Giant Schnauzer: description of the breed, character, photo and price per puppy. Peculiarities of training and education of the Giant Schnauzer (105 photos)

Care and maintenance

Even if the dog is not miniature: it will be able to live perfectly both in the enclosure of a country house and in an apartment.
The exception is if the living space is too small. The dog will not take up much space in the house and will not turn everything upside down. Optimal conditions for the breed are a spacious courtyard of a private house. This is where your four-legged friend will be able to run freely and interact with people. If a dog has an outdoor enclosure, then it should be well protected from the weather: have a canopy, a plank floor, and an insulated booth. If the winters in the region are harsh, then you should definitely take your pet indoors to avoid illness. And remember that by placing your dog outside, you are depriving him of necessary frequent human contact. And this is a condition for the formation of a calm character.

Putting a Giant Schnauzer on a chain is simply an insult to the animal’s pride and temperament. If there is a need to limit the dog's movement, it is better to lock it in an enclosure or in a room. Remember that this breed requires constant and fruitful walks. You need to play and talk with her. Insufficient activity often leads to weight gain and other health problems.

It is interesting that such dogs almost do not smell like “dog”. However, their coat will require careful care:

• at the end of each meal, be sure to wipe the animal’s face;
• periodically remove excess hair around the eyes, above the upper lip, between the paw pads;
• the dog should be constantly scratched with a special brush;
• several times a year you need to have a professional haircut to remove tangles;
• Keep your ears and eyes clean.

Interestingly, Giant Schnauzers practically do not shed, and their fur does not shed. To improve the structure of the coat, burdock oil should be used. It is gently rubbed into pre-washed and dried hairs.

Pets should be bathed as needed. It will be enough to do this 1-2 times a year. But the face should be wiped constantly to keep it clean and tidy.

Examine your pet's eyes weekly. It is recommended to visit a doctor once every six months. Remember that Giant Schnauzers are susceptible to ophthalmological diseases.

You should also check your pet's ears once a week. It is necessary to remove dust and dirt, as well as excess hair that may block the ear canal. The claws are trimmed as they grow. Due to prolonged loading, they wear down on their own.

You should take your Giant Schnauzer for a walk at least twice a day. For puppies, it should be 30 minutes, and for adults – an hour. It is best to walk a young dog on a leash. In calm and safe places you can let her go. If your pet is interested in what he is doing, call him to you or feed him a treat. If there is zero reaction, the leash is simply fastened.

Remember that adults living in an apartment are not happy with too sluggish walks. The best option would be to combine your own sports activities with walking your pet. For example, you can ride a bicycle or scooter, and the Giant Schnauzer will be happy and eager to run after you. You should not keep your puppy indoors until she is 4 months old. Otherwise, you risk raising an antisocial animal.

Don't forget about vaccination. The first vaccination should be given at 2 months. Repeated – after 21 days. Such comprehensive protection will protect against plague, parainfluenza, hepatitis, and parvovirus enteritis. At six months, a rabies vaccination is given, as well as a third complex vaccine against infectious diseases. After 12 months, the animal is vaccinated annually.

Caring for and maintaining a Giant Schnauzer does not cause much trouble if you accustom your baby to all procedures from early childhood. Little time is spent on hygiene, and walks become a pleasure when the dog is well-mannered and obedient.

How to choose a puppy

Collect as much information as possible about the puppies' parents: do they have show diplomas, have they been tested for working qualities. Be sure to check how many siblings your potential pet has. Giant Schnauzer females can produce up to 14 puppies, but such extremes are best avoided. The optimal number of babies in a litter is 6-8. Only in this case can you be sure that the tiny Giant Schnauzers have had enough mother’s milk and will not have problems with the immune system.

The optimal age for a little “Bavarian” to move to a new home is 1.5 months. By this time, the baby has all his incisors, which makes it possible to determine the correctness of his bite. External data is an equally important selection criterion. A Giant Schnauzer puppy should be moderately well-fed, but not overfed to the point of being a clumsy square, its fur should be clean and shiny, and its head should be large. It is better to take babies with rich black lips and eye rims: in 99 cases out of 100, such animals will have the standard black coat. If you take a puppy from a breeder whose charges live in the yard, be prepared for a small number of fleas on the baby’s “fur coat.” This phenomenon is common for yard dogs and does not affect their working qualities in any way, so it is definitely not worth blaming the seller for it. It’s another matter if small Giant Schnauzers are kept in cramped, unsanitary conditions, and their fur is infested with insects.

The most promising are considered to be active, cheerful puppies that manage to take the most advantageous place at the food bowl. But giant schnauzers that are too cowardly, as well as showing initial signs of aggression, are an unsuccessful choice for a pet. By the way, if you are not experienced in training large breed dogs, but continue to dream of a Giant Schnauzer, opt for kennels that specialize in show-class animals. Leave the breeders who breed exclusively working animals to the pros. It is unlikely that you will cope with Risen, in which the blood of several generations of aggressive service dogs flows.

