Origin and Purpose

The Giant Schnauzer is generally considered to have originated in the mountains of Bavaria in the 1810’s. Rather than being bred for a specific purpose he was bred, and is noted for, his versatility. He has been used over the years as a drover’s dog, a brewery guard, a cart dog, a herding dog, and a superlative police dog.

General Appearance

The Giant Schnauzer is a robust, more heavy­set than a slender dog, square in build. He should resemble a larger and more powerful version of the Standard Schnauzer. The sound, reliable temperament, rugged build, and dense, weather resistant wiry coat makes for one of the most useful, powerful, and enduring working breeds.

Temperament

Combines spirit and alertness with intelligence and extreme reliability; amiable in repose and a commanding figure when aroused. Shy or vicious dogs shall be dismissed from the ring.

Size

Height at the withers for males is 25 ­1/2 –­ 27 ­1/2 inches (64.7-69.8cm); for females 23 ­1/2 ­ 25 ­1/2 inches (59.6-64.7 cm), mediums preferred. Size alone should never take precedence over type, balance, soundness, and proper temperament. It should be noted that too small dogs generally lack the power and too large dogs the agility and maneuverability desired in a working dog.

Coat and Colour

Coat close, strong, hard and wiry, shorter on ears, skull, throat, and under tail. Slightly longer on legs and under chest, with beard and eyebrows adding to the rectangular appearance of the head. The eyes are not obscured by too ­long eyebrows. The undercoat is soft and dense. Colour may be black, or salt and pepper. Black: deep, solid black. A small white patch on the chest is allowed. Salt and pepper: outer coat to a combination of banded hairs (white and black) and some solid black and solid white hairs, appearing as a medium to dark grey, peppering evenly distributed with no trace of patterning, and a grey undercoat. Dark facial mask to emphasize the expression. Eyebrows, inside ears, whiskers, cheeks, throats, chest, legs, and under tail are lighter in colour but include peppering.

Head

Strong and elongated, gradually narrowing from the ears to the tip of the powerful, ferreting snout, rectangular in appearance and in proportion to the sex and substance of the dog. The length of the head is one ­half the length of the back from withers to the base of the tail. The masseters (cheek muscles) are strongly developed, though no strongly- ­marked cheek form is to disturb the rectangular appearance of the head and beard. The skull is flat and unwrinkled, in width not more than two thirds the length. Occiput not prominent. Muzzle is well filled under the eyes, both parallel and equal in length to the skull, ending in a moderately blunt wedge. The lips are tight, not overlapping, black, and the nose is large, black and full. The tongue may be either pink, or pink with black or grey spots. Bite: a full complement of sound, white teeth (6/6 incisors, 2/2 canines, 8/8 premolars, 4/6 molars) with scissors bite. The upper and lower jaws are powerful and well formed. Eyes: medium sized, dark, oval, turned forward with tight lids. Ears: small and V-­shaped button ears, of moderate thickness, set high on the head, and dropping forward closely to the cheek, or cropped, evenly cut, not overly long, with as little bell as possible, placed high and carried erect in excitement with the inner edges parallel.

Neck

Strong and well arched, of moderate length, blending cleanly into the shoulders, with skin close­fitting at the throat, in harmony with the dog.

Forequarters

Shoulders slanting, well angled, and flat, but strongly muscled, well set on, giving no appearance of a terrier front. The upper end of the scapulae (shoulder blades) are, from the side, in a vertical line above the elbows. The angle between the scapula and humerus (upper arm) is 90 degrees. Elbows are set close to the body. Forelegs from the elbow down, seen from all sides, are vertical without any curve, with strong pasterns and good bone. Feet are short, round, extremely compact, with close, arched toes (cat’s paws), dark nails, and thick, tough pads.

Body

Compact, substantial, short­-coupled, and strong, with great power and agility. Topline is short, strong and straight, sloping moderately to the rear, extending into a slightly rounded croup. Chest is moderately broad with visible, strong sternum (breastbone), reaching at least down to the elbow, and slowly tapering up and back to a moderate tuck up. The loin (distance from the last rib to the pelvis) is short, giving the impression of a compact body. The length of the dog from sternum to point of rump is equal to the height at the withers.

