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Giant Schnauzer Dog Breed Introduction
Giant Schnauzer is a Schnauzer breed type developed in Germany in the mid 19th century. It is referred to as “Giant” in comparison with the other two Schnauzers breeds, Miniature and Standard Schnauzers respectively. Giant Schnauzers were originally bred for driving cattle to the market and guard dogs for merchants, farmers, and innkeepers. Currently, they are used as companion dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, and police dogs.
Giant Schnauzer Origin | History
A Giant Schnauzer was developed in Germany by probably crossing the Standard Schnauzer with rough-haired sheepdogs, smooth-coated dogs, Black Great Danes, and Bouvier des Flandres. These dogs were created as multipurpose farm dogs driving cattle to the market and guarding properties. Later on, they were used as guard dogs at stockyards, butcheries, breweries, and factories throughout Bavaria.
The development of railroads rendered cattle drives obsolete. Therefore, Giant Schnauzers were trained for Police work in Berlin and other German cities. However, they didn’t become popular as police dogs in the United States since the German Shepherds beat them to it. In the USA, the first Giant Schnauzers were imported in the 1930s’. However, they became popular in the 1960s. Giant Schnauzers were registered with AKC in 1962.
Giant Schnauzer Lifespan
Just like the Miniature Schnauzers, Giant Schnauzers have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Giant Schnauzer Grooming
To prepare for a positive grooming process, get your Giant Schnauzer accustomed to touch on the ears, body, mustache, paws, tail, and belly sides. Giant Schnauzers have a double-layered weather resistant coat made up of a harsh wiry top coat and a dense undercoat. Show dogs need to be hand-stripped in order to maintain the wiry texture of the coat. However, primary pet dogs can be clipped every month or so. Clipping changes the texture of the coat from wiry to soft like the under coat. The coat must be brushed on a weekly basis to maintain an attractive and healthy coat. Use a large-sized pin brush or a slicker brush with large bristles.
The mustache requires frequent cleanings since it can collect drool, water, and food particles. Giant Schnauzers need an occasional bath since a properly maintained and textured coat should resist most damage and dirt. However, pet parents who want frequent baths should restrict them to leg furnishings. This breed requires a bath every 4 to 6 weeks using a hypoallergenic canine shampoo and conditioner to avoid inflammation. Always brush the coat before a bath, clipping, or stripping to remove dirt, loose hair, and mats. After a bath, thoroughly rinse off the grooming products from the skin using lukewarm water to avoid skin irritation.
Wipe the face with a clean damp washcloth or canine wipes instead of soapy water to avoid irritating the eyes. Keep the head of a Giant Schnauzer trimmed since with the pronounced eyebrows and mustache can virtually make its face disappear under a tangle of hair. Brush the schnauzer’s teeth at least twice a week if not daily using a dog formulated toothpaste and toothbrush to remove excess tartar and food particles that cause a bad breathe. Clip or trim the nails of Giant Schnauzers at least twice every month using nail clippers or grinders.
Overly grown nails makes running and walking unbearable for your pet. Remember to clean the ears on a weekly basis using an ear cleanser solution and cotton balls to remove excess wax, dirt, or debris. After a swimming activity, remember to dry the ears using cotton balls. Moisture accumulation makes dogs susceptible to ear infections. While cleaning the ears check out for a dark discharge, redness, or odor since they are symptoms of dog’s ear infection.
Giant Schnauzer Haircut | Grooming Styles
Hair clipping or hand stripping is required regularly to keep the coat looking at its best. If the coat is left unstripped or unclipped, the fur on the body grows into a length of 2 to 4 inches, and will often tangle into mats and curls. Some of the haircut or grooming styles that pet parents prefer for their Giant Schnauzers include:
Puppy Cut – For this look the hair on the body is trimmed to a length of about 1 or 1/8 inch while leaving the fur on the head and tail a bit longer.
Teddy bear cut – to get a teddy bear look, the hair on the face is trimmed in a circular manner while the hair on the body is clipped to about 2 inches.
Traditional Schnauzer Cut – For this grooming style, the hair tips are cut off leaving short fur on the belly, neck, and body. The leg furnishings are left a little longer while the hair on the head is cut short on the top. One of the characteristics of the Giant schnauzer is the hair on their snout that resembles the beard. It is left long only tidying it up by trimming the tips.
Poodle Cut – To attain this haircut, the fur on the body is cut short while the hair on the body is left longer trimming it to have a puffy look.
Giant Schnauzer Shedding
A Giant Schnauzer sheds minimally all-year round.
Giant Schnauzer Hair | Coat | Coat Types
Giant Schnauzers have a water resistant double coat consisting of a top coat and an undercoat. The top coat is hard, harsh, wiry, and very dense while the undercoat is soft. Giant Schnauzers are famous for their harsh eyebrows and beard as well as the coarse hair on top of the head.
