In German, the word "Schnauze" means "muzzle."
Although, the German name of
Riesenschnauzer is translated to Giant Schnauzer in English.

The Giant Schnauzer is an unusual looking dog who has high spirits, stamina and loyalty. They are Independent, very protective, bold and spirited, calm, responsible and intelligent. A dominant breed, they need firm, consistent training with a positive attitude and plentiful rewards. To be an owner of a Giant Schnauzer you should be strong, confident, and patient. Not recommended for novice owners.

The origin of the Giant Schnauzer is believed to have started in the early 1800's. The first information on large wirehaired farm dogs is from books in the 1830's which mention dogs of this type from isolated farms in the Bavarian highlands. These dogs are referred to as oberlanders. Then during a migration of people to the southern part of Germany (including some Russian tribes), some of the oberlanders were obtained in the Munich area for non farm use. It is with these dogs being bred in the Munich area that the name of Russen schnauzer, Bierschnauzer and Munichener schnauzer were used.

In 1907 the first giant schnauzer club was formed: Bavarian Schnauzer Club, and the Munich schnauzers were shown in an official/recorded show in 1909 in Munich, which is referred t as the first recognition of the breed.

Munich schnauzer was also first mentioned in the third pinscher studbook, edited in 1910 by the Pinscher-Klub. The Pinscher-Klub was concerned with establishing a breed standard and wanted it to resemble the rauhhaariger pinscher (standard schnauzer), so it was at this time that crosses with oversized standard schnauzers occurred in the central German area. It was from these three types, Oberlanders, Munich and Central German type, which the Giant Schnauzer developed from.

During World War I most breeding kennels dissolved due to the hardships of war and afterwards not many Giant Schnauzers were available. Three main kennels were attributed to reestablishing the Giant Schnauzer after World War I. The kennel von Kinzigtal owned by C. Calaminus helped to reestablish the Giant Schnauzer by crossing oberlanders that he sought out with other types of Giant Schnauzers. His giants were consistently black, and although he did not disclose his breeding program, except to admitting to using three outside crosses, it is in this line that the suspected black Great Dane may have been used.

The Giant Schnauzer entered in the Pinscher-Schnauzer Club book in 1921 when the club was renamed. In 1922 the registration of giant schnauzers was closed. In 1923 the first giant schnauzer breed standard was written. It was also after World War I that using dogs, including giant schnauzers, for protection/police work became popular. This type of work became the main occupation for Giant schnauzers due to the reduced number of farms and that cattle were no longer driven to market. Giant Schnauzers became known for their vigilance, strength, and their loyalty together with mistrust to strangers.

The Giant Schnauzer almost became extinct because of World War II. People had begun to recognize the courage and strength of the breed and unfortunately many were lost as a result of that same recognition due to them being used as War dogs. German fanciers have worked hard to secure the popularity of this breed. In Germany, the Giant is the dog of choice for police work.

Originally developed by workingmen who needed a dog to perform a specific task (the oberlanders), the development of the Giant Schnauzer's powerful build was not accidental. Although their striking good looks was an added attraction. Even today this dog is happiest when working, and is respected in many countries for its tireless service to the humans who respect its abilities.

Once seen, the Giant Schnauzer is seldom forgotten. It's appearance speaks for itself.

It is a protector that would risk its life for you.

Both in Canada and the U.S., Giants are used for search and rescue, police work and for detection of drugs and or explosives.

The Giant Schnauzer was accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1930 and into the United Kennel Club in 1948.

The breed that we see today is the result of tireless efforts from dedicated breeders around the world.

In 1962 the Giant Schnauzer Club of America was founded. Since that time, Giant Schnauzer numbers have increased in the United States.

Giants...

Temperament: Giant Schnauzers are loyal, and protective.
With Children: Yes, as long as they are socialized to children. Best with older, considerate children.
With Pets: Yes, usually gets along with other dogs and pets.
Trainability: Easy to train.
Independence: Fairly independent.
Dominance: High.
Noise: Average barker, and very vocal.
Special Skills: Police dog, watch-dog, guard-dog, sport dog (tracking, agility, endurance, obedience, protection) and family protector/companion.
Life Span: 10 - 12 Years
Litter Size: 5 - 8

The Law in Germany has not allowed the Schnauzer's ears to be cropped since January 1, 1987 and tail to be docked since June 1, 1998. Czech Republic banned docking per FCI standards since August 11, 2000. A revision was made to KCHK on March 17, 2001 which allows Schnauzers bred in Czech Republic to have docked tails. Sweden cropping was forbidden around year 1945 and docking in year 1989. Norway banned cropping in the 50's and docking in 1988. Cropping in Denmark was forbidden around the same time as Finland and docking around year 1997. Denmark does however allow certain hunting breeds to be docked, as does Germany, the ban is total in Switzerland, Sweden, Norway and Finland. Cropping has been banned in Finland since 1972 and docking since July 1st 1996. According to the Standard of the above listed countries, a docked tail is not a defect and therefore, dogs coming from countries where an anti-docking law is not yet in place, may be presented in the shows.

