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Description
The Giant Schnauzer, also known as Reisenschnauzer, is a trendy breed of large, compact dog that originated in Germany. It belongs to the working breed family which is admired for their exceptional guarding and rescuing skills. Giant Schnauzers have been bred to become cattle dogs. Their wiry double coat is dense and hard in the outside and soft underneath. Their hair typically stands up at the back along with coarser and longer bushy beard, whiskers, and eyebrows. Its colors usually include solid black, as well as salt and pepper.
Height and Weight
The male members of the Giant Schnauzer normally stand a height of 26 to 28 in at the withers, and weigh 60 to 105 lbs. Bitches, on the other hand, are relatively smaller with a height of 23 to 26 in, and a weight of 55 to 75 lbs.
Temperament
Giant Schnauzers, in general, are versatile and intelligent working dogs. They are brave, bold, and vigorous. The breed is also known to be loyal, reliable, and loving toward their family owners. Giant Schnauzers can become calm if sufficiently exercised. They are easy to train, and tend to respond very well to firm yet gentle and consistent leadership. To keep the breed from becoming suspicious with strangers, proper socialization with various people must be provided. Additionally, Giant Schnauzers make tremendous guarding dogs. Adequate mental and physical stimulation will keep them even-tempered and sweet-natured.
Grooming
Despite their being low shedding kind, the breed is still quite demanding when it comes to grooming department. Brushing their coat and cleaning their beard need to be done on a daily basis. To keep Giant Schnauzers clean, hair-trimming would also be necessary. Combing has to be done twice a week, while shaping would be best carried out by professional groomers every four to six months.
Health Concerns
Some of the common health complications associate with the breed are hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, and several auto-immune diseases. Some cases of cancer and epilepsy have also been recorded. Nevertheless, with proper attention, diet, and exercise, Giant Schnauzers can live for as long as 10 to 12 years.
Best Environment
Members of the Giant Schnauzer breed are not recommended to be confined in an apartment. They are, at the very least, suited for dwellings with access to a spacious yard. Time on when they stay indoors or outdoors also has to be divided. Indoor living will meet the dog’s socialization needs, while outdoor exposure meets their basic exercise requirements. Physical exertions such as biking, off-leash play, and hiking are great for them.