Giant Schnauzer Hypoallergenic
A Giant Schnauzer is one of the breeds considered nearly hypoallergenic by the American Kennel Club. This is because they shed all-year round at low levels. If the coat is hand stripped it is able to maintain its wiry and harsh structure which traps the shed hair preventing the release of loose hair and dander into the environment. However, apart from the hair and dander, (urine, saliva, and mucus) also contain a protein allergen that triggers allergic reactions. Therefore, owners should spend lots of time with a Giant Schnauzer to determine whether it aggravates their allergies before adopting.
Giant Schnauzer Training | How To Train A Giant Schnauzer
A Giant Schnauzer is an intelligent, loyal, and a highly trainable dog. It learns real quick. However, Giant Schnauzers possess a strong territorial instinct and have the urge to protect their human families. Therefore, they are a bit reserved with people and won’t greet every visitor with a tail wag. They have the potential to be aggressive hence socialization is key. A well-socialized Giant Schnauzer is able to distinguish between a foe and a friend. Socialization training starts from the age of 3 weeks while the pup is with the breeder until the age of 16 weeks after the pup has already settled in its new home.
Pet parents normally take the puppies home from the age of 8 weeks to ensure the dog develops social skills by interacting with the dam and its littermates. However, Giant Schnauzers may continue to be socialized even after the age of 16 weeks to ensure they have a well-round temperament and personality for the rest of their lives. To socialize a Giant Schnauzer, expose it to a wide variety of people, animals, places, surfaces, situations, smell, sights, and sounds such as washing machine, sirens, whistles, vacuum cleaners, baby crying sounds, doorbells, and lawn mowers. Enrolling a Giant Schnauzer in puppy classes will also serve as a form of socialization from the age of 8 weeks.
These classes provide a controlled environment when canine gets to interact. Puppy classes also help pet parents to identify and correct bad behaviors such as resource guarding food and toys. These classes also enable the pet parents to have access to training information and assistance. Remember to keep the training sessions short, upbeat, and challenging for a period of 5 to 10 minutes distributed throughout the day especially for puppies since they tend to get distracted easily. The training span may increase as the dog matures to a period of at least 15 minutes. Use positive reinforcement methods to encourage positive behaviors through petting, toys, treats, and verbal praise. Avoid use of harsh correction methods such as yelling, kicking, shoving, use of choke or prong collars, punching, and beating the dog.
Creating a pecking order will prepares a Giant Schnauzer for a successful training. Pet parents may create a pecking order by eating first and getting through the door before the dog. Eating first makes the pooch to understand that the pet parent is the owner of all the valuable resources such as toys, treats, and food. Remember to teach basic commands words that are potentially lifesaving from the age of 8 weeks. Some of the basic command words that Giant Schnauzers learn include come, sit, stay, down, heel, leave it, etc. Teach one basic command until the dog understands before teaching the next command word. Avoid issuing a command while too frustrated or excited since it no longer sounds the same for your pet.
To fully house break Giant Schnauzers, creating a feeding schedule, crate training, and potty training is key. A crate is an invaluable tool while potty training. It enables the owner to closely monitor the pup for signs that it wants to relieve itself such as circling, whining, sniffing, squatting, restlessness, and trying to lift a leg against the crate wall. However, a Giant Schnauzer should not stay in the crate for a period of more than 4 hours. Before a pup is fully potty trained, it should not freely roam around the house to prevent accidents.
For positive outcomes when potty training, take a Giant Schnauzer to the elimination spot immediately it wakes up, every 2 to 3 hours, after naptime, following an exciting activity such as playtime and car ride, 20 minutes after meals and drinks, and before bedtime. The bladder and bowel muscles of Giant schnauzers strengthens as the puppy matures. Therefore, from the age of 8 months, the potty breaks are every 6 to 8 hours. Potty training should immediately start when the pup comes home from the age of 8 weeks.
Giant Schnauzer Temperament | Traits
- Adaptable.
- Obedient.
- Territorial.
- Loyal.
- Protective.
- Intelligent.
- Alert.
- Energetic.
- Powerful.
- Trainable.
- Bold.
- Playful.
- Affectionate companion.
Giant Schnauzer Exercise Needs
This is a highly-energetic breed that requires daily exercise. Giant Schnauzers require regular exercise, a fenced-in running yard, and activities that helps to keep it physically and mentally stimulated. Play sessions with another dog, daily walks, games such as tennis-ball chase as well as hide and seek, and romps in the yard with their owners helps to keep them happy. Giant Schnauzers make great companions for active owners and will join then in activities like swimming, hiking, and running.
