Giant Schnauzer Dog Breed Profile
The Giant Schnauzer is a beautiful dog and she makes
a great watch dog and guard dog. She will protect you.
On the downside, she really requires an experienced
handler and early socializing of pets, other dogs and
children. She is a dominant dog and will continually
test the waters and push the envelope of who is in charge
here anyway?
She is extremely smart and a fast learner. She requires
space to exercise and she is not an apartment dog. At
the least, she needs a properly fenced in yard, at the
best, plenty of acres to run on. Some people think that
she is great with children, others do not trust her,
especially with children under about 13 years old. As
a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a
puppy or dog.
Approximate Adult Size
The approximate adult size (two years old or older)
of the male Giant Schnauzer is 25 to 28 inches to the
withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 60 to 80
pounds. The female ranges from 23 to 26 inches to the
withers and 55 to 75 pounds.
Special Health Considerations
Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems
associated with that specific breed and the Giant Schnauzer
is no exception. Be on the look out for Canine Hip Dysplasia
(genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead
to arthritis pain and lameness), orthopedic problems,
eye disease, toe cancer, epilepsy and bloat (Gastric
Dilation-Volvulus, the second leading killer of dogs,
can kill within the hour, this space is too limited
for a complete explanation but you should read up on
this).
Feeding more then once a day and avoiding exercise right
after meals may help guard against bloat. This disease
list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases
may also be significant threats, please contact your
veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the
first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as
an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for
shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and
on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for
check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog
sweets.
Grooming
The Giant Schnauzer has a double coat consisting of
a harsh, wiry, hard, very dense outer coat and a soft
inner coat. They shed little but need to be brushed
regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and
healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer
eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond
with her. She also needs to see a groomer occasionally
for clipping.
Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean.
If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear
cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water
or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do
not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated
and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing
in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears
have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress
and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your
veterinarian.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with
toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing
removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which
can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease.
Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth,
bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and
clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow
slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally
a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore
and competent instructions to accomplish this can be
found on the net.
Life Span
The Giant Schnauzer can live between 12 and 15 years
with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living
conditions.
History
The Giant Schnauzer comes from Bavaria, Germany where
it was known as the Riesenschnauzer. They may be a cross
between the Bouvier des Flandres, black Great Danes,
smooth-coated drover dogs and rough-coated shepherds.
They were first registered by the American Kennel Association
in 1930.
About the Author
For more information on the giant
schnauzer
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