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Use: The Giant Schnauzer is a reliable, brave and loyal dog breed, allowing it to work well as a watchdog or herding dog.
History: As the tallest of the three Schnauzer breeds, the Giant Schnauzer is a good-looking bearded dog that is thought to have originated in Bavaria near Munich, where it was called the Munchener. The breed’s history traces to the late 1800s when it developed from what is now the Standard Schnauzer. It is assumed that local herdsmen’s dogs also contributed to the Giant’s heritage. Later, black Great Danes were used to increase size and substance. Because it resembled the Standard Schnauzer, the breed’s name was changed to Giant Schnauzer. The Giant Schnauzer was originally bred by cattlemen seeking a dog that was large and bold enough to move livestock to market.
Conformation: The Giant Schnauzer has a hard, wiry, dense outer coat and a soft undercoat. The coat colors come in black, or pepper and salt (gray). Males measure 25½ to 27½ inches in height at the shoulder, and females measure 23½ to 25½ inches in height at the shoulder. Males’ weights range between 60 and 80 pounds, and females’ weights range between 55 and 75 pounds.
Special Considerations/Notes: Giant Schnauzers are an intelligent, versatile working dog breed. The breed’s life expectancy is about 12 to 15 years. To care for the dense undercoat comb or brush it weekly with a short wire brush. Also trim the fur around the eyes and ears with a blunt-nosed scissor and clean the whiskers after meals.
