History of the Giant Schnauzer Dog Breed
The breed’s origin is uncertain, although some combination of black Great Danes, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Bouvier des Flandres, Boxers, Doberman, Thuringian Shepherds, and Standard Schnauzers are suggested. The Giant Schnauzers were developed in the German state of Bavaria, and Württemberg in the 17th century.
These original Giant Schnauzers were regarded as a rough-coated form of the German Pinscher breeds, and their hair was believed to aid them to withstand the severe German winters and bites from vermin.
The Giant Schnauzer was developed as a multipurpose farm dog for defending property and driving livestock. Today, the Giant Schnauzer is still used as a working dog, but also excels in obedience, agility, tracking, herding and schutzhund.
Giant Schnauzer Appearance and Breed Characteristics
The breed is the largest of the three Schnauzer breeds (Standard Schnauzer and Miniature Schnauzer). The breed’s most distinguishing feature is its thick, bristly eyebrows, moustache, and beard. This facial hair not only gives the Giant Schnauzer a unique appearance, but it also helps to protect the dog’s eyes from debris and ultraviolet light. In addition to their distinctive coats, Giant Schnauzers also have strong, square jaws and expressive brown eyes.
Coat
The Giant Schnauzer is a large, muscular dog with a thick coat of wiry hair. The most distinctive feature of this breed is its bushy eyebrows and mustache, which give it a distinctively dapper appearance. Giant Schnauzers come in salt-and-pepper, black and silver, or solid black.
Size
Although their name might imply otherwise, the Giant Schnauzer is not the largest dog breed. In fact, the average height for a male Giant Schnauzer is only about 25.5 to 27.5 inches tall at the shoulder, with females being slightly smaller at 23.5 to 25.5 inches. They weigh in at a solid 35 to 47 kg (77 to 104 lb).
Are Giant Schnauzers Hypoallergenic?
There is no one definitive answer to this question. Some people may say that Giant Schnauzers are hypoallergenic, while others may not. It really depends on the individual person’s allergies and how they react to different dog breeds.
However, Giant Schnauzers do have a reputation for being relatively low-shedding dogs, which may make them a good choice for people with allergies. If you’re considering getting a Giant Schnauzer, it’s important to talk to your allergist and/or do some research to see if this breed is a good fit for you.
Maintenance
Although Giant Schnauzers do not tend to shed excessively, they do require regular grooming to maintain their luscious coat. Washing your Giant Schnauzer once every three months should suffice, and brushing them twice a week will help keep their coat healthy and free of tangles. A professional groomer may be necessary.
Dental hygiene is also important for Giant Schnauzers, so regular brushing and dental check-ups are essential. Nail clipping should be done as needed. Ear cleanings should be done regularly to avoid infection, and their ears should be checked for any signs of irritation or wax buildup.
Diet
They require a diet that is high in protein and calories to support their growth and activity level. Adult Giant Schnauzers should be fed three and 3/8 to four and 1/4 cups of food per day, divided into two meals. It’s important to choose a high-quality food that is designed for large breeds, as this will ensure that your dog gets all the nutrients they need.
The exact amount of food your giant schnauzer needs will depend on his age, activity level, and build. However, all giant schnauzers need a diet that’s high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates. Giant schnauzers are working dogs, so they need a lot of calories to fuel their bodies.
Training
Despite their large size, Giant Schnauzers are relatively easy to train due to their intelligence and eagerness to please their owners. Basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down can be taught relatively easily. However, like all dogs, Giant Schnauzers require patience and consistency when being trained. In addition, house training can be a challenge for Giant Schnauzer puppies. With proper training, Giant Schnauzers make excellent companion animals that will bring years of enjoyment to their families.
Activity Level
The Giant Schnauzer is a large, energetic dog breed that requires plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. These dogs make great working dogs and guard dogs.
When it comes to exercise, these dogs need at least an hour or two of vigorous activity every day. A long daily walk will suffice, but Giant Schnauzers also enjoy playing fetch, going for a run, or hiking in the woods. Thanks to their high energy levels, Giant Schnauzers are not well suited for apartment living.
Giant Schnauzer Health Problems
The average lifespan for a Giant Schnauzer is 10-12 years. While Giant Schnauzers are generally healthy dogs, there are a few health concerns to be aware of.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Giant Schnauzers are prone to developing hip and elbow dysplasia, which are both conditions that can lead to arthritis and joint pain. While there is no cure for dysplasia, it can be managed through weight control, exercise, and pain medication.
Drooling and Food Particles in the Beard
Another health concern for Giant Schnauzers is drooling and food particles getting stuck in their beard. This can lead to irritation and infection, so it’s important to keep the beard clean and free of debris.
Allergies
Giant Schnauzers can also suffer from allergies, which can cause itchiness, runny eyes, and sneezing. If your dog is showing signs of allergies, talk to your veterinarian about the best course of treatment.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a common problem in older dogs, and Giant Schnauzers are no exception. Surgery can correct cataracts, but it’s important to catch them early to avoid vision loss.
Giant Schnauzer Temperament and Personality
The Giant Schnauzer is a large, strong dog breed that was originally bred in Germany. These dogs are very intelligent and have a reputation for being stubborn and independent. They are also very loyal to their families and can be quite territorial. However, they can also be quite timid around strangers and may need some socialization training. Overall, the Giant Schnauzer is a great family dog that will protect and love its family members.
For Whom?
The Giant Schnauzer is a dog for people who love active dogs and are looking for a versatile breed that can be used for many activities. The Giant Schnauzer is not a dog for first-time dog owners or those looking for a lapdog. This is a large, energetic breed that needs plenty of exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Giant Schnauzers are also very intelligent dogs that need to be given plenty of mental stimulation to avoid boredom and destructive behavior. If you are looking for an active, versatile companion that will keep you on your toes, the Giant Schnauzer may be the breed for you.
Giant Schnauzer Puppy Price
As one of the larger breeds of dogs, Giant Schnauzers are not cheap. Prices for a puppy can range from $1,200 to $3,500 depending on the breeder and bloodline. While this may seem like a lot of money, keep in mind that Giant Schnauzers are a lifetime commitment.
They require proper care and training, and their lifespan is shorter than smaller breeds. Before deciding to purchase a Giant Schnauzer puppy, be sure that you are prepared to provide them with everything they need for a happy and healthy life, as they’re not the lowest-maintenance breed of dog.
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