Did you know?
Using their swiveling ears like radar dishes, experiments have shown that dogs can locate the source of a sound in 6/100ths of a second.
Giant Schnauzer
We call them dumb animals, and so they are, for they cannot tell us how they feel, but they do not suffer less because they have no words.
– Anna Sewell
“Bluechip puppies 7 weeks old”
Originating in Germany in the mountains of Bavaria, the Giant Schnauzer appeared in the second decade of the 1800s. He was bred for his abilities rather than appearance and was highly prized for his versatility.
He has been used to herd cattle and drive them to market. He has worked as a guardian of the farmer’s property, and in the city he has guarded breweries, factories, stockyards, and butchers. His powerful build and strength have been put to good use pulling carts.
Giants have distinguished themselves in protection and as police dogs. They have also been used in search and rescue. The Giant Schnauzer’s popularity as an invaluable aid to the military in World Wars I and II, brought him attention for the first time outside his native Bavaria.
Giant Schnauzers first came to North America in the 1930s but did not gain any kind of popularity until the 1960s.
Schnauzers may take their name from the German word “schnauze” which means “snout” or from the word “schnauzbart” meaning “an obvious mustache”.
Photos displayed courtesy of Olga Gagne, Bluechip Perm Reg’d, Ontario
The Giant is the largest of the three Schnauzer breeds and stands 27 1/2 inches (70 cm) at the shoulder.
His dense, weather resistant double coat is wiry and may be black or salt and pepper with lighter coloured markings on the head chest and legs. The coarse coat provides protection from the elements and vermin. Schnauzers’ beards and bushy eyebrows give them an unusual look that is hard to resist!
These dogs are odorless and do not shed, making them a wonderful companion for those who suffer allergies.
Loyal and protective, the Giant’s temperament is high-spirited, alert, highly intelligent, and independent. Their love of their family is strong, and they will want to be with you, a true companion, all day.
Ch Bluechip Tempest
Bluechip Pacino
As puppies, they need a great deal of exercise. As they mature, they will be happy to spend more quiet time with their owners.
A playful breed, Giants will play fetch, run alongside a bike, or jog with their owners. They also adore swimming. The owner of this breed should be prepared to spend time with them.
Giant Schnauzers are easily trained and excel at obedience work as long as they do not find it boring. Boredom can lead to destructive behavior. As with any dog, early socialization to other dogs and children is always a good idea.
Naturally suspicious of strangers and territorial by nature, they are good guard dogs.
Today, the Giant Schnauzer participates in many dog sports including obedience, agility, herding, search and rescue, schutzhund and carting.
CKC Breed Standard
