How to Groom a Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is a large, strong dog with a squarish body. Breeders cross bred Great Danes, Bouvier des Flandres and Standard Schnauzers to create the Giant Schnauzer. These dogs are extremely loyal, love company and are smart and thoughtful dogs. The grooming regimen for this breed is fairly low maintenance. Dedicate most of your grooming time to maintaining the double coat.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Metal comb
• Clippers
• Scissors
• Blades

1. Brush the undercoat at least once a week with a wire brush to get rid of shed hair and any matting.

2. Clip knots from the dogs coat, if needed. Brush your dog's coat first one way and then the other; first smooth it out and then to lift the hair to make sure all knotting and matting is gone.

3. Clean whiskers after your Giant Schnauzer eats.

4. Clip the hair all over the body at least 4 times per year. The length of the coat should appear uniform.

5. Use scissors to carefully trim the hair around the eyes and ears.

Tips & Warnings

• Show standard require Giant Schnauzers to have a full and well maintained coat. Hire a professional groomer to style your Giant Schnauzer for showing.
• Giant Schnauzers shed very little to no hair.
• This breed has a life expectancy around 12 to 15 years of age.
• It's best if you use scissors with a blunt nose in case the dog jerks around while you are trimming around his eyes.
• Throughout history the Giant Schnauzer has had many names, including Russian Bear Schnauzer, Munich Schnauzer and Riesenschnauzer.
• Male dogs generally weigh between 60 and 80 lbs., and females tend to fall between 55 and 75 lbs.
• Giant Schnauzers have one of the highest cancer rates of any breed. The most common form of fatal cancer they suffer is toe cancer. Epilepsy and hip dysplasia affects a large number of Giant Schnauzers.
• Giant Schnauzers tend to bloat.