The GIANT is a vigorous breed and needs lots of exercise. Their approach is often one of great force and gusto. Obviously the stronger you are, the more likely you will be able to cope with a GIANT. They need walks, playtime, or jogging. If they do not get enough exercise, they will make up their own. Running back and forth through the house with toys, chasing the kids and/or getting underfoot are some of the ways GIANTS signal their restlessness. Simply putting a GIANT "in the yard" for exercise is not enough. A GIANT PUPPY is a bundle of energy and needs plenty of exercise.
If you want a GIANT, consider carefully whether you can meet the extensive requirements to keep him well and happy. YOU MUST GIVE the GIANT the NECESSARY SOCIALIZING, TRAINING, and GUIDANCE which such a dynamic dog needs to be their best. However, if the GIANT can fulfil your requirement for a protective, loyal and obedient pet and you can meet their requirements for socializing, training, exercise, grooming and above all, LOVE, we recommend the GIANT SCHNAUZER to you.

The Giant Schnauzer is a very healthy breed. Hip dysplasia, PRA (blindness), hypothyroidism (hormonal disfunction) are hereditary disorders most commonly found in this breed.

As you may know, each breed of dog has its own unique set of nutritional requirements.



Their unique set of nutritional requirements have been passed on from generation to generation just like the breed's unique coat, body size and temperament. We have found that we can not change the genetic makeup of the animals we are feeding just by exposing them to a different diet for a small amount of time. Therefore, I suggest that Giant Schnauzer owners try to feed their present companion pets with foods that contain what this breed requires. The food should contain: (#1) nutrient sources that are similar to those found in the native environment of the breed's ancestors (sources which are not foreign to the digestive and glandular systems of today's Giant Schnauzer and which are easy for them to assimilate) and (#2) the proper balance of protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that match the breed specific nutritional requirements - those which have been passed on by their ancestors.


Pet owners who feed their companion pets correctly can save a lot of money. Many dogs are taken to the vet, suffering from nutritionally related problems, and the vet bills can be huge. i.e. dry/itchy/flaky skin, hot spots, yeast infections in the ear, thyroid - liver - kidney problems, just to name a few, cost the average dog owner hundreds of dollars every year. That is why I recommend that pet owners learn about the nutritional needs of the animal they are feeding before deciding on one of the many foods which are now available. When we first learn what our companion pet needs and then choose a diet that is correct for the animal being fed, it is a win-win situation: the dogs are healthier and the owners save money.


I personally believe that the best diet for a Giant Schnauzer is one that the owner makes fresh, using quality ingredients, without preservatives. It only takes about one to two hours a week to cook for a Giant Schnauzer so that both #1 & #2 are met and preparing home cooked meals for a dog can be less expensive than buying the average all-breed, any-breed commercial pet food. I hope that you will consider using this option to feed your companion pets correctly.

German schnauzers are closer to the standard in what refers to hair quality and general appearance, while American schnauzers are sometimes better constructed and have stronger bones and better heads. I am not generalizing, and this depends whether we are talking about giants, standards or miniatures. The common mind that American schnauzers are straight in front is false; I have seen many schnauzers with an excellent structure and excellent forequarter’s angulations in the States, but almost all with bad texture and wrong colour. The texture problem is due to the high amount of undercoat that these dogs have. Breeders need to reduce the number of sub-hairs pro follicle to get a better hair quality.

The Giant Schnauzer is agile, curious, quick and willing to learn. Puppies are relatively easy to housebreak.

The results of training will be in direct proportion to the time, effort, attitude and consistency with which the GIANT is trained. Anyone seriously considering the breed must devote time to his training. Puppy Classes and Obedience Schools are a great help, so be prepared to spend time and effort. A well-trained GIANT is a proud possession! But, one ill- trained or out of control is a lawsuit in the making.

