The Giant Schnauzer with Tail is a rare breed that's gaining popularity worldwide. They are known for their distinctive beards and eyebrows, which are actually a result of their genetics.
Giant Schnauzers have a unique body type, with a muscular build and a broad chest. This allows them to move with ease and agility.
Their tails are often docked, but some breeders are now choosing to leave them intact. This has led to a new category of Giant Schnauzers: those with tails.
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Physical Characteristics
The Giant Schnauzer's physical characteristics are truly unique. They are the largest of the three Schnauzer types, standing from 60 to 65 centimetres (23.5 to 25.5 in) for females and from 65 to 70 centimetres (25.5 to 27.5 in) for males at the withers.
Their square shape and long tail make them look like a larger version of the Standard Schnauzer. The tail is long, but it's worth noting that the AKC breed standard calls for it to be docked, although many countries and states have banned this procedure.
The Giant Schnauzer's head is 1⁄2 the length of their back, and their cheeks are flat but well muscled. Their coat is dense, wiry, and weather resistant, with a distinct "beard" and eyebrows.
Here are some key physical characteristics of the Giant Schnauzer:
- Ears: The AKC breed standard allows for ears to be cropped or natural.
- Eyes: A Giant Schnauzer's eyes are medium to dark brown, deep-set, and soulful.
- Nose: Giant Schnauzers have large, black, and full noses.
- Coat Length: They have a dense, thick, wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat.
- Coat Color: Their coat colors are typically solid black or salt and pepper (gray).
Their stride is long and crisp, making them a powerful and agile breed.
Temperament and Behavior
Giant Schnauzers are usually quiet, but can be very territorial and suspicious of strangers. They often become accepting of new people and situations once introduced.
They're naturally intelligent and can become bored easily, which can lead to destructive behavior if not addressed. This breed requires a dominant and certain hand during training.
If you show signs of submissiveness, your Giant Schnauzer may undermine your role as the leader and take charge themselves. This can create a power imbalance in your relationship.
Giant Schnauzers are highly loyal to their owners and can become highly imprinted to them. They're also known to be trustworthy with children.
They're easily trainable, but their high energy and spirits can make them challenging to manage. A strong and consistent leader is essential to develop a healthy and sturdy relationship with your Giant Schnauzer.
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How to Care for
Giant Schnauzers need a lot of exercise, more than most dogs, so be prepared to take them on long walks or runs regularly.
Their high energy levels mean they also require plenty of mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
To keep their distinctive beard and brows looking their best, you'll need to clean them after every meal to catch drool and debris.
Their wiry coat needs to be bathed every four to six weeks to keep it in top condition.
Their nails should be trimmed at least once a week, and their iconic beard and brows will need to be washed or combed through with a small metal comb after most meals.
Daily brushing is a must to remove outside debris or food from their coat.
Teeth brushing should be done daily with toothpaste made specifically for dogs, and your vet can teach you how to brush your Giant Schnauzer's teeth.
Annual professional teeth cleaning by your vet is also essential to prevent dental problems.
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Training and Exercise
Giant Schnauzers are born cooperative and engage well in training sessions, making them stars of puppy school. They thrive on having a job to do and will create their own if they don't receive one.
To find their motivations, you'll need to dedicate daily training time, combining socialization with agility courses or high-energy exercises like hiking. Consistency is key, and you should be prepared to invest time and effort into their training.
A daily 30- to 45-minute walk is a great way to stimulate their mind with sights, sounds, and smells. Alternatively, you can build a backyard course with tunnels, jumps, A-frames, and see-saws to keep them active and engaged.
A unique perspective: Giant Schnauzer Training
Training
Giant Schnauzers are born cooperative and incredibly engaged for training sessions. They'll be the stars of the show at puppy school for sure!
Training needs to be consistent, and they require a job to do. Without one, they don't make a good first-time pet.
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Giant Schnauzers are intelligent and alert, exceling at obedience training and canine competitions like agility and field trials. They're well-suited for police work.
Their devotion to their owner makes them highly trainable, especially with the right guidance. Inexperienced owners can still enjoy this breed, but it will take some convincing.
With a unique training style, many people find they need help, even with previous canine experience.
Exercise
Giant Schnauzers have boundless energy and need a higher level of exercise than most dogs. They require a purpose or they'll create their own!
A daily 30-to 45-minute walk is a great way to stimulate their mind with sights, sounds, and smells. You can also try building a backyard course with tunnels, jumps, A-frames, and see-saws to keep them engaged.
Two long and vigorous walks a day totaling about an hour will keep your Giant Schnauzer happy and healthy. This breed is well-suited for running and hiking, which will tire both their mind and body.
A large dog like the Giant Schnauzer needs a big backyard to roam and run around in. However, they shouldn't be kept outdoors for extended periods as they are loyal family dogs.
They thrive on activity and need roughly an hour to an hour and a half of exercise per day. This is crucial for their overall health and mental stimulation.
Giant Schnauzers are dogs of extreme wit, agility, and alertness, so they need to be stimulated appropriately to harness these instincts.
