Mary Allen
Shoulder height: 60 – 70 cm
Weight: 35 – 47 kg
Age: 10 – 12 years
Color: black, pepper salt
Use: Companion dog, the family dog, guard dog, protection dog, service dog
The Giant Schnauzer comes from Germany and is the larger image of the (middle) Schnauzer in appearance. With his formidable size and strong personality, he is the ideal guard and protection dog. At the same time, he is a sensitive, good-natured, and very affectionate companion and, with sensitive training, an ideal family companion dog.
Origin and history
The Giant Schnauzer comes from southern Germany and was originally used to herd cattle on large alpine pastures. It was also bred to be a protective companion to carters. It has been listed in the studbook since 1910, and since 1925 the Giant Schnauzer has been recognized as a German police and service dog breed.
Appearance
With a shoulder height of up to 70 cm, the Giant Schnauzer is quite large and awe-inspiring. It has a powerfully built, square body and is in a sense the enlarged version of the (medium) Schnauzer. The skull is strong and elongated, the eyes are oval and medium-sized, and the ears are V-shaped and folded forward.
Its coat is wiry, hard, and dense and has enough undercoat. The fur is slightly shorter on the forehead and ears. The longer beard around the muzzle and the bushy eyebrows are typical. The rough hair is trimmed and does not shed. The giant schnauzer is bred in the colors pure black and pepper salt.
Nature
The Giant Schnauzer is a spirited, self-confident and territorial dog – and therefore also excellently suited as a guard and protection dog. At the same time, he has a balanced, nerve-racking, and calm disposition and forms a strong bond with his caregiver. It is loyal, affectionate, and docile if it is raised consistently but without harshness or severity. If he accepts the leadership quality of his caregiver, it is an ideal and child-friendly family companion dog who loves activity and exercise and is enthusiastic about many dog sports activities.
Due to its cleverness, willingness to learn, endurance, and resilience, the Giant Schnauzer is also used as a service dog by the military, customs, and police and as a rescue dog.
It is certainly not a dog for everyone, but if you know how to take it properly, it is a robust and reliable companion, an ideal family, guard, and companion dog.