Page 191 - Showsight April 2013
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maximizing efficiency in his movement and
should not be penalized. Often, show speci-
mens move about the ring, head and ears at
attention. This movement is not conducive to
good reach and good driving power.
The subject of much confusion and of
the most questions asked is the one of coat.
Variance in coat type has always been an
issue in the breed, as read even in the early
origins. The genetic pool already consisted
of harder coated dogs and softer more
profusely coated ones. A body coat that is
dense, weather resistant and wiry is called
for. The standard is not very descriptive in
defining furnishings that are shaped and
trimmed on the legs of the dog. Breeders
dedicated to showing Giants, work hard to
maintain the proper texture on the body
of the dog and yet have a dog with leg fur-
nishings to shape. Often two types of dogs
will be seen. They have been dubbed the
European ‘hard-coat’, and the American
‘soft-coat’. Actually, in visual observation,
one could call the European ‘hard-coat’, the
‘short coat’, and the American ‘soft-coat’, the
‘long coat’. The hard coat, or short coated
dog, will have less length and thickness in
the leg furnishings. The soft coat, or long
coated dog, will have leg furnishings that are
much longer and thicker. On these dogs, it
is necessary to conduct a thorough hands on
examination to determine the body under
the coat. When observing these dogs in
motion, be aware of how the movement and
grooming of the furnishings can disguise the
actual line of the dogs’ legs. A good moving
dog might not look as clean moving and a
bad moving dog will look better, depending
on the skill of the groomer! No matter what
length of hair is seen on the legs, the body
hair should be strong, hard and wiry, with a
dense undercoat. It is important to remem-
ber, that in evaluating Giants, they are com-
posed of many parts, and the coat is just one
of them. The animal should be judged as a
whole. Coat should not be the only reason
to penalize an exhibit if the dog excels in
other virtues, especially when judged against
inferior animals that excel only in coat. And,
on the other hand, harder coated dogs must
not be dismissed because they lack the fancy,
profuse furnishings of the elegant dogs that
are well sculpted and immaculately present-
ed. A sound body and a good temperament
are of utmost importance!
Health Concerns
The Giant Schnauzer has been known as
a relatively healthy breed compared to some
others. Their average life expectancy is twelve
years, which is reasonably good for a large
dog. Since the early imports, a major con-
cern has been hip dysplasia. With concerted
efforts on the part of all the early breeders,
the breed maintains a good percentage of
dysplastic free dogs. Certified hip clearanc-
es still are, and always will be, a necessary
requirement in breeding programs. Hypo-
thyroidism, epilepsy, toe cancer and urinary
incontinence are also concerns. These and
other disorders are health conditions that are
known to exist in many breeds and are not
limited to the Giant Schnauzer alone. Breed-
ers are diligent in following health tests and
certifications on their dogs.
The Giant Schnauzer is a versatile breed,
making a smooth transition from the farms
of Europe to the homes in North America.
It has been lucky enough to be desired by
people who appreciate its unique quali-
ties. It has been dubbed “the dog with the
human brain”.
More information can be found at Giant
Schnauzer Club of America’s web site, http://
BIO
Olga Gagne is from
Canada. She has bred
and shown Giants since
the mid-seventies under
the Bluechip prefix. Her
dogs have won Multi
BISS and BIS, were top in their breed for
many years and Top Working in 1988.
Olga Gagne is President of Giant Schnau-
zer Club of Canada and an AKC approved
mentor for the breed. She served on the
Giant Schnauzer Club of America’s com-
mittee which compiled the breed’s I
llus-
trated Standard
. In 1998, she began judg-
ing and is currently approved to judge six
groups in Canada. Olga Gagne has judged
both the American and Canadian Giant
Schnauzer National Specialties.
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2013 • 191
