Giant Schnauzer

Book excerpt: One of Germany's most auspicious contributions to the dog world is the impressive Giant Schnauzer, a purebred dog of unmistakable style and superb working ability. Recognizable for prominent facial furnishings;beard, eye brows, and moustache;his blunt-wedged muzzle, and his solid, muscular "giant" stature, the Giant Schnauzer is the largest of the Fatherland's three schnauzer breeds. The breed today enjoys a true international following stretching from Europe to America and England to South America and beyond. As the author discusses in the chapter on the breed's characteristics, this level-headed working dog is not aggressive by nature, but he is fearless and determined, requiring an owner with a great sense of humor, much patience, and good dog sense. A member of the AKC Working Group, the Giant Schnauzer is called upon to guard homes and estates and to work side by side with military and police personnel, though the breed is by nature docile, extremely intelligent, and highly trainable.New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.