Mary Allen
The dark fur, the grim look, and the bushy beard make the Giant Schnauzer unmistakable. The clever service dogs from Germany are very popular all over the world. You can find out what makes a reliable Schnauzer in the profile here.
History of the Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is one of the original carriage dogs that accompanied traveling traders throughout Central Europe in the Middle Ages. The large representatives of the breed also served as shepherds and cattle dogs, especially in southern Germany. Because of their “forbidding” appearance, drivers also use them as watchdogs for brewery carriages. They were therefore also known under the names “beer schnauzer” or “sooty bear schnauzer”. The first exhibition of the breed took place in Munich in 1909. Official recognition came in 1913.
The reliable dogs served well as military dogs during World War I. That is why they were recognized as a service dog breed in 1924. Since then, many authorities have successfully used the persistent dog as a police and rescue dog. Today there are three different sizes of Schnauzer, which are considered separate breeds. The standard differentiates between giant, medium, and miniature schnauzers. The FCI assigns the Schnauzer to Group 2 “Pinscher and Schnauzer – Molossoid – Swiss Mountain Dogs” in Section 1.2 “Schnauzer”.
Essence and Character
The Giant Schnauzer is a loyal and affectionate dog with a high level of intelligence. As a dutiful guard dog, he encounters strangers in a dismissive, suspicious, and self-confident manner. However, he is loyal to his owner and works hard to protect himself and his family. Schnauzers, who are willing to learn, can be trained well and are very resilient. A good upbringing will provide you with an obedient and caring partner for life. The big dogs are considered extremely affectionate and cuddly in the family. They are child-friendly but are too impetuous and strong for small children.
The Appearance of the Giant Schnauzer
With a height at the withers of 60 to 70 centimeters, the Giant Schnauzer reaches a considerable size. His overall appearance is strong and imposing. The tail is saber or sickle-shaped and points upwards. The drop ears are set high and lie flat against the cheeks. The medium-length topcoat is wiry and hard, with the undercoat being soft. Typically, the fur on the muzzle forms a distinctive beard and bushy brows over the eyes. Most representatives of the breed are pure black. The only other color allowed is pepper-salt.
Education of the Puppy
Training the Giant Schnauzer puppy is not an easy task. The dogs are so-called late developers and are only considered fully grown from around 2.5 years of age. They, therefore, retain a playful and youthful nature for a long time. Due to their high willingness to perform and their ability to learn, you can teach your Schnauzer almost anything. Getting to grips with their temperamental nature is difficult, especially for beginners.
The most important thing is to teach the dogs when they are puppies that there are also periods of rest. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a hyperactive and persistent dog that needs a full-time job. Equally important is good socialization, during which the dog learns that not everyone outside of its “pack” is an enemy. Especially young males, without early contact with other puppies, tend to behave in power. Therefore, attending a puppy school is recommended.
Activities with the Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is bursting with energy and has impressive endurance. For this reason, a professional utilization of powerful dogs is a must. They are traditional service and protection dogs for a reason. The Schnauzer has a wide range of uses and can work both as explosives and drug search dog and as a rescue dog.
Some particularly reliable representatives of the breed can even be trained to be guide dogs. If you don’t intend to train your Schnauzer to be a service dog, it will need an alternative occupation. He needs a lot of exercises and is up for any sporting activity. Whether as a persistent runner while jogging, next to the bike, or as a draft dog in front of the sled – the possible uses are diverse. They are also enthusiastic about dog sports like agility, tracking, or mantrailing.
Health and Care
The Giant Schnauzer’s wiry coat is easy to care for. Since the breed does not shed, your home will remain largely free of hair. However, this requires you to carefully trim the dog every few months to remove dead hair. With a little practice, you don’t have to go to the dog groomer and you can do it yourself. You should also trim his long beard and eyebrows if necessary.
As with all large dog breeds, the Schnauzer is genetically prone to hip dysplasia, so you should avoid exerting yourself as a puppy. Otherwise, the breed is considered to be rather robust and easy to care for. The dogs are not particularly demanding when it comes to food. Nevertheless, you should of course attach importance to a balanced and healthy diet.
Is the Giant Schnauzer Right for Me?
Before you get a representative of the breed, you should make sure that you have enough time for him. The worst thing that can happen to a dog is boredom. Daily physical activity and ideally use as a service dog are important for Schnauzers. The big, boisterous dog is not suitable for a small apartment. Ideally, you live in the country in a house with a large garden. Overall, the Schnauzer is best suited to athletic and creative people who can give them plenty of activity and affection.
Once you have decided on the breed, you should consult a reputable breeder in the area. He should belong to the Pinscher-Schnauzer-Klub e.V. and have experience inbreeding. Have them show you the parent animals and get to know your puppy well before you buy it. The price for a healthy and purebred Giant Schnauzer puppy is between €950 and €1300.