How to Identify a Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzers are members of the working group that originated in the Bavarian Alps. [1] Although they are closely related to breeds like the Miniature Schnauzer and the Standard Schnauzer, they have several unique characteristics. This wikiHow will help you with figuring out whether or not a dog is a Giant Schnauzer.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Noticing the Body Structure

  1. Giant Schnauzers, as their name suggests, are relatively large dogs. Male Giant Schnauzers are usually anywhere from 25.5–27.5 inches (65–70 cm) tall, and they typically weigh somewhere between 60–85 pounds (27–39 kg). Females are typically a little smaller, being anywhere from 23.5–25.5 inches (60–65 cm) tall and weighing somewhere between 55–75 pounds (25–34 kg). [2]
  2. Giant Schnauzers should have a rectangular, elongated head that should also appear strong. The head should also slightly narrow from the dog's ears to their eyes and from their eyes to the tip of their nose. [3]
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  3. A Giant Schnauzer may have cropped or uncropped ears. If their ears are cropped, then they should be the same length and shape, and the tips of the ears should be pointed. The ears should also be set high on the dog's skull, carried square at the inside ear edges with very little bell and balanced with the dog's head. Their length should also not be exaggerated. If the dog's ears are uncropped, then you should notice button ears in the shape of a V, with a medium-sized thickness and length. The ears should be both set and carried high and close to their head. [4]
  4. Giant Schnauzers should have dark brown-colored eyes that appear oval and are set deep and medium in size. [5]
  5. Giant Schnauzers should have a tail that is set somewhat high, and when the dog is excited, it should also be carried high. Their tail is typically docked to at least the second joint, but it may be docked up to the third. [6]
  6. Overall, Giant Schnauzers should appear to be a more powerful and all-around larger version of the Standard Schnauzer. The dog should be robust, with a strong build. When the dog is trotting, their gait should appear balanced, vigorous, and free. [7]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Checking the Coat

  1. Giant Schnauzers may either be a solid black color or a "pepper and salt" color. In the case of solid black, the dog should have no other markings, with the exception of the potential for a small white spot on their breast. In the case of "pepper and salt", the dog should have an outer coat with a combination of white with black and black with white hairs, and some fully white and black hairs. More ideally, however, the coat should have a strong pigment with a medium gray shade and evenly distributed "peppering" throughout the dog's coat. The undercoat should be gray. [8]
  2. Giant Schnauzers should have a coat with a wiry, hard feel to it. The undercoat should feel softer, while the dog's outer coat should feel harsh. [9]
  3. Overall, Giant Schnauzers should have a coat that is quite dense. When viewed against the grain, the dog's outer coat should appear to stand a little up and off their back, and it should not lie flat or smooth. You should notice hair that is coarse on top of the dog's head, with "eyebrows" and a harsh "beard", which are important characteristics of this dog breed. [10]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Analyzing Temperament

  1. Giant Schnauzers have a lot of energy and will need frequent daily exercise, through things like daily walks, games of fetch, or time to run in the yard. Without this exercise, Giant Schnauzers may end up becoming destructive. [11]
  2. Although they are not recommended for homes with small children due to their behavior and size, Giant Schnauzers are known to be affectionate, and they typically love being around their family. [12]
  3. If they are not socialized properly, Giant Schnauzers may be aggressive towards unfamiliar people, dogs, or other animals. [13]
  4. Giant Schnauzers make good guard dogs and are willing to protect their family and home no matter what. [14]
  5. Giant Schnauzers are known to be intelligent dogs who are quick to learn, and they generally do well with consistent, firm training. [15]
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      Tips

      • If you would like to know what breed your dog is, consider dog DNA testing. This can help confirm whether or not your dog is a Giant Schnauzer.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/giant-schnauzer/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/giant-schnauzer/
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GiantSchnauzer.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GiantSchnauzer.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GiantSchnauzer.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GiantSchnauzer.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GiantSchnauzer.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GiantSchnauzer.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GiantSchnauzer.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GiantSchnauzer.pdf
      2. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/giant-schnauzer#/slide/1
      3. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/giant-schnauzer#/slide/1
      4. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/giant-schnauzer#/slide/1
      5. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/giant-schnauzer#/slide/1
      6. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/giant-schnauzer#/slide/1

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