| Alternative Name
Riesenschnauzer, Russian Bear Schnauzer (early 1900s)
Basic Info
The breed(German Reichschnauzer) is a large,
powerful, compact breed of dog. It is one of several
Schnauzer breeds. Like most large breeds, the breed
needs a fair amount of exercise. The dog has a harsh,
wiry outer coat and dense, soft undercoat. Coat color is
either black or pepper-and-salt. It weighs between 70
and 99 lb (32 to 45 kg) and stands 23.5 to 27.5 in (59
to 70 cm) at the withers. When moving at a fast trot, a
properly built dog will single-track. Back remains
strong, firm, and flat.
Health
This breed used to be generally hardy; however,
recently more auto-immune diseases have cropped up in
this breed. Arthritis does occur in shoulders or hips.
Its life expectancy is about 11 or 12 years. Other
health problems in the breed include: Autoimmune
diseases (hypothyroidism, Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
(AIHA) (also called Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia
(IMHA)), SLO,- Crohn's disease, and so on) -Epilepsy
-Hip dysplasia -Incontinence -Toe cancer
Behavior
The breed is a large, powerful, dominant dog which
needs a firm and consistent handler. Early and
consistent training is necessary as they tend to be very
willful. Its ability to understand a command does not
always translate into obedience. A well trained Giant
Schnauzer will respond quickly and can learn commands
very fast. Giant Schnauzers are very loyal and
intelligent dogs. They often become so attached to their
owner that they follow them around the house.
Origin
Germany
History
The breed originated in the Middle Ages in Germany by
selectively breeding the Standard Schnauzer for larger
and larger sizes. In earlier centuries it was a popular
herding breed, but its need for more food than some
breeds made it less popular for farmers on tight budgets
or with limited resources. Its popularity grew again in
the latter part of the 19th century, when it was used as
a drover and as a guard dog.
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