Mary Allen
The Giant Schnauzer is a German breed of dog. Its origins go back to the Württemberg area. It developed from the beaver dog of the Middle Ages and the shepherd dog of the time. With its nickname Riesenschnauzer, it was used in earlier times as a shepherd dog and also as a guard dog in the Alps. The name Bierschnauzer comes from Bavaria, where the dogs used to have to guard the beer carriages.
The Giant Schnauzer has been known since 1850. Since 1925 it has been recognized as a police and service dog breed.
This dog breed belongs to the Schnauzer and Pinscher breed types. Both breeds are divided into 3 subspecies depending on their size. The Schnauzer is divided into Giant Schnauzer, Standart Schnauzer and Miniature Schnauzer. The counterpart to the Giant Schnauzer in terms of size among the pinschers is the Doberman.
How Big & How Heavy Will It Be?
The Giant Schnauzer reaches a height of between 60 and 70 cm and a weight of around 35-50 kg. Here, too, the males are larger and heavier than the females.
Coat, Colors & Care
Its coat is hard and wiry and needs trimming at regular intervals. Otherwise, the wiry hair is very easy to care for when it comes to grooming.
He has a very muscular, strong physique, floppy ears, and a long mustache ( beard ) that is responsible for his name.
It is available in the colors jet black, pepper-salt, and black-silver.
Today the Giant Schnauzer is a very popular family dog because of its many good qualities. This also applies to the smaller Schnauzers.
Nature, Temperament
Quite typical of the Giant Schnauzer is its good nature and temperament, as well as its very even-tempered nature.
It is a very smart, alert, sensitive, and affectionate dog that also has strength and stamina. He is incorruptible and loyal to his master.
This playful dog gets along very well with children. Giant Schnauzers are generally fond of children.
Dogs of this breed often develop a high protective instinct, ie strangers have a hard time getting into the family. This large Schnauzer’s stature alone inspires respect, especially when the dog is barking in front of you. Apart from that, he is a tolerable and peaceful fellow.
Choosing this breed of dog is for a loving and loyal guardian for the family.
Upbringing
A Giant Schnauzer is easy to train. It likes to learn and wants to prove himself afterward. It’s a dog that wants to be obedient because it makes them friends.
On the one hand, the upbringing should not be worked with harshness and on the other hand, the unconditional consistency must not be missing. Either would be a mistake.
With a loving upbringing by a calm owner, the result is a compatible family dog and/or companion dog that you can take anywhere.
Training as a protection dog, police dog, search dog (explosives, drugs), or guide dog is also possible with this breed.
One should start with the socialization with the puppy, ie the young dog should get to know many different situations, people, animals, and conspecifics as stress-free as possible.
Posture & Outlet
The Giant Schnauzer is by no means suitable for kennel keeping because it needs to be connected to the family. Housing is possible in a larger apartment with a lot of exercises, but a house with a garden is better for this dog. A small city apartment does not offer enough space for such a large dog with a lot of exercise.
As mentioned, dogs of this breed need a lot of exercise and exercise. As if that weren’t enough, they don’t do well without enough exercise. Dog sport is possible. They also like to cycle or jog alongside. They simply enjoy movement and also physical work.
Typical Diseases
The Giant Schnauzer is a very robust animal and very resistant to weather and diseases. These characteristics make him very interesting in contrast to other large dog breeds like the Doberman pinscher.
Due to their body size, there is a risk of hip dysplasia, as with all large dogs. However, since it is primarily a hereditary disease, this can largely be ruled out in advance.
Ear care is the best prophylaxis against ear infections for his floppy ears.
Occasionally hypothyroidism, epilepsy, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, claw cancer, bone tumors, cartilage defects, and knee diseases occur. For some time there has also been talking of DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy).
Life Expectancy
On average, dogs of this breed reach an age of 7 to 10 years.