Giant Schnauzer
Life expectancy
12 years
Age adult
32 months
Height (Shoulder height)
65 cm
Weight
41 kg
Coat texture
medium length / coarse-haired / undercoat / stiff/rigid / wiry / beard and bushy eyebrows
Coat color
black, peppersalt (grey, off white)
Common illnesses
dysplasia of the hip joint / cancer/ predisposition to tumor / factor VII deficiency / malignant hyperthermia / Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome / hyperuricosuria/hyperuricemia (HUU) / infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy
Food expenses per month in €
about € 77
Suitable for children
Rather not
Needs a garden
Rather not
Hunting motivated / needs alternative employment
Rather yes
First dog suitable
Rather yes
Allergy friendly
Rather yes
Athletic
Very atletic
Attention
Needs much attention
Care and grooming
Low grooming effort
Eager to learn
High
Exercise
Needs a lot of exercise
Nature
sensitive / quick and eager to learn / balanced / vivacious / alert / clingy / intelligent / loyal / territorial / confident
Bred for
watchdog / shepherd dog / guard carriages
Common illnesses
dysplasia of the hip joint / cancer/ predisposition to tumor / factor VII deficiency / malignant hyperthermia / Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome / hyperuricosuria/hyperuricemia (HUU) / infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy
Dog type according to FCI
pinscher and schnauzer - molossoid - swiss mountain and cattledogs
FCI description
Section 1 Pinscher and Schnauzer. These were once farm dogs that kept house and stables free of mice and rats. They also protected against intruders and accompanied the carts. They are often independent, suspicious of strangers and vigilant.
Section 2 Molossoids. These great dane-like dogs were used in the war as fighting dogs and in the Middle Ages for big game hunting. Later for guarding large estates. They are big, defensive dogs who protect and defend their family. They need a loving education early on and must not be armed in any way, otherwise the strong animals get out of control. Also the mountain dogs were typical house and yard dogs which are ready to defend but little aggressive. With same-sex conspecific, they get along however usually less well because of its distinctive precinct-behavior.
Section 3 Swiss Mountain Dog. These worked as herd prodection dogs or guard dogs in alpine valleys or pulled milk carts. They are independent, territorial and guarded house, yard and livestock.
Many dogs from this group grow very big, have a strong personality and need patient training. They can become great partners for life if you have enough space and time. Others are small, but still stubborn and want to be challenged so that their activity and vigilance can be lived out and not used against others.
Short description
The Giant Schnauzer is a loving, loyal and alert family-dog with an impressive appearance. If he gets enough physical and mental exercise he has a very balanced, cuddly and indulgent nature. Nevertheless, a soft but firm training is recommended, as he can be very stubborn.
This information is indicative and adheres to the breed standard. Each animal is an individual and has a personal character, as well as its own needs. Thus, a breed is not a guarantee of certain behaviors, etc.