Term Definition
OFA Certified Usually means that the breeder has sent X-Rays of a specific dog to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for evaluation and an official clearance certificate. To verify that an animal has been OFA certified, you can visit the OFA website and search their database.
CERF Certified Usually means that the breeder has sent the results of tests done by a canine opthalmologist for a particular dog to the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) for evaluation and an official clearance certificate.
Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is a condition which is cause by a problem in the structure of the hip joint. The head of the thigh bone no longer fits firmly in the "cup" provided by the hip socket. It is mainly seen in larger dogs and is the main cause of rear lameness in dogs.
VWD Tested Usually means that the breeder has had a blood test done for a specific dog which indicates whether or not the dog is free of von Willebrand's Disorder (VWD) which is a blood clotting condition causing hemorrhaging from a simple injury/illness.
PLE Protein Losing Enteropathy is an inherited immune-mediated disease of the intestines. Many dogs don't show clinical signs of this disease until they are over the age of 5. Abnormal fluid accumulation may occur secondary to decreased protein levels in the blood. For more information on these protein-wasting diseases, click here.
PLN Protein Losing Nephropathy is an inherited immune-mediated disease of the kidneys. Many dogs don't show clinical signs of this disease until they are over the age of 5. Abnormal fluid accumulation may occur secondary to decreased protein levels in the blood. For more information on these protein-wasting diseases, click here.
PRA Progressive Retinal Atrophy, an eye condition that afflicts many breeds, especially those with protruding eyes. It is characterized by degeneration of cells of the retina, leading eventually to loss of sight. It is a progressive disease starting later in a dog's life (5+ years) and which often starts with loss of night vision.
CEA Collie Eye Anomaly is a syndrome that involves one or more of the following: retinal degeneration, cataract, and retinal detachment.
Slipped Stifle A condition which occurs when the kneelike joint above the hock in the hind leg of a dog slips and may require surgery.
Chemical Sensitivity Refers to a dog being sensitive to anesthesia, flea powders, and various medications

Many sources indicate that the Giant Schnauzer originated in the Bavarian Highlands and is related to large dogs know as "oberlanders" (around 1810-1830) Nothing of certainty is known of these large farm dogs. Russen Schnauzer were large dogs appearing around Munich during Russian migration to this area. During this same period of time dogs known as bierschnauzer (beer schnauzer) and Munchener (Munich) Schnauzer appeared in breweries as guard dogs both in the breweries and with the horse drawn carts.

In Southern Germany there appeared at about the same time wire-haired pinscher soon to be known as the Schnauzer. The oberlanders and oversized salt and pepper standards were bred to produce a larger schnauzer-type dog. It is also widely believed that the black Great Dane and Bouvier des Flandres were in the mix of our modern day Giant. For a very detailed and interesting account of the development of the three breeds of Schnauzers, The breed was created by crossing the medium-sized Standard schnauzer with black Great Danes, Bouvier des Flandres (Belgian cattle dog), German Pinscher and local cattle dog commonly found on Bavarian farms in Southern Germany. The Giant Schnauzer is a powerful, hardy, athletic, bold and good-natured dog that has always been popular as a good family companion. His imposing looks and high trainability made him a valued member of canine units of police departments. During the war, the Giant Schnauzer was used as a Red Cross aid and for carrying dispatches.
The Giants take their protection duties very seriously and are very popular as personal protection dogs. They will not retreat when threatened and make excellent watchdogs. Prospective Giant owners should bear in mind that this is primarily a working breed that needs lots of exercise, various activities and firm handling.

Most Giant Schnauzers have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, they may be suspicious of everyone, which could lead to biting. Some Giant Schnauzers go in the opposite direction -- without enough socialization, they become fearful of strangers, which can lead to defensive biting.

Giant Schnauzers have a lot of energy and need lots of daily exercise to avoid behavioral problems (chewing, digging and barking).

Giant Schnauzers are not Golden Retrievers. The best Giant Schnauzers are versatile working dogs, capable of learning a great deal, but they have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. Some Giant Schnauzers are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.

Many Giant Schnauzers are dominant or aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex. Some have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals.

If you have small children, or if you or anyone who lives with you is elderly or infirm, I do not recommend Giant Schnauzer puppies. Young Giant Schnauzers (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people. The temptation to play roughly is simply too strong in many young Giant Schnauzers.

There have been concerns over the temperament and hip dysplasia in the Giant Schnauzer. These have been reduced through responsible breeding and screening. There have been cases of epilepsy, hypothyroidism and cataracts.


Common Ailments

Skin problems
Digestive problems


Susceptibility To Illness

Medium

Lastly, most Giants are very dog aggressive and LOVE to fight. This can be turned around with a good trainer and can be avoided in many cases with proper socialisation. But all prospective owners should be aware of this problem and make a plan to remove it from their dog's character BEFORE it shows itself, because more often than not -it does. Obedience training around other (well-behaved) dogs is the best way to curb this and prevent it too.