Giant
Schnauzer
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Description:
The Giant Schnauzer is an alert, large, sturdy
and powerful dog with a distinctive beard and
eyebrows. This breed, known to be a great cattle
and driving dog, originated in an agricultural
area of Germany where raising sheep and livestock
is largely common. The German Schnauzer is the
largest of the three Schnauzer breeds.
According to a 1928 English edition of German
Dogs in Word and Picture, E. von Otto indicates
the 'bear Schnauzer' of Munich as the Giant Schnauzer's
ancestor. The bear Schnauzer had long, shaggy
hair and was related to the Old German shaggy
shepherd dog. However, because of the desire to
make the hair shorter, black and a larger body,
the breed was crossed with the black Great Dane.
It is also believed the Giant Schnauzer was crossed
with the Bouvier des Flandres and the Standard
Schnauzer.
German Schnauzers were imported into the United
States in the 1930s, but were considered a rare
breed for many years. The Giant Schnauzer Club
was founded in 1962 and over the next twenty years,
more of these dogs were imported into the US which
helped raised interest and popularity in the German
Schnauzer.
Height:
The height for a Giant Schnauzer is 23.5 - 27.5
in (59 to 70 cm).
Weight: The weight of a Giant
Schnauzer is between 70 - 99 lb (32 to 45 kg).
Coat Type: The
Giant Schnauzer has a weather resistant double
coat - the outer being hard, wiry and very dense
while the undercoat is soft. This breed sheds
very little and is fairly easy to groom. It is
common misconception that Giant Schnauzers do
not shed at all.
Color: The color of the Giant
Schnauzer's coat is solid black or pepper and
salt.
Temperament:
Giant Schnauzers are highly intelligent, sensitive
and very territorial. This breed is fiercely loyal
to its family and is a natural guard dog. Giant
Schnauzers should not be ignored or left alone
for long periods of time - they need to be a big
part of the family - which makes them best suited
for those who will spend a lot of quality time
with them. The owner must consistently show leadership
and others in the family must also show they are
'higher up in the pack' from their pet. Giant
Schnauzers should be socialized at an early age
and obedience training is important. These dogs
respond to praise and should never be harshly
reprimanded. As a working dog, this breed learns
quickly.
Giant Schnauzers are very energetic and need plenty
of vigorous exercise.
Health Problems: Health issues
which can affect the Giant Schnauzer include:
autoimmune diseases, SLO, Crohn's disease, epilepsy,
cancer (specifically toe cancer), hip dysplasia,
and incontinence. Giant Schnauzers are prone to
bloat.
Special Interest:
• Giant Schnauzers at one time were also
referred to as Munchener. The German name Riesenschnauzer
means "the giant."
• The German Schnauzer is the largest of
the three Schnauzer breeds - the other two being
Miniature and Standard.
• Giant Schnauzers are used for police training
and as army service dogs in part because they
are easily trained, highly intelligent and have
a keen nose.
Classifications:
AKC: Working Group
ANKC: Group 6 - Utility
CKC: Group 3 - Working Dogs
FCI Group 2; Section 1 Pinscher and Schnauzer
type
KC: Working Group
NZKC: Utility
UKC: Herding Dog
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