Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer originated in Germany, weighing 35-47 kg and standing 60-70 cm tall. The Giant Schnauzer comes from Germany, typically weighs 35–47 kg, and has a dense and wiry coat. Individual Giant Schnauzers vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Germany
- Weight
- 35–47 kg (75–105 lb)
- Height
- 60–70 cm (24–28 in)
- Coat
- dense and wiry
- Colour
- pure black (with black undercoat) pepper-and-salt black-silver
About the Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer originated in Germany, weighing 35-47 kg and standing 60-70 cm tall. Known for its intelligence and loyalty, this breed is a popular companion.
Overview
The Giant Schnauzer or Riesenschnauzer is a German breed of dog of Schnauzer type. It is larger than the other two Schnauzer breeds, the Standard Schnauzer and the Miniature Schnauzer . Originally bred to assist on farms by driving livestock to market and guarding the farmer''s property, the breed eventually moved into the city, where it worked guarding breweries , butchers'' shops , stockyards and factories. It was unknown outside Bavaria until it became popular as a military dog during World War I and World War II . It has a dense coarse coat that protects it from the weather and from vermin. There are three color varieties: pepper and salt, pure black with black undercoat, and black and silver. Where legal, it is shown with cropped ears and docked tails. Like other schnauzers, it has a distinct beard and eyebrows. Today, the Giant Schnauzer participates in numerous dog sports , including Schutzhund . Another sport that the dog excels in is that of nosework . Due to its alert nature, the dog is also used in police work.
Health
A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy for the Giant Schnauzer of 12.1 years, compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds . Hip and elbow dysplasia are common. The breed is also prone to eye problems such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca , glaucoma , cataracts , multifocal retinal dysplasia , and generalized progressive retinal atrophy . It is also prone to skin diseases, such as seasonal flank alopecia , vitiligo , and follicular cysts. Cancer of the skin is common in dark-colored dogs, with the most frequently occurring varieties being melanoma of the limbs and digits, and squamous cell carcinoma of the digit. Noncancerous skin tumors are also common. Some Giant Schnauzers develop central diabetes insipidus , autosomal recessive hypothyroidism , selective malabsorption of cobalamin , narcolepsy , cataplexy , and various seizure disorders . Some are also sensitive to sulphonamides and gold . Bone diseases and joint problems are also an issue. The most common causes of death of the dog in a Kennel Club survey were lymphoma and liver cancer , followed by heart attacks and heart failure .
History
The origin of the breed name "Schnauzer" is not known, nor is it known when it came into use. : 482 The German word schnauze means '' snout '', while both schnauz and schnauzbart mean ''walrus moustache''. The word schnauzer appears in the Bilder und Sagen aus der Schweiz of Jeremias Gotthelf , published in 1842. : 482 ''Schnauz'' was a common name for a dog – several dogs with this name were shown in Elberfeld in 1880. : 149 At the third international dog show of the Verein zur Veredelung der Hunderassen in Hanover in 1879, a dog named ''Schnautzer'' took first place in the Rauche Pinscher or Wire-haired Pinscher class. : 149 Schnauzers originated in southern Germany and share a common history with the German Pinscher . Dogs of this type, both rough-haired and smooth-haired, were traditionally kept as carriage dogs or as stable dogs, and so were sometimes known as Stallpinscher ; they were capable ratters . Both types were known as Deutscher Pinscher, and came from the same lineage; rough-haired and smooth-haired puppies could occur in the same litter. The rough-haired type, which would later become the Schnauzer, was also known as the Rattler . : 152 In 1880 the Pinscher was recorded in the Deutschen Hundestammbuch of the Verein zur Veredelung der Hunderassen , and the first breed standard was drawn up. : 482 Various colours were described for the rough-haired type, including iron-grey, silver-grey, grey-yellow, corn-yellow and rust-yellow. : 482 In 1895 Ludwig Beckmann [ de ] described five varieties of Pinscher – the rough- and smooth-haired Pinscher, the rough- and smooth-haired Miniature Pinscher , and the Affenpinscher . : 152 Also in 1895, a breed society , the Pinscherklub, was established for both types, both rough- and smooth-haired. Another society, the Schnauzerklub München, was formed in Munich in 1907 by breeders of the Mittelschnauzer. In 1917, with the sixth edition of the stud-book , the name of the rough-haired breed was officially changed from Rauhaarige Pinscher to Schnauzer. : 482 In 1918 the Pinscherklub and the Schnauzerklub München merged to form the Pinscher-Schnauzer-Verband, which in 1921 changed its name to the present Pinscher-Schnauzer-Klub 1895 e.V. The Giant Schnauzer was originally bred as a multipurpose farm dog for guarding property and driving animals to market. By the turn of the 20th century it was being used as a watchdog at factories, breweries , butcheries , and stockyards throughout Bavaria. : 266 The breed was unknown outside Bavaria until it was used as a military dog in World War I and World War II . : 266 The first Giant Schnauzers were imported to America in the 1930s, but they remained rare until the 1960s, when the breed became popular. In 1962, there were 23 new Giant Schnauzers registered with the American Kennel Club ; in 1974 this
Characteristics
Although the Giant Schnauzer is a large and stocky dog, the ''Giant'', in its name is not in comparison to other large dog breeds but in comparison to the Standard and Miniature Schnauzers . The AKC breed standard calls for males to stand from 65 to 70 centimetres (25.5 to 27.5 in) at the withers , and for females to stand from 60 to 65 centimetres (23.5 to 25.5 in) . Giant Schnauzers are square in shape, and should resemble a larger version of the Standard Schnauzer . : 266 The tail is long and the ears are small button ears carried high on the head. Where it is legal, it is possibly docked and the ears cropped . The head is about half the length of the dog''s back from the withers to the base of the tail. : 266 The cheeks are flat, but well muscled. : 266 The coat is dense, wiry, and weather resistant. The fur on the dog''s face forms a distinct "beard" and eyebrows. : 266 Its stride is long and crisp.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Giant Schnauzer?
The Giant Schnauzer is a large and stocky dog breed. According to the AKC breed standard, males stand between 25.5 to 27.5 inches tall at the withers, and females stand between 24 to 26.5 inches tall. The breed has a distinctive beard and eyebrows, and its coat is double-layered, with a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat.
Is the Giant Schnauzer a good family dog?
Giant Schnauzers can make good family dogs if properly socialized and trained. They are loyal and protective of their families, but can be wary of strangers. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They are generally good with children if raised with them.
What health problems do Giant Schnauzers have?
Giant Schnauzers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as eye problems such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, glaucoma, cataracts, and multifocal retinal dysplasia. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues early on. Responsible breeding practices can also help minimize the risk of inherited health problems.
How much does a Giant Schnauzer puppy cost?
The cost of a Giant Schnauzer puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a puppy from a reputable breeder can cost between $800 to $1,500. Additionally, there may be costs associated with spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.
Where do Giant Schnauzers come from?
The Giant Schnauzer comes from Germany. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Giant Schnauzer, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.