The giant schnauzer is one of three distinct schnauzer breeds: miniature, standard and giant. The breed was originally developed in Germany and was used to move cattle. The dogs were used as guards in breweries, stockyards and butcher shops. It is thought that the giant schnauzer was created by crossing several breeds of smooth-coated dogs, sheepdogs, and Great Danes. The breed was widely utilized as police dogs in the early 1900s within Germany. In 1962, The Giant Schnauzer Club of America was formed. The breed is middle-of-the-road when it comes to popularity in the United States. The breed is number 83 among 155 registered breeds in terms of ownership.
The Giant Schnauzer is an impressive large schnauzer with a strong, muscular body. Its size would suggest otherwise, but as the Giant Schnauzer was bred for cattle herding, it is agile and fast. It has a double coat with a soft, dense undercoat and wiry outer coat. It has whiskers and hairy eyebrows and a rugged look about it. It needs to be brushed frequently and required occasional, professional clipping.
Personality
This is a very playful, large dog breed that needs plenty of exercise outdoors. If it doesn’t get sufficient exercise, this breed can get domineering. It is good with children but may be too large for some children. It easily become a one-person or one-family dog and is very protective of its master(s). It is reserved towards strangers and sometimes aggressive towards other dogs.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Herding |
| Function: | Working |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Working |
| Life Span: | 12-15 Years |
| Nicknames: | No nicknames known |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Giant Schnauzer Build Information
The Giant Schnauzer is an impressive large schnauzer with a strong, muscular body. Its size would suggest otherwise, but as the Giant Schnauzer was bred for cattle herding, it is agile and fast. It has a double coat with a soft, dense undercoat and wiry outer coat. It has whiskers and hairy eyebrows and a rugged look about it. It needs to be brushed frequently and required occasional, professional clipping.
| Size: | Large |
| Length (Male): | 22-27 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | > 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | Both |
Behaviour and Personality
This is a very playful, large dog breed that needs plenty of exercise outdoors. If it doesn’t get sufficient exercise, this breed can get domineering. It is good with children but may be too large for some children. It easily become a one-person or one-family dog and is very protective of its master(s). It is reserved towards strangers and sometimes aggressive towards other dogs.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Moderate |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Dominating |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | Yes |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
The giant schnauzer has an interesting coat. The undercoat is wonderfully soft, and the outer coat is dense, wiry, and somewhat hard to the touch. Plan on hiring a professional to hand-strip your dog’s coat two or three times a year. If you prefer, your dog’s coat can be clipped instead of stripped. Owners are cautioned that the texture of their dog’s coat will change with regular clipping. Like any other breed, the giant schnauzer needs its toenails cut, ears washed, and teeth cleaned. Begin a routine when your dog is a puppy to ensure that you are able to do these things without the assistance of your veterinarian or groomer.
| Colors: | Black, Salt & Pepper |
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Wiry |
Giant Schnauzer Common Health Conditions
Giant schnauzers are prone to various health issues. Hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis dissecans, autoimmune thyroiditis, and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common hereditary illnesses found in the giant schnauzer. As with any breed, yearly veterinary visits are essential. Your veterinarian can alert you to any health issues that are apparent in your dog. Do not be tempted to skip these yearly exams; they are the best way to detect illnesses while still in their treatable stages.
Giant Schnauzer Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
This energetic breed requires at least 60 minutes of exercise each day. Giant schnauzers can become destructive and behaviorally challenged when not given ways to drain excessive energy. This dog needs a strong leader who is not afraid to be the boss. The giant schnauzer is not often recommended for families with small children. This breed can become aggressive with other animals and strangers if not socialized properly as puppies. Giant schnauzers are highly intelligent and excel in any job or sport they participate in. The giant schnauzer is not known by any other names.
| Training: | Easy |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
| Police Performer: | Yes |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | Yes |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
