Origin: Germany
Origin of Name: The Giant Schnauzer is used as a police dog; is trained for obedience.
Size | Temperament | Shedding | Drooling | Monthly keeping cost | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Small | Zero High |
Negligible Hair Everywhere |
Zero Excess |
|
The Giant Schneiser was developed in the Bavarian Alps in the mid-1800s. These rugged Working Dogs, bred from standard Schnauzer, were used to bring cattle from the farm to the market.
They also served as formidable Guard Dogs for farmers, traders and innocent people. After the railroad turned cattle trains obsolete, the Giants found work as European police and military K-9s. In the US, the Giants earned a name as eye-catching show dogs, obedience champions, and courageous guardians of home and family.
The Giant Schnauzer has a dense, wavy, weather-resistant double coat with a soft undercoat and a stiff outer coat. Giant should be brushed weekly, and regularly clipped or stripped to maintain a healthy and attractive coat. The owner must be willing to spend time to maintain the coat or plan to have the dog groomed from time to time by the breeder or someone whom the breeder advises. Giant ears should be regularly checked for signs of infection, and teeth should be brushed frequently using toothpaste designed for dogs.
Highly intelligent and strongly territorial, the giant Schnauzer loves his bosses and feels a lot of responsibility to protect them. He learns quickly and can distinguish between friend and foe. Giants want to live with their owners and cannot be ignored or left in the yard. A Giant Schnauzer also needs to do something as simple as chasing a ball. The Giant is a "high-energy, protective, regional Guard Dog," says a fan of a major breed. "Ethnicity is not for the casual owner." Giants do their best with fencing running rooms, regular exercise and activities that provide mental and physical exercise. They enjoy dog sports such as karting, herring, agility, ability testing, and obedience. Early socialization and puppy training classes are a must with this strong, protective breed.
More energetic and up-tempo than most larger breeds, Giants require a lot more exercise. It would be nice to take long daily walks, play sessions with other dogs or romance with their owners in the yard. Legendary workout companions for bicyclists, bicyclists, cross-country skis, swimming, or schizophrens. All these activities require very active involvement with the owner. Vishal needs a companion as a human being with whom he can play, or with another big dog. Finding sports that he will hide and seek or chase a tennis-ball, practice both mind and body and help keep him fit and happy.
Giant Schenzer should be given a high quality diet suitable for the dog's age (puppy, adult or senior) and activity level. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet, check with your vet.
Vishal Schnauzers are overall healthy, and will screen dedicated breeders for health problems such as hip dysplasia, eye disease, and autoimmune thyroiditis. Prospective owners should select a breeder who is a member of the Giant Schneiser Club of America. Members of the GSCA agree for a code of ethics in reproduction and will prepare the owner's resource for health information as well as help and tips on Giant Sinusar care and training.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: