Oregon Giant Schnauzers LLC

12/05/2025

For TBT...

The following article by Barbara Bender appeared in the May/June issue of Giant Steps in 1989. And while things may be a little better today versus the "big hair" days of the 80s and 90s, there are some very good points raised below and topics we still discuss today. Time is truly a flat circle.

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WHAT’S BEING LEFT OUT OF GIANT SCHNAUZER JUDGING, or WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE???

Depending upon who you talk to everything or nothing is wrong with the caliber of Giant Schnauzer judging on any given day. Winners feel the judge did a superb job while those loosing feel the judging was generally terrible. Having been both a winner and a looser, I know I have expressed both opinions, but I hope more objectively than most exhibitors.

I could fill volumes with comments about bad judging (or good), but feel there are three areas, particular to our beloved Giants, to which judges should give more careful examination and consideration, and become better educated. At the top of the list is coat texture, second is examination "under the coat", and lastly structure vs. the illusion created by a good (or very bad) groomer.

While all of us can quote the standard describing proper Giant Schnauzer coat, judges must penalize deviation in coat texture from that described in the standard as they would deviation from any other part of the "ideal giant". A dog with a poor top line is penalized for the fault that is present, but is the soft-coated Giant Schnauzer similarly penalized? I think not! I am not advocating putting up harsh coated giants who are otherwise very faulty; however, it appears that harsh coated sound dogs are not considered for points and breed as often as they should be while soft-coated giants with other visible faults win on their flash and furnishings. The standard describes only one coat, and any other coat should be penalized to the degree of the deviation from the ideal.

I believe in addition to actual coat texture, a properly presented, hand stripped giant should be given preference over an obviously clipped dog of otherwise equal quality. I have witnessed judges put up giants resembling seals, obviously clippered with a ten blade just days before the show. With the coat so closely clippered, there is absolutely no way the judge could discern coat texture or its deviation from the ideal coat. On the other side of this coin, I have seen judges withhold ribbons from obviously clippered giants (the ten blade look), explaining to the exhibitor their reason is inability to judge coat texture. I applaud this action by the few judges who have exercised this option. As judges if we are unable to judge any other part of the dog we would not hesitate to withhold ribbons.

The second area of giant judging which should be improved is the actual examination of the structure of the dog. Without feeling under the coat for front structure, feeling for depth of chest and brisket, feeling top line, and feeling bone, leg, and arch of toe -- much can and does go undetected. How wide are the shoulder blades from one another at the withers; how badly does the top line break; how much is hair and how much is rise over the loin. How deep is the brisket, or how much depth is simply hair? Do the feet turn in or out? Are the hocks really straight? A clever groomer can straighten an east/west front; tuck in loose elbows; and move a crooked hock as much as an inch in either direction with careful grooming. Not to mention fixing top lines, tail set, length of neck, and heads. Without actually touching these and many other parts of the giant schnauzer many faults to undetected. Judges must look past the illusion created by a skillful groomer and presented by a seasoned handler.

Lastly, the greatest measuring stick of a dog's structure, and giants are no exception, is his movement. It is this area in which Giant Schnauzer judging seems to hit an all time low. I am not sure if a good number of judges simply don't understand correct foot placement and the straight column of support each leg is intended to give to the locomotion of the dog, or if judges pass off questionable things they see as "flying furnishings". Whichever the case may be, improvement is sorely needed. Many times we witness a great looking dog stacked to perfection by his handier fall apart moving, and win! Structural faults are the cause of poor movement and should be detected by the judge (whether the dog is standing or moving), and penalized to the degree pre-sent. Poor movers are poor movers whether Dobermans or giants, and must be detected by the officiating judge. This task is made even more difficult for the judge with a poorly groomed giant whose owner has left enough leg hair on the dog for three giants. I recently had the opportunity to view the AKC film/video "Gait". I had not viewed this film since about 1970, and still feel it is the best visual explanation of movement and recommend it to all judges or aspiring judges. It is an excellent primer for the beginner, or refresher for the intermediate in experience.

