Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzer

A black Giant Schnauzer groomed for show.
Other names	Munich Schnauzer Munchener Russian Bear Schnauzer
Origin	Germany
Traits Weight 35–47 kg (77–104 lb) Height Male 65–70 cm (25.5–27.5 in) Female 60–65 cm (23.5–25.5 in) Coat Dense, wiry Color Black or "pepper and salt" Litter size 5-8 Life span 10-12 years
Classification / standards FCI Group 2, Section 1.2 Schnauzer #181 standard AKC Working standard ANKC Group 6 (Utility) standard CKC Group 3 (Working) standard KC (UK) Working standard NZKC Utility standard UKC Guardian Dog standard
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Giant Schnauzer is a working breed of dog developed in the 17th century in Germany. It is the largest of the three breeds of Schnauzer—the other two breeds being the Standard Schnauzer and the Miniature Schnauzer. Numerous breeds were used in its development, including the black Great Dane, the Bouvier des Flandres, and the German Pinscher. Originally bred to assist on farms by driving to market and guarding the farmer's property, the breed eventually moved into the city, where it worked guarding breweries, butchers' shops, stockyards and factories. It was unknown outside of Bavaria until it became popular as a military dog during World War I and World War II.

They have dense coarse coat that protects them from the weather and from vermin. Giant Schnauzers come in two color patterns: Solid black, and a color known as pepper and salt, with banded hairs of alternating white and black, appearing gray hairs at a distance. Where legal, they are shown with cropped ears and docked tails. Like other schnauzers, they have a distinct beard and eyebrows. Today, the Giant Schnauzer participates in numerous dog sports, including Schutzhund. It is also used as a police dog.

The first Giant Schnauzers emerged from Swabia in the German state of Bavaria, and Württemberg in the 17th century. These original Giant Schnauzers were considered a rough-coated version of the German pinscher breeds, and their hair was thought to help them withstand the harsh German winters and bites from vermin. The origins of the breed are unclear, but sources speculate it originated through some combination of black Great Danes,German Shepherds,Rottweilers,Dobermans,Boxers,Bouvier des Flandres,Thuringian Shepherds, and the Standard Schnauzer.