Training issues

The characteristics of the Giant Schnauzer breed indicate that, in general, they are highly trainable, especially if the owner is willing to replace the lack of training experience with attention to the dog and patience.

Get started right away. Take the puppy's upbringing into your own hands from the first days of his stay in his new home.

It is important to initially establish the rules of behavior and the boundaries of what is acceptable for the dog.

Become an authority. Representatives of the breed are characterized by stubbornness, and young males are characterized by self-will

It is important to become a leader for your young Giant Schnauzer, and he will learn to please you. If the dog becomes convinced that he is the main one in your team, further training will be difficult, and you will end up with a poorly controllable dog.

Practice the commands. Even before going out into the world, the dog needs to be taught one of the main commands - “Come to me”. To do this, the command is given along with a call by name when invited to eat. Or when it is clear that the puppy wants to play with the owner. No less important are the commands “Fu” and “No”, which the dog should hear whenever he does not act as you would like.

Take care of socialization. Experts recommend taking the puppy to crowded places and areas where they walk with other dogs. This should be done after all necessary vaccinations and a quarantine period. A four-legged friend should learn from his youth not to react to strangers and animals if they do not pose a threat.

Alternate training with games. Boring and monotonous practice of commands can quickly get boring for an active and curious “shaggy-haired Bavarian.” Experienced dog breeders also recommend distracting puppies from destructive activities with joint games and various toys. Giant schnauzers have an excellent memory, and if you manage to promptly switch the puppy from eating a slipper to catching a ball, then soon he will no longer be interested in shoes, and he will be ready to run after the ball at any moment.

With the right attitude to education and due patience, even an amateur can teach a shaggy friend basic commands. But if you want to raise a dog perfectly or use your pet for security and guard work, you should turn to professionals and take a training course together with your pet.

Violence, tantrums, and chaotic changes in rules will harm both the puppy and your relationship. You may not have sufficient experience in training, but you should approach communication with your pet carefully and as calmly as possible. Mutual respect and gentle suggestion will allow you to raise the Giant Schnauzer into an ideal companion.

Diet

The menu is replenished with lean meat, excluding chicken and lamb, offal, vegetables, sea fish, cereals and fermented milk products.

Natural vitamin supplements in the form of seasonal greens and dietary supplements with chitin and salmon oil are desirable. Never give food from the master's table; sweets, salty and fatty foods are contraindicated for the dog. Raw food is healthier and do not grind it into minced meat.

If you are a supporter of an active lifestyle and are ready to master the intricacies of training, choose this dog without hesitation. The description of the Giant Schnauzer breed proves that by winning his heart, you will receive a faithful friend and partner for many years. A tireless worker will work honestly for the benefit of an owner who has proven his worth.

Miniature Schnauzer - description of the breed

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog with a big heart. It is always in the top 20 most popular breeds around the world. He is an extrovert with moderately high energy who loves to have fun. Miniature schnauzers have a square shape, height 28 - 36 cm, females weigh 4.5 - 6.8 kg, males - 5.0 to 8.2 kg.

Main characteristics:

• Character is well balanced, intelligent and adaptable;
• Temperament alert and reliable. First of all, it is a companion dog;
• Head and skull. The head is strong, tapering from the ears to the eyes. The top of the head (occiput to base of forehead) is moderately wide between the ears. The forehead is flat, without folds;
• Powerful muzzle ending in a moderately blunt line, with bristly, short whiskers. The nose is black with wide nostrils. Lips fit tightly;
• Eyes. Medium size, dark, oval, arched, with prominent thick eyebrows;
• The ears are neat, V-shaped, set high and drooping towards the temple;
• The jaws are strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlap the lower teeth and are fitted to the jaws;
• The neck is moderately long, strong and slightly arched, set neatly on the shoulders;
• The shoulders are flat and well built. The front legs are straight when viewed from any angle;
• The muscles are smooth and flexible, not bulging;
• The chest is moderately broad, with a strong sternum reaching at least the height of the elbow, slightly raised towards the loin;
• The back is strong and straight, slightly higher than the shoulder than the rear. The ribs are well sprung;
• The length of the body is equal to the height from the top of the withers to the ground;
• Hind thighs sloping and flat, muscular;
• The legs are short, round, with curved toes, dark nails, strong black pads, feet pointing forward;
• The tail is carried high and of moderate length to give the dog overall balance. Thick at the base and tapering to the tip, straight and graceful in appearance;
• Movement is free, balanced and energetic, with good reach in the front and good driving force in the rear.

Breeding Schnauzers

Mating of dogs of this breed is no different from mating of dogs of other breeds. A female Schnauzer is capable of producing offspring after her first heat, which occurs before she is one year old. But experts recommend refraining from giving birth after the first heat, as this can negatively affect the health of the female. At this age, she is not yet fully formed. The most suitable age for giving birth is 2 years, in which case the threat to the female is minimal, and the puppies will be healthy.

