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History of the Riesenschnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer (Riesenschnauzer) is the largest of the three types of schnauzers. (The other two being the miniature and the standard schnauzer.) Everyone agrees that the Riesenschnauzer originated in southern Germany, in the Bavarian region near Switzerland. The German word "schnauzer" means "snout", which has been interpreted by many as referring to the distinctive bearded muzzle, and by some as a reference to the breed's eagerness to use its nose (as in tracking). As early as the fifteenth century, paintings by the famous Albrecht Durer portray schnauzer-like dogs resembling the modern standard schnauzer. (The World of the Schnauzer: Miniature, Standard and Giant by Johan Gallant contains this and other illustrations of early schnauzers.)
The Riesenschnauzer was bred from a cross of the standard schnauzer and several other types of dogs, probably a combination of smooth-coated drovers and rough-coated farm dogs, along with a larger breed, such as a black Great Dane or Bouvier. There are many theories about the exact combination of breeds, but we have no way to verify the exact mixture. The first record of the appearance of the modern Riesenschnauzer is attributed to breedings by the Wettenstein and Kinzigtal Kennels. Karl Kluftinger of the Wetterstein Kennels was one of the oldest and most experienced Riesenschnauzer breeders, who bred and raised his dogs in secrecy in the mountains and was said to never have sold a dog to anyone else. His dog, Bazi von Watterstein was recorded as being 28.4 inches high and 88 pounds, and became one of the most successful sires of his time. The Kinzigtal Kennel was established by Dr. Calaminus around 1895. Like Karl Kluftinger, he kept his breeding program a mystery and discouraged visitors. His dog, Fels v. Kinzigtal, (born in 1924) became another of the foundation dogs of the modern Riesenschnauzer.
The first Riesenschnauzers were imported into the United States in the 1920's, and began to be bred from German stock in the 1930's. An American-bred Giant won the Eastern Dog Club trophy for obedience in 1947. The Pinscher Schnauzer Club of Germany established the first breed standard for the Riesenschnauzer, which was adopted by the AKC for forty years, and the AKC standard was modified to reflect the PSK Standard's elimination of any colors but black or salt-and-pepper in 1983. The breed standard has been interpreted by breeders throughout the world, and there is significant controversy concerning whether or not the original characteristics of the Riesenschnauzer have been diluted or maintained over the last fifty years of breeding. Although there are far fewer of this breed in this country, the outstanding performance of a few representatives of the breed in competitive sports has brought new attention to their natural character and outstanding talents as protectors, trackers, and competition dogs. Schnauzers have successfully competed against the German Shepherd and Malinois in Schutzhund, have held their own against other breeds in obedience, agility, and tracking competitions, and have jobs as search and rescue dogs, police dogs, guard dogs and even as researchers (as in the case of the standard schnauzer who is able to distinguish between cancer cells and non-cancer cells).
