Giant Schnauzer Norwich Dog Training School

Our viewpoint

After returning home from yet another Crufts, I write this with a saddened heart, that the ‘breeders’ of this once magnificent breed have in effect…. ‘Well, for me’….. wrecked this once, awesome breed. And while I am sure, that in some dark corner of the World, there is a Giant Schnauzer that would set my heart racing – but the likelihood of seeing it in the UK is most unlikely.

If the pioneers of this wonderful breed, could see what has become of their beloved Riesenschnauzer (its proper name), then I’m sure they would turn over in their graves. For in my opinion, this once powerful, honest, intimidating breed has become nothing more than a fluffy pet or ‘show dog’…

Around 26 years ago, I finally said goodbye to the Giant Schnauzer, an awesome breed which had played such a large part in my life for the preceding 27 years. Why might you ask, did I turn my back on the breed? Well, it wasn’t for the love of the breed for my heart still yearns for one, and if I could purchase anything that resembled KBSG PSK Ike Von der Lederhecke FH Sch III; Wareheim Leader Von Zoltanika; Int Ch Cora Van’t Wareheim CQN; Ch Lillemarks Kobusch or Ch Adonis Van De Havenstad – then I would bite their hand off in a flash! Provided it could be guaranteed, that the dog had the correct character; was healthy and was destined to have along healthy life – not to be cut short through cancer, which is heart breaking!

Well for me it was plain to see, there were 4 reasons the breed was rapidly being ruined -in a race to the bottom – breeders putting profits first. Rather than considering health, character, working ability and beauty (and it pains me to say, that the same thing is happening today with my current breed, the Belgian Malinois). But turning back to the ‘Riesenschnauzer’:

1. Breeders simply tried to profit from the breed by producing poor quality animals for ‘pets’, not as ‘working dogs’. Many being akin to ‘dog farmers’ rather than Working Breed enthusiasts. I can remember clearly to this day, one breeder saying that she used to farm cattle – then decided to breed dogs, while another well-known breeder, said that she “thought every home should have one”. If the Riesenschanuzers being bred, had the true character of a proper working breed, then I am afraid, most homes would not be able to manage one – as they don’t take fools gladly, and they’re big powerful dogs. My male topped the scales at 120lbs (54.4 Kg)!

2. A good friend of mine once said that he had heard of a Riesenschnauzer living in Germany to the ripe old age of 18 years. However, as the breed has become riddled with health issues, dogs can only be expected to live between 10 and 12 years, and sadly many, much less. So, one can argue, that the breeders are not dedicated to breed fit and healthy animals – being more concerned with profit and breeding ‘pets for homes’ – not long-lasting working dogs. Being a cynic, if the life expectancy is relatively short, then I guess the pet owner will soon be back for another puppy…. I’ve personally seen on a reserve in the USA, a Wolf that was well over 24 years of age, so I put it to you, what are the breeders doing?

Every schnauzer I’ve owned with the exception my first (which was poisoned at early age); died as the result of cancer. So I seriously believe, cancer can be genetic and is riddled throughout the breed; along with Hip Dysplasia; eye disease; Hypothyroidism. All stemming from breeding with genetically unsound animals.

3. The working character of the breed has been just about snuffed out. Very few are able compete in proper working dog tests, such as Schutzhund (IGP) and there’s a simple reason for that. Most don’t have the right character, and few are fit enough.

4. The serious image of a schnauzer, whether miniature, Standard or Giant should be one that stops you in your step, makes you stop and stare. A striking animal, that can stare right through you; having dark eyes hidden beneath a short practical visor and dark bearded face. That should make you really question? whether you have indeed made a wrong turn… A hard coated animal with a muscular frame that looks as though ‘he’ can take anything on. Or as I would say, ‘Having a look that could kill!’ Sadly, this has now been replaced by the image of a friendly looking, ‘soft fluffy teddy bear’ that doesn’t conjure up the image of a serious working dog. Not the solemn, honest working animal they were once bred to be – whether killing rats or guarding people and property. In fact, there is a statue in Stuttgart, Germany dated 1620 of ‘The Nightwatchman’ with a standard Schnauzer which is believed to be one of the very first examples of what we would call today a ‘commercial security dog team’.

Sadly, time and time again, and it is there for all to see – that once a breed leaves its country of origin, then they’re generally abused by people seeking to make an easy profit, and just like’ ground hog day’; history repeats itself, time and time again. All you have to do is look at the typical German Shepherd, Dobermann, Rottweiler or Belgian Shepherd that you see on your local park or at the dog pound, and compare this to the photos of the same breed, just a few decades previously. The evidence is out there for all to see; the photos speaks for themselves. It is all very sad, at just how some powerful and stoic breeds have been ruined in just a few canine generations… it’s evident that popularity destroys.

Just take a look at the photos on this blog of a miniature schnauzer (Zwergschnauzer) and Riesenschnauzers, and look into the dogs eyes and ask yourself – what have the breeders done?… I have no doubt, that the pioneers of the breed would be gutted to see what has become of their beloved Schnauzers!

Just as an aside, many years ago and as a ‘thank you’ to the breed for all the joy and love they had brought me. I made out my will to leave my worldly possessions to the Schnauzer Club of Great Britain, who I had hoped would protect this once great breed. But alas, I am now having serious thoughts about this decision and will now change it. For the Schnauzer (all three sizes) are no longer what they were supposed to be, they have become a toy, a pet, a lap dog or ‘fluffy show dog’ – not a serious and honest working dog!