| AKC Group: | Working |
| A.K.A.: | N/A |
| Functions: | Hunting, Guard dog, Companion |
| Year of Origin: | 1800s |
| Country of Origin: | Russia |
| Life Span (yr): | 12 - 15 |
| Colors: | Black, Salt and Pepper |
| Height (Inch): | 23.5 - 27.5 |
| Weight (lb): | 55 - 80 |
| Size: | Large |
| Hair Length: | Medium |
| Energy: |  |
| Playfulness: | |
| Ease of Training: | |
| Exercise Needed: | |
| Self Protection: |  |
| Grooming: |  |
| Shedding: |  |
| Watch Dog: | |
| Living Area: | |
Appearance:
Looking like a larger, stronger version of his cousin, the Standard Schnauzer, the Giant Schnauzer is a powerful and sturdy dog. He is a well-proportioned breed and every aspect of his appearance is bold. His ears are usually cropped – giving them ends that are pointed. If they are left natural, they hang down like moderately sized Vs. His eyes are also moderately sized and are usually brown in color. He has distinctive bushy eyebrows that never impair his vision and a tell-tale beard. The coat of the Giant Schnauzer is rough to the touch and very wiry. He does have a thick undercoat that is much softer.
Temperament:
The temperament of the Giant Schnauzer is a mixture of liveliness, spiritedness, and awareness. He is also very bright and highly dependable. He is calm and composed in even the most stressful situations. He is watchful of the area around him and likes to protect his family and home. He can be very brave if he needs to be – which is a result of his deep loyalty to the people he loves. He is actually quite playful, even given his large size. The Giant Schnauzer gets along well with most people and almost all animals – there are always exceptions. And, it goes without saying that small creatures take their lives in their own paws if they approach the Giant Schnauzer unsupervised.
Health:
There are a few health concerns which potential owners should discuss with breeders or veterinarians of the Giant Schnauzer. Specifically, the Giant Schnauzer is prone to bloat or gastric torsion. Although it does not sound fatal, it could be deadly if not treated within several hours of its onset. With the condition, gases inside the stomach become trapped as the stomach contorts and becomes twisted. Only emergency veterinary surgery can save the dog. The Giant Schnauzer is also susceptible cancer and epilepsy. As with most large breeds of dogs, he may also have hip dysplasia (stiffness of his joints) which with age can worsen and cause him to become immobile.
Maintenance:
Because the fur of the Giant Schnauzer is so thick, it can become matted very quickly if it is not brushed often. If he does become matted, the matting must be cut out with a scissors. In addition, the Giant Schnauzer should be trimmed quarterly. Doing so will give him an even looking coat. For those owners who strive to have their Giant Schnauzer look his best, he must be hand-stripped a few times each year, as well. Since they do not develop a doggy smell and they do not shed, it alleviates a lot of work of the owner. His eyes, ears, beard and moustache may need to be trimmed more frequently. The Giant Schnauzer loves to run without constrains of his leash or go for a nice swim. A dog park is the ideal playground.