It is undesirable to feed animals before a bribe. It is best to introduce a male and female for mating on territory that is neutral for both dogs. It is best to do this outdoors, so that the animals can get to know each other well, walk and run around together. But it is advisable to carry out mating on the territory of the male, these are ideal conditions for him. The main thing at this moment is not to disturb them and not to interfere. After 48 hours, it is advisable to carry out a control mating.

The number of puppies for bitches increases with each litter depending on age. Young ones give birth to fewer puppies than older ones. The main thing is to mark the day of mating, in this case it will be possible to control the gestational age. After all, giving birth too early or too late can negatively affect the health of the puppies.

Since pregnancy manifests itself late, it can be determined by the dog’s behavior. A pregnant female becomes calmer and more affectionate. From ignorance, you may get the feeling that she is sick.

For childbirth, you need to prepare everything you need:

• Disposable diapers or sheets;
• Sterile wipes;
• Afterbirth bowl;
• A large number of rags, maybe not new, but always clean and ironed;
• Basin or box;
• Antiseptic;
• Medicines in case of unsuccessful birth.

Females give birth to puppies between 58 and 63 days. Before giving birth, your dog's stomach needs to be cleaned, so you will need to give her a laxative. A couple of days before giving birth, the dog’s body temperature drops to 37°C.

Who lives longer - male or female?

Life expectancy does not depend on the gender of the dog. The main role is played by care, nutrition, and habitat. There is an opinion that animals live longer after castration and sterilization. If the owners do not plan to breed offspring, then it is necessary to castrate the male or sterilize the female to avoid infections and tumor diseases of the genital organs. The operation reduces the animal's aggressive behavior. Dogs are castrated after 9 months.

Childbirth is not always good for the health of bitches. Sometimes the birth of puppies leads to consequences requiring treatment or removal of the uterus. This does not mean that dogs that have given birth and that have not been spayed or neutered will live less, while others will live longer. These operations simply prevent some problems. In bitches - cancer of the mammary glands and genital organs, infections, aggression; in males - genital infections, oncology, aggression, fighting, running away, insomnia, loss of appetite.

Rarely there are disadvantages of the operation: hypothyroidism - decreased hormones, bone cancer, obesity, changes in fur.

Interesting facts about miniature schnauzers

The dog is protective of the people he loves and is often suspicious of strangers until he receives a sign from his owner that the person can be trusted. He is an excellent watchman who will warn of visitors, robbers, etc. His bark is piercing.

The Miniature Schnauzer is different:

1. With affection for people, he wants to constantly play with his owners. An incredibly affectionate, smart, mischievous, and often stubborn dog. He is full of life;
2. High maintenance requirements. It needs to be trimmed every five to eight weeks;
3. Noisy, protecting the home and family, he will bark even at the slightest rustle;
4. Gets along well with children and other dogs, but cannot be trusted with small animals;
5. Your Miniature Schnauzer should always be kept on a leash when you are not in a fenced area. If he wants to chase someone, he will most likely ignore the owner’s call;
6. A bored miniature schnauzer is unhappy. The dog is intelligent and energetic and can excel in a variety of activities. You need to make sure he gets enough exercise, otherwise he will become short-tempered.

There are a number of miniature schnauzers owned by celebrities! One famous dog is Atticus M. Finch, who took part in a charity competition with his owner, newspaper reporter Tom Ryan. The book After Atticus was written about their experiences. The role of Toto in the West End show The Wizard of Oz was won by a miniature schnauzer, who took part in the British television talent show Over the Rainbow.

Another star is bitch Ada, who played Colin in the British comedy series Spaced, which also starred Simon Pegg. The actor himself is the owner of a miniature schnauzer. Other famous Miniature Schnauzer owners include actress Katherine Heigl, US Senator Bob Dole and boxer Sugar Ray Leonard.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of the Giant Schnauzer:

• excellent security guards and bodyguards;
• patient with children;
• can be kept both in a house and in an apartment;
• are inquisitive and quickly learn commands;
• During molting, the fur does not fall off.

Disadvantages of the Giant Schnauzer:

• stubborn and cunning by nature;
• need a leader and constant education;
• long walks are necessary so that the dog can burn off energy;
• Haircuts and grooming in the form of trimming are required.

Personality of the Giant Schnauzer

Hot temper, impulsiveness, passion, curiosity, devotion, intelligence - all this is the Giant Schnauzer. He definitely won’t allow you to get bored in his company.

The Giant Schnauzer demands from its owner that he be stronger and more cunning than himself. The tendency to lead, a feature of the breed, is at the highest level. At the same time, if the owner enjoys authority in the eyes of the pet, the universal dog will do absolutely everything that is asked of it. True, this will not get rid of the pet’s periodic attempts to take a leading position.