Giant Schnauzer Barking
This is a naturally territorial breed that is protective of its family. Giant Schnauzers will assert their suspicions through barking and growling.
Giant Schnauzer Height
A Female Giant Schnauzer has a height of 23.5 to 25.5 inches ( approx. 60 to 65 cm ) while its male counterpart has a height of 25.5 to 27.5 inches ( approx. 65 to 70 cm ).
Giant Schnauzer Weight
Male Giant Schnauzers have a weight of 60 to 85 pounds ( approx. 27 to 39 kg ) while their female counterparts have a weight of 55 to 75 pounds ( approx. 25 to 34 kg ).
Giant Schnauzer Size
They are the largest Schnauzer breed. However, Female Giant Schnauzers are slightly smaller as compared to their male counterparts. A female Giant Schnauzer has a height of 23.5 to 25.5 inches ( approx. 60 to 65 cm ) and a weight of 55 to 75 pounds ( approx. 25 to 34 kg ) while a male Giant Schnauzer has a height of 25.5 to 27.5 inches ( approx. 65 to 70 cm ) and a weight of 60 to 85 pounds ( approx. 27 to 39 kg ).
Giant Schnauzer Aggressive
If poorly socialized, Giant Schnauzers have the potential to be aggressive dogs. They are naturally suspicious of strangers and they are also territorial dogs. Socialization helps Giant Schnauzers to differentiate between a friend a foe.
Giant Schnauzer Bite Force | Bite Force Psi
There are no available statistics on the bite force of a Giant Schnauzer. However, based on their jaw strength and the size of the head, they probably have a bite force of between 200 to 400 PSI.
Giant Schnauzer Health Issues | Health Problems
Giant Schnauzers are a relatively healthy breed that has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, they are prone to various health issues including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, skin cancer, follicular cysts, seasonal flank alopecia, squamous cell carcinoma, vitiligo, Noncancerous skin tumors, autosomal recessive hypothyroidism, central diabetes insipidus, various seizure disorders, selective malabsorption of cataplexy, narcolepsy, and cobalamin, liver cancer, lymphoma, heart attack, heart failures, and eye disorders such as cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye disease, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Apart from Giant Schnauzers, other breeds of dogs include:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Giant Schnauzer Names
A pooch parent may decide to find a name for the Giant Schnauzer puppy before it comes home from the breeder or a few days after joining them home to understand more on the personality of the particular dog. Owners may get name inspirations from the Germany origin of the breed, characteristics, coat color, celebrity Giant Schnauzers, movies, books, nature, and historical figures.
Regardless of where they get their inspirations, they should ensure that the name chosen freely rolls off their tongues and will not make them embarrassed when uttered out loud in the public places such as malls and parks. Giant Schnauzers and other dog breeds better understand names that have vowels. If a pet parent settles with a long name, he or she should find a cute nickname for the pooch.
Avoid giving your pet a name that rhymes with the command words since it will be confusing for your dog. If a Giant Schnauzer shares a name with any family member or guests who frequent your household, it may result in confusion. Some of the names that Giant Schnauzers owners give to their pets include:
- Scarlet.
- Missy.
- Willow.
- Buffalo.
- Dragon.
- Damien.
- Zara.
- Reba.
- Gizmo.
- Gnash.
- Goliath.
- Tracker.
- Lael.
- Kishi.
- Samantha, etc.
Giant Schnauzer Litter Size
After conception, a Giant Schnauzer dam has a gestation period of 63 days before whelping a litter size of 5 to 8 puppies.
Giant Schnauzer Harness
A Giant Schnauzer is a playful dog that loves playing with their human families or other dogs. During walks, this breed may get excited to greet other dogs which may lead to pulling. Therefore, owners should walk Giant Schnauzers on a leash that is attached to a harness for better control. This accessory also evenly distributes the pressure on the shoulders and chest.
Giant Schnauzer Feeding Guide | Food
The amount of food that Giant Schnauzers feed on depend on their age, body build, size, activity level, and metabolism. Puppies of all breeds tend to have high metabolism rates as compared to adults and senior dogs. Therefore, Giant Schnauzer puppies should feed 3 or 4 times a day from when they start weaning until the age of 6 months. From the age of 6 months, Giant Schnauzers should feed a total of two meals a day for the rest of their life with snacks and treats in between. However, owners should watch out for calorie consumption and weight level to avoid overfeeding their pooches.
Giant Schnauzers may feed on dry food, wet food, home made, or a raw diet depending on the budget and time of the pet parent. Regardless of the food type, a parent should ensure that the dog feeds on a balanced diet to maintain a good health eventually allowing it to develop cognitively and physically. If the Giant Schnauzer parent decide to feed a pet the commercial dry or wet food, he or she should ensure the first three ingredients are proteins from a known source.
