Appearance of the Giant Wauzer
|
The Westie parent is compact with a straight back and strong hind legs. Its white outer coat is weather-resistant, offering protection against the elements and also insect bites, and its undercoat will help it stay warm. The Giant Schnauzer parent has a double coat, the topcoat is dense and wiry while the undercoat is soft. Often, the Giant Wauzer has dominant characteristics of the Schnauzer influence. The top of his head will have rough hair, and he may have eyebrows and beard with the same texture. His muzzle will be square and long. The Giant Wauzer can be seen in black and white, as well as a salt-and-pepper mixture that can appear from silvery gray to dark iron gray. |
Temperament of the Giant Wauzer
|
The Giant Wauzer will inherit its temperament from its parents. Westies are social and like to be in the middle of things. At the same time, he's independent and stubborn. Although it can be demanding, it is a friendly, happy dog. Shy with strangers, Westies tend to bark and dig. The Giant Schnauzer is generally a very intelligent dog and an independent thinker. A dog of this breed will be loyal to its humans and make an excellent watchdog. Because he's a bit stubborn, training will be necessary to make sure your Giant Wauzer understands that you're in charge. Socialization will be important for your Giant Wauzer, as parental tendencies can show an over-protective nature, shyness and distrust of strangers. |
Needs and activities of the Giant Wauzer
|
The Giant Wauzer's activity requirements can be determined from those of its parents. The Westie is very active and will appreciate the opportunity to go out in the yard to play games or play with friends. The Giant Schnauzer also demands a lot of activity; in fact, he'll be happiest when he has a job to do. Your Giant Wauzer will succeed in both protection and obedience tasks, and will be happiest with at least 60 minutes of activity a day. Visits to the dog park will help him practice his social skills. He should always be supervised when in the backyard, as he may decide to dig his way to freedom just for fun. |
Maintenance of the Giant Wauzer
|
The Giant Wauzer's coat has the potential to require a lot of maintenance, including regular grooming every six to eight weeks. You'll want to brush your dog at least once a week with a pin brush, and his beard will need brushing several times a day to remove any stuck food. A clean cloth can be used to dry his beard after drinking; this is important because if his beard isn't cleaned and dried, it will start to smell. Teeth should be cleaned twice a week and nails trimmed every month. |