Giant schnauzer

Overall description of the breed

Originating from Germany, more precisely from the region of the Austrian Tyrol, the Schnauzer has roots dating back to the Middle Ages. Formerly known as the "Pinscher with hard hair," it was primarily bred to eradicate pests.

In the early 14th century, the Pinschers with hard and smooth hair were differentiated into two well-defined breeds. The first became known as the Schnauzer, characterized by its beard and mustache on the muzzle (the word "schnauzer" meaning "muzzle" in German). In 1895, the Schnauzer club was established, initially with the aim of creating a guard and defense dog, gaining even the reputation of a "war dog" due to its combativeness and imposing size.

At that time, only giant Schnauzers existed. Later on, the standard was modified to favor smaller subjects. Crossbreeding with dogs of Affenpinscher or Spitz type was carried out to obtain miniature specimens with a family-oriented temperament.

After this meticulous selection effort, three distinct standards emerged: miniature, standard, and giant. All three were officially recognized by the International Cynological Federation on July 13, 1955, and their current standards were updated on March 6, 2007.

Whether giant, standard, or miniature, all Schnauzers are part of the same lineage and share similar physical traits, except for their shoulder height. Vigorous, more compact than elongated, their bodies have a cubic shape, coupled with a broad and deep chest. Their head is long and broad, in harmony with the rest of their silhouette. Their medium-sized eyes are oval-shaped, framed by thick and dark eyebrows.

Their V-shaped ears hang along their jawline, which is also well-defined. Their C-shaped tail is carried high and curled over their back. Their coat, tough and dense, can be black, silver, gray, or white.

Schnauzers possess a playful temperament, always in good spirits, and they enjoy entertaining. However, they also appreciate moments of tranquility and can easily channel their energy. Deeply attached to children, Schnauzers love engaging in games with them. Excellent guard dogs, they won't hesitate to put themselves in danger to protect their family and will show particular caution towards strangers.

Loyal and devoted to their masters, they can also be quite stubborn in their decisions. Therefore, their education must be applied with firmness. Since Schnauzers are intelligent, they quickly grasp the boundaries to be respected.

However, it's important not to be too abrupt in their training; a firm yet positive educational approach would be ideal. Giant and standard Schnauzers tend to display dominant behaviors towards their counterparts. Thus, socializing them from a young age is essential. Although more robust and enduring than their smaller counterparts, all three variations make excellent everyday companions.

In adulthood, giant Schnauzers typically weigh between 30 to 48 kg (66 to 105 lb) for males and 25 to 34 kg (55 to 75 lb) for females. Their shoulder height ranges from 65 to 70 cm (25.5" to 27.5") for males and 60 to 65 cm (23.5" to 25.5") for females.