History

The origin of Giant Schnauzer could be traced back to Germany. Believed to be an outcome of cross-breeding between various breeds including Great Dane, Bouvier des Flandres and the Standard Schnauzer, Giant Schnauzer was used to herd cattle. Later, it was accepted as a guard dog by the police and the military.

Appearance

The breed has a square-built body with a strong and arched neck, large black nose, oval eyes, shaggy eyebrows and whiskers, and a docked tail. Giant Schnauzer has a wiry outer coat and dense undercoat, and the coat color varies from solid black to black and pepper. An adult Giant Schnauzer is 23–28 inches tall and weighs around 55–80 pounds.

Color

Giant Schnauzers come in two colors, solid black and salt and pepper.

Personality

Though Giant Schnauzers are fabled as intelligent and loyal, proper early-age socialization is a must as it is a dominant breed. The dog holds fine temperament with other breeds and pets. An excellent guard dog, Giant Schnauzer has the ability to read his boss’s mind easily. Giant Schnauzer is an independent breed of dog, and it is normally aloof with strangers.

Health Concerns

Compared to other breeds, Giant Schnauzers are more susceptible to cancer, especially toe cancer. The breed is prone to health conditions like epilepsy and hip dysplasia. The normal life span of Giant Schnauzer is about 12–15 years.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR