Colors: Giant schnauzers come in two colors, solid black and salt and pepper.

Living: Giants require a lot of exercise as they are energetic dogs. the best suited home for a giant would

Recognized: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Description

The Giant Schnauzer is a large, powerful, compact dog with bushy eyebrows, whiskers and a beard. It looks like a larger image of the Standard Schnauzer. It has a harsh, wiry outer coat and dense, soft undercoat. Ideally, the dog"s height is the same as the length, resulting in a rather square impression. The strong, arched neck should blend cleanly into the shoulders. The head is about half as long as the back from withers to tail attachment. The muzzle and top of the head should form parallel planes. The large nose is black. The eyes are dark brown and oval. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The front legs are straight and parallel. Dewclaws should be removed on the hind legs and may be removed on the front legs as well. The tail is generally docked to the second or third joint. Cropping the ears is optional. The coat comes in solid black or salt & pepper.

Temperament

The playful, rambunctious giant schnauzer may be too boisterous for small children, even though it is otherwise very good with children in its own family. It is bold and protective of its family and reserved with strangers. It may be aggressive toward other dogs. This intelligent and exuberant breed is a good choice for an active person wanting a partner in adventure, although at times the giant may try to be the leader.

Excercise

The giant schnauzer needs daily exercise and fun. Its exercise requirements can be met with vigorous games and long hikes or walks. It can live outside in temperate to cool climates, but it does best when allowed to divide its time between house and yard. Its harsh coat needs combing once or twice weekly, plus shaping two to four times yearly. Shaping is best done by professional scissoring and hand-stripping, but clipping is acceptable for pets.

Grooming

The wiry coat is reasonably easy to look after, but the undercoat is dense and it will become matted unless it is combed or brushed weekly with a short wire brush. Clip out knots and brush first with the grain, then against the grain to lift the coat. The

Health

Major concerns: CHD

Minor concerns: OCD, gastric torsion

Occasionally seen: none

Suggested tests: hip