Giant Schnauzer

AKC Group: Working

Club: Giant Schnauzer Club of America, Inc.

Secretary : Terry Parker
Address: 2376 Woodhouse Mine Rd., West Point, CA , 95255
Website: www.giantschnauzerclubofamerica.com
Club Type: Specialty

General Apperance:

The Giant Schnauzer should resemble, as nearly as possible, in general appearance, a larger and more powerful version of the Standard Schnauzer, on the whole a bold and valiant figure of a dog. Robust, strongly built, nearly square in proportion of body length to height at withers, 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. The sound, reliable temperament, rugged build, and dense weather-resistant wiry coat make for one of the most useful, powerful, and enduring working breeds

Coat:

Hard, wiry, very dense; composed of a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat which, when seen against the grain, stands slightly up off the back, lying neither smooth nor flat. Coarse hair on top of head; harsh beard and eyebrows, the Schnauzer hallmark.

History:

The breed was originally developed in Germany as one of the three distinct Schnauzer breeds, Miniature, Standard and Giant. All Schnauzers had their origins in the neighboring kingdoms of Wurttenberg and Bavaria. These are agricultural sections where the raising of sheep and livestock were a major occupation. Livestock had to be driven to market, and the Schnauzer was the aid to the shepherd. For many years the Giant Schnauzer was called the Munchener, and it is widely known as a great cattle and driving dog. The breed was also used as a guard dog being in the possession of the butchers and the breweries.

During World War I the breed was recognized in Germany for its intelligence and trainability becoming one of the breeds utilized since for police training.

Fun Facts:

• The German name of the Giant Schnauzer is Riesenschnauzer, meaning "the giant."
  
  
• The Giant Schnauzer should closely resemble the other Schnauzers, but it is important to remember that the three Schnauzers - Miniature, Standard, and Giant - are all distinct breeds that have simply developed to look very similar.
  
  
• All Schnauzers had their origin in the neighboring kingdoms of Wurttemberg and Bavaria, agricultural sectors where dogs as farm help were in great demand.
  
  
• Drovers, craving larger, more powerful dogs, interbred with other breeds, including the Great Dane, to achieve the Giant Schnauzer.
  
  
• The Giant Schnauzer is in fact not a Giant breed but simply the largest of the Schnauzers.
  
  
• Not until just before World War I did the Giant Schnauzer begin to come to nationwide attention in Germany as a suitable subject to receive police training at the schools in Berlin and other principal cities.