The Giant Schnauzer maintains friendly relations with members of the household, but with a slight note of condescension. They know that only the owner can be smarter and stronger than the dog. However, this does not interfere with communication. The Giant Schnauzer will be happy to expose its head to affection, play with all family members and protect them.

Representatives of the breed are wary and suspicious of strangers. But they have an excellent memory for faces. If a person is already in a circle of good friends and does not show aggression, the Giant Schnauzer will greet him with pleasure. Unfortunately, this has a negative impact on watchdog qualities: the person with whom the Giant Schnauzer once met will not necessarily turn out to be friendly and harmless. Excessive gullibility is corrected during the ZKS course.

The Giant Schnauzer has something to counter the threat to the life and property of its owner. He will undoubtedly rush to the owner’s defense at the slightest sign of aggression towards him. Penetration into a protected area will also not leave the Giant Schnauzer indifferent: warning by voice - warning by appearance - attack.

But this trait also has a downside: many Giant Schnauzers regard speaking in a raised tone or waving a hand as a threat to the owner, instantly attacking an unwary person. Unmotivated pet aggression must be removed during upbringing and training.

A properly raised schnauzer is absolutely loyal to other animals, does not start quarrels, and gets along well even with cats. But it’s better to stay away from other people’s cats: a representative of the breed will not be able to resist the temptation to play catch-up.

Attitude towards children

The Giant Schnauzer sincerely considers children to be weak and stupid creatures and treats them condescendingly and friendly. At the same time, the dog will never allow itself aggression towards them.

Representatives of the breed will steadfastly tolerate close contact, attacks, and carelessness. If what is happening exceeds all the possibilities of patience, the dog will try to hide, but will not snap back

Pros and cons of the breed

When considering a Giant Schnauzer as a pet, it is worth remembering: this is a service dog. And this circumstance directly affects the advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

1. Memorable appearance.
2. Developed intelligence.
3. Devotion.
4. Excellent health.
5. No shedding.
6. Good relationship with children.
7. An excellent security guard and bodyguard.

Minuses:

1. A complex process of education and training.
2. Increased demands on the qualities of the owner.
3. Aggressiveness and hot temper.
4. Problematic grooming.
5. High requirements for activity.
6. The apartment is not suitable for maintenance.

Health and diseases of Giant Schnauzers

A Giant Schnauzer that eats properly and receives qualified veterinary care can live up to 10-12 years. However, not a single animal is immune from a hereditary predisposition to certain types of diseases.

Typical ailments of the breed:

• hypothyroidism;
• diabetes;
• pancreatitis;
• volvulus;
• lipoma:
• melanoma;
• hip dysplasia;
• cataract.

The urinary system of representatives of this breed is also not the healthiest, so in the cold season, Giant Schnauzers easily catch kidney infections.

Feeding

The Giant Schnauzer's diet must be balanced, with healthy and high-quality products, without preservatives and dyes.

The dog is prone to allergies, so introduce new foods carefully. Do not overdo it with meat - a large amount of protein can provoke allergies, but you should not stick to cereals and vegetables alone.

What to feed? Healthy foods:

• meat, turkey is the most useful;
• offal (can replace meat): heart, kidneys, bones;
• sea ​​fish;
• different cereals, buckwheat and rice are more suitable;
• vegetables and fruits, herbs.

Dietary recommendations:

• food should not be seasoned with spices or salty;
• tubular bones are prohibited - they can injure the esophagus;
• be sure to give additional vitamins;
• Make sure that there is always fresh water in the animal’s bowl.

When deciding what to feed your puppy, you should consider what diet the puppy had from the breeder. At first, give foods that are familiar to the puppy, gradually introducing new ones.

The diet of a little pet should include:

• dairy products;
• porridge – rice, buckwheat, oatmeal;
• lean meat;
• vegetables fruits.

Many people decide to feed their dog special dry food. But how to choose the right one, what food to feed your pet so that he is healthy and full of energy? You should select high-quality food, without dyes and preservatives, so as not to provoke an allergic reaction.

Specific Features

An affectionate, kind giant loves all household members, but recognizes one owner. We tolerate the presence of cats and small dogs. The mustachioed “Bavarian” is demanding of round-the-clock contact and communication. Photos of the Giant Schnauzer demonstrate that he can express his feelings with touching facial expressions.

The dog is capable of independently analyzing a situation, has a sharp mind, almost human ingenuity and a unique memory for faces. This is an excellent watchman, distrustful of strangers, which sometimes becomes problematic. If your friend pats you on the shoulder or hugs you vigorously, he may get bitten.

Any action suggested to the fidget pleases him; he can take kids on sleds, protect property, and save drowning people.

Requirements for maintenance and nutrition

The size of an adult Giant Schnauzer allows you to keep it both in an enclosure and in an apartment, but to maintain health and maintain working qualities, you will have to devote a lot of time to your pet for long games and walks.

