Risenschnauzer

History of the Schnauzer breed

The ancestors of the Schnauzers were typical villagers who did not have a narrow service specialization, and therefore they were used for a long time as dogs "for everything". The herding of sheep flocks, the protection of farmsteads, the protection of the owner and his property – the Risenschnauzers coped well with all these activities, which earned the respect of the German peasantry. The breed is especially widespread in the south of Germany, as well as in the border areas of Austria and Switzerland. Stingy Bavarian farmers quickly realized that any dog's work could be put on such universal pets and rushed to multiply their numbers.

As for the true origin of the "giant faces", everything is very, very vague here. Moreover, the degree of kinship of the Riesenschnauzers with the Mittelschnauzers has not been fully clarified. What is known for sure is that at some point the pinscher genes merged into both breeds. But when exactly this happened and with whose help – today it is almost impossible to establish.

By the middle of the XIX century, large-faced dogs began to gradually come out "into the light". In particular, the first purebred Schnauzers can be seen in portraits of the Bavarian Princess Elizabeth, as well as in images of other important people of that time. At cynological events, animals began to appear since 1902, but the real interest in the breed among breeders woke up only in 1909, after 29 Schnauzers were presented to guests at the Munich exhibition.

At first, the dogs were dubbed Munich Schnauzers, but several alternative nicknames were fixed for them among the people. For example, German burghers preferred to call animals beer schnauzers, since the owners of Bavarian eateries often delivered their foam products to them. The breed received its modern name only in 1923, along with the official standard of appearance.

In the USSR, the existence of schnauzers was discovered in the 20s of the XX century, but no one dared to seriously engage in their breeding. Specialists of the Krasnaya Zvezda nursery were able to correct the situation. In the early 70s, two purebred pups were delivered to the Service Dog Breeding School - Akbar F. Raaksee and Annie F. Raaksee, who later became the great-grandmother and great–grandfather of all Russian Schnauzers.

Video: Risenschnauzer

Appearance of the Schnauzer

Riesenschnauzer is a mustachioed, bearded burly man with well–developed muscles. To date, this is the largest variety of schnauzer of all existing ones (Mittel and miniature Schnauzers differ in more modest dimensions). The height of the average male rizen ranges from 60-70 cm, and his weight should not exceed 47 kg.

Head

The Giant Schnauzer has an oblong skull with a flat forehead and no pronounced occipital protuberance. The muzzle is wedge-shaped, not pointed. The stop is embossed.

Jaws and teeth

All representatives of the breed have strong, strong jaws with a complete dental formula (42 teeth) and a scissor bite.

Nose

The back of the nose is smooth, without dips. The lobe is black, large, with large nostrils.

Eyes

The Riesenschnauzer's eyes are small, dark, set straight. The eyelids are close to the eyeball.

Ears

The high-set, moderately hanging ears of the Schnauzers have a classic triangular shape. The front edge of the ear should touch the cheekbones of the dog, the optimal height of the fold of the ear cloth is at the level of the skull. Previously, the ears were docked for aesthetic purposes. Today, the procedure is banned in most European countries, although most domestic breeders continue to practice it.

Neck

The Giant Schnauzer has a slender, elegant, but very muscular neck without skin folds. In the area of the nape of the neck, the cervical vertebrae form a slight bend.

Housing

The body of a Giant Schnauzer is quite compact with a short, strong back and a convex-deep lumbar region. The sides and belly are matched, which gives the silhouette of the dog an additional slimness. The croup of purebred individuals should be slightly sloping, and the chest is not too wide and slightly protruding forward, beyond the shoulder joints.

Limbs

The Risenschnauzer has straight, moderately wide legs. The shoulder blades are inclined with good musculature, the elbows are pressed against the body. The hind limbs of purebred individuals should be pulled back. Welcome: wide, sufficiently long hips, normal, without obvious inversion inwards or outwards knees and cat-type (arched) paws.

Tail

Saber-shaped, normal length. Like the ears, the tail of Russian Schnauzers is often docked.

Wool

The coat of the Schnauzer is stiff, resembling a wire to the touch. The coat is of a double type, consisting of an abundant undercoat and a rough, not very long awn. The coarsest and longest hair grows on the dog's muzzle, forming expressive "whiskers" and "eyebrows".

Color

Officially recognized types of colors are black and the so–called "pepper and salt".

Defects and disqualifying vices

Any deviation from the breed standard is already a defect, but if the defect is not very pronounced, the exhibition commission can turn a blind eye to it. But it is better not to count on such indulgences for owners of animals with turned elbows, a lightweight body type and straightened hocks.

