Giant Schnauzer

Size: Large
Other Names: Riesenschnauzer, Russian Bear Schnauzer (early 1900s)
Country of Origin: Germany
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Working
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Working
United Kennel Club (UKC): Guardian Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Utility
The Kennel Club (KC): Working Dogs
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Working Dogs
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Utility

Height:

23½-27½ inches

Weight:

70-99 pounds

Color(s):

Pure black, with a black undercoat; or salt and pepper, which displays as dark iron gray to silver gray

Coat:

Harsh, wiry outer coat; dense, soft undercoat

Description:

The Giant Schnauzer is one of the three Schnauzer breeds, along with the Standard Schnauzer and the Miniature Schnauzer.  Both the Giant Schnauzer and Miniature Schnauzer were bred from the Standard Schnauzer.  Cattlemen wanted a larger version of the Standard Schnauzer for herding and driving, so the Giant Schnauzer was created by selectively breeding the Standard Schnauzer with the Great Dane, the Bouvier des Flandres, and rough haired sheepdogs.  He was a popular herding dog, however he needed more food than other herding dogs, which mad him less popular with some farmers.  The Giant Schnauzer was also used as a guard dog in breweries and stockyards, a police dog, and during World War I, as a military dog.  The breed became scarce during World War II, but their popularity grew again after the war, when they was used as drovers and as guard dogs.

Temperament:

Giant Schnauzers are good-natured and even-tempered.  They are fiercely loyal, often becoming so attached to their owner that they follow them around the house.  They are good with children.  Their intelligence, trainability, strength, endurance, and natural resistance to disease make him ideally suited to be a companion, utility, and working dog.

Training:

The Giant Schnauzer is a large, powerful, dominant dog who needs a firm, consistent, but friendly handler, who is able to become his pack leader.  Early and consistent training is necessary, as Giant Schnauzers can be very willful.  Their ability to understand a command does not always translate into obedience.  If property trained, the Giant Schnauzer can excel in obedience.

Care & Grooming:

Like all dogs, the Giant Schnauzer needs at least daily exercise.

Shedding:

Moderate; loose hair is reduced if the wiry coat is stripped.

Health:

Giant Schnauzers may be prone to hip dysplasia, eye disease, hypothyroidism, and cancer.  Hip, eye, and thyroid screening of breeding stock is recommended.

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Litter Size:

5–8 puppies