Giant Schnauzer - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Large

Height: 60 - 70 cm (23.5 - 27.5 inches)

Weight: About 35 kg (77 lb)

Life Span: 15 years

Grooming: Medium

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Bold & good-natured

Country of Origin: Germany

AKC Group: Working

Other Names: Riesenschnauzer

Temperament:

The Giant Schnauzer is good-natured, bold, hardy and loyal. Giant Schnauzers are eager to learn and intelligent, but do not always follow commands and can have their own ideas. It is important that this breed has early and firm training to prevent them from ruling the home. Giant Schnauzers bond closely to their family, which they enjoy being a part of. They make excellent watchdogs and get along well with children. There should be few problems with other dogs or pets, provided they are socialized correctly during puppyhood.

Grooming:

Giant Schnauzers need their coat's stripped (dead hairs plucked out) about twice a year. The moustache, whiskers and leg hair needs to be brushed to prevent tangles and any excess hair in the ear canals should be removed. The hair between the pads of the feet also needs to be trimmed.

Exercise:

Giant Schnauzers need an average amount of exercise. If their exercise needs are met, then they should be quite peaceful and calm.

History:

It is believed that Schnauzers evolved from German Wirehaired pinschers, black poodles and a spitz-like grey dog. They date back to the 15th and 16th centuries when they were used for herding, ratting and guarding. The German breeders then created the larger sized version through crosses with the Great Dane and Bouvier des Flandres, thus giving us the Giant Schnauzer that we know today.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Clean-cut, squarely-built and robust.

Color: Black or salt-and-pepper (dark grey), with a darker mask.

Coat: The outer coat is harsh, wiry and thick. The undercoat is dense.

Tail: Set high and customarily docked.

Ears: Set high, V-shaped with the tips dropping forward towards the temple. In some countries they can be cropped and carried erect.

Body: The chest is moderately wide and the back is short. The belly is slightly raised and the shoulders are flat and muscular.

Additional Comments:

The Giant Schnauzer is the largest of the three Schnauzer varieties. They are of a similar shape and color to the smaller versions.

Giant Schnauzers won acclaim as service dogs during World War I.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/schnauzer_giant/