Giant Schnauzer Characteristics: The powerful and faithful Giant Schnauzer is a breed of large dog classified as a member of the Working Dog Group (AKC:1930). The Giant Schnauzer, is characterized by its powerful, rugged appearance with a long, rectangular head with V-shaped eyebrows that extend over the eyes, and thick whiskers over the chin. Other characteristics include dark, medium sized, oval shaped eyes; small, V-shaped, drop ears; a high set tail and a springy, agile gait. The temperament of the Giant Schnauzer can be described as Dominant, Intelligent, Loyal. The coat type of the Giant Schnauzer is described as hard, wiry outer coat in black, pepper & salt colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Giant Schnauzer demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog, Herder and Guard Dog and is known by its nick name the "Giant Snouter". The origin of the Giant Schnauzer dog breed was in Germany where it was developed in the 1880's. Fast Facts about the Giant Schnauzer: The following facts provide fast information about the Giant Schnauzer breed. Size: Large *** Breed Group: Working Dog Group (AKC:1930) *** Nick name: "Giant Snouter" *** Origin: Germany *** Male Height: 26 - 28 inches (66 - 71 cm) *** Female Height: 23 - 26 inches (58 - 66 cm) *** Male Weight: 60 - 105 pounds (27 - 48 kg) *** Female Weight: 55 - 75 pounds (25 - 34 kg) *** Coat Type: hard, wiry outer coat *** Coat Colors: black, pepper & salt colors *** Litter Size: 5-8 puppies *** Health Problems: Gastric Torsion, Hip and Elbow Dysplasia *** Lifespan: 10-12 years *** Hypoallergenic: Yes Giant Schnauzer Breed Group and Dog Type - Working Dog Group (AKC:1930): The Giant Schnauzer is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Working Dog Group (AKC:1930). Other names for the Giant Schnauzer: The Giant Schnauzer is known by the nickname of the "Giant Snouter". Other names for this breed of dog include the Riesenschnauzer and Russian Bear Schnauzer. The nickname of the "Russian Bear Schnauzer" derives from Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Giant Schnauzer" reflects the giant size of the dog and the word "Schnauzer" derives from the German word 'schnauze' meaning muzzle. (All sizes of Schnauzers have a distinctive long-bearded muzzle and whiskers). The name of the breed is said to have originated from one dog called "Schnauzer" who was exhibited, to great acclaim, at the 3rd German International Dog Show in Hanover, Germany in 1879. In Germany the Giant Schnauzer breed was originally referred to as the "Riesenschnauzer" (meaning Giant Snouter in German) was initially bred and used to drive cattle and sheep. It was also used as a guard dog. Giant Schnauzer History and Origin: The country of origin of the Giant Schnauzer breed was in Germany during the 1880's. The Giant Schnauzer was developed by dog breeders in Germany from the Standard Schnauzer, one of the three Schnauzer breeds (Standard, Giant and Miniature Schnauzer). The Giant Schnauzer was the last of all three breeds of Schnauzer to be created was initially bred and used as a guard dog and to work on German farms driving cattle and sheep. German Dog breeders cross bred the Standard Schnauzer with the German shepherd dog, the Bouvier des Flandres, the Black Russian Terrier and the Great Dane to produce a Giant Schnauzer that retained the look and characteristics of the original breed but acquired the strength, powerful frame and the instinct to protect from the other breeds. The Giant Schnauzer was first exported to the United States in the 1920s was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1930.The Russian Bear Schnauzer that was developed at the "Red Star" kennel in Russia by the military in the 1940's as the ultimate guard dog was later used in the cross breeding program of the Giant Schnauzer - hence its nickname of the "Russian Bear Schnauzer". Giant Schnauzer Modern History: The modern history of the Giant Schnauzer moved on and the breed is now used as a Watchdog, Guard Dog, Farm worker and family companion. The Giant Schnauzer is now widely used by European security forces as a police dog and also for search and rescue duties. Giant Schnauzer Height: The Giant Schnauzer breed is classified as a large sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 26 - 28 inches (66 - 71 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 23 - 26 inches (58 - 66 cm). Giant Schnauzer Weight: Not surprisingly for a large sized dog, the weight of a male dog is 60 - 105 pounds (27 - 48 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 55 - 75 pounds (25 - 34 kg). Giant Schnauzer Coat Type - LOW shedding coat: The coat type is described as hard, wiry outer coat. The term "Wire" refers to coarse hair. Giant Schnauzer Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed include black and pepper & salt colors. Giant Schnauzer Grooming - HIGH Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Giant Schnauzer are categorized as high in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The high grooming needs of the Giant Schnauzer is considered to be high-maintenance and requires almost daily brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Giant Schnauzer Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 5-8 puppies. Giant Schnauzer puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Giant Schnauzer puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Giant Schnauzer Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Powerful, Dominant, Intelligent, Loyal and Faithful. Giant Schnauzer Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The Giant Schnauzer requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one to two hours each day. This large, powerful dog has a springy, agile, athletic gait with strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Giant Schnauzer Diet: A fully grown Giant Schnauzer should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Giant Schnauzer Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Giant Schnauzer breed include Gastric Torsion, Hip and Elbow Dysplasia . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Giant Schnauzer dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: Yes (Refer to Hypoallergenic Dogs). Giant Schnauzer Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Giant Schnauzer breed is 10-12 years. Giant Schnauzer Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Giant Schnauzer breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Giant Schnauzer names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Otto *** Wolfgang *** Ritter *** Vilhelm *** Dieter *** Kellen *** Milo *** Fritz *** Manfred *** Kurt *** Jaegar. Giant Schnauzer Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Giant Schnauzer names are Elsa *** Berta *** Ada *** Helga *** Fina *** Sadie *** Luna *** Zurie *** Abby *** Candy. Fast Facts about the Giant Schnauzer: The following facts provide fast information about the Giant Schnauzer breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Working Dog Group (AKC:1930) *** Size: Large *** Country of Origin: Germany *** History / Date: 1880's *** Male Giant Schnauzer Height: 26 - 28 inches (66 - 71 cm) *** Male Giant Schnauzer Weight: 60 - 105 pounds (27 - 48 kg) *** Coat Type: hard, wiry outer coat *** Litter Size: 5-8 puppies *** Giant Schnauzer Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Giant Schnauzer Lifespan: 10-12 years *** | 