The Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer ('Riesenschnauzer') is the largest of the three types of schnauzer. They originated in the Barvarian region of Southern Germany. The German word "schnauzer" means "snout", which some believe refers to the distinctive bearded muzzle, and others to the breed's eagerness to use its nose (as in tracking).
The Giant Schnauzer resulted from crossing the Standard Schnauzer and several other types of dogs, with many theories about the exact combination of breeds, but possibly including the Great Dane or Bouvier.
Character
The breed standard and its historic origins as a working dog, are testament to the Giant Schnauzer's strong character, an inherent component of the breed.They were bred with the physical characteristics to enable them to face harsh weather and a harsh lifestyle, and with the courage to defend and protect their companions. The first Giant Schnauzers were farm dogs, companions and guardians in remote areas. They were later used as cattle and sheep drovers, as well as used as guard dogs by brewers and butchers. It was in the twentieth century that they began to shine in police and military, beginning with police work in Berlin in the 1920's. The hardiness, courage, independence and intelligence of the breed has been demonstrated over and over again.
The Giant Schnauzer is a dominant breed of dog, and can be known for their dominance and intolerance of other dogs. They can be very protective of their territory and their pack, and can have a suspicious worldview, so require extensive socialization when they are puppies to ensure the proper development of their adult personalities.
The Giant Schnauzer will not understand inconsistency or ambivalence in roles; they thrive on consistent, fair, disciplined leadership from their owner, which frees them to become confident, stable, and trustworthy companions.The more that you can direct the energies and intelligence of the Giant Schnauzer into constructive activities such as obedience, agility or tracking the happier your dog will be.
' A tired Giant is a happy Giant'
As guardians, they need to be with their pack. This is not a breed that does well in isolation, and should not be kennelled for long periods. Giant Schnauzers believe that they have a job to do. If you don't give them one, they will soon invent their own, (maybe digging, excessive barking and/or destructive behaviours). On the other hand, they are smart, humorous (at times), proud, strong, determined, brave, and incredibly trainable.
Giant Schnauzers: What's good about 'em? What's bad about 'em?
The Giant Schnauzer resulted from crossing the Standard Schnauzer and several other types of dogs, with many theories about the exact combination of breeds, but possibly including the Great Dane or Bouvier.
Character
The breed standard and its historic origins as a working dog, are testament to the Giant Schnauzer's strong character, an inherent component of the breed.They were bred with the physical characteristics to enable them to face harsh weather and a harsh lifestyle, and with the courage to defend and protect their companions. The first Giant Schnauzers were farm dogs, companions and guardians in remote areas. They were later used as cattle and sheep drovers, as well as used as guard dogs by brewers and butchers. It was in the twentieth century that they began to shine in police and military, beginning with police work in Berlin in the 1920's. The hardiness, courage, independence and intelligence of the breed has been demonstrated over and over again.
The Giant Schnauzer is a dominant breed of dog, and can be known for their dominance and intolerance of other dogs. They can be very protective of their territory and their pack, and can have a suspicious worldview, so require extensive socialization when they are puppies to ensure the proper development of their adult personalities.
The Giant Schnauzer will not understand inconsistency or ambivalence in roles; they thrive on consistent, fair, disciplined leadership from their owner, which frees them to become confident, stable, and trustworthy companions.The more that you can direct the energies and intelligence of the Giant Schnauzer into constructive activities such as obedience, agility or tracking the happier your dog will be.
' A tired Giant is a happy Giant'
As guardians, they need to be with their pack. This is not a breed that does well in isolation, and should not be kennelled for long periods. Giant Schnauzers believe that they have a job to do. If you don't give them one, they will soon invent their own, (maybe digging, excessive barking and/or destructive behaviours). On the other hand, they are smart, humorous (at times), proud, strong, determined, brave, and incredibly trainable.
Giant Schnauzers: What's good about 'em? What's bad about 'em?