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GIANT SCHNAUZER BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Grooming / Training / Additional Information
Breed Description
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* Effective May 1, 2008, the Giant Schnauzer moved from the Herding Dog Group to the Guardian Dog Group.
** The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees. |
| Origin: |
Germany |
| Height: |
Male 25.5 to 27.5 inches (65-70 cm)
Female 23.5 - 25.5 inches (60-65 cm)
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The Giant Schnauzer, also known as the Münchener Dog and the Riesenschnauser, is believed to have originated near Munich, Germany. Originally used as a cattle driver, and later as a guardian and police dog, the breed also served with valour during two world wars.
The Giant Schnauzer closely resembles the smaller Standard and Miniature Schnauzers, however, these are three separate and distinct breeds. He is larger and more powerful than the Standard and gives an impression of strength, courage, and nobility.
The Giant Schnauzer is intelligent, easily trained, reliable, versatile, bold, and good-natured. He is an excellent guard dog, deeply loyal to his family, and especially good with young children and other pets within his family He may, however, show aggression toward strange children or animals. |

Gossip vom Klingsgarten
Photo courtesy of Berendhaus Kennel
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Today, the Giant Schnauzer is not only a good family companion and protector but he is also seen working as a Police Dog, Sniffer Dog, in Search and Rescue and as a Therapy Dog. The Giant also enjoys various dog sports and activities, such as obedience, agility, and herding.
His weather-resistant coat is strong, hard and wiry, short on the ears, head and throat, and slightly longer on the legs and under the chest. He has a beard and eyebrows that add to the rectangular look of his head. He also has a soft and dense undercoat. In colour, he is either a deep, solid black or salt-and-pepper.
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Health Issues for the Giant Schnauzer Breed:
If you are considering the adoption of a Giant Schnauzer puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. For the Giant Schnauzer this should include being x-rayed clear of Hip Dysplasia. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
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Breed Standards:
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AKC GIANT SCHNAUZER VIDEO
24 Min Video Edition, Published by the AKC
Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
Available from Dogwise.com
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Grooming:
The Giant Schnauzer's wiry coat requires regular maintenance. This is a breed that does not shed; therefore, the coat must be stripped or clipped regulary (about every 8 to 10 weeks). Weekly brushing and combing also helps prevent matting. Professional grooming at least twice a year and weekly grooming in between are required in order to maintain the Giant's wiry coat.
- Grooming Tips From the Giant Schnauzer Club (UK)
- Grooming This growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes grooming information, tips and techniques as well as listings of Groomers from across Canada.
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SHOW GROOMING THE GIANT SCHNAUZER VIDEO
2 Hr Video Edition, Published by Sonnen Productions
This is one of the breed grooming videos from Sonnen productions under the guidance of Michael Kemp, a top handler and groomer.
Available from Dogwise.com
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PET GROOMING THE SCHNAUZER VIDEO
45 Min Video Edition, Published by Sonnen Productions
This is one of the breed grooming videos from Sonnen productions under the guidance of Michael Kemp, a top handler and groomer.
Available from Dogwise.com
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Training Resources:
Early socialization and obedience training are strongly recommended for the Giant Schnauzer.
- Training For information on training your Giant Schnauzer, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
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Additional Information:
- Herding Dogs A new section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes training and general information about Herding/Stock Dogs; listing of Stock Dog Clubs and Associations; listing of upcoming shows and events; and more.
- Clubs, Sports and Activities This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes information on several sports and activities including agility, conformation, obedience, herding, and much more. In addition, listings of non-breed specific clubs from across Canada can be found here. (Note: For Breed specific Clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.)
- Working Dogs The Working Dogs section covers such dog jobs as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Police K9s and much more. Also included here are listings of organizations from across Canada.
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