Hindquarters

Strongly muscled, in balance with the forequarters; femurs (upper thighs) are strong and slanting, the stifles well bent, with tibiae (second thighs) approximately parallel to the extension of the upper neckline. The hocks are short, perpendicular to the ground while the dog is standing, and, from the rear, parallel to each other. The hind feet are slightly smaller than the forefeet. The hindquarters do not appear over­ built or higher than the withers.

Tail

Set moderately high, carried high in excitement, from 2­4 inches long (5­10 cm), should be docked to the second or third joint.

Gait

The trot is free, balanced, and vigorous, with good reach in the fore­ quarters and good driving power in the hindquarters. When moving at a fast trot a properly built dog will single track. Back remains strong, firm, and flat. Movement from the front and rear should be clean and true, the legs being thrown neither in nor out.

Faults

Soundness (both temperament and conformation) and type are of prime importance. The foregoing description is that of the ideal Giant Schnauzer. Any deviation from the standard must be penalized to the extent of the deviation. The Giant Schnauzer should always be considered and judged as a working dog.

Disqualifications
Overshot, undershot.

The judge shall dismiss from the ring any shy or vicious Giant Schnauzer.

Shyness

A dog shall be judged fundamentally shy if, refusing to stand for exami­nation, it repeatedly shrinks away from the judge; if it fears unduly any approach from the rear; if it shines to a marked degree at sudden and unusual noises.

Viciousness

A dog that attacks or attempts to attack either the judge or its handler is definitely vicious. An aggressive or belligerent attitude toward other dogs, while not desirable, shall not be deemed viciousness.

CKC.ca

OFA-CHIC Health Testing Requirements

The OFA, working with the breed’s parent club, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock. Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements will be issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For CHIC certification, all results do not need to be normal, but they must all be in the public domain so that responsible breeders can make more informed breeding decisions. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria. The breed specific list below represents the basic health screening recommendations. It is not all encompassing. There may be other health screening tests appropriate for this breed. And, there may be other health concerns for which there is no commonly accepted screening protocol available.

• Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist
  Results registered with OFA
• Autoimmune thyroiditis
  OFA evaluation from an approved laboratory – recommend annual testing
• Hip Dysplasia(One of the following)
  OFA Evaluation
  PennHIP Evaluation

Additional test

• Elbow examination https://www.ofa.org/pdf/elbowarticle.pdf
• Cardiac evaluation https://www.ofa.org/diseases/other-diseases/cardiac-disease
• DNA

ofa.org

PRA

Progressive retinal atrophy is a group of genetic diseases seen in certain breeds of dogs and, more rarely, cats. Similar to retinitis pigmentosa in humans, it is characterized by the bilateral degeneration of the retina, causing progressive vision loss culminating in blindness.

 

Coagulation Factor VII Deficiency

Coagulation Factor VII Deficiency is an inherited bleeding disorder affecting giant schnauzers. Factor VII is an essential protein needed for normal blood clotting. Deficiency of this factor most commonly results in a mild bleeding disorder. An affected dog may bruise easily, have frequent nosebleeds, and exhibit prolonged bleeding after surgery or trauma. In rare cases, the bleeding may be severe. Due to the mild nature of this disorder, affected dogs may not be identified until a surgery is performed or trauma occurs at which time excessive bleeding is noted. Veterinarians performing surgery on dogs that are known to have coagulation factor VII deficiency should have ready access to blood banked for transfusions. Most dogs with this condition will have a normal lifespan despite increased blood clotting times

 

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy is an inherited neurologic disorder caused by a Mutation of the SOD1 gene known to be carried by giant schnauzers. This mutation is found in many breeds of dog, though it is not clear for giant schnauzers whether all dogs carrying two copies of the mutation will develop the disease. The variable presentation between breeds suggests that there are environmental or other genetic factors responsible for modifying disease expression. The average age of onset for dogs with degenerative myelopathy is approximately nine years of age. The disease affects the White Matter tissue of the spinal cord and is considered the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) found in humans. Affected dogs usually present in adulthood with gradual muscle Atrophy and loss of coordination typically beginning in the hind limbs due to degeneration of the nerves. The condition is not typically painful for the dog, but will progress until the dog is no longer able to walk. The gait of dogs affected with degenerative myelopathy can be difficult to distinguish from the gait of dogs with hip dysplasia, arthritis of other joints of the hind limbs, or intervertebral disc disease. Late in the progression of disease, dogs may lose fecal and urinary continence and the forelimbs may be affected. Affected dogs may fully lose the ability to walk 6 months to 2 years after the onset of symptoms. Affected medium to large breed dogs, such as the giant schnauzer, can be difficult to manage and owners often elect euthanasia when their dog can no longer support weight in the hind limbs.

 

Hyperuricosuria

 

Hyperuricosuria is an inherited condition affecting Giant Schnauzers. The SLC2A9 gene codes for a protein that allows the kidneys to transport uric acid from the urine. Dogs with mutations in both copies of the SLC2A9 gene are predisposed to have elevated levels of uric acid in the urine, hence the name hyperuricosuria. Uric acid can form crystals and/or stones (uroliths) in the urinary tract. Dogs with hyperuricosuria most commonly present with symptoms of recurrent urinary tract inflammation, which include frequent urination, blood in the urine, and straining to urinate. They may also have loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, vomiting and pain. Urinary stones in the bladder can cause urinary tract infections or more seriously, blockage of the Urethra. Both male and female dogs can be affected, but obstruction of urine flow is more common in males due to differences in anatomy. Although an x-ray can be used to exclude other types of stones, urate stones cannot typically be seen using x-rays and must be evaluated by ultrasound. Not all dogs with mutations in both copies of the SLC2A9 gene will have symptoms of disease, though they will have increased uric acid excretion in the urine.

Genetic Diversity Testing for Giant Schnauzers

The Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL), in collaboration with Dr. Niels C. Pedersen and staff, has developed a panel of short tandem repeat (STR) markers that will determine genetic diversity across most of the genome and in the Dog Leukocyte Antigen (DLA) class I and II regions. This test panel will be useful to breeders who wish to track and increase genetic diversity of their breed as a long-term goal.

 

 

https://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/dog/GeneticDiversityInGiantSchnauzers.php

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Why I Decided to Crop – Written by Robin Waldvogel White DVM of BluHouse Mastini

August 23, 2013 at 10:55am

Ear Crop Position Paper – 11/2008May 10, 2013 at 9:09pmWhy I Decided to Crop Written by Robin Waldvogel White DVM of BluHouse MastiniPermission to publish and cross-post in entirety only is granted. ©November 2008

I did not take my decision to crop ears lightly. Having been raised in the West Coast of the United States, a hotbed for animal rights, and having studied in the United Kingdom, the birthplace of animal rights, I have been more then exposed to the other viewpoints concerning cosmetic surgery in animals. During veterinary school many of my classmates quickly decided against the procedure, siding with many other graduating 21st century veterinarians. Many of my veterinary colleges state that: the dogs are in pain from the cropping procedure, they miss their ears, or that ear cropping is not medically indicated. I hesitated to condemn the practice. After great consideration I have decided to crop the ears of some of my Neapolitan Mastiff puppies because I feel that when done correctly the procedure is safe and I want to maintain the historic look of the Neapolitan Mastiff.

When the procedures are performed under general anesthesia with appropriate analgesia the dogs are not in excessive discomfort. If the procedure is done early, between 2 to 4 months the puppy heals quickly. Dysphoria alone is often the only response and this discomfort and anxiety is common after any anesthetic procedure such as a spay or neuter. These common well-accepted procedures hold similar surgical risks as ear cropping in regards to the inherent risks of anesthesia, blood loss, and infection. Preoperative multimodal pain control that blocks the pain pathway in multiple locations, followed by a couple of days of basic analgesia can more than adequately control any pain or discomfort. With appropriate antibiotics to prevent infection and appropriate post-op hygiene, the aftercare also creates little discomfort.. The extra attention needed for appropriate aftercare also has the side benefit of helping the puppy become accustomed to being touched and treated; in a breed that, when unruly, often has to be sedated or anesthetized to be examined or treated, this conditioning can be invaluable.

Puppies do not miss their ears, tails or dew claws any more then they miss their uterus, ovaries or testicles. This is simply an example of anthropomorphism, an endearing human habit, but not a serious cause for concern. Removal of the ears can affect the non-verbal signals in dogs, but this trait is desired in the guard dog that often has to obscure its intentions and educated owners can easily compensate for this minor change in non-verbal behavior.

