Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzers were bred from standard Schnauzers to be working dogs to herd cattle from a farm to the market.

Giant Schnauzers are a very large breed of dog that is black in color. They have a very loyal and protective temperament and can make a good family dog for families with older children. They are also a hypoallergenic breed as their dense and wiry coats do not shed much.

History and Origin

Coming from Bavaria in the 19th century, this breed developed from crossbreeding standard schnauzers and Great Danes to produce a larger, more robust dog. Giant Schnauzers were used as guard dogs, primarily for innkeepers, farmers, or merchants, and also they were used by police and the military. Later, once railroads were built and made it unnecessary for the Giant Schnauzers to herd the cattle, the breed worked alongside the police and military in Europe. It was not until the 1920s that they were brought to America.

Size and Weight

Giant Schnauzers males can weigh between 60 and 85 pounds and are between 25.5 and 27.5 inches tall. Females typically weigh between 55 and 75 pounds and are between 23.5 and 25.5 inches tall. When puppies are three months old, they generally weigh between 21 and 37 pounds. Six-month-old puppies weigh between 39 and 68 pounds. Giant Schnauzers finish growing between the ages of 16 and 19 months.

Different Types

Giant Schnauzers have a distinctive look, but their coats do come with slight variations. You can find them in three different looks: Pure Black, Salt and Pepper, and Black Undercoat.

This being the “giant” version of the Schnauzer, it is good to note that they are very similar to their smaller relatives, the Standard Schnauzer and the Mini Schnauzer. The look and temperament are similar, and the main difference is overall size.

Common Health Issues

There are a few common health issues to be aware of before you bring home a Giant Schnauzer. While all dogs in this breed will not necessarily develop all, or even any, of these issues, knowing what to look out for can help make sure you catch health problems as early as possible.

Dental disease is one potential issue that Giant Schnauzers may suffer from. Dental disease begins with tartar buildup, which if not properly cleaned can cause damage to the teeth or even organs.

Giant Schnauzers may also suffer from viral or bacterial infections. These include rabies, parvo, and distemper. Since many of these can be prevented with a vaccine, it is very important to make sure you stick with the recommended vaccination schedule for your Giant Schnauzer.

Obesity is another health concern for Giant Schnauzers. It can lead to heart disease, digestive disorders, back pain, and other potentially serious issues. Make sure you are feeding your dog the recommended amount of food and giving him or her enough exercise to prevent obesity from becoming a problem.

Temperament and Behavior

Giant Schnauzers have a relatively quiet temperament. This breed is very loyal to their family and those they trust, but they can be suspicious of new people or places. In most cases, Giant Schnauzers are more laid back, but some exhibit aggressive traits when feeling threatened.

Giant Schnauzers were bred to be working dogs, so they have an alert personality. Because of their breeding, they are used to more mental stimulation and may become bored easily, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Giant Schnauzers can also make a good family dog and can generally be trusted around older children.

The Best Dog Food

Giant Schnauzers should be fed high-quality large-breed dog food. Some Giant Schnauzers who are overweight could benefit from a weight control formula. In general, Giant Schnauzers need between 3 3/8 and 4 ¼ cups of food each day. This food should be split into two services. The exact amount of food that is right for your Giant Schnauzer can vary based on age, weight, activity level, health concerns, and other factors, so check with your veterinarian if you are unsure how much food he or she should eat.

Schnauzer puppies should eat puppy food designed for large-breed puppies. Puppies have smaller stomachs and will need to eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. When puppies are between eight and 12 weeks old, they should be fed four meals a day, and puppies between three and six months old should be fed three meals a day. Once puppies are six months old, two meals a day should be sufficient.

When picking dog food for your Giant Schnauzer, reach for dry food. Crunchy kibble helps remove residue, plaque, and tartar from their teeth to mitigate dental problems. Look for food that supplements Giant Schnauzers’ diets with probiotics and omega-3s, which enhance the immune system to guard against infection. Also, high protein content helps channel exercise into lean muscle, while satiating hunger. Your Giant Schnauzer will feel satisfied after meals and be less likely to overeat.

Maintenance and Grooming

Weekly brushing is important to maintain a Giant’s Schnauzer’s wiry and dense coat. They have a double coat that is water-resistant. The coat has a harsher and rough outer coat with a softer undercoat. Giant Schnauzers may also need to be groomed by a professional, or their owner will need to learn how to groom them properly to maintain their appearance. Giant Schnauzers are hypoallergenic; their coats do not shed very much.

Check your dog’s ears regularly as well. Clear loose dirt or debris and check for signs of infection. Giant Schnauzers’ nails will also need regular trimming to prevent them from getting too long and making it painful for the dog to walk. Additionally, their teeth should be brushed a few times each week.

Training

Giant Schnauzers are highly intelligent dogs, which can make them easier to train than some other breeds. They have a very protective instinct and need to be taught proper ways to act. They are intended to be working dogs and do their best when they are given a job to do, even if it is something like retrieving a toy. This breed can do very well in agility courses, obedience training, and other dog sports.

Exercise

Giant Schnauzers need lots of activity and do best with owners who live a more active lifestyle. Long walks or hikes, trips to the dog park, or playing with your Giant Schnauzer in a large, fenced-in backyard are examples of ways you can help him get the exercise he needs.

Puppies

Before you bring a Giant Schnauzer home with you, there are a few things to do. First, make sure your house it set up and puppy-proof so that it is a safe spot for your puppy to be. You should also select a veterinarian and schedule an appointment to take place very soon after you bring the Giant Schnauzer home. Also, be sure to shop for food, a leash and collar, a dog bed, toys, and other essential supplies.

Begin general training and potty training as soon as possible to get him or her used to expectations. You should also socialize your dog so they learn how to act around other dogs, people, and places. As puppies, Giant Schnauzers need to eat smaller meals more often throughout the day as well.

With Children

They can be excellent family dogs for families with older children, but a giant schnauzer may not be the best choice for families with young children since they can be a bit too dominant in some cases. Typically, it is recommended that children in a home be 12 or older before bringing home a Giant Schnauzer.

Giant Schnauzers are very loyal dogs. They enjoy spending time and being active with the members of their family.