10. The Giant Schnauzer

The largest of the three Schnauzer breeds, the Giant Schnauzer is an intelligent and powerful working dog. Its distinctive look, complete with bushy eyebrows and a beard, is maintained by a wiry coat that has very specific grooming needs.

The Coat and Its Challenges

The Giant Schnauzer has a dense, weather-resistant double coat with a hard, wiry outercoat and a soft undercoat. The wiry texture is a key feature of the breed, but it requires a special grooming technique called hand-stripping to maintain. Hand-stripping involves manually pulling out the dead outer hairs to allow a new, harsh coat to grow in. If the coat is clipped with electric clippers instead of stripped, it will lose its texture over time, becoming soft, less vibrant in color, and less protective against the elements.

The breed’s signature beard and leg furnishings also act as mops, collecting water, food, and dirt, which requires daily cleaning to prevent odor and skin irritation.

The Required Grooming Regimen

To maintain the correct coat texture, hand-stripping is required several times a year. This is a time-consuming and specialized skill that can be done by the owner or a professional groomer who offers the service. It is more expensive and less common than standard clipping.

Alternatively, owners can opt to have their Giant Schnauzer clipped every 6 to 8 weeks. While easier, this will alter the coat’s texture. In either case, the dog needs weekly brushing with a slicker brush and comb to prevent matting in the softer furnishings. The beard and eyebrows must be combed daily to remove food particles and tangles. Regular cleaning of the beard after meals is a must for good hygiene.