What Kind Of Dog Is Tank on FBI International? Breed Information, Pictures, and Facts

The show FBI: International is a drama about FBI agents who solve crimes all over the world that affect the United States’ safety. The cast consists of amazing actors like Carter Redwood, Luke Kleintank, and Christiane Paul, but the biggest star is the dog who plays Tank. But what kind of dog is Tank? While the show refers to this lovable mutt as a Schutzhund (which means “protection dog” in German). Tank the Dog from FBI International is a Giant Schnauzer.

Fun Facts About the Kind of Dog on FBI International

• They are highly intelligent and need to have a job. Giant Schnauzers can do almost anything and often work in service jobs like military, police, and rescue.
• They get very attached to their owners and are often referred to as Velcro dogs.
• Schnauzer wasn’t always their name; initially, people called them wire-haired Pinschers.

Giant Schnauzer Appearance

It’s hard to miss these massive dogs. Their wiry black coats also come in a salt-and-pepper mix, black and tan, or fawn. While they are famous for their impressive beard and eyebrows, which cover dark oval eyes. These features require a lot of maintenance to keep clean and avoid knotting. Their height ranges from 23.7 to 27.5 inches long, and they can weigh between 55 to 85 pounds.

Shedding isn’t an issue with this breed; they are generally a good option for people with allergies. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t shed at all and still require periodic grooming to keep their wiry coats healthy and clean. Although, sadly, no breed is completely hypoallergenic; these dogs come pretty close and generally make an excellent pet for people with allergies. But it still depends on the person and the dog. So if you have any issues, visit the dog you are interested in first and see if you have a reaction.

Giant Schnauzer Temperament

This kind of dog is usually affectionate, proud, and friendly if properly trained and socialized from puppies. However, the giant schnauzer is not the best choice for novice dog owners due to its size and rambunctious personality. This also applies to owners who cannot commit to consistent obedience training schedules.

The giant schnauzer has a rich history as a working dog who used to guard livestock and people, resulting in a high prey drive. Unfortunately, this means they don’t get along well with other animals, especially smaller ones. However, it is possible to house other pets with this massive breed if it’s socialized from a young age.

Due to their size and energy levels, this kind of dog is best suited for owners with extra time and energy on their hands. For example, they will thrive in a home with an active couple with lots of time to play in the yard or go for a walk, hike, or jog. While they are good with older children, they need constant supervision around younger kids as their size is an issue. For example, they could easily knock over a small kid in a moment of excitement.

Because this breed is so intelligent, they are easy to train. Experts even joke that you could train a giant schnauzer to cook your dinner, which is why they are often used in service work.

Giant Schnauzer Grooming

This kind of dog has a rather intense grooming routine because of its dense, weather-resistant coat. So, while shedding is not a problem, they still need constant grooming to keep their hair healthy and shiny. If you let their hair grow, they can look like an Afghan hound. Therefore, it’s best to see a groomer every six weeks, as clipping their coats is complicated if you don’t know what you are doing. In addition, you will have to give them a good brush at least once a week to remove any knots or matting.

Health Concerns

Giant Schnauzers have several health concerns to be wary of, which include gastric dilatation-volvulus complex or bloat, which is potentially life-threatening, and generally affects large-chested dogs. So, when sterilizing your pup, ask for a simple procedure that attaches the stomach to the body wall with stitches, preventing the stomach from twisting. It is vital for giant breed owners to consider this tiny operation as it can save your dog’s life later on. But, despite this terrible health issue, these kinds of dogs have a long lifespan for a giant breed of 12 to 15 years old.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Canden Scales/Shutterstock.com