A dog with a big heart – the Giant Schnauzer

I have already seen a number of dogs come into my family and, sadly, go again. But the four-legged friend to whom my heart, and all our hearts, were most attached was a Giant Schnauzer named Linus. In his puppy days he was very wild and was loved by us all for his big heart, his loyalty to his people and his devotion. The children and grandchildren were able to play with him from an early age, as he was always careful. They even slept together with him in his basket. He protected them all and was a loyal companion through wood and field.

On the history of the Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is the largest offspring of a classic dog family. Pinschers and schnauzers formerly served as companions for coachmen and travelling traders. As little as 100 years ago they were present everywhere as cattle drovers or on the hunt. The Giant Schnauzer got its name because these animals formerly accompanied the traditional beer coachmen in Munich, who were known for their large moustaches. Out in front came the heavy cold-blooded horses, and the dogs followed behind. They were needed to guard wagons and goods impressively and, in an emergency, to defend them caringly. Since 1925 the Giant Schnauzer has been one of the few recognised service-dog breeds.

Appearance and special nature

The Giant Schnauzer, at 60 to 70 centimetres, is extremely large, powerful and wire-haired. In its nature it differs from the other schnauzers through its greater seriousness and consistency at work. It has enormous resilience and self-assurance. Its temperament, however, requires expert guidance, which should begin as early as puppyhood. It is a watchful animal and guards house and yard without immediately regarding every stranger as an enemy. At the same time it is extremely sensitive and reacts with distress to injustice or harshness. A Giant Schnauzer enters into a profound partnership with its human, whom it trusts blindly.

• Imposing size and an extremely powerful build
• High resilience and a pronounced self-assurance
• A sensitive nature that requires a caring upbringing
• The ideal companion for active people in a rural setting

Keeping and exercise in everyday life

It is, however, not a dog for a flat and the big city. It needs an area on which it can move about over a wide range. It loves movement and joins in with enthusiasm when jogging, cycling or riding. In rural areas it can be allowed to run and romp freely, provided it is well brought up. The Giant Schnauzer can moreover be used excellently in dog sport or as a rescue dog. It is not a dog for beginners, yet with a good upbringing it proves extremely easy to look after.

Care, diet and lifespan

Its coat must be regularly and caringly trimmed in order to stay healthy. Diet is basically an unproblematic matter, however, rearing and the growth phase, as with all large dogs, require expert guidance on nutrition in order to caringly protect the bones and joints. Otherwise it is a robust animal and can live to 12 years or even older. In our expertise, we are glad to accompany such large breeds right from the start.

Personally, we sadly had to let our Giant Schnauzer go at 12 years of age due to illness. The whole family was present to say goodbye. After a period of mourning, Jack came to us, who was a mix of Labrador, German Shepherd and Maltese and lived to 14 years. Today Nana and Jill are our new loyal companions.

This article serves as general information and as a caring tribute to a special dog breed that captivates through loyalty and character.