Health and Wellbeing
Giant schnauzers are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular veterinary care is essential to catch any potential problems early.
Annual vet visits are a must, especially when your giant schnauzer is a puppy. They'll need frequent check-ups for parasite prevention, vaccinations, and spay/neuter surgery.
Genetic health issues can be a concern in giant schnauzers, but responsible breeding practices can minimize the risk. Look for breeders who have had their dogs tested for common issues like hip and elbow dysplasia.
A fresh viewpoint: Giant Schnauzer Health Problems
Skin allergies are another potential issue in giant schnauzers, causing irritated, itchy skin that can lead to scratching, licking, and chewing. Keep an eye out for these symptoms and consult your vet if you notice anything unusual.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are two common joint problems that can affect giant schnauzers. These conditions can cause lameness, limping, and difficulty getting up.
Some health issues in giant schnauzers are more serious than others. Von Willebrand Disease, for example, is a serious blood clotting disorder that requires prompt veterinary attention.
Here are some common health issues that can affect giant schnauzers:
- Skin allergies
- Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
- Hip/Elbow Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Hypothyroidism
- Von Willebrand Disease
History and Origins
The Giant Schnauzer's history dates back to 17th century Germany to the "bear Schnauzer" of Munich, a long shaggy-haired dog related to the Old German shaggy shepherd dog primarily tasked with cattle herding.
Originally bred to drive cattle from farm to market, Giant Schnauzers were similar to the Belgian Bouvier des Flandres and were highly valued for their herding abilities.
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The breed gained popularity after World War I and was later trained to serve as police dogs, military dogs, and search and rescue dogs.
Giant Schnauzers were crossed with large breed dogs like the Great Dane to add size and stamina to the breed, resulting in a considerably bigger and more powerful canine.
The breed was originally developed in Germany in the 1800s and was named for the German word for muzzle, which is "schnauze".
In the late 1920s and early 1930s, giant schnauzers began to be imported to the United States, where enthusiasts worked to develop the breed standard and earn club recognition.
General Information
The Giant Schnauzer is a confident and loyal breed, making them a great watchdog. They're intelligent and easily trained, which is a bonus for their owners.
Here are some key facts about the Giant Schnauzer's size and temperament:
- Weight: 55–110 pounds
- Temperament: Patient, alert, assertive, and loyal
While they can be aloof and territorial at times, they're loving and attentive companions in their natural environment.
Information and Pictures
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For more insights, see: German Wirehaired Pointer Pictures
Overview
The Giant Schnauzer is a breed that's known for its confident and loyal nature. They're very intelligent and easily trainable, making them a great companion for active owners.
One thing to keep in mind is that Giant Schnauzers can be aloof and territorial, so they may not be the best fit for inexperienced owners.
In terms of size, Giant Schnauzers can weigh anywhere from 55 to 110 pounds, making them a substantial breed.
They're also very alert and assertive, which makes them ideal for a watchdog role.
Here are some key characteristics of the breed:
- Weight: 55-110 pounds
- Temperament: Patient, alert, assertive, loyal
Adopt or Buy
If you're considering bringing a giant schnauzer with a tail into your life, you'll want to think carefully about whether adopting or buying is the best route for you.
A big breed like the giant schnauzer requires a big commitment, so make sure you do your research to identify whether this dog fits your lifestyle.
Finding a giant schnauzer is easier compared to some other purebred dogs, but it still takes some effort. The Giant Schnauzer Club of America and American Kennel Club Breeder Listing are great resources to find a reputable breeder.
You can expect to pay a breeder between $2,100 to $5,500 for a purebred giant schnauzer puppy.
If you're not set on a purebred, checking with national and regional rescues is a great way to find a loving giant schnauzer in need of a home.
Here are some resources to get you started:
- Giant Schnauzer Club of America
- Giant Schnauzer Club of America Rescue
- Giant Schnauzer Club of America Breeder Listing
- American Kennel Club Breeder Listing
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Giant Schnauzers tails docked?
Giant Schnauzers' tails are docked to prevent injury from vermin bites, and today it's mainly done for traditional and cosmetic reasons. This practice is not necessary for the dog's health or well-being.
Sources
- "Giant Schnauzer" (google.com)
- the original (westminsterkennelclub.org)
- "Giant Schnauzer" (google.com)
- "Giant Schnauzer" (akc.org)
- Giant Schnauzer (curlie.org)
- Giant Schnauzer Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
- consider one of these Giant Schnauzer rescues (giantschnauzerclubofamerica.com)
- imported (giantschnauzerclubofamerica.com)
- @giantgreta (instagram.com)
- American Kennel Club Breeder Listing (akc.org)
- Giant Schnauzer Club of America Breeder Listing (giantschnauzerclubofamerica.com)
- Giant Schnauzer Club of America Rescue (giantschnauzerclubofamerica.com)
- Giant Schnauzer Club of America (giantschnauzerclubofamerica.com)
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/10-facts-about-giant-schnauzers (akc.org)
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