The commercial pet food should neither contain preservatives, chemicals, additives, meat by-products, generic meat products, nor fillers. The same goes to the snacks. Dry or wet food should also be formulated for large-sized puppies, adults, and senior depending on the age of your Giant Schnauzer. Check the physique of your pooch to know whether it is overweight or underweight.
If you can see the ribs, chances are the pet is underweight. Although, if the ribs are not visible but you can feel them without pressing hard, the pet has an ideal weight. If you cannot feel the ribs, the dog is obese and need regular exercise. After getting a puppy from a breeder, the owner is likely to switch to another quality food. They should gradually do this over a period of four weeks by mixing both new food and old food. As the weeks progresses, the amount of old food reduces as the new food increases until the Giant Schnauzer is only feeding on new food during the fourth week.
Giant Schnauzer Neck Size
A Giant Schnauzer has a neck size of 20 to 26 inches ( approx. 50 to 66 cm ).
Giant Schnauzer Colors
This breed has similar coat colors with Standard Schnauzer, solid black and Salt & Pepper.
Giant Schnauzer Allergies
A Giant Schnauzer may suffer from various forms of allergies as discussed below:
Food allergies – Giant Schnauzers may suffer from food allergies that causes an immune response. Therefore, it is accompanied with a wide range of symptoms varying from skin issues symptoms to gastrointestinal stress. Skin issues symptoms include hives, hot spots, crusting lesions, pruritus, and dermatitis while gastrointestinal stress includes acute vomiting and diarrhea, and weight loss.
Skin allergies – A Giant Schnauzer is prone to skin allergies due to food, environmental, and contact allergies that manifest on the skin.
Contact allergies – This allergy results in inflammation once the skin comes in contact with the allergen. Some of the contact allergens that affect Giant Schnauzers include plastics, bed linens, grooming products, lawn chemicals, carpet cleaning detergents, medication, and latex.
Environmental allergies – One of the environmental allergens that affect Giant Schnauzers include fleas. The saliva of this insect cause flea allergy dermatitis that normally affects the back legs and underneath the tail. It results in excessive biting, scratching, and licking until the skin around the bite area is raw. Other allergens that affect this breed include pollen, grass, trees, ragweed, mites, house molds, and dust and dust mites. Symptoms of environmental allergies include nasal discharge, congestion, sneezing, and itchiness on various body parts such as muzzle, paws, feet, groin, around the eyes, ears, face, and between the toes.
Giant Schnauzer Ears
A Giant Schnauzer may either have natural or cropped ears. Natural ears are V-shaped, of medium length, and button-like. Whereas the cropped ears are erect with pointed tips.
Giant Schnauzer Head
This breed has a strong, elongated, and rectangular shaped head.
Giant Schnauzer Tail
A Giant Schnauzer may either have a natural tail or a docked tail in countries that permit tail docking. The tail is cut at the second joint and not more than the third joint.
Giant Schnauzer Teeth
During birth, Giant Schnauzers puppies are born with no teeth. However, the deciduous teeth start growing in from the age of 2 to 3 weeks until the dog has a total of 28 milk teeth between the age of 6 to 8 weeks. From the age of 12 weeks the deciduous teeth start falling out as the permanent teeth erupt beneath them. Between the age of 6 to 8 months, a Giant Schnauzer should have a total of 42 permanent teeth.
Are Giant Schnauzers Hypoallergenic
Yes. Giant Schnauzers are hypoallergenic dogs since they shed at low levels all-year round. This breed also has a wiry coat that traps the loose hair preventing the release of dander and hair into the environment. However, apart from dander and hair, dog’s urine, saliva, and mucus have a protein allergen that aggravates allergies.
Are Giant Schnauzers Aggressive
If properly socialized, Giant Schnauzers are able to differentiate between a friend and foe. Socialization training is a must since this breed is naturally suspicious of strangers, has a territorial instinct, and it is protective of its family which makes it potentially aggressive if not socialized.
Are Giant Schnauzers Good Guard Dogs
Yes. Giant Schnauzers are naturally protective of their families. They are also alert, wary of strangers, and possess a territorial instinct.
Are Giant Schnauzers Smart
Yes. Giant Schnauzers are loyal, smart, and highly trainable dogs.
Are Giant Schnauzers Easy To Train
Yes. Giant Schnauzers are intelligent dogs that learn pretty fast making them easily trainable.
Giant Schnauzers Quick Facts
- They are popular for their distinctive coarse hair on top of the head as well as pronounced eyebrows and beards.
- Giant Schnauzers have long and crisp strides.
- It is the largest breed of the Schnauzer breeds.
