Giant Schnauzer Norwich Dog Training School

Our viewpoint

After returning home from yet another Crufts, I write this with a saddened heart. The ‘breeders’ of this once magnificent breed have in effect…. ‘Well, for me’….. wrecked this once, awesome breed. And while I am sure, that hidden in some dark corner of the World, there is a Giant Schnauzer that would set my heart racing – but unfortunately for me the likelihood of seeing this 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, rugged, honest, intimidating breed has become nothing more than a fluffy pet or ‘show dog’…

Around 27 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 did I turn my back on this once magnificent breed you might ask? 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 one to be cut short through cancer, which is heart breaking!

For me it was plain to see, there were 4 reasons this Old German breed was rapidly ruined.  Irresponsible breeders simply put profits first. Rather than considering health, character, working ability and beauty (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 are akin to ‘dog farmers’ possessing countless animals and pumping countless puppies, rather than being Working Breed enthusiasts with only a small number of quality animals.

I can still remember one well known exhibitor and 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 she bred had the true character of a proper working breed, then I am afraid, most homes would not be able to manage one – as proper working dogs don’t take fools gladly, and these have the potential to be big powerful dogs. My male topped the scales at 120lbs (54.4 Kg) and stood 28 1/2 inches at the shoulder. In the one litter that I bred, one male topped 32 inches at the shoulder, another 30 with the smallest reaching 27 1/2. Big dogs! 

2. A good friend of mine 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…. In the USA I’ve personally seen a wolf on reserve that was well over 24 years of age. So with careful selective breed, dogs should live for much longer than 10 or so years. So I put it to you, what are the breeders doing?

Every schnauzer I’ve owned with the exception my first (which was poisoned); died as the result of cancer. In my opinion cancer can be genetic, and is likely to be riddled throughout the breed; along with Hip Dysplasia; eye disease; Hypothyroidism; dilated  cardiomyopathy and others. All stemming from breeding with genetically unsound animals.

3. The true working character of the breed has been just about been 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, making you stop and stare. A striking animal, that can stare right through you – having dark eyes that can look into your soul, while being partially hidden behind a short practical visor with a dark bearded face. That should make you 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 ‘kind, friendly looking, soft fluffy teddy bear’ that doesn’t conjure up the image of a serious working dog. It’s not the solemn, honest, no thrills, hard working animal they were once bred to be – whether killing rats or guarding people and property.

In Stuttgart, Germany there is a statue dated 1620 of ‘The Nightwatchman’ with a standard Schnauzer. 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; they’re generally abused by people seeking to make an easy profit. And just like the film ’ 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 in the dog pound, and compare this to the photos of the same breed, just a few decades ago. The evidence is out there for all to see; the photos speak for themselves. It is a very sad fact of life – of 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 a miniature schnauzer (Zwergschnauzer) and Riesenschnauzers, and just look into the dogs eyes and ask yourself – what have the breeders done?… I have no doubt, that the pioneers of this once fine 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 over 27 years. I made out my will to leave my worldly possessions to the Schnauzer Club of Great Britain, where I had served as a committee member and Obedience Section Leader for many years. Who I hoped would protect this once great breed. But alas, I am now having serious reservations about 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 and ‘fluffy show dog’ – not a serious, rugged and honest working dog!