Alternate Names
Munchener
Riesenschnauzer (the Giant)
Russian Bear Schnauzer (early 1900s)
Schnauze is interpreted in German to mean “muzzle”
Appearance:
Body: Proportionate and strong, powerful and well-muscled, a squarely built body with a deep prominent chest bone, well-sprung ribs and well laid back sloping shoulders.
Coat: Harsh, wiry outer coat and dense, soft undercoat.
Color: Black or pepper and salt.
Ears: Small, set on the side of the head and not on the top. Can be cropped or natural. Un-cropped ears are v-shaped and button-like.
Eyes: Medium size, dark brown and oval shaped with bushy eyebrows.
Feet: Compact and cat-like, dense hard pads, and well-arched toes.
Head: Elongated or rectangular-shaped, and flat with a strong foreface and strong broad muzzle. A slight stop, beard and large black nose.
Legs: Forelegs are straight and muscular, well-boned and vertical. Hind legs are short from the hocks to the feet with well-bent stifles.
Neck: Well-muscled, powerful and arched.
Size:
Weight: 70 – 99 pounds (32 – 45kg)
Height: 23.5 – 27.5 inches (59 – 70cm)
Tail: Straight, high set and usually docked.
Behavior
Recommended for experienced dog handlers
Males can be bossy and show aggression towards other male dogs
The Giant Schnauzer, according to AKC Standards is, “Robust, strongly built, active, sturdy, and well muscled. Temperament which combines spirit and alertness with intelligence and reliability. Composed, watchful, courageous, easily trained, deeply loyal to family, playful, amiable in repose, and a commanding figure when aroused.”
He is a very big dog with a large powerful athletic body and abundant energy who likes and needs vigorous play time and exercise. An athletic owner who likes to hike, bike, jog and participate in other athletic activities is best suited for this breed. He needs early obedience training and more socialization than other dog breeds.
This giant dog can be good with children if they are older. He is too large and playful to be around toddlers without supervision. His protective instincts may cause him to be aggressive with visiting children if he perceives that they are playing too rough with the kids in his own family.
Obedience training needs to be firm but positive, varied without too much repetition, and rewarding. The owner needs to establish who is in charge at a very early age with such a large determined breed.
Breed Type
AKC Group: Working Group
A farm and drover’s dog. Used for driving cattle, as guard dogs, and for police work.
Care and Grooming
Exercise: Lots of non-repetitious but vigorous exercise. An athletic owner who loves sport type activities is best for this breed of dog.
Grooming: Brush two to three times weekly. His beard will need more frequent combing. If desired, as with show dogs, his coat can be stripped (removing dead hair by plucking it out) two to three times annually.
Health
Life Expectancy: 11 – 12 Years
Possible Problems:
Allergies
Arthritis
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Cancer
Epilepsy Heart disease
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Incontinence
Low Thyroid
Seizures
Skin disease – can be caused by excessive heat
Toe Cancer
Recommended Certificates:
OFA (hips)