GIANT SCHNAUZER
APPEARANCE
The Giant Schnauzer is a large, powerful, compact breed of dog. Giant Schnauzer has a harsh, wiry outer coat and dense, soft undercoat. Coat color is either black or salt and pepper (grey). This is a distinctive looking breed with a beard, a sturdy build, and a wise expression. The weight of the Giant Schnauzer is around 65-80 pounds for females, and 80-95 pounds for males. The height of these dogs is around 23-26 inches for females, and 25-28 inches for males.
PERSONALITY
The Giant Schnauzer is intelligent, loyal and loving. Ever energetic and ready for a game, the Giant Schnauzer makes a great companion for active types. Giant Schnauzers are loyal, often becoming so attached to their owner that they follow them around the house. These are high energy dogs and are also very intelligent, and it is important to ensure that your Giant Schnauzer receives both physical and mental stimulation.
TRAINING
The Giant Schnauzer is a quick learner, which aids training, but can be very determined and dominant, which makes him best suited for those with some degree of experience when it comes to dog ownership and training. It needs constant training, with positive attitude and rewards.
EXERCISE
Giant schnauzers need vigorous exercise at least twice every day. If not given the proper amount of exercise and left to their own devices, this breed can turn very destructive, if their energy and busy minds are not channeled properly.
SOCIALIZATION
The Giant Schnauzer is a true guard dog in the sense that it is usually unfriendly to strangers, small pets, or other dogs. Giant Schnauzers can be good with children if obtained as a young puppy and trained. Giant Schnauzers will accept other dogs, but can be dominating and even aggressive with same sex dogs. The Giant Schnauzer is a people person but they can be wary around strangers.
LIVING CONDITIONS
The Giant Schnauzer is not recommended for people who live in small apartments. It is ideal for those who have large homes with yards.
GROOMING
This breed sheds very little but still needs to be brushed weekly to prevent the undercoat from matting. This breed has little doggie odor and needs to be bathed only when necessary. You should also ensure that you keep the hair around his bottom trimmed for hygiene reasons. This breed is a low shedder, and may therefore be suitable for allergy sufferers.
HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Giant Schnauzer is around 10-12 years. The Giant Schnauzer is susceptible to canine hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, hypothyroidism and osteochondritis dissecans.
HISTORY
The breed originated in the mid to late 19th century in the Bavarian and Württemberg regions of Germany. The Giant Schnauzer was first used to drive livestock in Bavaria, but later was used as a guard dog for the police and the military. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1930.
