Schnauzer (Giant)

Size
Large to Giant (27Kg +)
Exercise
20 min/day
Training
Weekly
Size of home
House with garden
Time at home
Alone with support
Grooming
Weekly
Barking preference
Moderate
Personality
Independent + affectionate

Breeder List

Breeder - Mrs SK Foote (Treuliebe)

treuliebe@gmail.com
See Details
Breeder - Ms Soile Gendle (WULFGAR)

wulfgar2010@gmail.com
See Details

miniatures supplied by Deidree Anderson extended

History

The Schnauzer originated in the 1400s in the regions of Bavaria and Wurttenberg in southern Germany in central Europe. It was developed from the crossing of German Poodle, Grey Wolf Spitz and Wire Haired Terrier (German Pinscher), primarily as a ratter, a droving and herding breed with watchdog capabilities.

It is believed the Miniature was developed by crossing smaller Standard Schnauzers with Affenpinschers and the Giant by crossing the larger Standard Schnauzers with the Great Dane and possibly the Bouvier des Flandres, or with large, coarse coated dogs known as Bavarian Wolfhounds. The Miniature’s primary purpose was to hunt vermin and as companions within the home.

The Giant was bred to drive cattle to market, which in turn saw their guarding ability come to the fore, with them being incorporated into guarding duties for butcher shops, breweries and prisons. These days their skills have been identified and used heavily in Search and Rescue, as well as police and protection work overseas.

Appearance

The wonderful world of choice is relevant to Schnauzers. Just like coffee, they come in small, medium and extra-large.

There are three distinct and different breeds falling under the category of Schnauzers: the Miniature (small), Standard (medium) and Giant (extra-large). From the original “standard size” the Miniature and Giant Schnauzers were developed. The aim was to produce exact replicas of the (Standard) Schnauzer in appearance and temperament but in smaller and larger sizes, that is, a sturdy, sensibly built and useful dog of great intelligence and reliability, loyal to its family but wary of strangers.

Sturdily built, robust, sinewy, nearly square, (length of body equal to height at shoulders). Expression Is keen and attitude alert. The Giant is also described as powerfully built and imposing.

The name Schnauzer refers to their distinctive facial appearance. Beards and eyebrows are a feature of all three breeds. The Schnauzer expression is characterised by an alert, “down the nose” expression enhanced by the correctly set ear, dark eye, dark facial mask in the salt and pepper and black and silver and their leg furnishings. They have a harsh outer coat and soft undercoat. They do not shed their coats and require regular stripping for the show ring so they can be presented with an outer wiry, coarse coat against a short undercoat. Clipping of the coat is usual for dogs that are not shown.

Eyes are medium sized, dark, oval, set forward with arched, bushy eyebrows. Ears: neat v-shaped, set high and dropping forward to temple. (1)

All sizes are nearly square in profile (length of body being equal to height at the shoulders). Ideal height for all the Schnauzer (Giant) is as follows: Dogs 65-70cm, Bitches: 60-65cm. (any variations of more than 2.5cms in these heights is undesirable. (2)

The most common colour is pepper and salt, across all three breeds, with black also represented across all three.

The Giant is a particularly powerful, muscular animal capable of great speed and endurance, standing between 60-70 cms at the shoulder and weighing in the vicinity of 35-48 kgs. Of course variables across the breeds will occur, but these present the ideal margins.

Temperament

Schnauzer (Giant) temperament is bold, reliable, good natured and composed.

This is a dog with the characteristics of a working dog. Bred originally as guard/watch dogs, ratters and as droving dogs, they should not be shy, retiring or act afraid. They are alert and intelligent, and while they will not start a fight, they will not back down. Their guard/ watch dog character make them wary of strangers.

The three breeds are seen as companion dogs and all three breeds do well at Obedience, Agility and Rally events.

WinstonManner0317-2720 3 supplied by Tess McNab. Kelly Miller from Hairy pants Photography

Health

While overall all three breeds present as fit and healthy, Giants can be susceptible to incidents of hip problems and Von Willebrands Disease. Hip Testing of Giants is recommended.

