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Giant Schnauzer breed guide
A well-bred Giant Schnauzer closely resembles the Standard Schnauzer, only bigger.
The double coat is solid black or pepper and salt, with a harsh beard and eyebrows that sharpen a keen, sagacious expression.
Temperament
Extremely intelligent and strongly territorial, the Giant loves its owners and feels a great responsibility to protect them. The American Kennel Club says it learns quickly and can distinguish friend from foe.
Giant Schnauzers want to be with their owners and cannot abide being ignored or left in the yard.
Lifespan
Giant Schnauzers live 10 to 13 years. They are healthy overall. Dedicated breeders screen for hip dysplasia, eye disease and autoimmune thyroiditis.
Choose a breeder who belongs to the Giant Schnauzer Club of America, whose members agree to a code of ethics and can help with health, grooming and training.
Care
The dense, wiry, weather-resistant double coat needs weekly brushing and regular clipping or stripping to stay healthy. Owners must be prepared to spend time on it or arrange for a groomer to visit periodically.
More energetic and up-tempo than most big breeds, Giant Schnauzers need lots of exercise: long daily walks, play with another dog or romps in the yard. They are great workout companions for people who run, bicycle, hike, cross-country ski, swim or skijor.
History
The Giant Schnauzer was developed in the Bavarian Alps sometime in the mid-1800s, bred up from the Standard Schnauzer to drive cattle from farm to market. It also served as a formidable guard dog for farmers, merchants and innkeepers.
After railroads made cattle drives obsolete, Giant Schnauzers found work as European police and military K-9s and in America they gained renown as show dogs, obedience champions and courageous guardians.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 5 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 3 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 2 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 3 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 4 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 5 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |