Dog Breeds - Ghent Schenker

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed tends to display towards family members and familiar individuals varies. Certain breeds can exhibit aloofness towards everyone except their owner, while others are known for treating everyone they know as if they were their best friend.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
A breed's level of tolerance and patience with children's behavior, as well as its overall family-friendly nature, is important to consider. It is crucial to provide supervision when dogs are around young children, or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
It is important to always supervise dog interactions and introductions with other dogs. While proper monitoring is essential for all breeds certain breeds tend to be more naturally inclined to get along with other dogs both in the home and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair that a breed is likely to leave behind is an important aspect to consider. Breeds with high shedding tendencies may require more frequent brushing can potentially trigger certain types of allergies and may necessitate more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to manage the amount of loose fur and hair.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming needs of a breed, including bathing, brushing, trimming or other coat maintenance should be taken into account. It is important to consider the time, patience and budget you have available for this type of care when choosing a breed. Additionally, all breeds require regular nail trimming as part of their grooming routine.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The level of drooling that a breed tends to exhibit is an important factor to consider. If you prefer a tidy environment dogs that tend to produce excessive drool leaving ropes of slobber on your arm or creating big wet spots on your clothes may not be the ideal choice for you.
COAT TYPE +
Wiry, Double
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The level of welcome that a breed tends to extend towards strangers can vary. Certain breeds may display reserved or cautious behavior around all strangers regardless of the setting, while others may exhibit a friendly disposition and happily greet new humans whenever they are around.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The extent to which a breed remains enthusiastic about play, even beyond puppyhood, varies. Some breeds will continue to enjoy games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others may be content with relaxing on the couch most of the time. It is important to consider the level of playfulness that a breed typically possesses when selecting a dog that matches your own activity level and preferences.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Some breeds possess a strong tendency to alert their owners when strangers are present. These breeds are more likely to react to potential threats, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, once a stranger is accepted by the dog's family, these breeds are likely to warm up to them.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle change can vary. Some breeds are more flexible and resilient when it comes to changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life. These breeds tend to adjust more easily to new situations.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training a dog and their willingness to learn new things can vary among breeds. Some breeds tend to be more eager to please their owners and are known for their trainability. They are often quick to pick up commands and enjoy learning new tasks. On the other hand, certain breeds can be more independent-minded and less motivated by pleasing their owners. These breeds may require more patience and consistent training methods to effectively teach them new behaviors. It's important to understand a breed's typical temperament and trainability when considering their suitability for your training preferences and goals.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed needs can vary significantly. High-energy breeds tend to be active and enthusiastic, requiring ample exercise, playtime and mental stimulation to keep them engaged and prevent boredom. They often enjoy activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds tend to be more relaxed and content with less physical activity. While they still require regular exercise to maintain their overall health, they typically have lower exercise requirements compared to high-energy breeds. They may be more inclined to enjoy leisurely walks or relaxed playtime and will be happy to spend a significant amount of time lounging or snoozing.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency of vocalization, whether through barks or howls can vary among breeds. Some breeds have a tendency to bark at every passer-by or even at birds outside the window, while others only bark in specific situations or to alert their owners. It's important to note that even barkless breeds can still be vocal in other ways using different sounds to express themselves, such as whining or grumbling. Understanding a breed's vocalization tendencies can help you determine whether their level of vocalization aligns with your living situation and personal preferences.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The mental stimulation needs of a breed should be considered to ensure their happiness and overall health. Purpose-bred dogs or breeds with specific jobs or roles, often require mental engagement to satisfy their natural instincts. These dogs may need activities that involve decision-making, problem-solving and concentration to keep their minds occupied. When a breed does not receive sufficient mental stimulation, they may become bored and find alternative ways to entertain themselves, which might not align with your preferences or desires. This can result in undesired behaviors or the creation of their own "projects" to keep their minds busy.