I have offered these thoughts in hopes of improving the judging of our beloved breed. If only a few judges take the time to consider the impressions of this article, and a slight improvement occurs as a result, then my purpose will have been met.

Yours for better Giant Judging,
Barbara Bender

11/28/2025

So this is the #1 giant schnauzer, in America and the reason I'm posting this is because, you have no idea how much grief and snootyness I deal with over a small white mark on their chest ,so believe me I will be saving this pic for future reference lol

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The Origin and Purpose of Cropped Ears and Docked Tails in the Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is a breed with a specific and demanding history. Bred in the Bavarian Alps as a cattle drover's dog, it later became a formidable guard dog and one of the first breeds selected for police and military work. The practice of ear cropping and tail docking is deeply rooted in this functional past, blending historical purpose, medical foresight, and breed-specific traits.
1. Historical and Functional Origin: A Working Dog's Needs
Historically, the Giant Schnauzer's purpose required a body built for resilience and confrontation. Their work as cattle drovers and later as police and guard dogs put them in frequent contact with large, powerful animals and volatile situations.
* Tail Docking: The long, thick tail of a working dog, while useful for balance, was a significant liability. When driving cattle or engaging a threat, a Giant Schnauzer’s tail could be easily stepped on, trampled, or bitten. These injuries are not only incredibly painful but are also prone to infection and can disable a dog in a critical situation. Docking the tail to a short, sturdy length was a preventative measure, ensuring the dog's mobility and safety in a high-risk environment.
* Ear Cropping: The long, floppy ears of an uncropped Schnauzer are a vulnerable target. In a confrontation—whether with a wild boar, a disgruntled cow, or a human assailant—an ear could be easily grabbed, torn, or severely injured. Cropping the ear to stand erect eliminated this easy “handle,” reducing the risk of a debilitating injury and ensuring the dog's effectiveness and safety. This practice was particularly valued for police and military work, where the dog's physical integrity was paramount.
2. The Medical and Behavioral Argument: Stoicism and Self-Inflicted Injury
Beyond historical function, the Giant Schnauzer's temperament and physical characteristics lend a strong medical argument to the practice.
* Aural Hematomas: The Giant Schnauzer is a robust and stoic breed with a high pain tolerance. This is a valuable trait for a working dog but a significant medical risk for its ears. An ear infection, a foreign body, or even a persistent itch can cause a Giant Schnauzer to violently shake its head. Due to their pain tolerance, they may do this for an extended period without showing other signs of discomfort. This can lead to a severe aural hematoma—a painful and complex injury requiring surgery. Cropping the ears removes the large, floppy surface area, making a hematoma far less likely, and effectively preventing a painful and costly injury.
* “Happy Tail Syndrome”: The powerful, thick tail of a Giant Schnauzer is prone to a condition known as “happy tail syndrome.” When the dog wags its tail with force against a solid object (a wall, a kennel, furniture), the tip can break open and become a difficult-to-heal, chronically bleeding wound. The dog's stoicism can make them seemingly ignore the injury, prolonging the trauma and inviting infection. Docking the tail to a short, robust length removes this vulnerable point of impact, preventing a painful and often recurring injury.
3. Modern Relevance and Breed Identity
Today, for many Giant Schnauzers who are family companions, these procedures are seen as controversial and often purely cosmetic. However, for those who continue to work in roles like police K-9s, search and rescue, or Schutzhund, the functional and medical arguments remain.
At the same time, modern families often struggle with the realities of a truly functional working breed. Many households are not prepared to manage issues like coat stripping to prevent skin problems, ear plucking to reduce infections, or the challenges of powerful tails that can injure themselves or others. Dogs left with natural ears and tails sometimes end up with preventable behavioral or medical issues that overwhelm inexperienced owners, leading to frustration or even rehoming.
The cropped ears and docked tail are not just part of the breed's iconic silhouette; they are a direct and tangible link to its heritage as a highly specialized working dog, designed for toughness, resilience, and safety in the line of duty. art by

05/13/2025