Riesenschnauzer Information and Care Guide

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Cute Dog Getting Hairstyle in Grooming Salon
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The Riesenschnauzer is a majestic breed that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their thick coat. They need to be brushed at least 3 times a week.

Their distinctive beard and eyebrows require daily cleaning to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating. Regular nail trimming is also essential to prevent overgrowth.

Riesenschnauzers are intelligent and active dogs that need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. They require daily walks and playtime to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.

A Riesenschnauzer's diet should consist of high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs.

History

The Giant Schnauzer has a rich history that dates back to Germany, where it was developed to drive cattle and work in butcher shops and stockyards. They were known as the Munchener and were widespread throughout Bavaria and Wurttemberg.

The Giant Schnauzer was probably created by crossing the Standard Schnauzer with larger smooth-coated dogs, rough-haired sheepdogs, and the black Great Dane. The Bouvier des Flandres may also have played a role in their development.

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Credit: youtube.com, History of the Giant Schnauzer ( Riesenschnauzer)

In the early 1900s, Giant Schnauzers were trained for police work in Berlin and other German cities, and it became their primary job. They were ahead of their time, and the German Shepherds beat them to becoming well-known police dogs in the United States.

The Giant Schnauzer Club of America was founded in 1962, but the breed has remained uncommon in the United States. Today, the breed ranks fairly low on the list of breeds and varieties registered by the American Kennel Club.

The Riesenschnauzer, or Giant Schnauzer, is a classic dog breed that originated in Central Europe. They were originally used as working dogs, helping with tasks such as driving cattle and guarding breweries.

The Riesenschnauzer's ancestors were known as "Bierschnauzer" or "Bärenschnauzer" in some regions, due to their association with beer carts and breweries. They were highly valued for their loyalty and protective instincts.

The Riesenschnauzer was first recognized as a distinct breed in 1910 and was officially recognized as a police dog in 1925. They were bred to be robust and capable of withstanding long periods of physical activity, which has contributed to their robust health.

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Verhalten

Credit: youtube.com, Riesenschnauzer mit seinen Vor und Nachteielen

The Giant Schnauzer is a calm and loyal breed around its family, but it was bred to work and needs plenty of mental stimulation to keep it happy.

They are protective of the home and naturally cautious with strangers, which means they can make good guard dogs. However, this also means they tend to be unfriendly to strangers.

Giant Schnauzers are strong and energetic, which can make them too boisterous for families with small children. They need to learn early on that you (and the rest of your family) are boss as they have a tendency to try and achieve pack leader status if given the chance.

They are intelligent and have a quick mind, which means they learn easily with consistent and firm handling. However, they also have a stubborn independent streak and will sometimes try and push limits.

Giant Schnauzers like to roam and hunt out small furry things, so they are best walked in a secure area with a long line to prevent them from running off. They can walk and run for miles and never seem to tire, but a couple of long daily walks should be enough to keep them physically happy and content.

Their coat requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition, with their beards/muzzles tending to get drool on them and needing the occasional wipe.

Health

Credit: youtube.com, The Truth About Giant Schnauzer Health Issues

Giant Schnauzers are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Not all Giant Schnauzers will get any or all of these diseases, but it's essential to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.

Hip dysplasia is a heritable condition that can lead to arthritis, and it's crucial to get your dog's hips checked by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred.

Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD) is a painful joint disorder that can be caused by an improper growth of cartilage, and it's essential to detect it early, as it can be hereditary or caused by trauma or improper diet.

Autoimmune Thyroiditis is the most common cause of primary hypothyroidism in dogs, and it tends to become evident at two to five years of age. Dogs with hypothyroidism may experience infertility, obesity, mental dullness, and skin problems, but daily medication can treat the condition.

Credit: youtube.com, Feed Your Giant Schnauzer THIS For Unbelievable Results!

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a type of cancer that can occur on a toe or toes of dark-haired dogs, including Giant Schnauzers, and removal of the affected toe before the cancer spreads can increase the chance of survival.

To keep your Giant Schnauzer healthy, it's essential to monitor their diet and ensure they don't become overweight, as this can put a lot of strain on their hips. Regular check-ups with your vet and a balanced diet can help prevent these health issues.

Care and Feeding

Giant Schnauzers are not recommended for apartments or condos due to their high energy levels indoors and out. They need a home with a fenced yard where they can safely run off some energy.