Disqualifying vices of Schnauzers:

• deviations from scissor bite (overbite, underbite, jaw misalignment);
• insufficient/excessive growth (with a deviation of 4 cm or more in either direction);
• congenital deformities and pathologies;
• inappropriate behavior (unreasonable cowardice, aggression, suspicion);
• mismatch to breed type;
• vices of physique, color and coat.

Photos of the Schnauzer

The character of the Schnauzer

Risenschnauzers are hard workers, what to look for. However, it is worth making a reservation here: the rizens will work only for the benefit of the owner who managed to prove his own worthiness to them. In general, the leadership of the breed is in the blood, thanks to which the representatives of this dog clan enjoy the reputation of difficult creatures. Starting from the first days of life, the Schnauzer respects only himself and the one who is stronger and more cunning, therefore, acquiring a home "Bavarian", estimate whether you can maintain your own authority in the eyes of the pet 24 hours a day throughout his life. Dogs have quite warm relations with children. Most Schnauzers are not averse to running after restless kids and participating in harmless pranks. There are also enough exceptions to the general rule, but in general, animals are not inclined to show aggression towards those who are initially considered weaker and, what is there to stand on ceremony, stupider than themselves.

You can write endlessly about the energy of the breed. Risenschnauzers are fast, tireless and able to move from a dormant state to a full combat readiness mode with lightning speed. It's not so difficult to get the dog out of himself if you are an outsider. It is only necessary to raise her voice a little at her master or touch him not very friendly. That's it! Get ready to repel the attack of the furious four-legged guard, who saw in you the main criminal of all time. And yet the passion for the performance of official duties does not turn the "Bavarians" into boring, ferocious crackers. Quite the contrary, at home, the Schnauzers are quite nice and good-natured. Moreover, with the right training method, they easily curb their own impulsivity and gambling.

By nature, Schnauzers are very inventive and cunning and enjoy using these qualities in everyday life. They will happily circumvent their own owner, if he allows it, so they will have to keep abreast of this breed all the time. Do not discount the curiosity and sociability of the Schnauzers. For normal development, the mustachioed "Bavarians" simply need to contact the owner to the maximum, comprehending the science of conducting an adequate dialogue. If you start a Schnauzer in the hope that he will just sit in a corner, guarding your wealth, you have chosen the wrong breed.

Education and training

No matter what kind of activity you involve the Schnauzers in, they will always show excellent results. Ride the kids on a sled, threaten a thief encroaching on the owner's goods or save a drowning person – properly trained rizens can do everything and a little more besides. However, almost all representatives of this glorious family can boast not only a high level of intelligence, but also an outstanding degree of stubbornness, so experts attribute the Schnauzer to breeds in need of early training. Moreover, according to the trainer with experience and the author of the book "Risenschnauzer", Rüdiger Platau, it will be necessary to train "giant faces" throughout their lives already because they are thinking and erudite animals, from which it is impossible to educate blind performers of the master's will.

The qualities that every owner must strive to develop in his Risenschnauzer are restraint and obedience. Never encourage a puppy barking at strangers. The character of the breed is already hot-tempered, so it is better to extinguish sudden outbursts of aggression at a young age. Studying is easy for the Schnauzers, but the animals will still try to play leader, so keep yourself serious during classes. It is better to conduct lessons in a playful way with mandatory encouragement at the end. But first, take your pet for a walk so that he throws out energy and becomes more focused. On a full stomach, Schnauzers also do not like to work, so do not feed the puppy before training. If the dog shows cunning during the lessons, do not rush to scold her, on the contrary, try to quietly bypass the traps set by her. But if your ward stubbornly ignores commands, it's worth thinking about. Most likely, the Risenschnauzer is testing your credibility for strength. Pull off such a trick once or twice - and you can forget forever about the hope of raising a well–behaved dog.

Show-class animal owners will have to pay increased attention to their socialization. Exhibition individuals should calmly tolerate the touch of other people's hands and not growl at the approaching groomer. You can fight with the caution of the breed by walking your pet in crowded places and near busy highways, as well as traveling with him on public transport. Introduce the Risenschnauzer to the ring in advance. This type of leash is not the most convenient design for dogs, so if you put it on an animal too late, you can cause him to panic and lifelong aversion to such gizmos. You should walk the Risenschnauzer in the ring carefully, making sure that he does not tighten the noose around his neck. As for working out the exhibition stand, here the handler cannot do without encouraging treats that will help keep the dog in the right position.

