The
Giant Schnauzer dog is a true working breed, nearly square in
proportion, and the largest and most powerful of the German
Schnauzers, the Giant Schnauzer is a robust, active animal. He
stands 25 to 27 inches tall for males and 2 inches less for
females. Medium heights are more desirable than over or
undersize. His head is strong and rectangular; skull
moderately broad between the eyes; checks flat; muzzle strong and
well filled under eyes; bite complete and scissors; ears cropped or
uncropped, set high
on skull. Neck is moderate in length and coupled; shoulders
flat and somewhat sloping, forming right angle for maximum
extensions; high withers; forelegs straight; brisket fairly deep;
elbows set close to body. Chest is medium in width with well
sprung ribs. Coat is hard, wiry and very dense, double coated,
coarse hair on top of head, with beard and eyebrows essential.
Color possibilities are pure black or pepper and salt (black and
white hairs, appearing grayish). Markings are highly frowned
upon.
A highly qualified
guardian breed, the Giant Schnauzer is self confident and perfectly
suited for protection work. As a family animal, he also shines
as he admires his human friends, though he is cautious of
strangers. This is a playful spirit who can play pretty rough,
so children must be closely supervised. Despite his natural
dominance and territoriality, he doesn't have a mean bone but
functions as a level headed, thinking working dog.