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PATTERNS +
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CARING WITH FAMILY Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed tends to display towards family members and familiar individuals varies. Certain breeds can exhibit aloofness towards everyone except their owner, while others are known for treating everyone they know as if they were their best friend.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN Unwise Good With Children
A breed's level of tolerance and patience with children's behavior, as well as its overall family-friendly nature, is important to consider. It is crucial to provide supervision when dogs are around young children, or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS Unwise Good With Other Dogs
It is important to always supervise dog interactions and introductions with other dogs. While proper monitoring is essential for all breeds certain breeds tend to be more naturally inclined to get along with other dogs both in the home and in public settings.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur and hair that a breed is likely to leave behind is an important aspect to consider. Breeds with high shedding tendencies may require more frequent brushing can potentially trigger certain types of allergies and may necessitate more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to manage the amount of loose fur and hair.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily
The grooming needs of a breed, including bathing, brushing, trimming or other coat maintenance should be taken into account. It is important to consider the time, patience and budget you have available for this type of care when choosing a breed. Additionally, all breeds require regular nail trimming as part of their grooming routine.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel
The level of drooling that a breed tends to exhibit is an important factor to consider. If you prefer a tidy environment dogs that tend to produce excessive drool leaving ropes of slobber on your arm or creating big wet spots on your clothes may not be the ideal choice for you.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Wiry, Double
COAT SPECTRUM
Medium
FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend
The level of welcome that a breed tends to extend towards strangers can vary. Certain breeds may display reserved or cautious behavior around all strangers regardless of the setting, while others may exhibit a friendly disposition and happily greet new humans whenever they are around.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop
The extent to which a breed remains enthusiastic about play, even beyond puppyhood, varies. Some breeds will continue to enjoy games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others may be content with relaxing on the couch most of the time. It is important to consider the level of playfulness that a breed typically possesses when selecting a dog that matches your own activity level and preferences.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant
Some breeds possess a strong tendency to alert their owners when strangers are present. These breeds are more likely to react to potential threats, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, once a stranger is accepted by the dog's family, these breeds are likely to warm up to them.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable
The adaptability of a breed to handle change can vary. Some breeds are more flexible and resilient when it comes to changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life. These breeds tend to adjust more easily to new situations.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please
The ease of training a dog and their willingness to learn new things can vary among breeds. Some breeds tend to be more eager to please their owners and are known for their trainability. They are often quick to pick up commands and enjoy learning new tasks. On the other hand, certain breeds can be more independent-minded and less motivated by pleasing their owners. These breeds may require more patience and consistent training methods to effectively teach them new behaviors. It's important to understand a breed's typical temperament and trainability when considering their suitability for your training preferences and goals.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed needs can vary significantly. High-energy breeds tend to be active and enthusiastic, requiring ample exercise, playtime and mental stimulation to keep them engaged and prevent boredom. They often enjoy activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds tend to be more relaxed and content with less physical activity. While they still require regular exercise to maintain their overall health, they typically have lower exercise requirements compared to high-energy breeds. They may be more inclined to enjoy leisurely walks or relaxed playtime and will be happy to spend a significant amount of time lounging or snoozing.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal
Medium
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Happy to Lounge Needs a Job or Activity
The mental stimulation needs of a breed should be considered to ensure their happiness and overall health. Purpose-bred dogs or breeds with specific jobs or roles, often require mental engagement to satisfy their natural instincts. These dogs may need activities that involve decision-making, problem-solving and concentration to keep their minds occupied. When a breed does not receive sufficient mental stimulation, they may become bored and find alternative ways to entertain themselves, which might not align with your preferences or desires. This can result in undesired behaviors or the creation of their own "projects" to keep their minds busy.
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About The Breed

The Giant Schnauzer is indeed a larger and more powerful version of the Standard Schnauzer. As described by the breed standard, they are known to be a bold and valiant figure of a dog. Giants are intelligent and loyal, making them excellent workers and companions.

In terms of appearance, a well-bred Giant Schnauzer closely resembles the Standard Schnauzer but in a larger size. They have an imposing presence with males reaching heights of up to 27.5 inches at the shoulder and weighing around 95 pounds. Their muscular and substantial body embodies the breed's characteristic boldness and valor.

