Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer should closely resemble the Standard and Miniature Schnauzers, but it is important to understand the Giant Schnauzer, Standard Schnauzer, and Miniature Schnauzer, are three separate and distinct breeds. There are 2 accepted colors of Giant Schnauzer, solid black and salt & pepper. The Miniature Schnauzer is the only one of the 3 breeds that can be black, salt & pepper as well as black and silver.

The Giant Schnauzer is not a giant dog, but he is the largest of the Schnauzers standing 23 to 27 inches at the withers. It wasn't until just before World War I did the Giant Schnauzer begin to come to nationwide attention in Germany as a suitable subject to receive police training at the schools in Berlin and other principal cities.

The Giant Schnauzer was originally bred to be a cattle dog, but was later put to work guarding stockyards and breweries, which was a duty they were very successful at. Shortly before World War 1 the Giant Schnauzer began to come to nationwide attention in Germany as a suitable subject for police training. The breed was so successful in this line of work, they are still used today.

Giant Schnauzers will instinctively protect. They are good family dogs, but need proper training and socialization, as with any breed. I do not suggest this breed for anyone with small children, as they can be a bit hyperactive in their youth, or children who have not had previous exposure and knowledge to how to interact with a dog.

Like all Schnauzers, the Giant Schnauzer requires regular grooming. For show, they are stripped- the hair is plucked out with a stripping knife. Keeping a pet in this type of coat is not practical since it is very expensive to have done by a professional groomer, and it may be tough to find a groomer experienced in Schnauzer show coats. Typically pets are clippered, and this should be done every four to eight weeks depending on the growth of the coat. They do need brushed and combed between groomings,at least twice a week, especially if the dog has gotten wet at all.

Giant Schnauzers tend to be very susceptible to a variety of health problems such as epilepsy, thyroid conditions,hip problems and cancer. It is highly suggested that if you are planning to own this breed, you do your homework and research a breeder who tests for hip problems, eye problems, and who does not have a history of these problems in their dogs.

Unaltered male Giant Schnauzers have a tendency to be dog aggressive, therefore it is a MUST that you neuter him to avoid any conflicts as well as help reduce his risk of Cancer. Unless you have this dog for show purposes, neutering is always best with any breed. Giant Schnauzer puppies can be a handful- they grow fast, and don't realize their size.

Health concerns in the breed include hip dysplasia, thyroid disorder, heart disease, cancer, epilepsy, and allergies.

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