The first vaccination is given to the puppy by the breeder. Information about the date and name of the vaccine should be given to you along with other documents. The baby is vaccinated again at about three months, then every year. Adult dogs are vaccinated annually.

Cupping

Cropped ears and tail are an indispensable attribute of the traditional image of Rizen. However, in recent decades in the West, dog handlers are gradually moving away from this practice. In some countries, such operations are already prohibited, and the current breed standard does not require docking of ears and tail. Experts assure that this does not affect either the working qualities or the health of the pet, so it is up to the breeder and owner to decide whether to perform surgery or not.

Diet

“Bavarian beauties” are not picky about food, have good health and are rarely susceptible to allergic reactions, so you can choose what to feed your Giant Schnauzer. These dogs do not need a special diet. Their diet can be based on dry food or natural products. The table shows the advantages and disadvantages of both nutritional approaches.

Table - Pros and cons of different approaches to nutrition

A natural diet is based on meat and offal. You can add fish, dairy products, cereals, fruits and vegetables. For dry food, you can give canned food from the same company, bones, tripe and other treats.

It is recommended to feed Giant Schnauzers from a flat dish with a special stand so that the dog does not bend over while eating. Small puppies are fed up to five times a day, from four to five months - three times, and after eight - twice a day after a walk. After eating, the “Bavarian” needs to be washed, as his beard gets dirty with food.

Grooming

Although the Giant Schnauzer dog breed does not have an outstanding coat, taking care of its coat requires professional grooming. Two or three times a year you will have to contact specialists for trimming - plucking out excess faded fur. Owners perform two procedures on their own.

1. Combing. The procedure is carried out with a brush once a week. The specificity of the coat of the “Bavarian bearded men” is such that even during the molting period it does not fall off. This is a big plus for keeping the apartment clean, but a serious minus for the dog’s comfort.
2. Bathing. Wash the dog as needed, about two to three times a year. Be sure to use a pet shampoo that matches your pet's coat type. The coat of a healthy rizen does not have a specific odor, so the dog can easily do without frequent water procedures. Representatives of the breed love to swim, so in the summer the dog can additionally swim with you in ponds.

You cannot cut or shave Giant Schnauzers, as this will damage the structure of the coat. For hygienic and aesthetic purposes, an edge trim is done - the hair on the paws and face is trimmed.

Features of character and behavior

The Giant Schnauzer is an excellent example of a guard dog with phenomenal working characteristics . Character – calm, self-possessed, flexible. The dog combines obedience, patience and high mobility. Together with intelligence and an exceptional ability to learn commands, these qualities make the Giant Schnauzer an ideal protector and reliable companion. The breed is classified as a service breed, which means that Giant Schnauzers do an excellent job of protecting and guarding both humans and the entrusted territory.

Given the extraordinary abilities and extraordinary need for activity, it is not recommended for inexperienced owners to own a dog. Lack of breed-appropriate training and exercise can lead to obedience problems .

Advantages

The Giant Schnauzer has numerous advantages:

1. Has high intelligence scores, is inquisitive, and self-confident.
2. Endowed with uniquely high performance and endurance.
3. Excellently trainable, active, capable of quickly learning commands.
4. It is one of the best among guard dogs, since along with protective qualities it has a balanced temperament.
5. Does not react to extraneous sounds and movements by barking for no reason.
6. He makes contact easily, but is cautious with strangers, especially when performing guard duties.
7. He is attentive to the owner’s “mood” and adapts to his condition.
8. Always ready to accompany the owner; during walks he vigilantly watches those around him, but does not show aggression.
9. Suitable for families with children, with whom he shows unlimited patience and friendliness.
10. Gets along well with other pets.
11. Does not have a typical dog odor.

Flaws

The disadvantages usually include the following:

• The need for daily long-term (many hours) exercises, including both physical activity and practicing various commands; in the absence of appropriate exercises, the Giant Schnauzer turns into a sad, unhappy creature;
• Not suitable for keeping in a small apartment or studio;
• Not suitable for inexperienced owners, as well as people with a soft and calm character; The Giant Schnauzer requires firmness in education and active participation of the owner;
• Given its size, it is not recommended for older people to have a pet of this breed;
• Grooming requires significant financial investments, as well as time (visiting a professional groomer).

A dog is absolutely not suitable for people who do not have the opportunity to devote a sufficient amount of time and effort to training their pet and who lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Miniature Schnauzers

The Miniature Schnauzer is a medium-sized breed. Its height is from 45 to 50 cm, and its weight is 14-20 kg. This species is the ancestor of the breed.

Today, miniature schnauzers are bred according to the established international standard (FSA No. 182). In terms of external characteristics, all types of schnauzers are very similar to each other. Photos of such dogs are provided in our article.

Representatives of this breed are intelligent, easy to train, and energetic.

In order to raise a dog from a puppy to the level of established standards, attention should be paid to the development of obedience and perseverance of the animal. A cheerful disposition and activity encourage long walks in the fresh air and regular games with the Miniature Schnauzer.

A representative of this type of breed will become not only a devoted pet, but also a worthy defender of its owners. The Miniature Schnauzer is used in cynology - they are used in military service, the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the police. Such dogs are capable of detecting narcotic and explosive substances, weapons, taking part in detaining lawbreakers, as well as in various kinds of rescue operations.

A miniature schnauzer named George became famous all over the world. He showed extraordinary abilities in medicine - this dog is able to detect the presence of malignant cells in the human body by smell.

It should also be noted that it is this type of Schnauzer breed that is most often immortalized in monuments, sculptures and paintings.

Appearance

The Giant Schnauzer is a large, strong dog with coarse hair that forms thick eyebrows, mustaches and a beard on its head. Outwardly it is similar to the Black Russian Terrier. Sexual dimorphism is well expressed.

• Height at withers: 60-70 cm.
• Weight: 35-45 kg.

The head is proportional. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is clearly visible and is emphasized by the eyebrows. The nose is well developed and black. The bridge of the nose is straight. Scissor bite. The ears are dropped, set high and turned forward, and can be cropped as standard. The eyes are set straight, dark in color, oval, medium in size. The eyelids fit tightly and are dry. The neck is slightly arched with a smooth transition to the withers.

The topline is slightly sloping. The croup is rounded. The chest is moderately wide. The tail tapers towards the end; according to the standard, it can be docked up to the third vertebra. The forelimbs are strong and spaced at a moderate distance. The hindquarters, when viewed from the side, are drawn back; when viewed from behind, they are set moderately wide, parallel. The paws are short and rounded. The fingers are well gathered into a ball. The claws are dark, the pads are elastic. Movements with good range, free, fast and elegant.

The coat is hard, thick and of medium length. The undercoat is thick. Longer hair on the eyebrows and beard is typical. The color can be pure black or pepper and salt. With the latter option, a dark mask must be worn. Clear, light markings are undesirable.

Ear and tail docking for a Giant Schnauzer

In 2016, the FCI General Committee decided that in countries where such operations are prohibited by law, dogs with docked tails/ears cannot be shown at FCI shows. Unless there is a legal restriction in a country, dogs of breeds that have traditionally been subject to tail/ear docking may be shown without restriction. On par with dogs whose ears and tails are of natural length. In the CIS countries, docking of ears and tails is not prohibited. The resolution is valid until 2014.

Risen's ears are cropped at the age of 3-4 months. Tails are trimmed in 3-5 days, so this should be agreed upon in advance with the breeder.

Appearance of the Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer Puppy
Figuratively speaking, the Miniature Schnauzer is an intermediate link between Giant Schnauzers and Miniature Schnauzers, and the main distinguishing feature of all three breeds is their size. An adult midget is 20 cm lower than the average rizen and almost 15 cm higher than a miniature. Among other things, the Standard Schnauzer has a stockier build, which gives its figure a pleasant compactness and solidity.

Head

The Miniature Schnauzer has a large, elongated skull with a slightly pronounced occipital protuberance and a flat forehead. The muzzle of representatives of this breed is wedge-shaped, with a blunt end and a noticeable stop.

Nose

In purebred individuals, the nose is massive, with well-opened nostrils, so the Schnauzer's sense of smell is excellent. The only acceptable color of the lobe is black.

Ears

By nature, the Miniature Schnauzer has triangular ears that hang on cartilage, but most domestic breeders crop this part of the body for their dogs and artificially shape its posture. As a result, cropped ears take an upright position and have a pointed triangular shape.

Neck

The neck of the Miniature Schnauzer is moderately muscular, of normal thickness, with a spectacular scruff. The skin on the neck and under the throat is tightly stretched, without noticeable folds or wrinkles.

Frame

Miniature Schnauzers are characterized by a rectangular body format with a slightly sloping topline. The back of dogs of this breed is short and strong, with a deep, strong loin. The chest is of sufficient depth and width, clearly protruding forward. The groin line is selected.

Limbs

Miniature Schnauzer in profile

The legs of the Miniature Schnauzer are straight, not very narrow, but not too wide. The hind limbs are noticeably drawn back, the shoulder blades are adjacent to the chest, the elbows are well pressed to the body. The thighs of an adult animal are elongated, with a good volume of muscle mass. The legs are elongated, sinewy, hock joints with normal articulation angles, without obvious inward or outward turning. The paws of the Miniature Schnauzer are short and arched.

Tail

The tail is crescent or sickle shaped and of natural length. According to the updated European standard, the tail of miniature schnauzers is not docked, therefore animals whose owners have arbitrarily shortened this part of the body are disqualified from foreign exhibitions. In Russia, this innovation has not yet gained popularity, so most domestic breeders still practice docking.