The Giant Schnauzer has a double coat that comes in either solid black or "pepper and salt" coloration. Similar to the Miniature and Standard Schnauzer, they feature a harsh beard and eyebrows that accentuate their keen and sagacious expression, which is a typical trait of the breed.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A GIANT SCHNAUZER

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Ghent Schenker: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Giant Schnauzers are generally considered to be a healthy breed. Responsible breeders of Giant Schnauzers prioritize the health of their dogs and will actively screen for common health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye disease and autoimmune thyroiditis. These breeders will conduct appropriate health tests on their breeding dogs to ensure that they are not passing on any hereditary diseases. When looking for a Giant Schnauzer, it is recommended that prospective owners select a breeder who is a member of the Giant Schnauzer Club of America (GSCA). GSCA members follow a code of ethics in their breeding practices, which includes prioritizing the health and well-being of their dogs. These breeders are knowledgeable about the breed's health issues and can serve as a valuable resource for health information, grooming assistance, and tips on Giant Schnauzer care and training. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Hip Evaluation Thyroid Evaluation Elbow Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	The Giant Schnauzer indeed has a dense, wiry and weather-resistant double coat. This coat consists of a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat. To maintain a healthy and attractive coat, it is recommended to brush the Giant Schnauzer on a weekly basis. Regular clipping or stripping is also necessary to keep the coat in good condition. Grooming the Giant Schnauzer's coat can be time-consuming, so owners should be prepared to invest time in maintaining it. Alternatively, they can opt to have the dog periodically groomed by a professional groomer recommended by the breeder. In addition to coat grooming, it is important to regularly check the Giant Schnauzer's ears for signs of infection and to keep them clean. The teeth should also be brushed frequently using dog-specific toothpaste to ensure good oral hygiene. By establishing a regular grooming routine and providing proper coat care, ear checks and dental hygiene, owners can help keep their Giant Schnauzer looking and feeling their best.

Exercise

	Being more energetic and up-tempo than many other large breeds, Giant Schnauzers indeed have high exercise requirements. They thrive with plenty of physical activity to burn off their energy. Long daily walks, play sessions with another dog or enthusiastic romps in the yard with their owners are ideal ways to provide exercise. Giant Schnauzers make fantastic workout companions for active individuals who enjoy running, cycling, hiking, cross-country skiing, swimming or even skijoring. These activities require an energetic partnership with the owner allowing both to engage in vigorous exercise together. It's important to note that Giants also require companionship to keep them mentally stimulated and emotionally fulfilled. This can come in the form of interactive play with their human or the presence of another large dog as a playmate. Engaging the Giant Schnauzer in games such as hide and seek or playing fetch with a tennis ball not only exercises their body but also exercises their mind providing the necessary mental stimulation to keep them fit and happy.

Training

	The Giant Schnauzer is indeed an extremely intelligent and strongly territorial breed. They have a deep love for their owners and feel a strong sense of responsibility to protect them. Giants are quick learners and have the ability to distinguish between friend and foe making them excellent guard dogs. Giant Schnauzers have a strong need to be with their owners and may become restless or unhappy if ignored or left alone in the yard for long periods. They thrive when given a job or purpose even something as simple as fetching a ball. Providing them with mental and physical stimulation is crucial to their well-being. Due to their high energy and protective nature, the Giant Schnauzer is best suited for dedicated owners who understand the breed's specific needs and are committed to meeting them. Giants require fenced-in running areas, regular exercise and activities that provide both mental and physical exercise. They often excel in various dog sports such as carting, herding, agility, coursing ability tests and obedience. Early socialization and puppy training classes are highly recommended with this breed, as they can help ensure that the Giant Schnauzer develops proper behavior and good social skills. It is important to remember that the Giant Schnauzer is a strong and protective breed and responsible ownership and training are crucial to their well-being and the well-being of those around them.

Nutrition

	Ensure that the Giant Schnauzer receives a diet of superior quality, tailored to its age (puppy, adult or senior) and activity level. While treats can serve as valuable aids in training excessive consumption may lead to obesity. Gain knowledge about safe and unsafe human foods for dogs and if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet, consult your vet.

Historiography

The Giant Schnauzer originated in the scenic Bavarian Alps around the middle of the 19th century. These sturdy and robust canines were specifically bred from the Standard Schnauzer to fulfill the vital task of herding cattle from farms to markets. In addition to this important duty, they proved themselves to be exceptional guard dogs, offering protection to farmers, merchants and innkeepers. As the era of cattle drives came to an end with the advent of railroads, Giants found a new role as esteemed members of the European police and military K-9 units. Across the Atlantic, in the United States, the Giant Schnauzer became widely recognized for their striking appearance as show dogs, their accomplishments in obedience competitions and their unwavering loyalty as devoted guardians of both home and family.