Suitability

Coming in three sizes presents a perfect opportunity for those that are attracted to the breed to get a dog that will suit their particular lifestyle. A Giant’s life span is usually from 9-14 years however, many, depending on their health and fitness, will live beyond that scope.

Standards and Giants are very adaptable to the outdoor as well as indoor lifestyle: town or country.

All three are very much people dogs and will want to be part of the family environment. We recommend that if you want an outdoors only dog, that you do not choose a Schnauzer.

They are loyal, loving but also wary, watchful and protective of their families. They are highly intelligent and can readily be taught tricks as well as excel in Obedience and Trialling events.

If you are looking for a stylish companion, from a lounge lizard to competing hard and strong in Agility and all things in between, then you may like to consider a Schnauzer.

Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Schnauzer (Giant) you may have think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Schnauzer (Giant) and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

Information from the Schnauzer Club NSW Inc

Image supplied by Petri Talvinen

References

1. and 2: DOGS AUSTRALIA Breed Standards

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 02 Jul 2009)

Download PDF

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Powerfully built, robust, sinewy, appearing almost square. Imposing, with keen expression and alert attitude. Correct conformation of the utmost importance.

Characteristics

Versatile, strong, hardy, intelligent and vigorous. Adaptable, capable of great speed and endurance and resistant to weather.

Temperament

Bold, reliable good natured and composed.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Head strong, of good length, narrowing from ears to eyes and then gradually toward end of nose. The overall length (from nose to occiput) is in proportion to the back (from withers to set on of tail) approximately 1 to 2. Upper part of head (occiput to base of forehead) moderately broad between ears - with flat creaseless forehead.Well muscled but not over developed cheeks. Medium stop accentuated by bushy eyebrows. Powerful muzzle ending in a moderately blunt wedge, with bristly stubby moustache and chin whiskers. Ridge of nose straight, running parallel to extension of forehead. Nose black and wide nostrils.
Eyes	Medium sized, dark, oval, set forward, with lower lid fitting closely.
Ears	Neat, V-shaped, set high and dropping forward to temple.
Mouth	Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Lips black, closing tightly but not overlapping.
Neck	Moderately long, strong and slightly arched, skin close to throat, neck set cleanly on shoulders.
Forequarters	Shoulders flat, well laid back. Forelegs straight viewed from any angle. Muscles smooth and lithe rather than prominent, bone strong, carried straight to feet. Elbows set close to body and pointing directly backward.
Body	Chest moderately broad and deep, reaching at least to height of elbow rising slightly backward to loins. Breast bone clearly extends to beyond joint of shoulder and upper arm forming the conspicuous forechest. Back strong and straight, slightly higher at shoulder than at hindquarters, with short, well developed loins. Slightly sloping croup. Ribs well sprung. Length of body equal to height at top of withers to ground.
Hindquarters	Strongly muscled. Stifles forming a well defined angle. Upper thighs vertical to stifle, from stifle to hock in line with extension of upper neck line, from hock vertical to ground. When viewed from rear, hindlegs parallel.
Feet	Pointing directly forward, short, round, compact with closely arched toes. Deep, dark and firm pads. Dark nails.
Tail	Docked: Set on high and carried at an angle slightly above topline. Customarily docked to two [2] joints.Undocked: Set on high and carried at an angle slightly above topline. In balance with the rest of the dog.
Gait/Movement	Free, balanced and vigorous, with good reach of forequarters and good driving power from hindquarters. Topline remains level in action.
Coat	Top coat harsh and wiry, just short enough for smartness on body. Slightly shorter on neck and shoulders, but blending smoothly into body coat. Clean on throat, skull, ears and under tail. Good undercoat. Harsh hair on legs.
Colour	1. Pure black. 2. Pepper and salt: Shades range from dark iron grey to light grey; Hairs banded black/light/black. Dark facial mask essential, harmonising with corresponding body colour.On both colours white markings on head, chest and legs undesirable. Good pigmentation essential.
Size	Height:Dogs 65-70 cms (25.5-27.5 ins)Bitches 60-65 cms (23.5-25.5 ins)Variations outside these limits undesirable.

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.