Dog Breeds 101: Giant Schnauzer

Photo – Wikipedia – lic. under GNU

The Giant Schnauzer is the largest of all of the Schnauzer breeds with an average height of 25.5 to 27.5 inches and can weigh anywhere between 55 to 80 pounds. Although these dogs are called ‘giants’, they are still not as big as the Great Dane or the Rottweiler which are considered to be large dog breeds. They are often described as courageous, amiable, watchful and playful and can easily be trained through firm and consistent training. These dogs are very territorial and are distrustful to unfamiliar people but they are known to be affectionate and loving to their humans. They will protect their home at all cost and they take the responsibility of being guard dogs very seriously. [1]

The Giant Schnauzer has a dense and wiry coat that comes in the colors black or salt and pepper. The thick coat is effective in protecting it from the weather and but it needs regular maintenance to prevent mats from forming in the undercoat. The face has the Schnauzer’s famous beard and eyebrows. It has a square outline, a long tail, a black nose, oval and dark brown eyes and small ears that are carried high on the head. [2]

The breed first emerged in the 17th century from the German state of Bavaria. The dogs were bred there to hunt vermin but they were also used to work in the farms and to guard property. Back then, they had tougher and rougher coats to protect them from the elements while they are doing their jobs. During the 20th century, Giant Schnuazers are used as watchdogs for factories, butcheries and stockyards all over Bavaria. They were introduced to America in the 1930s but only started to become popular in the 1960s. Nowadays, Giant Schnauzers are used for police work and search and rescue. [3]