Giant Schnauzer

Characteristics

Giant Schnauzers are quite literally overwhelming: they nudge, bump, and push their humans—always on the lookout for a new task or game. Just as they need close contact with their family, they love to work and be useful. These spirited go-getters boast tremendous endurance and resilience, making it challenging sometimes to curb their enthusiasm.

Balanced Adventurer

Despite their impressive size, these giants can indeed enjoy quiet time at home after a long walk. Giant Schnauzers are not only spirited but also remarkably calm, making them extremely good-natured and adaptable companions. They maintain their balanced nature well into old age, staying alert and playful but never nervous or aggressive.

Family-Oriented and Independent

Toward strangers, Giant Schnauzers are usually indifferent or reserved. Their innate protective instinct should not be underestimated, as these watchful dogs can bravely intervene when they sense their loved ones are in danger. Their family means everything to them! However, this does not mean they will readily submit; they possess a notable degree of independence. Therefore, consistent leadership with patience and calm is essential for handling confident Giant Schnauzers. Without this, and if not adequately stimulated, they may find alternative activities and develop behaviours not quite suitable for their owners.

Athletic Working Dog

A wonderful way to keep the athletic Giant Schnauzer occupied is, of course, through dog sports. It’s essential to consider not only their stubbornness but also their health. Larger or heavier dogs might be more suited to obedience than agility, where the strain on hips and joints is less intense. While these activities may show the Schnauzer’s stubborn reputation, they also reveal its learning ability and obedience. With proper training and the right approach, the intelligent Giant Schnauzer can be trained to be a valuable working dog, excelling as a police or service dog and even as a guide dog for the blind.

Appearance

Outwardly, the sturdy Giant Schnauzer looks like an enlarged version of the standard Schnauzer. Much like its medium-sized sibling, it has a muscular, square build, appearing more rugged than sleek. With a shoulder height of 60 to 70 cm and a weight of 35 to 50 kg, it’s undoubtedly an imposing figure. However, its soulful eyes under those bushy eyebrows hint at the gentle nature behind that rugged exterior.

Rough Top Coat in Two Colour Variations

The rough, moderately long top coat is wiry and hard, providing reliable protection against the elements with its dense undercoat. This coat is neither scruffy nor wavy and comes in two colour varieties:

• Pure Black with black undercoat
• Pepper-salt: evenly distributed peppering in shades ranging from dark iron grey to light silver grey. All dogs should have a dark mask matching their respective colour variety.

History

Within the Schnauzer and Pinscher family, the Giant Schnauzer is the youngest breed. Early references to its ancestors date back to 1850, with reports of Hungarian shepherds bringing black, schnauzer-like dogs to southern Germany. The exact origins of the Giant Schnauzer remain unclear.

South German Beer Schnauzer

What is known is that the Giant Schnauzer likely evolved from butchers’ and farmers’ dogs in southern Germany and was primarily used as a herding dog by the late 19th century. Besides farmers, many southern German brewers also valued these resilient and watchful dogs to guard their brewery wagons. The nickname “Beer Schnauzer” originated from this time.

Beginning of Breeding and Recognition as a Working Dog

At the start of the 20th century, as pedigree dog breeding increased, breeders recognized the potential of these enduring herders and brave brewery guards and began breeding Giant Schnauzers intentionally. The breed was first displayed at an exhibition in Munich in 1909 and has been officially recorded since 1913. During WWI, the military used this imposing and loyal dog as a working dog for the first time, paving the way for the Giant Schnauzer to become a police and rescue breed. In 1925, the breed was officially recognised as a working dog.

Use of the Giant Schnauzer Today

Today, the capable Giant Schnauzer with its keen nose is still used as a working and guard dog and for detecting explosives and narcotics. However, due to its susceptibility to hip dysplasia and its wilfulness, it is used less frequently in these roles. While it ranked highly among Schnauzer breeds in the 1930s, it was overtaken by the Miniature Schnauzer post-WWII. As a family dog, it’s now widespread globally but less common than other well-known breeds.

Is the Giant Schnauzer a Suitable Family Dog?

Giant Schnauzers can undoubtedly be wonderful family pets, lively yet good-natured and very child-friendly. However, acquiring a Giant Schnauzer should be a well-considered decision, as with any dog. Before choosing a puppy, contact various breeders and attend sports events where you can meet Giant Schnauzers and their owners. Schnauzer clubs sometimes offer group walks where you can exchange experiences with seasoned Schnauzer owners and see the breed up close.

Tips for Buying a Giant Schnauzer Puppy

If you’ve decided you can handle these magnificent giants, visiting multiple breeders is recommended. Reputable breeders are typically registered with breed clubs and breed according to FCI guidelines. It’s essential to feel comfortable with the breeder and be convinced of their breeding practices and goals. A good breeder will also support you with advice and be a crucial contact for questions about training, nutrition, care, or general concerns. Ensure the dogs are vaccinated and chipped and have undergone all required health tests. Even if official papers with the FCI logo are not your priority, they still provide the best guarantee for a healthy and well-tempered puppy.

Breed-Specific Health Issues

A responsible and experienced breeder will inform you about the health issues Giant Schnauzers may face. Despite stringent breeding regulations and excluding genetically predisposed dogs from breeding, Giant Schnauzers—like almost all large to medium-sized breeds—are prone to hip dysplasia and knee problems. While a genetically healthy puppy from HD-free parents does not guarantee that your dog won’t develop joint issues, the risk of illness is significantly reduced with proper care. Avoid overloading the joints, especially during the growth phase, and consult a vet before engaging in dog sports like agility.

Feeding the Giant Schnauzer

Another crucial aspect of preventing joint problems is your dog’s diet. If your Giant Schnauzer is still growing, reduce the energy density of its food. If dogs grow too quickly, their bone structure may not develop properly. Joint issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, which can cause lifelong problems, often result from poor nutrition during puppyhood.

Less Is More

Your dog’s food should match its various life stages. The nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy and vital depend mainly on its age, weight, and daily activity level. Talk to your vet to create an optimal nutrition plan tailored to your dog’s needs. More important than quantity is the quality of the food. Ensure a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of high-quality meat, vegetables, and rice, and avoid large portions. Overfeeding can cause obesity and contribute to the dreaded gastric torsion.

How to Care for a Giant Schnauzer

Just as crucial for health as a good diet is proper care. For the Giant Schnauzer, care can be more demanding and costly than for other breeds. The long beard hairs need regular cleaning and combing to avoid matting. The fur should also be trimmed at least two to four times a year. Introducing puppies to grooming routines early is vital. Thorough care helps detect physical changes and ailments early, allowing for timely treatment.

Housing a Giant Schnauzer

A Giant Schnauzer requires more care and space compared to smaller breeds. A house with a garden is ideal, but Giant Schnauzers are generally undemanding—provided they have close contact with their humans and plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Dog sports or at least long, extended walks, jogging, or cycling together are essential for this athletic dog.

Not for Couch Potatoes

Owners of Giant Schnauzers should enjoy active lifestyles and have enough creativity to keep their furry friends engaged. Alongside vitality and creativity, a sense of humour and patience are necessary for training the sometimes stubborn Schnauzer. Consistent and sensitive basic training that takes the breed’s unique traits into account is crucial for a successful partnership. With the right balance between firmness and understanding, and between sufficient exercise and needed rest, Giant Schnauzers become extremely affectionate and good-natured companions who joyfully accompany their humans in every aspect of life.