Giant Schnauzer - Breed Facts & Characteristics
The Giant Schnauzer seems to have it all: Good looks, a winning wardrobe, and a confident air. This majestic dog isn’t a giant breed but merely the largest of the trio of Schnauzers, along with the Miniature and the Standard. Alert and devoted, with focused eyes visible behind their characteristic beard and eyebrows, this working breed is most at ease with a job to do. The Giant Schnauzer’s size may be commanding but don’t be fooled: playtime is always at the top of their agenda.
Official name: Giant Schnauzer
Other names: Munich Schnauzer, Munchener, Russian Bear Schnauzer
Origins: Germany
Drooling tendencies
1 out of 5Shedding Level
4 out of 5Energy level*
5 out of 5Compatibility with other pets
3 out of 5Warm weather?
2 out of 5Suited to apartment living
1 out of 5Family pet?*
3 out of 5Can stay alone
2 out of 5
Male | Female |
---|---|
Height | Height |
60 - 70 cm | 60 - 70 cm |
Weight | Weight |
35 - 47 kg | 35 - 47 kg |
Life stages | |
---|---|
Adult | |
15 months to 5 years | |
Mature | Senior |
5 to 8 years | from 8 years |
Baby | |
Birth to 2 months |
Drooling tendencies
1 out of 5Shedding Level
4 out of 5Energy level*
5 out of 5Compatibility with other pets
3 out of 5Warm weather?
2 out of 5Suited to apartment living
1 out of 5Family pet?*
3 out of 5Can stay alone
2 out of 5
Male | Female |
---|---|
Height | Height |
60 - 70 cm | 60 - 70 cm |
Weight | Weight |
35 - 47 kg | 35 - 47 kg |
Life stages | |
---|---|
Adult | |
15 months to 5 years | |
Mature | Senior |
5 to 8 years | from 8 years |
Baby | |
Birth to 2 months |
Get to know the Giant Schnauzer
All you need to know about the breed
The glorious Giant Schnauzer is a sight to behold. Standing at nearly 28 inches (70cm) at the shoulder and graced with an earnest expression, this dog was used at their start on farms in the German countryside to drive livestock and guard stables—and even used to catch rats in their spare time. With a noble bearing and ever-eager demeanour, they’ve made their way into the hearts of Bavarians as well as dog lovers the world over.
Giant Schnauzers enjoy movement of any kind – whether it’s work or play – and have gladly participated in Schutzhund, the German competition for tracking, obedience, and protection. A huge intellect has helped them excel at it, and their dignified corporeal stature has carried over into less physical competition on the show dog circuit.
No matter what, their main preoccupation is having a job, even if it’s a game of fetch in the yard. The breed is an excellent choice too if you’re sporty. Take them hiking or running, they’re upbeat and always up for it. The Giant Schnauzer will be best matched to lively, on-the-move owners.
The Giant Schnauzer’s temperament is also outstanding. They’re known to be considerate, gentle, and loyal, but size does matter: They are probably best for a household with older children who may not be so easily, and accidentally, knocked down. The breed can be assertive with people or dogs they’re not familiar with so early socialisation is a must for them.
Then there’s the scruffy beard and bushy eyebrows, the Schnauzer breed’s recognisable trait, which looks even better on the Giant Schnauzer. “Schnauze” is German for “muzzle”, the perfect word for a breed whose spirited dark eyes convey the warmth they possess in spades.
2 facts about Giant Schnauzers
1. Getting away with it
Highly intelligent and alert, the Giant Schnauzer breed is a pleasure but will easily outfox you—if they can, and if you’re not aware. Keep them stimulated with loads of exercise within a large property or fenced-in yard and activities that will stimulate their very active mind.
2. An indoors sort
Despite their legacy as a dog used for guarding, the Giant Schnauzer is a companion dog and should not be left alone outside. They prosper most by being at the side of their family and can easily become bored or destructive if left alone or without a task to do.
History of the breed
The Giant Schnauzer breed originated in Germany in the mid-1800s in the states of Bavaria and Wurttemberg where it had originally been called the Haired Pinscher. Schnauzers are a perpetual favourite in the dog world and a variety of breeds, along with the Standard Schnauzer, were used to develop a larger dog that could drive cattle to market, including the Black Great Dane, Bouvier des Flandres, and German Pinscher.
With the onset of the railroad toward the end of the 1900s, the breed was put to use guarding butcher shops, stockyards, and breweries.
As the 20th century dawned, the Giant Schnauzer found a new role as a police and military dog, their size and muscular frame being a suitable fit. Although the Giant Schnauzer Club of America was founded in 1962, they’re not commonly seen in the United States. The breed was accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1971.
From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Giant Schnauzers
1.Ears
2.Head
3.Body
4.Tail
5.Coat
Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Giant Schnauzer
Joined at the hip
As with many breeds of their large dimensions, the Giant Schnauzer can have the potential to suffer from hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that can result in arthritis as your dog ages. The malady, wherein the ball and socket joint do not meet up correctly, isn’t so easily detectable early in life but X-ray screening by a qualified veterinarian is a common method to detect abnormalities and a good breeder can scan for it as well. Look for signs of lameness in one or both rear legs as a sign of the condition.