To keep your Giant Schnauzer happy and healthy, provide at least an hour of daily exercise, which can be achieved through two half-hour walks at a good clip or vigorous play. This will help prevent destructive behavior.

Regular grooming is essential for Giant Schnauzers, including brushing their teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and bacteria.

Wie viel Pflege?

A Woman Grooming a Dog
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The Giant Schnauzer's exercise needs are no joke - they require at least an hour of daily exercise, which can be broken down into a couple of half-hour walks at a good clip or vigorous play.

They're not suited for apartments or condos due to their high energy levels indoors and out, so a home with a fenced yard is a must.

To keep them happy and healthy, you'll need to provide a job for them, whether that's training them to do tricks or help you around the house.

Brush their teeth at least two or three times a week, and daily is even better, to remove tartar buildup and bacteria.

Trim their nails once or twice a month, as needed, to keep their feet in good condition and prevent scratching your legs when they jump up to greet you.

Regular grooming is also essential, including trimming their long beard hair and brushing their coat to prevent matting and tangling.

Ernährung

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When feeding your Giant Schnauzer, it's essential to measure their food and feed them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time.

A highly active dog will need more food than a couch potato dog, and the quality of dog food makes a difference – the better the food, the less of it you'll need to feed.

Giant Schnauzers can be prone to gastric torsion, so it's recommended to feed them two or three small meals per day to avoid any build up of gas.

To check if your Giant Schnauzer is overweight, give them the eye test and the hands-on test: look down at your dog and see if you can spot a waist, then place your hands on their back with your thumbs along the spine and fingers spread downward – you should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard.

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Only your vet or pet nutritionist can give your dog a specific, individual recommendation on feeding, but it's generally advised that Giant Schnauzers get a daily amount of three and 3/8 to four and 1/4 cups of a high-quality dog food, divided into two meals.

If your Riesenschnauzer is still growing, it's crucial to reduce the energy density of their food to prevent joint problems later on.

Wo Kaufen?

When buying a Riesenschnauzer, consider purchasing a puppy directly from a breeder who is part of the Pinscher-Schnauzer-Klub 1895. This ensures you're getting a puppy from a reputable source.

You can also check with local breeders who specialize in training Riesenschnauzers for specific tasks. They might have what you're looking for.

If you're not set on getting a puppy, consider adopting from a local animal shelter or rescue organization that specializes in Riesenschnauzers.

Wie Seht Aus?

Der Riesenschnauzer ist eindeutig ein Vertreter der Schnauzerfamilie. Seine stattliche Größe fällt ins Auge. Der langgestreckte Kopf mit den kräftigen Augenbrauen und dem typischen üppigen Schnauzbart sind auffällig.

Credit: youtube.com, Riesenschnauzer - Giant Schnauzer

Ein Riesenschnauzer bringt ein Gewicht von 35 bis 47 Kilogramm auf die Waage. Das ist ein arbeitsfreudiger Athlet!

Der Standard des Riesenschnauzers erlaubt zwei Farbvarianten: Rein schwarz mit schwarzer Unterwolle sowie Pfeffersalz. Schwarz ist die bei weitem gängigste Farbe beim Riesenschnauzer.

Hier sind die beiden Farbvarianten des Riesenschnauzers:

  • Rein Schwarz mit schwarzer Unterwolle
  • Pfeffersalz: gleichmäßig verteilte Pfefferung in Farbnuancen, die von einem dunklen Eisengrau bis hin zu einem helleren Silbergrau reichen können

Das Fell des Riesenschnauzers ist drahtig, hart und dicht. Es besteht aus einer dichten Unterwolle und dem nicht zu kurzen, harten, dem Körper gut anliegenden Deckhaar.

Wie viel Bewegung?

A Riesenschnauzer needs a lot of movement to be happy, so you should be prepared to spend time exercising with him.

You'll need to have time, space, and a desire for physical activity to keep your Riesenschnauzer healthy and entertained. Whether it's jogging, riding a bike, or simply going for long walks, your Riesenschnauzer will love being part of the action.

Jogging, riding a bike, or even long walks are all great options for getting your Riesenschnauzer moving. He'll be with you every step of the way, eager to participate and have fun.

