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ABOUT DOG BREEDS
 GIANT SCHNAUZER
Description Temperament Height and Weight Health Problems
Ideal Living Conditions Exercise Life Expectancy Litter Size
Grooming Origin Group Color
Breed Clubs Breed Rescues

Description
The Giant Schnauzer has an impressive appearance. It looks and is very strong and powerful. The coat is somewhat of a contrast to its "tough" appearance. The coat is wiry and has a luxurious look. There is a bit of excess fur above the eyes, below the chin, and at the front of the legs. It has an elongated neck that is angular and that extends to its level back. The tail is typically docked. The backlegs are strong and angled. The front legs are positioned straight. The ears are set high on its head and pointed (if cropped).
Temperament
The temperament of the Giant Schnauzer depends heavily on how well it has been trained. The ideal is that the breed is trained as a puppy so that its natural tendency for dominance is eliminated. This is important because the breed can bite family members if it lacks proper training. Even when the breed has been trained, it is not recommended as a pet for young children. It is mostly a quiet and affectionate breed that seeks to please its owner. The breed is an excellent guard dog that will protect its owner's property at all costs.
Height and Weight
Male height: 26-28 inchesMale weight: 60-80 poundsFemale height: 23-26 inchesFemale weight: 55-75 pounds
Health Problems
Cancer is the most serious health problem of the Giant Schnauzer. In particular, the breed is susceptible to cancer of the toe. Minor conditions that may plague the breed include hip dysplasia and epilepsy.
Ideal Living Conditions
Outdoor environments work best for the Giant Schnauzer because they tend to be very active. When the breed is kept indoors it is more likely to become inactive.
Exercise
The exercise needs of the Giant Schnauzer are great. Unlike most breeds, it requires more than a single opportunity for exercise. The breed should have a least two opportunities for exercise. The exercise can be as simple as playing or as vigorous as a long run.
Life Expectancy
The Giant Schnauzer lives about 12-15 years.
Litter Size
The Giant Schnauzer typically has 6 puppies.
Grooming
During shedding seasons, about every three months, the undercoat of the Giant Schnauzer should be stripped to keep it healthy looking. Since the ears fold over, cleaning them should be a part of its routine grooming. Regular brushing is recommended.
Origin
The name of the Giant Schnauzer has changed several times since it originated in the early 1900s.
Group
Herding
Color
The Giant Schnauzer is either a brindle coat of white and black or black.
Breed Clubs
Giant Schnauzer Club of America http://www.giantschnauzerclubofamerica.com The Giant Schnauzer Club http://www.giantschnauzerclub.co.uk
Breed Rescues
Giant Schnauzer Club of America http://www.giantschnauzerclubofamerica.com/rescue.html Ontario Giant Schnauzer Rescue http://www.ontariogiantrescue.com HT-Z Giant Schnauzer Rescue http://www.giantschnauzerclubofamerica.com/Rescue/index.htm Valley of the Sun Giant Schnauzer Rescue http://vsgiantschnauzerrescue.org

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