The characteristics of the breed are easily summed up in one word: strong. The Giant is strong in all that he is and all that he represents. His bone is substantial, his body is large and strongly muscled and his determination is equally as strong! He is an extremely statuesque dog, with males between 25.5 and 27.5 inches at the shoulder. His strong blocky head, with its bushy eyebrows and stubby mustache, gives him a somewhat menacing appearance and, indeed, he is a staunch protector of his family, his premises and his master’s possessions.
PEOPLE PLEASER
Unlike many breeds, the Giant Schnauzer does not need another dog for company. He is a 100% “people-dog,” devoted to his family. He is more selective with strangers, but once he decides to befriend a new person, he’s a friend for life!
The Giant Schnauzer seldom guards a flock or herd today but he will oversee the family’s children in a loving and watchful manner. The energy and endurance of the Giant make him an ideal playmate for adolescent and teenage children.
I asked a few of the world’s greatest experts to share their personal experiences and observations. One of the undisputed top breeders of Giants is Sylvia Hammarstrom, whose beautiful Skansen Kennels are located in California. Ms. Hammarstrom has bred over 1,000 Giant Schnauzer champions, among whom are many international champions and over 100 Best in Show winners. This is a record beyond comprehension for all breeders, regardless of their breed, country of origin or century!
When I asked her to describe the essence of the Giant breed, she replied, “The misconception, I’d say, is that they are a very dominant, strong, aggressive breed. In my opinion, it’s a very intelligent, extremely trainable breed that can easily be made aggressive but there is not one single dog in this breed that has ever been born aggressive, nasty or dangerous. Those are man-made traits.”
Other top breeders agree. While the Giant Schnauzer can be fiercely protective, lacking neither courage nor tenacity, he should never be troublesome, nor should he seek out a quarrel as will some of the terrier breeds. His appearance is that of a tough, hard-bodied athlete, yet he conducts himself as a gentleman of good breeding. When he’s on his own turf and there is a flying disk or a ball to be caught, he relaxes and plays like a puppy. He is a joy to behold as he demonstrates amazing grace and boundless energy.
As the Giant was developed into a quite capable guard and police dog, he is often thought to be too “sharp” to be suitable as an all-around family dog. While it is true that it takes a person who is firm (but fair) and of keen mind (just to stay a step ahead of the Giant Schnauzer’s brain power), he is ideal for all except perhaps families with very young children. He would never hurt them intentionally, but he is a large agile dog that plays as heartily as a smaller terrier might. When he leaps and whirls, a toddler could be knocked down or sent spinning, so it would be best to wait until the age and physical ability of the children have caught up with that of the largest Schnauzer. As Frances Krall, founder of Jafrak Kennels in Surrey, England, states, “The breed is so much a people-dog. An eight-week-old pup just fits in perfectly with the children and when growing together, it is lovely to see.”
The Giant Schnauzer is a breed that demands your attention and needs a lot of exercise to be at his physical and emotional best.
BEER-HALL BUDDY
In the 1800s, the Giant was a favorite of the working class and became a regular in the beer halls of Germany. He preferred beef to beer but the boisterous bunch befriended their bearded buddy nonetheless.
Sue Cox, of the famous Grovelea Giant Schnauzers, has this to say about our breed: “In my view, the strongest behavioral characteristic is eagerness. He is eager to please, eager to find mischief, eager to greet you when you come home. Basically, he’s on his toes to take on whatever life holds for him. Life is never dull with a Giant Schnauzer at your side! If you want a quiet sedate life, then a Giant Schnauzer is not for you!”
ONE IS NOT ENOUGH
Will you have another? Quite likely. Breeders stay with the Giant Schnauzer. They say things like “They are addictive” and “Once you have lived with a Giant Schnauzer, you will never want another breed, and you may also find that one is not enough!”
Jack & Frances Krall
Describing the ideal Giant owner, Sue says, “That must be a person who loves a challenge. Also, you must possess a huge sense of humor and unlimited patience when your Giant is young. It is a big help if you can think ahead because Giants are watchers. By this I mean that he won’t miss anything that you do, so leaving something tasty on the edge of the countertop in the kitchen and expecting it to be there when you return is a lost cause. You may think he’s having a nap and hasn’t noticed, but, believe me, Giants are opportunists! As soon as your back is turned and he’s had his chance, it’s gone. It also helps to be as intelligent as your dog!”
Frances Krall agrees, “Giants are thieves. And they eat anything—including all sorts of fruits and vegetables.” Tongue in cheek, she smiles, “Why, that must be why they are so healthy, they eat such a varied diet.” The Giant Schnauzer is a clever and lovable thief. He pilfers anything worth eating, which to him is everything. He also loves to steal the master’s underwear but, thoughtful fellow that he is, he’s quite likely to return it to you while you’re entertaining guests!
As a working dog, the Giant waits only to be given a task. His attributes are keen intelligence, high-energy drive and indomitable courage. Rare is the report of unwarranted aggression in the Giant. He is quick to respond, yet he is level-headed and not so volatile as to be a liability to a police officer or the responsible dog owner who wishes only to safeguard his family. The size, dark coloring and overall appearance of the Giant Schnauzer clearly convey that he is a force to be reckoned with. Even the most dim-witted burglar is capable of surmising the results were he to be so foolish as to actually attempt an intrusion with a Giant Schnauzer on guard!