Credit: youtube.com, Riesenschnauzer: Informationen zur Rasse

If you're not into traditional sports, don't worry - your Riesenschnauzer will also enjoy activities like dog sports or training exercises. These will provide him with the physical and mental stimulation he needs to stay happy and healthy.

In fact, a Riesenschnauzer can even make a great therapy dog if he's well-trained and socialized. With the right care and attention, he'll be a natural at comforting and supporting those in need.

Size and Lifespan

A male Giant Schnauzer stands between 25.5 to 27.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 60 to 80 pounds.

Females are slightly smaller, standing between 23.5 to 25.5 inches tall and weighing 55 to 75 pounds. Some dogs can be smaller or larger than average.

The Riesenschnauzer is a very large breed, with a withers height of 60 to 70 cm, making them a sturdy and rugged dog.

With proper care and fitness, a Riesenschnauzer can easily live up to 12 years or more.

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Wie Groß Ist?

Credit: youtube.com, Wieso haben Tiere so unterschiedliche Lebenserwartungen? - Joao Pedro de Magalhaes

A Giant Schnauzer's size can vary, but on average, males stand 25.5 to 27.5 inches at the shoulder.

Females are generally a bit smaller, measuring 23.5 to 25.5 inches.

Males weigh between 60 to 80 pounds, with females weighing slightly less, between 55 to 75 pounds.

Some dogs can be smaller or larger than average, so it's essential to remember that these are just general size guidelines.

Wie Alt Wird

A Riesenschnauzer can easily live up to 12 years and more with good health and fitness.

The lifespan of a Riesenschnauzer can vary depending on several factors, including diet, exercise, and genetics.

But with proper care, a Riesenschnauzer can thrive and enjoy a long, happy life.

Family and Living

The Riesenschnauzer is a loyal companion, but don't expect him to be overly friendly with strangers - he's often quite reserved.

Their natural protective instinct is strong, and they'll defend their family with courage and determination if they sense danger. This means they're great watchdogs, but you'll need to socialize them well to ensure they don't become too aggressive.

With their strong family bond, Riesenschnauzers are wonderful with children, but they can be stubborn at times, so consistent training and patience are essential.

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Suitability as Family Dog

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The Riesenschnauzer can make a wonderful family dog, but it's essential to understand their temperament and needs. They are lebhaft bis temperamentvoll, but also gutmütig and kinderlieb.

Their loyalty to their family is unmatched, but they can be quite reserved around strangers. This means they're not always the most outgoing breed, but they'll fiercely defend their loved ones if needed.

A Riesenschnauzer needs a consistent and patient owner who can provide them with the right guidance and exercise. Without this, they might develop unwanted habits and become stubborn.

If you're considering bringing a Riesenschnauzer into your family, it's crucial to research and understand their needs. Attend dog shows, join a Schnauzer Verein, or contact experienced breeders to get a firsthand look at these amazing dogs.

Rescue Groups

If you're considering bringing a Giant Schnauzer into your family, it's essential to understand that they often end up in rescue groups due to owners not realizing the commitment involved in caring for one.

Credit: youtube.com, Dog Who Spent 7 Years In The Shelter Is SO Happy To Have A Family | The Dodo Faith = Restored

Giant Schnauzers in rescue groups are in need of adoption or fostering, and a nonprofit rescue group is a great place to start your search.

If you're interested in adopting a Giant Schnauzer, here are some reputable rescue groups to consider:

  • Giant Schnauzer Rescue Network
  • Valley of the Sun Giant Schnauzer Rescue
  • Southern California Giant Schnauzer Rescue, Inc
  • Ontario Giant Schnauzer Rescue
  • HT-Z Giant Schnauzer Rescue

These rescue groups can provide you with a wealth of information and support as you navigate the adoption process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Giant Schnauzers used for?

Giant Schnauzers were originally used as cattle and driving dogs, later transitioning to guarding roles for butchers, stockyards, and breweries. Their exceptional guarding abilities made them a valuable asset in various industries.

Jenny Koss

Writer

Jenny Koss is a seasoned writer with a passion for storytelling and a knack for uncovering unique tales. Her writing career has taken her from the rolling hills of the countryside to the bustling streets of the city, where she's covered a wide range of topics with curiosity and enthusiasm. With a keen eye for detail and a love of adventure, Jenny has tackled subjects as varied as truffle hunting, where she immersed herself in the ancient art of foraging for the world's most prized fungi.

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