Wool

The coat of the Miniature Schnauzer is hard and coarse with a thick undercoat and a coat of normal length that fits well to the body of the animal. In the area of ​​the forehead and ears, the hair is very short, while the dog’s muzzle and brow ridges are decorated with long strands of decorative hair - the so-called “eyebrows”, “beard” and “whiskers”.

Color

The Miniature Schnauzer has only two standard colors - black and salt and pepper. The latter is a multi-tone, consisting of harmoniously combined gray, silver and steel shades. By the way, black and pepper individuals are bred separately from each other and exhibited in different rings. Exceptions are exhibitions in the UK and the USA, where black and pepper schnauzers are exhibited on the same site.

Defects and vices of the Miniature Schnauzer breed

Miniature Schnauzer at an exhibition

The following defects in appearance can prevent a Miniature Schnauzer from receiving a championship title:

• too short or, conversely, overly elongated limbs;
• lightweight body;
• broad-boned;
• turning out elbows;
• cow legs;
• non-standard height (deviation up to 3 cm in any direction).

As for disqualification at competitions, animals with behavioral deviations, congenital defects in color and physique, as well as various deformities can fall under it. An atypical bite, insufficient or too high growth, as well as inconsistency with the breed type will also help exclude the breed from the list of competitors.

Wool

In order to endure various hardships, the dog has two layers of fur. The outer one is more rigid and has an adjacent structure that curls towards the tips.

An interesting feature of the Giant Schnauzer's haircut is the presence of large mustaches, which give this dog an intelligent and non-aggressive appearance.

The most common colors are black and gray. Disadvantages are any deviations of the coat from the standard, including excessive waviness and length and insufficient rigidity.

Breed description and characteristics

Strong muscles, coarse hair, mustachioed and bearded muzzle, decent size: the Giant Schnauzer is a dog that is difficult to confuse with another breed.

• Head: with an oblong skull, without an occipital protuberance. The dog's muzzle is wedge-shaped, but not pointed.
• Eyes: small, dark, with tight-fitting eyelids.
• Ears: set high, hanging, triangular. Cropping is prohibited by law, but in countries where there is no ban, ears are cropped for aesthetic reasons.
• Jaws: powerful, with a scissor bite.
• Neck: Muscular, slightly arched, graceful, without folds.
• Body: compact, with a short, powerful back and convex loin. The sides and stomach are tucked, the croup is slightly sloping.
• Chest: not very wide, protruding forward.
• Limbs: straight, widely set, strong. The front ones have sloping shoulder blades, pressed to the body with the elbows. The hindquarters are drawn back, with wide hips.
• Tail: medium length, saber-shaped. In countries where docking is legal, a dog's tail is usually docked for aesthetic reasons.
• Coat: hard, wiry, medium length, with dense undercoat. It is longest and toughest on the dog’s face, where it forms the mustache, beard and eyebrows.

How much does a Giant Schnauzer weigh and its dimensions?

The Giant Schnauzer is the largest representative of the Schnauzers.

• Height at withers: height from 60 to 70 centimeters.
• Weight: no more than 47 kilograms.

Giant Schnauzer colors

The standard recognizes two varieties of Giant Schnauzer color:

• black;
• pepper and salt.

The black-haired Giant Schnauzer is judged by the depth of color and the absence of tan, markings, and the purity of the color of the undercoat: it must also be black. As black dogs age, gray hair appears in their fur.

Pepper and salt is a complex color that consists of white and black hairs arranged in such a way that it gives the impression of a uniform ash-gray color. All representatives of the breed have a mask on their face that is darker than the main color.

Popular colors of miniature schnauzers

The dog has a double coat, with a tough outer coat and a soft undercoat. The fur on the body is short, but long on the ears, legs, belly and muzzle. One aspect that has changed since the breed was developed concerns the color of the animal.

In the past you could find Schnauzers of all sizes in reddish, black, tan, yellow or multi-colored coats, but today shades of black and silver are in vogue. Just as ear cropping preferences change over time, a Miniature Schnauzer's appearance may also change.

Recognized coat colors:

• Pure black;
• Pepper and salt. The pepper and salt color is a variety where the coat hairs are striped shades of black, gray and silver, fading to gray or silver on the eyebrows, whiskers, underparts and legs. The dark mask on the face is in harmony with the corresponding color of the fur on the body;
• Black and silver. Solid black with silver markings on eyebrows, muzzle, chest, rib cage, forelegs below elbow point, inside hindquarters below knee joint and under tail;
• Pure white.

White is one of the four color varieties of the Miniature Schnauzer recognized by the International Federation of Cynologies. However, debate continues today. They are based on the controversial origin of the white color variation, namely whether the color is contained in the genes of the originally recognized breed, or is it the result of subsequent modifications. Because the other two types of Schnauzers were never available in a white variant, and the original German standard never included white as an acceptable color.

