Giant FAQs

Dog Training & Breeding Professionals

Question #1

Where do Giants come from?

The first Giant Schnauzer emerged from Bavaria in the 17th century. There is not enough documentation concerning the origination of the breed, but they are speculated to have originated from a combination of the standard schnauzer, black Great Dane and Bouvier des Flandres.

Farmers favored the Standard Schnauzer but wanted a larger version. The Giant Schnauzer was bred to heard and protect the livestock. They eventually went on to guard butcher shops, breweries and factories. They were not known outside Bavaria until World War 1 and 2 where they worked as military dogs.

The first Giant Schnauzer was imported to America in 1930 but remained rare until 1962. While Giant Schnauzers are still used for hearding, they also have a proven excellence for use as police dogs, search and rescue, Schutzhund, cart dogs, service dogs, personal protection, and family companions. They are known to be great with children.

Question #2

Can I take my Giant on long runs or hikes?

The Giant Schnauzer was bred to work in colder climates. They do not tolerate the heat very well and should not be left out in hot environments. If you take them with you on warm days for hikes, runs, or training, give them frequent rest periods and keep them well hydrated.

Question #3

What size should a Giant be?

The Giant Schnauzer is a large, powerful, compact dog. They are said to be bold and regal in appearance. The stride is long and crisp. The hair on the face forms a distinct beard and eyebrows. The dog’s height (measured from withers to floor) is the same as the length measured from withers to base of tail. The head is half the length of the back when measured from the withers to the base of the tail. The head is strong and rectangular in appearance. The cheeks are flat but well-muscled. The breed standard size for a male is 25.5 to 27.5 inches tall, and weight is 70 to 100 pounds. The standard size for females ranges from 23.5 to 25.5 inches tall, and weight is 55 to 75 pounds.

Question #4

How should I expect Giants to act?

The Giant Schnauzer is an intelligent, versatile working dog that will be calm with enough exercise. They are brave, loyal, bold, and vigorous. While they are easy to train, they respond best to firm, calm consistency. Giant Schnauzers tend to be on the dominant side. They need an owner who displays consistent leadership, or they will feel it’s their job to take over as leader. The objective in training this dog is to achieve pack leader status. When you bring a dog into your home, you become their pack, and they look for a pack leader. Your relationship will flourish if you are confident, stern and consistent.

They are naturally protective; so, you must socialize them around many different people, places, and situations, to avoid them becoming overprotective and suspicious of strangers.

They are known to become highly imprinted on their owners, leading to the term “Velcro dog”.

This breed requires regular exercise several times a day. They are highly intelligent and become bored very easily, which can lead to destructive behaviors. If given the proper amount of daily mental and physical exercise, they are calm, sweet-natured goof balls!

Consider activities such as dock diving, obedience, fast cat, and barn hunt. There are so many fun activities you can do together — your Giant will thrive, and you will love it. If you don’t have time to devote to maintaining their exercise needs, then this breed is not for you.

Question #5

Do Giants have hair?

Yes! Giants have hair — not fur. A great upside to this is that they are considered hypoallergenic.

Because their hair never stops growing, they require regular grooming every 6-8 weeks. If the dog is being shown in conformation, then the grooming required includes hand-stripping to maintain their dense, wiry, double-coat. Otherwise, their hair can be clipped.

Other needs include regular ear care and maintaining short nails.

Do you have any other questions?

Feel free to contact us with any, and all, questions you may have!

What steps are involved to get a Giant?

While there is a lot to consider when purchasing a Giant Schnauzer, we want the process to be easy, educational, and fun! Please visit our Puppy Starter page for more detailed information.

Step 1: Fill out the application

Our application allows us to get to know you and your desires for a Giant Schnauzer better. We want to help you find exactly what you are looking for in your future Giant.

Step 2: Read the contract

The contract will inform you about the costs, as well as other rights and obligations concerning most situations that can arise when purchasing one of our dogs.

Step 3: Select your puppy

Once you have submitted your application and read the contract, we will contact you and personally help you along the rest of the process through puppy selection to sending you home with your new family member!

In the meantime, browse through our website, read our informative articles, and see our amazing dogs.

(256) 440-9910