Family:
Breed Group: Herding, AKC Working
Origin: Germany
Date of Origin: 15th Century
Originally used for: Drover, herding, guard dog
Used today: Companion, Police & Military guard dog
Other Name(s): Riesenschnauzer, Russian Bear Schnauzer
History of the Breed: The Giant Schnauzer is the largest of the three Schnauzer breeds which originated in Germany. Initially used to
aid the shepherd and drive livestock to market. For many years the Giant Schnauzer was called the Munchener, and it is widely known as a great
cattle and driving dog. The breed was also used as a guard dog by butchers and the breweries. Today, it is used as a guard dog by the Police
and Military. The Giant Schnauzer likely originated from crosses between the black Great Dane, the Bouvier des Flandres and the Standard Schnauzer.
General Appearance: The Giant Schnauzer should resemble in general appearance, a larger and more powerful version of the Standard
Schnauzer. The head is strong and of good length, narrowing from ears to eyes and then gradually toward the end of the nose. A medium stop
with bushy eyebrows. Powerful muzzle ending in a moderately blunt wedge, with stubby moustache and chin whiskers. The nose is black with wide
nostrils. The dark oval eyes are medium sized set forward. The chest is broad and deep. The docked tail is set high and carried at an angle
slightly above the topline. The coat is black and is harsh and wiry.
Height & Weight:
Height 23.5-27.5 Inches
Weight 65-90 Pounds
Coat: A double coat composed of a soft undercoat and a hard, wiry, and dense outercoat.
Color: Solid black or pepper and salt
Grooming needs: Medium
Temperament of Breed: They have the temperament of a terrier in a very large body. They tend to be very protective. They want to be with
their owner all the time.
Friendly with children: Medium, better with older children, this dog needs socialization with children starting at an early age
Friendly with other dogs: Medium, they can be dominant and aggressive with other dogs and will require socialization starting at an early age
Suitability as a watchdog: Excellent
Exercise Level: High
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, arthritis
Minor:
Life Expectancy: 10-12 Years
2006 AKC Ranking: 83
First Registered by the AKC: 1930
Registries: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
ACR -American Canine Registry
AKC -American Kennel Club
ANKC -Australian National Kennel Club
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC -National Kennel Club
NZKC -New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
Giant Schnauzer Club of America, Inc. (GSCA)
The Giant Schnauzer Club
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