Non-Sporting Dogs

The Giant Schnauzer. The largest of three distinct Schnauzer breeds, the Giant shares with the Standard and Miniature a vigorous yet reliable temperament. The Giant Schnauzer was developed in Bavaria by various crosses of the Standard Schnauzer with local cattle-drover dogs and later with the black Great Dane. Not really known outside Bavaria until after World War I, he became recognized as a bold and corageous military and police dog. A large, ruggedly built. Terrier-like dog, who is intelligent, easily trained, and devoted to his family, the Giant Schnauzer is an alert, responsive companion. Breed height is specified as 25-26 inches. The weather resistant, dense double coat with a wiry outer coat and soft undercoat may be a salt and pepper colour or solid black. The thick beard formed by heavy, coarse whickers and the pronounced arched eyebrows are distinctive features of the Schnauzer breeds.

The Great Dane. "Giant" is a more applicable word than "Great" for this dog, and how it came to be connected with Denmark is a mystery, since the breed apparently originated in Germany and was certainly brought to it's peak of perfection there. Germans know it as the Deutsche Dogge. It is of Mastiff family, with a typically heavy head and resulted from a mixture of Mastiff and Irish Wolfhound or Greyhound. The Great Dane was originaly bred to run down and fight the murderously tusked wild boar until hunters could dispatch it with swords and spears. This feat required supreme courage, great strength of jaws, holding power, and agility. Sixteenth century etchings of hunting the wild boar show dogs of strictly Great Dane appearance. Later the breed guarded German princes and accompanied its masters to the wars.

Few breeds can approach the majesty of Great Dane, with his noble carriage, his massive head, and full, square jaw. Dark, lively eyes express great intelligence. In many countries ears are cropped. A smooth, dense coat in brindle, fawn, blue, black or harlequin covers his smoothly muscled body. Strong, sloping shoulders and powerful hindquarters drive him effortlessly in lithe and springy stride. In spite of his remarkable size and strength, the Great Dane should be elegantly built. Elegance of outline and grace of form are most essential, say the standard, and size is also necessary. An adult dog should not be less than 32 inches in height.

Physically suited to spacious living, the "giant" dog nevertheless conducts himself with tact in many small apartments today, appearing to understand that his size and strength might cause havoc. It is eminently trainable because it is alert and perceptive, still the job is not easy for the amateur because of the Great Dane's size. It should be remembered that his tail is sensitive and subject to injury; and the heart and kidney diseases to which he is prey may shorten his life.