Dip a toe in
There’s no doubt that the Giant Schnauzer is a healthy breed but they can be prone to squamous cell carcinoma, a malignant skin tumor that arise in a dog’s toe beds. The disease, quite common and affecting dark-haired breeds in particular, can also occur on paw pads, the abdomen, back, ears, or nose but is found easily since it forms on top of the skin. A thorough veterinary exam when you take your dog in during the year can keep on top of issues before they happen.
Healthy diet, healthier dog
When choosing food for a Giant Schnauzer, there are many factors to consider: Their age, lifestyle, activity level, physiological condition, and health including potential sickness or sensitivities. Food provides energy to cover a dog’s vital functions, and a complete nutritional formula should contain an adjusted balance of nutrients to avoid any deficiency or excess in their diet, both of which could have adverse effects on the dog.
Clean and fresh water should be available at all times to support good urinary regularity. In hot weather and especially when out exercising, bring water along for your dog’s frequent water breaks.
Energy intake may also have to be adapted to the climatic conditions. A dog that lives outdoors in winter will have increased energy requirements.
The following recommendations are for healthy animals. If your dog has health problems, please consult your veterinarian who will prescribe an exclusively veterinary diet.
A Giant Schnauzer puppy’s requirements, in terms of energy, protein, minerals and vitamins, are much greater than those of an adult dog. They need energy and nutrients to maintain their body, but also to grow and build it. Until they are 15 months old, a Giant Schnauzer puppy’s immune system develops gradually. A complex of antioxidants – including vitamin E – can help support their natural defences during this time of big changes, discoveries, and new encounters. Their digestive functions are different from an adult Giant Schnauzer’s, too: Their digestive system is not mature yet so it is important to provide highly-digestible proteins that will be effectively used. Prebiotics, such as fructo-oligosaccharides, support digestive health by helping balance the intestinal flora, resulting in good stool quality.
It is important to choose a kibble with an appropriate size, shape, and texture. This growth phase also means moderate energy needs. Large-breed puppies, such as Giant Schnauzer puppies, whose growth period is long and intense, are especially susceptible to skeletal and joint problems, including limb defects, bone deformities, and joint lesions. The first part of growth is mainly concerned with bone development, although the muscles also start to grow. This means that a puppy that eats too much – takes in too much energy – will put on too much weight and grow too quickly. Limiting the energy concentration of a food for Giant Schnauzer puppies and feeding a correct daily amount will help control the speed of growth and minimise these risks.
The main nutritional goals for adult Giant Schnauzers are:
Maintaining an ideal body weight by using highly-digestible ingredients and keeping the fat content at a sensible level.
Helping to support the health of their bones and joints with glucosamine, chondroitin, and antioxidants.
Promoting optimal digestibility with high-quality protein and a balanced supply of dietary fibre.
Helping preserve the health and beauty of the skin and coat with the enriched addition of essential fatty acids (especially EPA and DHA), essential amino acids, and B vitamins.
After 5 years old, Giant Schnauzers will start facing the first signs of ageing. A formula enriched with antioxidants will help maintain their vitality, and specific nutrients, such as chondroitin and glucosamine, will help support healthy bones and joints. Ageing is also accompanied by the modification of digestive capacities and particular nutritional requirements, so food for older Giant Schnauzers should have the following characteristics:
Higher vitamin C and E content. These nutrients have antioxidant properties, helping to protect the body’s cells against the harmful effects of the oxidative stress linked to ageing.
High-quality protein. Contrary to a widely held misconception, lowering the protein content in food brings little benefit in limiting kidney failure. In addition, older dogs are less efficient at using dietary protein than younger dogs. Reducing the phosphorus content is a good way of slowing down the gradual deterioration of kidney function.
A higher proportion of the trace elements iron, copper, zinc, and manganese to help maintain the good condition of the skin and coat.
A higher quantity of polyunsaturated fatty acids to help maintain the quality of the coat. Dogs can normally produce these fatty acids, but ageing can affect this physiological process.
As they age, dogs increasingly suffer from teeth problems. To ensure they continue to eat in sufficient quantities, the size, shape, and texture of their kibble needs to be tailored to their jaw.
Caring for your Giant Schnauzer
Grooming, training and exercise tips
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All about Giant Schnauzers
The Giant Schnauzer has a legacy as an excellent watchdog and can be wary of animals and people they’re not familiar with. Proper socialisation is imperative in order to accustom them to the new and different. Hugely playful, this is one breed that will be giving paw and playing fetch soon enough with anyone who will play along. With their great temperament, the Giant Schnauzer has traditionally been used as a therapy dog, such is their gentle and affectionate side.
As Mother Nature would have it, the Giant Schnauzer comes in but two colourations: Black, and a pattern called pepper and salt. The latter is seen as banded hairs of black and white covering the body, giving the appearance that the dog has been “peppered” and “salted”. A well-seasoned canine indeed!
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Sources
- Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/;
- Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
- Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
- Royal Canin BHN Product Book
- American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/
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