One of the last points concerning ear cropping is the belief that the procedure is not medically necessary. Typically, like the spay or neuter, cropping ears is done before health issues arise and not always in the face of disease. Cropping the ears changes the morphology of the ear and increases airflow to the deeper canals; this open type of morphology has been shown to help prevent otitis externa(1). Chronic ear infections can create a longstanding painful medical condition, where surgery is often required to open up the ear canal and improve the condition. In addition to ear infections, ear hematomas are another painful condition of the ear. Removal of a large portion of the pinna helps prevent ear hematoma formation. Although I am not advocating cropping all dogs’ ears to prevent disease, dogs that are cropped as per the breed standard, can have these beneficial medical side effects.

After considering these concerns and concluding they did not provide enough reason not to crop, I had to address the reasons why I wanted to crop, because in some ways I do enjoy those big floppy ears. I eventually decided to crop because I did not want the tradition and heritage encompassing a cropped animal to be lost forever. I am a big fan of natural history and native cultures; many indigenous peoples practice self-modification using neck rings, lip plates and earpieces that distort their physiques. Many of these cultures begin these practices early, long before consent is possible. While I cannot condone all body modification acts, to me it would be wrong to ban practices such as nose piercing or lip plates; every culture has it’s own set of beauty standards and many North Americans practice similar, socially accepted, methods of body modification. Even though I may not choose these practices for myself, I know these modifications represent an important aspect of the cultural heritage and tradition of many cultures.

For me ear cropping and tail docking holds the same traditional context. I recently watched the 1995 TV miniseries “Pride and Prejudice” and I could not help but feel disappointed upon seeing the English Springer Spaniels with tails and the Great Dane with floppy uncropped ears. The two dogs were present simply to stage the scene, but knowing that in the early 1800’s dogs were cropped and docked I felt let down with the portrayal. The obvious anachronisms were perhaps no more serious then hearing the phone ring or seeing a modern doorbell but they left me thinking about what was lost. In the same note, that loss of tradition was seen in other places. Sure there is something to be said about the practicality of Catholic Mass being done in English, but one of the most moving moments of my life was experiencing Mass in Latin, even if I only understood half of what was being said. Every mass does not need to be done in Latin, but we will have lost something wonderful if one day that custom can no longer be found somewhere on this planet.

That same sentiment occurs to me as I think about ear cropping. Many breeds are currently modified so that they can more closely adhere to the traditional breed profile. Cropping may no longer be necessary for breed functionality as many working breeds no longer perform their breed intended job but maintaining the look of the breed by cropping is just as important as maintaining the phenotype assessed by conformation. Many opponents of cropping feel that breeding dogs with long backs, which are prone to disc disease, or bracycephalic heads, which can lead to breathing problems, are equally wrong and these breeds should be altered or abolished. Many of these very same opponents of cropping even oppose dog ownership itself, believing that it is cruel to own another living thing. As a veterinarian, dog breed fancier and loving pet owner I simply cannot subscribe to those trains of thought. What I do support is continued breeder and owner education to improve the health, welfare and understanding of the pure bred dog. Many national clubs are working with breeders to help improve the general health of their breed while maintaining the correct breed phenotype and I feel this same energy should be directed towards cropping procedures. By encouraging appropriate cropping procedures for show dogs and owners interested in preserving the cultural heritage, the health and welfare of the puppies can be maintained. Although not common, the practice of cropping by non-veterinarians should be discouraged to ensure the health and welfare of the puppy; only a licensed veterinarian can administer the appropriate multimodal pain medication and supportive anesthetic protocol that are essential for pain control. The veterinarian and breed fancier must be willing to work together to ensure that the appropriate style is achieved and that adequate post-surgical care is maintained. Only when breeders, veterinarians and fanciers stand together, condemning inadequate backyard practices and encouraging appropriate anesthesia and pain control, can the opposition take us seriously.

With appropriate surgical technique, anesthesia, analgesia and post-operative care the ear cropping procedure can be performed with little discomfort. Not every puppy will be cropped but those that are will help maintain the historic look of the breed so that when they are brought into the ring or shown to other fanciers the full impact of the Neapolitan Mastiff can be appreciated. To me, the beauty of a Neapolitan Mastiff’s square head, cropped ears and piercing gaze is like hearing a beautiful hymn, sung in Latin, resonating through a grand European cathedral.

Written by Robin Waldvogel White DVM of BluHouse MastiniPermission to publish and cross-post in entirety only is granted. ©November 2008 
References(1)Hayes HM Jr, Pickle LW, Wilson GP. Effects of ear type and weather on the hospital prevalence of canine otitis externa. Res Vet Sci. 1987 May;42(3):294-8.