BREEDING WITH INTENTION
popular blacks tend to have softer hair that curls as it grows, and sparser furnishings, particularly on the hind legs. Aside from the variations in coat, head, and color that developed over time, the breed remains remarkably true to its developed body style. That its working ability is being successfully tested in the vari- ous domains that it was originally bred to work is a testament to the dedication of breeders over the years. The Giant Schnauzer ( Riesenschnauzer ) was also used in the southern areas of Germany and was developed to guard farms and to drive cattle to market. In the late 19th and early 20th centu- ries, dedicated breeders saw that the breed had particularly strong character traits and working capabilities, and by World War I, the breed was being utilized as a military and police dog. Several breeds contributed to its development and stature, among them the black Great Dane, which not only introduced greater size, it also intro- duced the black color. The AKC breed standard for the Giant Schnauzer closely tracks the FCI standard (as well as the US and FCI breed standards for the Standard Schnauzer, with the obvious exception being height). The allowable colors and textures are the same as for the Standard Schnauzer. Interestingly, while there is a predominance of the pep- per and salt color in the Standard Schnauzer, the opposite is the case with the Giant Schnauzer where black predominates. The FCI standard describes the tail as “natural.” It states in bold print for emphasis, that “a sabre or sickle carriage is sought after.” 3 Giant Schnauzers have a reputation as devoted guardians of home and family, as well as being police and military dogs to this day. In Germany and other European countries, the breed must attain at least a Schutzhund I level certification, or equivalent, to qualify for regional or national Sieger (Winner/Victor/Champion) conformation classes and titling. Apparently, the Giant Schnauzer has a much larger following in Schutzhund/IPO sports in the EU than in the US. This versatile breed has gone through changes, from the turn of the 20th century until now, in much the same way as the Standard Schnauzer. The exception is that working emphasis has been placed on the Giant’s military/police dog abilities rather than its previous job as a cattle drover and guardian, at least in the EU. In the US, the breed successfully participates in herding tests as well as the popular Nose Work discretionary scenting competitions, and a few have achieved Farm Dog certifications. The Leonberger derives its name from the city of Leonberg, near Stutgart, in the southern area of Germany known as Baden- Württemburg. Presumably bred to mimic the look of the lion in the Leonberg town coat of arms, the then mayor of Leonberg,
Heinrich Essig, claimed to have created the breed in the 1830s by crossing a female Landseer Newfoundland with a St. Bernard- like dog (described as a “barry” 5 male) from the Great St. Bernard Monastery and Hospice. According to Essig, he later crossed in a Pyrenean Mountain Dog (what we know today as the Great Pyr- enees). First registered as Leonbergers in 1846, they were kept as farm dogs and watchdogs, as well as used for pulling carts in the Bavarian villages. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Canadian government brought in the breed to be used as water rescue and lifesaving dogs. The breed can still be found in that capacity today, along with New- foundlands, Labrador and Golden Retrievers. Along these same lines, they are used at the Scuola Italiana Cani Salvataggio (Italian School of Canine Lifeguards). Additionally, they have been used as flock guardian dogs. The AKC and FCI standards are almost identical, including the disqualifying faults. The dogs found globally today are uniform in appearance and character. The parent club in the US conducts drafting/carting tests at its National Specialty, with novice and open levels offered for single and brace entries. These tests follow the same format as those of the breeds previously mentioned here. The parent club also recognizes drafting titles earned through the draft/carting programs of other AKC drafting breeds. Utilizing the Newfoundland Club of America official water test requirements, the parent club began conducting a water work program in 2019 with titling at three levels, each with progressive difficulty. It should be noted that the Leonberger Club of America main- tains a Breeding Acceptability Checklist that is an “educational experience comparing (your) Leonberger to the Breed Standard with an experienced and knowledgeable evaluator.” 4 This more for- malized evaluation by breed experts is reminiscent of breed evalu- ations conducted in Germany, but not to the extent that they are required for breed registration. I’ll look forward to your commentary and questions on this article, as well as the ones that follow in this series. Feel free to send your comments to info@aramediagroup.com or to me at jollytime- hounds@northstate.net . 1 Burt and Ellen Yamada, The Standard Schnauzer History https://sites. google.com/site/spikenfriends/yamada-burt-and-ellen/x-x 2 AKC Breed Standard of the Standard Schnauzer 3 FCI Breed Standard of the Giant Schnauzer 4 Leonberger Club of America Breeding Acceptability Check List, https:// www.leonbergerclubofamerica.com/club-info/bacl 5 At the time, “barry” was a term used to describe the St. Bernard, after the rescue dog named “Barry.”
Correction The article “West Highland White Terrier” by Anne Sanders in October’s issue was also co-authored by Lisa Pacheco. ShowSight sincerely apologizes for this oversight.
128 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER 2020
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