Giant Schnauzer Dog Breed

Below are the details and facts for the Giant Schnauzer dog breed.

However confusing the name may be, this is not a giant sized dog, it is still considered a large breed. Females measure 23.5-25.5 inches at the shoulders and males are slightly larger at 25.5-27.5 inches. Members of this breed have a compact yet strong and commanding figure, weighing up to 95 pounds.

Giant Schnauzers are intelligent, playful, alert and territorial. Their alertness makes for a fine watch dog and they are sometimes territorial and aggressive around strangers and other male dogs. Towards their owners and families, they are loyal and affectionate. This breed will be a watchful, playful buddy for children and if trained as a puppy should minimize the size hazard to very small kids.

This breed is considered to require moderate-high maintenance. They will need at least once or twice weekly brushing to remove mats and tangles from their dense, wiry coat. They should be professionally shaped a minimum of 4 times per year if competing or showing. Seasonal clipping will do for a personal companion. Exercise in the form of a walk, run, or ample outdoor playtime should be given daily. Ideally these dogs will spend equal time indoors and out. Positive reinforcement and consistency should make training a breeze for these intelligent and agile pets.

The Giant Schnauzer, although its own breed, is basically the larger version of the Standard Schnauzer; both of which were bred, along with the miniature version, in Germany. Standard Schnauzers were crossed with Great Danes and possible German Shepherd type dogs in order to improve their size for livestock management. Before World War I, during the times when agriculture was one of the most prominent industries, these dogs worked with animals such as sheep and cattle, driving and herding them. They also found work as watchdogs due to their alert, courageous and territorial nature. This breed was then moved from agricultural areas such as Bavaria and Wurttenburg to Berlin and other major cities where they gained a new purpose during the first World War as a police dog. Their loyalty and high intelligence makes them easy to train and they have excelled in every position they have taken on. In 1930 the AKC officially recognized this breed. This breed did not gain popularity until the 1960s, today remain in the top one third of most popular breeds; during this time the Giant Schnauzer Club of America was formed. They are still bred in Europe primarily to work with livestock.

The Giant Schnauzer should, for the most part, look like a large version of the standard Schnauzer - just a bit sturdier and impressive. The breed has a soft, dense undercoat and a harsh, wiry outer coat that does not lay flat to the body. The weather-resistant double coat is only considered standard by the AKC if it is black or salt and pepper, although it may also be black and tan or fawn. They have quite a noticeable beard and eyebrows which many say gives them a wise, knowledgeable and courageous look. The head is rectangular with typically cropped ears on the top of the skull and a black nose and lips. Giant Schnauzers have lively, alert brown eyes that shouldn't be cover by the eyebrows. The shoulders are flat with straight forelegs and slightly bent hind legs while the tail is usually docked and carried high. Overall, the compact square body of this breed looks strong and agile.

Playful, alert and intelligent, these dogs are truly multipurpose. Their alertness makes for a fine watch dog and they are sometimes territorial and aggressive around strangers and other male dogs. Towards their owners and families, they are loyal and affectionate. Active owners that enjoy running, hiking or are, in general, looking for a playmate in their pet will never be disappointed. Members of this breed were originally bred for livestock herding and driving and still are in Europe; needless to say their agility and ability to stick to a task make them a prime choice for a ranch or farm also.

Members of this breed will always have the energy for training. They respond well to a consistent and positive owner and due to their obedient, intelligent nature, will learn very easily. Whether you wish your pet to have agility training or just want a dog intelligent enough to play fetch this is a great match for you.

Some typical health concerns for Giant Schnauzers include hip dysplasia,joint problems, and gastric torsion which are not unusual issues for most large dog breeds. Eye and skin should also be monitored during the aging process. Cancer of the liver and lymphocytes (white blood cells) as well as heart disease are the most likely agents that will end a Giant Schnauzer's life prematurely but these conditions can be detected with regular vet checkups and blood testing. Good health should ensure a 10-12 year lifespan for your pet.