Giant Schnauzer
Group 6: Utility
Height:
Male: 65 – 70 cm
Female: 60 – 65 cm
Energy Level: Moderate to high
Original Function: Herding, guarding
Lifespan: 10 – 12 yrs
Recommended for: Active people & families, allergy sufferers.
About This Breed
The Giant Schnauzer is the oldest of the three Schnauzer breeds, and is the result of a cross between the black Great Dane and perhaps the Bouvier des Flandres. It is an ancient German breed originally bred as a cattle driver from the Bavarian region of Germany.
They were used for herding, ratting and guarding. Today these dogs are often used as a police dogs, home guardian and companion.
They have a very reliable and affectionate nature and they make excellent watchdogs.
They are intelligent and independent but need firm not harsh training because they can be headstrong. They are versatile, strong, hardy, intelligent and vigorous. Adaptable, capable of great speed and endurance and resistant to weather.
General Characteristics
Appearance: Large powerfully built body. Rectangular shaped head which has bushy eyebrows covering the dark oval shaped eyes. Ears hang to the side of the head. Tail was usually docked but now left natural.
Powerfully built, robust, sinewy, appearing almost square. Imposing, with keen expression and alert attitude. Correct conformation of the utmost importance.
Temperament: Bold, reliable good natured and composed.
Characteristics: Versatile, strong, hardy, intelligent and vigorous. Adaptable, capable of great speed and endurance and resistant to weather.
Colour: Pure black and Pepper and salt: Shades range from dark iron grey to light grey; Hairs banded black/light/black. Dark facial mask essential, harmonising with corresponding body colour.
Coat: Topcoat harsh and wiry, just short enough for smartness on body. Slightly shorter on neck & shoulders, but blending smoothly into body coat. Clean on throat, skull, ears and under tail. Good undercoat. Harsh hair on legs.
Grooming: The coat should be stripped twice a year or clipped 4 times a year to keep it neat and tidy.
Exercise: Regular exercise is needed, long daily walks and off lead runs to keep them fit and happy. They also love the water so swimming would be fantastic.
Health: This breed is generally sound. Can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, so please check parents have been hip scored, the lower the score the better.