Maintenance and care

Despite not the smallest dimensions, the "Bavarians" do not take up much space in the house and do not turn it upside down. It is quite possible to grow a well-mannered apartment dweller from a Schnauzer, provided that you will not deny the animal long walks and active outdoor games. And yet, a more acceptable housing option for working-breed dogs remains the yard of a private house, where the animal will be able to move freely and contact people.

Be sure to consider the option of shelter from the weather for a yard pet. For example, a street aviary for a giant schnauzer should have a canopy and a board floor on which a insulated booth with a removable roof and a snow flap is installed. If the winters in your region are harsh, you can conduct electric heating in the pet's home, but for the period of severe frosts, it is better to take the dog into the house. The same rule applies to older animals. Rizenschnauzerov, who celebrated his 8th birthday, on damp, cool nights it is better to start spending the night in housing. Otherwise, get ready for cold kidneys, aching joints and other consequences of hypothermia.

Putting a Schnauzer on a chain is a real mockery of his ego and temperament. If there is an urgent need to temporarily restrict the dog's habitat (for example, during the arrival of a large number of guests), close it for several hours in an aviary or house.

Hygiene

The Giant Schnauzer has an amazing coat: thick, dense, repelling water and dirt and perfectly protecting the dog from minor injuries. Moreover, the well-groomed and clean coat of the "Bavarians" does not have the smell of a dog. There is an opinion that Schnauzers do not shed like most other breeds, and that their wool does not crumble. In fact, if a pet is not intentionally cared for, then it will lose dead hair with the same intensity as mongrel dogs, so the only way to avoid woolen shreds flying around the apartment is systematic trimming (pinching). You can perform the procedure manually by grabbing and pulling out bundles of dead hair with your fingers, or using a trimming knife. After the shedding hair is removed, it is necessary to carefully examine the dog's skin and treat the injured areas with chlorhexidine.

Important: the first pinch for the puppies of the Schnauzer is carried out at the age of 6 months.

An alternative to trimming can be the use of a roller or furminator, which will help to remove excess undercoat and dead hair (for dogs not participating in exhibitions). They trim the Schnauzers mainly to improve the exterior. A typical haircut scheme: maximum shortening of the hair on the ears, throat, back of the thighs and in the groin area. On the rest of the body, the hair is only slightly worked out with milling scissors. Wash dogs as needed with sulfur or tar shampoos (tar soap is suitable). But it is better to comb the "Bavarians" more often, first with a rare comb that breaks the formed tangles, and then with a comb with frequent teeth.

Burdock oil, which is rubbed into pre-washed and dried dog hair (not earlier than a week after trimming), is suitable for improving the structure of the coat of the Risenschnauzer. The same effect is given by dietary supplements based on chitin and salmon oil. To avoid the appearance of fungus, be sure to wipe the hair on the pet's muzzle dry after he has eaten. If the Risenschnauzer managed to hang fat on his "whiskers", wash them with soap, then dry them with a towel.

The owners of the exhibition individuals of pepper color will have a little more difficult, because when they come into contact with food, the "beards" of such animals turn yellow. You will have to remove the unwanted fawn tone with special bleaching cosmetics sold in vetapteks and grooming salons. The same problem can occur in black Schnauzers, who often burn out in the sun. It is best to neutralize the resulting redness on the dog's "fur coat" with a shade shampoo.

With the beginning of the bathing season, the hair of the schnauzers will have to be monitored more carefully, so if your pet is accustomed to swimming in a river or pond, first, give him an antifungal vaccination, and secondly, buy dandruff shampoo with an antifungal effect for him. The care of the dog's eyes and ears is standard. Keep them clean by removing accumulated dirt with clean wipes. Additionally, you can pluck the wool inside the animal's ear funnel. This way the air will circulate better in it, and sulfur secretions will cling to the hairs less.

Walking

Twice a day, the Schnauzer is taken for a walk. The minimum duration of such exits for a puppy is 30 minutes, for adult dogs – 1 hour. They walk the kids on a leash, but in quiet, safe places they let them down so that the animal can go about its business and relax. If the pet is excessively carried away by digging holes or chasing a stray cat, which the Schnauzers simply adore, he should be called to himself by offering a game or a treat. In cases where the reaction to the command is zero, it is better to just approach the puppy and fasten his leash.

