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Home About Us About the Giant Schnauzer Upcoming Litters Meet the Dogs Articles Friends' Pix
ABOUT THE GIANT SCHNAUZER
History of the Riesenschnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer (Riesenschnauzer) is the largest of the three types of schnauzers. (The other two being the miniature and the standard schnauzer.) Everyone agrees that the Riesenschnauzer originated in southern Germany, in the Bavarian region near Switzerland. The German word "schnauzer" means "snout", which has been interpreted by many as referring to the distinctive bearded muzzle, and by some as a reference to the breed's eagerness to use its nose (as in tracking). As early as the fifteenth century, paintings by the famous Albrecht Durer portray schnauzer-like dogs resembling the modern standard schnauzer. (The World of the Schnauzer: Miniature, Standard and Giant by Johan Gallant contains this and other illustrations of early schnauzers.)
The Riesenschnauzer was bred from a cross of the standard schnauzer and several other types of dogs, probably a combination of smooth-coated drovers and rough-coated farm dogs, along with a larger breed, such as a black Great Dane or Bouvier. There are many theories about the exact combination of breeds, but we have no way to verify the exact mixture. The first record of the appearance of the modern Riesenschnauzer is attributed to breedings by the Wettenstein and Kinzigtal Kennels. Karl Kluftinger of the Wetterstein Kennels was one of the oldest and most experienced Riesenschnauzer breeders, who bred and raised his dogs in secrecy in the mountains and was said to never have sold a dog to anyone else. His dog, Bazi von Watterstein was recorded as being 28.4 inches high and 88 pounds, and became one of the most successful sires of his time. The Kinzigtal Kennel was established by Dr. Calaminus around 1895. Like Karl Kluftinger, he kept his breeding program a mystery and discouraged visitors. His dog, Fels v. Kinzigtal, (born in 1924) became another of the foundation dogs of the modern Riesenschnauzer.
The
first Riesenschnauzers were imported into the United States in the 1920's,
and began to be bred from German stock in the 1930's. An American-bred Giant
won the Eastern Dog Club trophy for obedience in 1947. The Pinscher Schnauzer
Club of Germany established the first breed standard for the Riesenschnauzer,
which was adopted by the AKC for forty years, and the AKC standard was modified
to reflect the PSK Standard's elimination of any colors but black or salt-and-pepper
in 1983. The breed standard has been interpreted by breeders throughout the
world, and there is significant controversy concerning whether or not the
original characteristics of the Riesenschnauzer have been diluted or maintained
over the last fifty years of breeding. Although there are far fewer of this
breed in this country, the outstanding performance of a few representatives
of the breed in competitive sports has brought new attention to their natural
character and outstanding talents as protectors, trackers, and competition
dogs. Schnauzers have successfully competed against the German Shepherd and
Malinois in Schutzhund, have held their own against other breeds in obedience,
agility, and tracking competitions, and have jobs as search and rescue dogs,
police dogs, guard dogs and even as researchers (as in the case of the standard
schnauzer who is able to distinguish between cancer cells and non-cancer cells).
Character
The breed standard, its historic origins as a working dog, and even its categorization by the AKC (in the Working Group) affirm that the Riesenschnauzer 's utilitarian character is an inherent component of the breed. Riesenschnauzers were bred with the physical characteristics to enable them to face harsh weather and a harsh lifestyle, and with the mental courage to defend and protect their companions. The first Riesenschnauzers were farm dogs, companions and guardians in remote areas. They were later used as cattle and sheep drovers, as well as used as guard dogs by brewers and butchers. It was in the twentieth century that they began to shine in police and military applications, beginning with police work in Berlin in the 1920's. The hardiness, courage, independence and intelligence of the breed has been demonstrated over and over again.
The Riesenschnauzer is a dominant breed of dog, and male schnauzers are known for their dominance and intolerance of other male dogs, whom they view as competitors. Inherently (genetically) protective of their territory and their pack, they also tend to a suspicious worldview, and so extensive socialization when they are puppies is absolutely essential to the proper development of their adult personalities. The Riesenschnauzer will not understand inconsistency or ambivalence in roles; they thrive on consistent, fair, disciplined leadership from their owner, which frees them to become confident, stable, and trustworthy companions. It is not necessary or desirable to promote their inherent suspiciousness when they are young. In fact, the more that you can direct the energies and intelligence of the Riesenschnauzer into constructive activities such as sports, hunting, or athletics the happier he will be. As guardians, they need to be with their pack. This is not a breed that does well in isolation. Riesenschnauzers believe that they have a job to do. If you don't give them one, they will soon invent their own, perhaps to their - and your - detriment. On the other hand, they are smart, humorous (at times), proud, strong, determined, brave, and immensely trainable when the proper training techniques are used.
Copyright 2002 J & L Consultants