Key points in training

Giant Schnauzers have excellent intelligence and quickly grasp what their owner or dog handler requires of them. Therefore, training these animals is a pleasure. They are patient, obedient, and rarely conflict.

In order to quickly establish contact with your pet, it is recommended to include an element of novelty in each activity, coming up with interesting search tasks for the Giant Schnauzer.

It is better to practice basic commands in the second part of the walk, after the dog has used up an extraordinary charge of energy.

Read about how to properly train a dog in the article: “Training a puppy: effective methods from dog handlers, learning commands at home.”

History of the Giant Schnauzer breed

Giant Schnauzers originated in the 17th century in Swabia. Initially, it was believed that schnauzers came from German pinschers, but it was possible to prove that the blood of many dogs flows in their veins. It is absolutely certain that when breeding the breed, Great Danes, Boxers, German Cattle Dogs, and Rottweilers were involved in crossbreeding.

However, from the end of the 19th century, people saw this dog as a pet and began to cultivate external characteristics. The best puppies were those who were born with hard hair. The puppy received the right to be called a Giant Schnauzer if the three previous generations were also wire-haired dogs.

Rizens were brought to the USSR in the early 1970s, and in 1973 they already gave birth to their first offspring. Soviet breeders worked hard to improve the breed, crossing with individuals from Czechoslovakia and the GDR. Soviet dogs were distinguished by their exceptional exterior; until the early 90s of the 20th century, interest in the breed grew, people got these dogs, and films were made about them. But when difficult times came, there was simply no one to engage in thoughtful selection.

However, after a period of some decline, Rizens began to come into fashion again and Russian dogs are already able to provide worthy competition at international exhibitions.

What to follow?

There are still risks, and it is better to be warned about them in advance. The weak points of Giant Schnauzers include:

• eyes - conjunctivitis is common, cataracts are possible;
• nervous system - epilepsy may develop;
• Gastrointestinal tract, especially the pancreas: more often than other breeds, Risen suffer from pancreatitis;
• bladder (susceptible to infections);
• thyroid;
• joints - dysplasia is common.

Diabetes may also develop, so you need to be careful when choosing your menu.

Appearance of a Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is a muscular, mustachioed and bearded breed with well-developed muscles. Today, this is the largest variety of schnauzer of all existing ones (middle and miniature schnauzers are distinguished by more modest dimensions). The height of the average Rizen male varies between 60-70 cm, and its weight should not exceed 47 kg.

Head

Giant Schnauzer puppy

The Giant Schnauzer has an elongated skull with a flat forehead and no pronounced occipital protuberance. The muzzle is wedge-shaped, not pointed. The stop is embossed.

Jaws and teeth

All representatives of the breed have strong, strong jaws with a full dental formula (42 teeth) and a scissor bite.

Ears

The high-set, moderately drooping ears of the Giant Schnauzer have a classic triangular shape. The front edge of the ear should touch the dog’s cheekbones, the optimal height of the fold of the ear flap is at the level of the skull. Previously, ears were cropped for aesthetic purposes. Today, the procedure is prohibited in most European countries, although most domestic breeders continue to practice it.

Neck

The Giant Schnauzer has a slender, graceful, but at the same time very muscular neck without skin folds. In the area of ​​the nape, the cervical vertebrae form a slight bend.

Giant Schnauzer muzzle

Frame

The body of the Giant Schnauzer is quite compact with a short, strong back and a convex, deep lumbar region. The sides and belly are tucked together, which gives the dog’s silhouette an extra slim look. The croup of purebred individuals should be slightly sloping, and the chest should not be too wide and slightly protruding forward, beyond the shoulder joints.

Running Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer has straight, moderately wide legs. The shoulder blades are of an inclined type with good muscles, the elbows are pressed to the body. The hind limbs of purebred animals should be pulled back. Welcome: wide, sufficiently long hips, normal knees without obvious turning in or out, and cat-type (arched) paws.

Wool

The Giant Schnauzer's coat is hard and has a wire-like feel to the touch. The coat is of a double type, consisting of abundant undercoat and coarse, not very long hair. The coarsest and longest hair grows on the dog’s face, forming expressive “whiskers” and “eyebrows.”

Giant Schnauzer pepper and salt color

The officially recognized types of colors are black and the so-called “pepper and salt”.

Defects and disqualifying defects

Any deviation from the breed standard is already a defect, but if the defect is not very pronounced, the exhibition commission can turn a blind eye to it. But owners of animals with twisted elbows, a lightweight body type and straightened hocks should not count on such concessions.

Disqualifying faults of Giant Schnauzers:

• deviations from a scissor bite (overshot, undershot, jaw distortion);
• insufficient/excessive growth (with a deviation of 4 cm or more in any direction);
• congenital deformities and pathologies;
• inappropriate behavior (unreasonable cowardice, aggression, suspicion);
• inconsistency with the breed type;
• defects in physique, color and coat.