hard-bodied athlete, yet he conducts himself as a gentleman of good breeding. When he’s on his own turf and there is a flying disk or a ball to be caught, he relaxes and plays like a puppy. He is a joy to behold as he demonstrates amazing grace and boundless energy.

As the Giant was developed into a quite capable guard and police dog, he is often thought to be too “sharp” to be suitable as an all-around family dog. While it is true that it takes a person who is firm (but fair) and of keen mind (just to stay a step ahead of the Giant Schnauzer’s brain power), he is ideal for all except perhaps families with very young children. He would never hurt them intentionally, but he is a large agile dog that plays as heartily as a smaller terrier might. When he leaps and whirls, a toddler could be knocked down or sent spinning, so it would be best to wait until the age and physical ability of the children have caught up with that of the largest Schnauzer. As Frances Krall, founder of Jafrak Kennels in Surrey, England, states, “The breed is so much a people-dog. An eight-week-old pup just fits in perfectly with the children and when growing together, it is lovely to see.”

The Giant Schnauzer is a breed that demands your attention and needs a lot of exercise to be at his physical and emotional best.

BEER-HALL BUDDY

In the 1800s, the Giant was a favorite of the working class and became a regular in the beer halls of Germany. He preferred beef to beer but the boisterous bunch befriended their bearded buddy nonetheless.

Sue Cox, of the famous Grovelea Giant Schnauzers, has this to say about our breed: “In my view, the strongest behavioral characteristic is eagerness. He is eager to please, eager to find mischief, eager to greet you when you come home. Basically, he’s on his toes to take on whatever life holds for him. Life is never dull with a Giant Schnauzer at your side! If you want a quiet sedate life, then a Giant Schnauzer is not for you!”

ONE IS NOT ENOUGH

Will you have another? Quite likely. Breeders stay with the Giant Schnauzer. They say things like “They are addictive” and “Once you have lived with a Giant Schnauzer, you will never want another breed, and you may also find that one is not enough!”

Jack & Frances Krall

Describing the ideal Giant owner, Sue says, “That must be a person who loves a challenge. Also, you must possess a huge sense of humor and unlimited patience when your Giant is young. It is a big help if you can think ahead because Giants are watchers. By this I mean that he won’t miss anything that you do, so leaving something tasty on the edge of the countertop in the kitchen and expecting it to be there when you return is a lost cause. You may think he’s having a nap and hasn’t noticed, but, believe me, Giants are opportunists! As soon as your back is turned and he’s had his chance, it’s gone. It also helps to be as intelligent as your dog!”

Frances Krall agrees, “Giants are thieves. And they eat anything—including all sorts of fruits and vegetables.” Tongue in cheek, she smiles, “Why, that must be why they are so healthy, they eat such a varied diet.” The Giant Schnauzer is a clever and lovable thief. He pilfers anything worth eating, which to him is everything. He also loves to steal the master’s underwear but, thoughtful fellow that he is, he’s quite likely to return it to you while you’re entertaining guests!

As a working dog, the Giant waits only to be given a task. His attributes are keen intelligence, high-energy drive and indomitable courage. Rare is the report of unwarranted aggression in the Giant. He is quick to respond, yet he is level-headed and not so volatile as to be a liability to a police officer or the responsible dog owner who wishes only to safeguard his family. The size, dark coloring and overall appearance of the Giant Schnauzer clearly convey that he is a force to be reckoned with. Even the most dim-witted burglar is capable of surmising the results were he to be so foolish as to actually attempt an intrusion with a Giant Schnauzer on guard!

Most dogs have no opportunity to actually do anything with their talents. Very few gundogs get to point, flush or retrieve today. A wolfhound doesn’t find much work protecting the flocks from wolves. The coursing dogs are not allowed to chase live game, and the foxhounds can hardly get excited when there’s no fox to pursue. Despite helicopter and SUV cowboys, the herding breeds are still afforded gainful employment in some countries—but cattle dogs should plan on moving to Australia if they seriously seek work! Thankfully, some dogs have made a new niche for themselves as therapy dogs and drug detectors, and many talented canines are unsurpassed as search-and-rescue heroes.

Therein lies a whole new opportunity for the enterprising Giant owner. The Giant’s coat is such that he can work in heat or cold. His strong feet can carry him over the roughest of terrain, including the rubble to be encountered in most disaster sites. While not possessed of the trailing instincts of the Bloodhound, the Giant is endowed with strong instincts to serve his human partners. We can envision exciting new areas that offer training and service opportunities to Giants and their owners. The Giant has long been a dependable partner in law enforcement, and he is still quite capable of finding work in that field. One hopes that he will never again be needed for his services as a messenger dog during field combat, but you can be sure that he will gladly deliver your morning paper without shredding it to pieces and he has been known to fetch objects upon command!

One look at that Schnauzer face, and you can’t help but be won over by the Giant’s unique charm.