Temperament: Loyal, Alert, Trainable
- Height: 25.5-27.5 inches (male), 23.5-25.5 inches (female)
- Weight: 60-85 pounds (male), 55-75 pounds (female)
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Group: Working Group
The Giant Schnauzer is a larger and more powerful version of the Standard Schnauzer, and he should, as the breed standard says, be a “bold and valiant figure of a dog.” Great intelligence and loyalty make him a stellar worker and companion.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Giant Schnauzer should resemble, as nearly as possible, in general appearance, a larger and more powerful version of the Standard Schnauzer, on the whole a bold and valiant figure of a dog. Robust, strongly built, nearly square in proportion of body length to height at withers, active, sturdy, and well muscled. Temperament which combines spirit and alertness with intelligence and reliability. Composed, watchful, courageous, easily trained, deeply loyal to family, playful, amiable in repose, and a commanding figure when aroused. The sound, reliable temperament, rugged build, and dense weather-resistant wiry coat make for one of the most useful, powerful, and enduring working breeds.
About the Giant Schnauzer
A well-bred Giant Schnauzer closely resembles the Standard Schnauzer—only bigger. As their name suggests, Giants are imposing.
A male might stand as high as 27.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh 95 pounds. The muscular, substantial body is, as the breed’s fanciers put it, a “bold and valiant figure of a dog.” The double coat is either solid black or “pepper and salt.” Familiar characteristics of the Mini, Standard, and Giant are a harsh beard and eyebrows, accentuating a keen, sagacious expression.
NUTRITION The Giant Schnauzer should be fed a high-quality diet appropriate for the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.
GROOMING The Giant Schnauzer has a dense, wiry, weather-resistant double coat consisting of a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat. The Giant must be brushed weekly, and clipped or stripped regularly to maintain a healthy and attractive coat. The owner should be prepared to spend time maintaining the coat or plan to have the dog periodically groomed by the breeder or someone whom the breeder recommends. The Giant’s ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste formulated for dogs.
EXERCISE More energetic and up-tempo than most big breeds, Giants need lots of exercise. Long daily walks, play sessions with another dog, or romps in the yard with their owners will do nicely. Giants are great workout companions for people who run, bicycle, hike, cross-country ski, swim, or skijor. All of these activities require a very active partnership with the owner. The Giant needs companionship either in the form of a human he can play with, or another large dog. Finding games he will enjoy, such as hide and seek or tennis-ball chase, will exercise both mind and body and help keep him fit and happy.
TRAINING Extremely intelligent and strongly territorial, the Giant Schnauzer loves his owners and feels great responsibility to protect them. He learns quickly and can distinguish between friend and foe. Giants want to be with their owners and cannot abide being ignored or left in the yard. A Giant Schnauzer needs to have a job—even something as simple as chasing a ball. The Giant is a “high-energy, protective, territorial guard dog,” says one prominent breed fancier. “The breed is not for the casual owner.” Giants do best with fenced-in running room, regular exercise, and activities that provide mental and physical exercise. They enjoy and excel in dog sports such as carting, herding, agility, coursing ability tests, and obedience. Early socialisation and puppy training classes are a must with this strong, protective breed.
HEALTH Giant Schnauzers are healthy overall, and dedicated breeders will screen for health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye disease, and autoimmune thyroiditis. Prospective owners should select a breeder who is a member of the Giant Schnauzer Club of America. GSCA members agree to a code of ethics in breeding and will be the owner’s resource for health information as well as grooming help and tips on Giant Schnauzer care and training.
Recommended Health Test from the National Breed Club:
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- Thyroid Evaluation
- Hip Evaluation