What should you consider before getting a Giant?

The Giant Schnauzer is an example of working breed of dog and has a dense, coarse coat that protects them against the elements and vermin. The Giant Schnauzer is the largest of the three breeds.
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Please feel free to post here if your topic does not fit into one of the categories under 'Caring for your Schnauzer'. There are sections for breeding, feeding, grooming, showing and many more that may be more appropriate than this generic section
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BBG
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Re: What should you consider before getting a Giant?

Post by BBG »

Being a big dog that has little concept of it's own size or clumsiness, be prepared to be knocked of your feet!!
montykins
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Re: What should you consider before getting a Giant?

Post by montykins »

I agree, I'm still not up to taking Dylan out, my friend Michelle is doing that.
He is brilliant but if he decided to suddenly charge at you and he's playing not
in an aggresive manner he will knock you over. I'm sure in his head
he thinks he is the same size as my little terrier Molly. What
you also need to watch out for when there are small children about, a Giant can
turn around fast or lean on them and unwittingly hurt a small child.
kell
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Re: What should you consider before getting a Giant?

Post by kell »

I haven't been on for a while as I am having a huge argument with myself. I have a lovely giant bitch, luath, she is 3 in May this year. I want to mate her as she is my fourth schnauzer and i have always said "oh I wish I'd taken a puppy" when I lose them. I worked before but now am retired, live in a largish house and have the time and space to spend on them. I was brought up on a farm so know about breeding etc. There are 3 people in the park who want a puppy as they love Luath. They saw her at her "best" - jumping over people's heads and trying to cuddle everyone in sight - as only schnauzers know how to.
My one problem is all the dogs that are put up for rehoming. I would obviously take any pups back if they did not suit but if they were just sold to anyone and later I found out I don't know if I could cope. All my dogs are trained, socialised and get to play and are loved every day. I see dogs in the park who are straining on a lead and never let off - I cannot speak to these owners - how would I cope if someone treated my puppies like that? They are not bad to their dogs just clueless and this I think is just as bad as being cruel. I would vet the new owners quite strictly and also offer to help with the training.
I know I will have pups next year I just wanted to ask folk if they feel all those things I feel before they bred from their dog. OR am I being silly?
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Re: What should you consider before getting a Giant?

Post by riiseni »

Hi Kell, you have just listed most of the reasons why I will never breed from my Giants.
I honestly don't know how people do it. If I could limit the amount of puppies to 2-4 I would consider it, because I know I could find the pups good homes, but 14..no I'll stick with owning and enjoying instead.
Good luck though!
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Re: What should you consider before getting a Giant?

Post by Grovelea »

BEFORE YOU BUY A GIANT PUPPY ..... be sure that the breeder has been honest with any health issues in their breed lines, ask the breeder if they know of any hereditary conditions that may be in the background, some conditions cannot be tested for, like epilepsy, thyroid conditions may not show untill your dog has grown up, we test for eye problems and most breeders will show you the results but other things can be lurking in the background. Do your homework before seeing any puppies.
have the courage to stand up for what you believe to be right, even if everyone else is sitting down, as long as you are prepared to be hammered for it.
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Re: What should you consider before getting a Giant?

Post by PrimaVista »

Grovelea wrote:BEFORE YOU BUY A GIANT PUPPY ..... be sure that the breeder has been honest with any health issues in their breed lines, ask the breeder if they know of any hereditary conditions that may be in the background, some conditions cannot be tested for, like epilepsy, thyroid conditions may not show untill your dog has grown up, we test for eye problems and most breeders will show you the results but other things can be lurking in the background. Do your homework before seeing any puppies.
I am very uneasy when I read the words hereditary and epilepsy in the same sentence, but I do agree in essence, puppy buyers should be made aware of all the conditions reported recently in the health survey, hereditary or otherwise.

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Re: What should you consider before getting a Giant?