Most dogs have no opportunity to actually do anything with their talents. Very few gundogs get to point, flush or retrieve today. A wolfhound doesn’t find much work protecting the flocks from wolves. The coursing dogs are not allowed to chase live game, and the foxhounds can hardly get excited when there’s no fox to pursue. Despite helicopter and SUV cowboys, the herding breeds are still afforded gainful employment in some countries—but cattle dogs should plan on moving to Australia if they seriously seek work! Thankfully, some dogs have made a new niche for themselves as therapy dogs and drug detectors, and many talented canines are unsurpassed as search-and-rescue heroes.
Therein lies a whole new opportunity for the enterprising Giant owner. The Giant’s coat is such that he can work in heat or cold. His strong feet can carry him over the roughest of terrain, including the rubble to be encountered in most disaster sites. While not possessed of the trailing instincts of the Bloodhound, the Giant is endowed with strong instincts to serve his human partners. We can envision exciting new areas that offer training and service opportunities to Giants and their owners. The Giant has long been a dependable partner in law enforcement, and he is still quite capable of finding work in that field. One hopes that he will never again be needed for his services as a messenger dog during field combat, but you can be sure that he will gladly deliver your morning paper without shredding it to pieces and he has been known to fetch objects upon command!
One look at that Schnauzer face, and you can’t help but be won over by the Giant’s unique charm.
Many owners compete successfully in the obedience ring, proving that the breed is, in fact, extremely trainable and enjoys learning new tasks. The Giant is serious about work and is not a frivolous dog. Frances Krall mentions that “stubbornness is a very typical trait.” Many owners will agree but, somehow, they don’t mind; in fact, it seems to fit with the notable perseverance of the breed. A Giant will endeavor to learn and willingly accepts mental challenges. While less inclined to perform boring repetitive routines than are some breeds, the Giant, good fellow that he is, will sigh and then heel, sit and stay, when asked in the proper manner. If you try to force him, it is then that you are likely to encounter his stubbornness. Mrs. Krall, who also is a conformation judge, works some of her dogs in agility, a most demanding combination of speed, concentration and handler/dog coordination. She and other enterprising breeders have proven the Giant to be a worthy agility competitor. One of Mrs. Krall’s dogs also has competed in flyball competition.
As Mrs. Hammarstrom points out, “He is a balanced athlete, highly intelligent, a dog that is ready to go at a moment’s notice. And when you see him, he’s perfectly balanced.” Indeed, that is one of his many charms. He is balanced not only in that most handsome physique but in that rare ability to either frolic or just sit quietly and companionably at his owner’s side.
His character is one of honesty and complete loyalty to his master. As Mrs. Hammar-strom remarks, “Except as very young puppies, they are not particularly people-friendly. They don’t invite strangers to touch them. You can readily approach them when with their handler but they should be approached with respect. If you approach with respect, you will get plenty of messages if the dog doesn’t want to be touched. He’ll give you plenty of notice. He’s a very honest dog, never deceiving.”
Those who understand dogs will appreciate that the Giant is not a “loves everybody” kind of dog. He is wonderful with his family, including kids and most other pets, but may not immediately take to strangers and strange animals. He is very careful about whom he calls friend but, once having accepted you, he is among the most trustworthy and desirable of friends. He doesn’t talk or drink too much, is never rowdy in public and can be a worthy teammate in sporting pursuits.
By the way, Mrs. Hammarstrom of Skansen Kennels, like many other responsible breeders, is the first to provide new owners with diet instruction packets. When she says, “Give your dog a bone,” she is not copying Dr. Ian Billinghurst, the world-famous Australian research scientist and veterinarian who authored a book of the same title. She does indeed give her dogs chicken bones, but only the wings and only when raw because the bones are then soft and easily digested. Of course, you also must ensure that the source of the bones is clean and healthy. The dogs love them and it is quite a sight to see her surrounded by a “pack” of eager Giants, each waiting for the toss of a chicken wing! I use them with my own dogs and I also add chicken or turkey necks, cooked or raw. Huge beef or lamb leg joints are excellent for the nutrition they provide as well as the chewing and dental benefits, not to mention the physiological satisfaction of chewing a bone.
HEART-HEALTHY
In this modern age of ever-improving cardio-care, no doctor or scientist can dispute the advantages of owning a dog to lower a person’s risk of heart disease. Studies have proven that petting a dog, walking a dog and grooming a dog all show positive results toward lowering your blood pressure. The simple routine of exercising your dog—going outside with the dog and walking, jogging or playing catch—is heart-healthy in and of itself. If you are normally less active than your physician thinks you should be, adopting a dog may be a smart option to improve your own quality of life as well as that of another creature.
