Giant Schnauzer: Personality, Exercise, Health
Review, Facts & Information

Group: Herding, AKC Working

AKC Ranking: 83

Also Known As: Riesenschnauzer, Russian Bear Schnauzer

About Giant Schnauzer

Origin Giant Schnauzer is thought to have come from crosses between dogs such as the black Great Dane, Bouvier des Flandres and the Standard Schnauzer. Description The Giant Schnauzer is a large, powerful, compact dog with bushy eyebrows, whiskers and a beard. It has a harsh, wiry outer coat and dense, soft undercoat. Ideally, the dog's height is the same as the length, resulting in a rather square impression. The large nose is black. The eyes are dark brown and oval. The front legs are straight and parallel. The coat comes in solid black or salt & pepper.

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Height

Dogs 26-28 inches (66-71 cm.);
Bitches 23-26 inches (58-66 cm.)

Weight

Dogs 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg.)
Bitches 55-75 pounds (25-34 kg.)

Personality

They are wonderful companions and guard dogs. The Giant Schnauzer is intelligent, very protective, bold, responsible, calm, loyal, spirited, loving and responsible. The Giant Schnauzer is a true "Velcro" dog. It loves to be with its owner at all times. They are intelligent thinkers and know how to figure things out. They tend to bark a lot.

The Giant Schnauzer is not suited for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and will do best with acreage.

Training & Exercise

Giants have a huge need for exercise. They should be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk, jog or run alongside you when you bicycle, combined with an additional walk or another type of exercise. These energetic dogs just love play sessions during which they can run free. They are easy to train and respond best to firm, consistent training with a positive attitude and plentiful rewards. They are excellent at agility, obedience, carting and protection works. Giants are in essence working dogs with a terrier temperament, which causes problems if they aren't properly and professionally trained.

Grooming

The wiry little-shedding coat is reasonably easy to look after, but the undercoat is dense and it will become matted unless it is combed or brushed weekly with a short wire brush. Clip out knots and brush first with the grain, then against the grain to lift the coat. The animal should be clipped all over to an even length at least four times a year and its ears should be tended to regularly. Trim around the eyes and ears with a blunt-nosed scissor and clean the whiskers after meals.

Health Issues

They are at increased risk of cancer, bloat, epilepsy and hip dysplasia.

Life Expectancy: About 12-15 years.

Breed Club: www.giantschnauzerclubofamerica.com/

Rescue Link: www.giantschnauzerclubofamerica.com/Rescue/index.htm