Note: adult dogs living in an apartment, walking at a sluggish, relaxed pace will not suit. The best option is to combine your own sports training with walking a pet. The Giant Schnauzer will willingly rush after your bike or scooter and with no less pleasure will keep you company on your morning jog. Owners of dogs living in private plots and fenced territories are a little easier in this regard. Their wards are not as limited in activity as apartment rizens.

Not taking a puppy outside until he is 4 months old is a gross mistake, although some experts recommend doing just that. Animals that were kept locked up until adolescence are poorly socialized, are afraid of people and have problems with the toilet. By the way, about the toilet: young Schnauzers categorically do not want to go to a diaper or a newspaper, so the sooner you teach your dog to relieve himself on the street, the easier it is for you.

Feeding

The daily menu of the Schnauzer differs little from the diet of other dogs of large breeds. Lean raw meat (except chicken and lamb), offal, sour milk are supplemented with vegetables, sea fish and cereals. For young dogs that do not have problems with teeth and digestion, it will be useful to gnaw the brain bones that serve as a source of calcium.

You should not refuse natural vitamin supplements either. In particular, it is useful for Schnauzers to mix seasonal greens, vegetable oil (sunflower, linseed), sea cabbage into food. It's great if you managed to accustom your pet to fruit salads, as well as dried apples, pears, but do not overdo it. About a quarter of the adult dog's diet should be meat, not fiber.

As for junk food, for the breed, the Schnauzer is, first of all, food from the master's table. Once and for all, refuse your ward in spicy, salty, fatty dishes, as well as sweets and pastries. River fish, tubular bones and cereal crops complete the top of the non-utility.

What not to do:

• feed the Risenschnauzer with protein food, that is, combine meat and fish or offal and eggs in one feeding;
• cook meat and bones. Raw food is much healthier for Schnauzers;
• grind food, especially meat, to the state of minced meat;
• save on vitamin and mineral fertilizing. Even if the menu of your Schnauzer is very diverse, this will not insure it against vitamin deficiency;
• treat the dog with unfrozen meat, which may be infected with toxoplasma.

Health and diseases of Schnauzers

A properly fed and receiving qualified veterinary care, a Schnauzer is able to live up to 10-12 years. At the same time, no animal is immune from hereditary predisposition to certain types of diseases.

Typical ailments of the breed:

• hypothyroidism;
• diabetes;
• pancreatitis;
• inversion of the intestines;
• lipoma:
• melanoma;
• hip dysplasia;
• cataract.

The urinary system of representatives of this breed is also not the healthiest, so in the cold season, the Schnauzers easily catch kidney infections.

How to choose a puppy

Gather as much information as possible about the parents of the puppies: do they have exhibition diplomas, have they been tested for working qualities. Be sure to specify how many brothers and sisters your potential pet had. Female Schnauzers can bring up to 14 puppies, but it is better to avoid such extremes. The optimal number of babies in the litter is 6-8. Only in this case, you can be sure that the tiny Schnauzers had enough mother's milk and they will not have problems with immunity.

The optimal age for moving a small "Bavarian" to a new house is 1.5 months. By this time, the baby has all the incisors, which makes it possible to determine the correctness of his bite. External data is an equally important selection criterion. The Schnauzer puppy should be moderately well–fed, but not fed to the state of a clumsy square, its fur should be clean and shiny, and its head should be large. It is better to take babies with a rich black lip color and eye contours: in 99 cases out of 100 such animals will have a reference black coat. If you take a puppy from a breeder whose wards live in the yard, be prepared for a small number of fleas on the baby's "fur coat". This phenomenon is common for yard dogs and does not affect the working qualities in any way, so it is definitely not worth blaming the seller. It's another matter if small Schnauzers are kept in cramped, unsanitary conditions, and their fur is infested with insects.

The most promising are mobile, cheerful puppies who manage to take the most advantageous place at the food bowl. But too cowardly, as well as showing the initial signs of aggression, Risenschnauzers are an unsuccessful pet option. By the way, if you are not skilled in training dogs of large breeds, but continue to dream of a giant Schnauzer, opt for kennels specializing in show-class animals. Breeders engaged in breeding exclusively working animals, leave for the pros. It is unlikely that you can cope with rizen, in which the blood of several generations of aggressive service dogs flows.

Photos of schnauzer puppies

How much does a risenschnauzer cost

For a promising Schnauzer puppy born of two champions, you will have to pay from $350 to $450. Significantly cheaper will cost kids from a bitch and a male who have working certificates of ACS and ZKS – on average $200 - $300. Offspring from unregistered mating is sold at a reduced cost – $60-$70 rubles.