Where the Giant Schnauzer came from
The Giant Schnauzer is a German breed from Bavaria. It was a multipurpose farm dog that guarded property and drove livestock to market. The name in German is Riesenschnauzer.
By the turn of the 1900s the breed was working as a watchdog at factories, breweries, butcher shops and stockyards across Bavaria. It was unknown outside Bavaria until it served as a military dog in World War I and World War II.
The AKC recognized the Giant Schnauzer in 1930. The first dogs were imported to the United States in the 1930s, but they stayed rare until the 1960s. Today they are working dogs and family companions.
- Before 1900 A multipurpose farm and herding dog in Bavaria
- Early 1900s Used as a watchdog at breweries, butcher shops and stockyards
- 1930 AKC recognizes the Giant Schnauzer
- 1960s Popularity grows in the United States
The job a Giant Schnauzer was bred for
The job was driving cattle and then guarding businesses. That shaped a smart, strong, serious dog who needs work. At home they are protective and love structure.
Sports that fit a Giant Schnauzer
- IGP. Strong working heritage
- Obedience. Smart and serious
- Scent work. Great mental job
- Tracking. Enjoy a trail
- Agility. Athletic when fit
Training tips for a Giant Schnauzer
- Start early and be consistent.
- Keep sessions fun with food rewards.
- Socialize widely.
- Give a daily job.
Body and health
Deep chested, so bloat is a risk. Avoid hard exercise around meals.
Fun fact. The Giant Schnauzer was unknown outside Bavaria until it served as a military dog in World War I and World War II.
Breed is where we start
A study of more than 18,000 dogs found breed explains only about 9 percent of the differences in behavior between dogs (Morrill and others, Science, 2022). So your Giant Schnauzer is a starting guess, not a label. We find the drive your dog actually runs on, give it a job, and teach you to read them.
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