Post by Grovelea »

Can I ask, why it makes you uneasy?
have the courage to stand up for what you believe to be right, even if everyone else is sitting down, as long as you are prepared to be hammered for it.
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Re: What should you consider before getting a Giant?

Post by Grovelea »

This link shows that epilepsy is hereditary and the mode of inheritance is caused by a recessive gene

http://www.pcfce.org/canine.htm
have the courage to stand up for what you believe to be right, even if everyone else is sitting down, as long as you are prepared to be hammered for it.
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Re: What should you consider before getting a Giant?

Post by PrimaVista »

Grovelea wrote:Can I ask, why it makes you uneasy?
Because some people you and I know currently in the breed are too keen to place blame on particular dogs for what they term idiopathic epilepsy, not having a clue what idiopathic means. All types of epilepsy are not hereditary in the same vein as all heart disease in humans is not either. I've seen that link before, and it uses well the cop outs "can", "may" and "Is thought to be responsible."

Some months ago I was fortunate enough to bend the ear of a professor from the School of Veterinary Science at Liverpool University regarding epilepsy, and his opinion was enlightening to say the least. I hope the upcoming seminar is as equally informative.

I think this is really for another thread in the future, so let's agree on the basic principle that puppy buyers should be made aware of ALL current ailments and conditions affecting the breed; we owe it to the buyers and to the breed itself.

Rgds
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Re: What should you consider before getting a Giant?

Post by Grovelea »

Ok, I'll shut up I get the message,
the only thing I will say is that the Phyllis Croft Foundation was very helpful to me when I had an epileptic Giant for 12 years, And is a great comfort to those who still struggle with the condition in their dogs.
Phyllis Croft was a very talented Vet who devoted her life to trying to help vets and people manage the condition rather than have their dogs put to sleep.

Below is an explaination about this dedicated vet for those that are interested, when my dog strted having fits hers was the only book on the subject and it was my bible for a while.

The PCFCE was founded to bring support and comfort to the owners of dogs with canine epilepsy, to raise public awareness and knowledge of the condition. The Foundation was named to honour Dr Croft whose interest in canine epilepsy began more than 60 years ago when her family's beagle pups started to have fits. She qualified as a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1950 and dedicated the rest of her veterinary career to studying epilepsy and diseases of the brain. In 1959 she received a Fellowship for her thesis on this subject. Her book, "The Management of Epilepsy in Dogs" was first published in 1984 and is the only publication on the condition widely available to dog owners. We are privileged to have her as our Veterinary Advisor.

The Foundation's principle concern is for the owner. The realisation that ones much loved companion has epilepsy can be a devastating and isolating experience. Dr Croft's expertise is freely available to Foundation Members and has helped allay the fears and worries of many, as well as further the understanding and management of epilepsy. Equally, we know that the support, friendship and shared experiences of fellow Foundation Members play a significant part in giving owners confidence and relieving stress.

An important aspect of the Foundation's work is to gain the co-operation and confidence of the Veterinary Profession. Members need a veterinary surgeon who will communicate effectively about their dog's condition, encourage the close monitoring of dogs on long-term medication, dispel aged myths and keep abreast of improvements and developments in treatment. Together we could highlight the need for continuity of care and contribute to an environment of mutual trust and understanding.

There are many causes of epilepsy but often, even after exhaustive testing, a cause is not found, the dog is then presumed to have primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This can be hereditary and the Foundation aims to encourage breeders to take a positive attitude to this aspect of the condition. Breeders have an important part to play and their co-operation is essential. If owner, veterinarian, breeder and drug company can be persuaded to work closely together in a determined effort to reduce the incidence of epilepsy we can lessen the associated pain and suffering for the owner.

The need to promote education about epilepsy is essential as the condition still arouses prejudice and superstition. Friends and family may be well meaning when they advise an already traumatised owner to have their dog euthanised but in most cases this is just ignorance. Many epileptic dogs live long and happy lives.