Sue Cox advises, “When you go to buy a pup, a good breeder should provide a few days’ supply of the food that the puppy has been eating, along with a full diet sheet on times and amounts of food.” She then describes a perfect example of a Giant appetite. On a walk with five of her Giants, she determined that it was time to head for home, but her Cassy was nowhere to be seen. She hurried down the road, asking people if they had seen her dog. Ms. Cox remarks, “As I turned the corner into my road, I could not see Cassy anywhere; however, in one of the front gardens, I noticed the back legs of a dog sticking out of a rubbish bin. I then noticed to my embarrassment that it was my dog helping herself to the rubbish as if she had never been fed!”
BREEDERS SAY…
Sue Cox says, “The first day our Giant puppy disappeared straight into the kitchen, ate all the cat’s food, picked up the bowl, walked back into the sitting room and sat down with the bowl still in her mouth as if to say ‘That was good, is there any more’?”
Sylvia Hammarstrom says, “The best thing about owning a Giant Schnauzer is his loyalty and that he’s always making you laugh.”
So what about health problems, you ask? Like other large breeds, the Giant Schnauzer sometimes develops hip dysplasia, although, for his height, he is less prone to developmental and growth stress than some of the real heavyweights of dogdom. Canine hip dysplasia (HD) can be detected by an x-ray of a dogs’ hips to determine if there is degenerative joint wear. HD is similar to early arthritis and can be equally as painful. Conversely, many owners are totally surprised when an x-ray reveals signs of HD. They insist that their dog is active, runs up the steps, jumps into the family car and performs other physical activities that veterinary scholars term “inconsistent” with HD. Just as in humans, some dogs have a higher pain threshold and some dogs just aren’t bothered by what the x-ray shows! Giants should have their hips x-rayed at two years old. Giant Schnauzer Club of America breeders take HD very seriously; their Code of Ethics states that they must have their dogs tested for HD and not breed affected dogs.
There have been exciting advances in the treatment of human and animal arthritis through the use of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates, both of which are believed to aid in restoring joint lubrication and reducing inflammation. If your dog is diagnosed with hip dysplasia or any similar orthopedic problem, talk to your vet about this and other inexpensive and non-invasive treatments. For more severe cases, there are therapeutic, medical and surgical treatments that have proven successful.
All breeds, regardless of size, should be monitored for hypothyroidism, which is a lessening of thyroid hormone production that usually results in poor coat, dry or thickened skin, lowered resistance to disease, obesity, heat-seeking, irritability and/or general malaise and lethargy. Again, there is strong evidence that a diet free of chemicals and preservatives will greatly reduce the chance of glandular and organ disease. The thyroid gland is considered a “master” gland and, as such, is responsible for many other organs. A blood test is necessary to check blood levels of thyroid hormone and should be part of a yearly exam.
The impressive outline of a top-winning Giant Schnauzer. Am. Can. Ch. Skansen’s Status Quo has won the most all-breed Bests in Show of all Giant females.
Routine yearly physicals are perhaps more critical for your dog than for yourself. It commonly was thought that one human year equals about six or seven of your dog’s, so you can see that he is aging faster and needs examinations more often. Upon any signs of illness, such as loss of vigor, incontinence, poor appetite, diarrhea, crusty eyes or nose or listlessness, that persist for more than 24 hours, take him to the vet.
Cattle drovers helped to shape the Giant into the working and family dog of today. He is protective, devoted and highly intelligent, a worthy addition to the right home.
Always make sure that the dog’s mouth is checked thoroughly. Dogs suffer tooth decay and painful infections that cause loss of appetite and can progress to much more serious problems. Teething pups often refuse food but will gnaw on your best leather shoes or a real bone for hours! Check his mouth regularly at home, all the way to the back of the throat. The Giant has a giant mouth and will likely let you inspect it at will.
If you are going to buy a puppy, Sue Cox advises, “Make sure that you are allowed to see the mother and get a chance to watch the pups at play. It was always thought best to pick the most outgoing puppy, but do remember that the quiet pup could just be tired from playing earlier. It is also an advantage to watch the pups at feeding time to see if they have a healthy appetite. Be sure the pups have clear, bright eyes, no runny noses (i.e., discharge) and make note of any diarrhea or worms. All puppies should have sweet breath.”
It is difficult to maintain a large kennel of large dogs. However, if you do your research, you are sure to find breeders that are breeding with attention to overall conformation, health and sound temperament. Furthermore, they will be proving the quality of their breeding programs in the show rings and the working arenas.
When you purchase your puppy, your breeder should provide you with a record of past wormings and shots and a recommendation for future vaccination schedules. You should receive a bill of sale, proof of registration, complete pedigree and information on close ancestors, which will include health certifications, show wins and champion or obedience progeny.
Although large breeds are shorter-lived than small dogs, the Giant is likely to be with you for ten years or more. Like their early foundation Schnauzers, Giants maintain strength and vitality well into their geriatric years. If the dog has benefited from a lifetime of excellent care and proper nutrition, he will usually leave you as the result of natural causes. He will prefer to depart with the same dignity that so distinguished him during his mature years. Your attention to his good care will afford him the best chance at a long and healthy life. When the time comes, let him go peacefully, with dignity, and with friends at his side.
STANDING TALL
According to Frances Krall, Our Dogs columnist, “Giants are always on their hind legs. They stand upright like bears so that they can see farther. They also do it when playing with each other.”