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Understanding and Training a Giant Schnauzer

This is indeed a dominant dog that is not only independent and bold, but also highly capable and most often trusting of their own judgement. Therefore, they require complete and total confidence in their handler - a person with strong leadership, to include firm, consistent handling skills, a positive attitude and plentiful rewards.

The Giant Schnauzer is also known to be a highly intelligent working dog with a terrier temperament - Be careful not to allow the intelligence left to its own devices or you may find yourself with a giant, multi-faceted and persistent trouble-maker.

Coined the "Velcro" Dog, as they can be very in-tune and clingy to family members, if you put this breed's intuitiveness to work and find jobs for them to do that suit both the dog and relationship, you will have a well balanced responsible, reliable & eager companion.

Breed Profile

Breed Name: Giant Schnauzer

Domestic Dog Group:

Brief Description:

General Size: 70 - 77 lbs (32 - 35 kg); 60 - 70 cm
General Temperament: Persistent, Bold & Spirited
General Description: The skilled owner capable of managing this breed's bold & spirited persistence with a positive attitude, will more than likely have a cling-on companion for life (for every waking second of that life!)

Breed’s Key Traits

High Med-High Medium Med-Low Low

Requires Experience x

Good Family Dog x

Exercise Required x

Activity Indoors x

Ease of Training x

Sociability with Strangers x

Grooming Requirements x

Brief History

A relatively new breed, it is believed that the Giant Schnauzer shares its bloodlines with other rough-coated cattle dogs, most specifically the Bouvier des Flandres; the black Great Dane, and the smaller (Standard) schnauzer dog. Originally exhibited in Germany under the name Russian Bear Schnauzer, and used as a cattle dog.