<C>Height:</C> 25 1/2 to 27 1/2 inches (male); 23 1/2 to 25 1/2 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> 75 to 95 pounds.
<C>Size:</C> Large.
<C>Availability:</C> May take some effort to find.
<b>History:</> Known over history as the Russian Bear Schnauzer, Munich Schnauzer and Riesenschnauzer, the Giant Schnauzer is thought to have come from crosses between dogs such as the black Great Dane, Bouvier des Flandres and the Standard Schnauzer. The word "Schnauze" means "muzzle" in German. The Giant Schnauzer was first used as a cattle driving dog in Bavaria, then later as a guard dog, and by the police and military. The Giant Schnauzer excels at Schutzhund and also makes a good companion.
<b>Description:</> The Giant Schnauzer is a large, powerful, compact dog with bushy eyebrows, whiskers and beard. He has a harsh, wiry outer coat and dense, soft undercoat. Ideally, the dog's height is the same as his length, resulting in a rather square impression. The strong, arched neck should blend cleanly into the shoulders. The head is about half as long as the back from withers to tail attachment. The muzzle and top of the head should form parallel planes. The large nose is black. The dark brown eyes are medium-sized ovals. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The front legs are straight and parallel. Dewclaws should be removed on the hind legs and may be removed on the front legs. The tail is generally docked to the second or third joint. Cropping the ears is optional. The coat comes in solid black or salt-and-pepper.
<b>Notes:</> Good with children--very reliable. If properly trained, the Giant Schnauzer makes a fine pet. The coat needs a good brushing once a week and clipping or stripping 4- 6 times a year. Pet dogs are generally clipped, but show dogs may be stripped. This breed is dominant with other dogs and should be socialized extensively both with other dogs and people as a young puppy. Needs a lot of exercise as a puppy to prevent restlessness. Buy only from OFA certified stock.
<b>Personality:</> Very protective, bold and spirited. Calm, loyal and responsible. Intelligent. A dominant breed that needs an experienced trainer. Responds best to firm, consistent training with a positive attitude and plentiful rewards.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Best with older, considerate children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Reserved with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Easy to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Fairly independent.
<C>Dominance:</C> High.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Very dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Average barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Daily grooming is best.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> Professional trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Wiry coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Very light.
<C>Docking:</C> Both ears and tail are customarily docked.
<C>Exercise:</C> Vigorous daily exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> An excellent jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Fairly active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with acreage.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Not recommended for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
<b>Talents:</> tracking, watchdog, guarding, police work, military work, competitive obedience, and Schutzhund.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> GIANT SCHNAUZER
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