WE APPEAL TO OWNERS, VETS AND BREEDERS PLEASE JOIN US

All requests for confidentiality will be strictly respected



For more information please contact:

Mrs Margaret James, Secretary PCFCE
77 Upland Road
Billericay
Essex
CM12 0LD

Tel: 01296 715829
Fax: 01277 630145
Email pcfce@btopenworld.com
Last edited by Grovelea on 06 Apr 2011, 17:26, edited 1 time in total.
have the courage to stand up for what you believe to be right, even if everyone else is sitting down, as long as you are prepared to be hammered for it.
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Re: What should you consider before getting a Giant?

Post by DraXparK »

PrimaVista wrote:
Grovelea wrote:Can I ask, why it makes you uneasy?
Because some people you and I know currently in the breed are too keen to place blame on particular dogs for what they term idiopathic epilepsy, not having a clue what idiopathic means. All types of epilepsy are not hereditary in the same vein as all heart disease in humans is not either. I've seen that link before, and it uses well the cop outs "can", "may" and "Is thought to be responsible."

Some months ago I was fortunate enough to bend the ear of a professor from the School of Veterinary Science at Liverpool University regarding epilepsy, and his opinion was enlightening to say the least. I hope the upcoming seminar is as equally informative.

I think this is really for another thread in the future, so let's agree on the basic principle that puppy buyers should be made aware of ALL current ailments and conditions affecting the breed; we owe it to the buyers and to the breed itself.

Rgds
Tickets for the health seminar, Sunday 8th May, are on sale NOW from the Giant Schanuzer Club!


http://www.giantschnauzerclub.co.uk/health_seminar.php

........... why not come and hear what the experts have to say.
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Re: What should you consider before getting a Giant?

Post by DraXparK »

kell wrote:I haven't been on for a while as I am having a huge argument with myself. I have a lovely giant bitch, luath, she is 3 in May this year. I want to mate her as she is my fourth schnauzer and i have always said "oh I wish I'd taken a puppy" when I lose them. I worked before but now am retired, live in a largish house and have the time and space to spend on them. I was brought up on a farm so know about breeding etc. There are 3 people in the park who want a puppy as they love Luath. They saw her at her "best" - jumping over people's heads and trying to cuddle everyone in sight - as only schnauzers know how to.
My one problem is all the dogs that are put up for rehoming. I would obviously take any pups back if they did not suit but if they were just sold to anyone and later I found out I don't know if I could cope. All my dogs are trained, socialised and get to play and are loved every day. I see dogs in the park who are straining on a lead and never let off - I cannot speak to these owners - how would I cope if someone treated my puppies like that? They are not bad to their dogs just clueless and this I think is just as bad as being cruel. I would vet the new owners quite strictly and also offer to help with the training.
I know I will have pups next year I just wanted to ask folk if they feel all those things I feel before they bred from their dog. OR am I being silly?
Kell,
Why don't you come along to the Joint Schnauzer Health Seminar on Sunday 8th May, it will give you some useful information regarding some of the health things that you will need to consider before breeding from your bitch. There will also be quite a few Schnauzer breeders you can have a chat with.

Info re the seminar can be found via the Schnauzer Club websites, and tickets are available from the Giant Schnauzer Club http://www.giantschnauzerclub.co.uk/health_seminar.php

Hope to see you there (wave)
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Re: What should you consider before getting a Giant?

Post by Foxwood »

Oh dear Mike! calm down! I was only stating facts, not being personal........ Looks like i hit a nerve.
Admit your mistakes before someone else exaggerates them
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Re: What should you consider before getting a Giant?

Post by Eddie »

Foxwood wrote:Oh dear Mike! calm down! I was only stating facts, not being personal........ Looks like i hit a nerve.
You have succeeded in having the "Endorsements" thread locked. Are you now trying to do the same with this one???
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Re: What should you consider before getting a Giant?

Post by PrimaVista »

Must be a slow day for disinfectant sales
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