Giant Schnauzer
History

Das Riesenschnauzer
 aka
Russen Schnauzer,
Bierschnauzer,
 Munich Schnauzer
and
 Giant Schnauzer

 In German, the word "Schnauze" means "muzzle."

Although, the German name of
Riesenschnauzer is translated to Giant Schnauzer in English.

The Giant Schnauzer is an unusual looking dog who has high spirits, stamina and loyalty. They are Independent, very protective, bold and spirited, calm, responsible and intelligent. A dominant breed, they need firm, consistent training with a positive attitude and plentiful rewards. To be an owner of a Giant Schnauzer you should be strong, confident, and patient.  Not recommended for novice owners.

The origin of the Giant Schnauzer is believed to have started in the early 1800's.  The first information on large wirehaired farm dogs is from books in the 1830's which mention dogs of this type from isolated farms in the Bavarian highlands.  These dogs are referred to as oberlanders.  Then during a migration of people to the southern part of Germany (including some Russian tribes), some of the oberlanders were obtained in the Munich area for non farm use.  It is with these dogs being bred in the Munich area that the name of Russen schnauzer, Bierschnauzer and Munichener schnauzer were used.

In 1907 the first giant schnauzer club was formed:  Bavarian Schnauzer Club, and the Munich schnauzers were shown in an official/recorded show in 1909 in Munich, which is referred t as the first recognition of the breed.

Munich schnauzer was also first mentioned in the third pinscher studbook, edited in 1910 by the Pinscher-Klub.  The Pinscher-Klub was concerned with establishing a breed standard and wanted it to resemble the rauhhaariger pinscher (standard schnauzer), so it was at this time that crosses with oversized standard schnauzers occurred in the central German area.  It was from these three types, Oberlanders, Munich and Central German type, which the Giant Schnauzer developed from.

During World War I most breeding kennels dissolved due to the hardships of war and afterwards not many Giant Schnauzers were available.  Three main kennels were attributed to reestablishing the Giant Schnauzer after World War I.  The kennel von Kinzigtal owned by C. Calaminus helped to reestablish the Giant Schnauzer by crossing oberlanders that he sought out with other types of Giant Schnauzers.  His giants were consistently black, and although he did not disclose his breeding program, except to admitting to using three outside crosses, it is in this line that the suspected black Great Dane may have been used.

The Giant Schnauzer entered in the Pinscher-Schnauzer Club book in 1921 when the club was renamed.  In 1922 the registration of giant schnauzers was closed.  In 1923 the first giant schnauzer breed standard was written.  It was also after World War I that using dogs, including giant schnauzers, for protection/police work became popular.  This type of work became the main occupation for Giant schnauzers due to the reduced number of farms and that cattle were no longer driven to market.  Giant Schnauzers became known for their vigilance, strength, and their loyalty together with mistrust to strangers.

The Giant Schnauzer almost became extinct because of World War II.  People had begun to recognize the courage and strength of the breed and unfortunately many were lost as a result of that same recognition due to them being used as War dogs. German fanciers have worked hard to secure the popularity of this breed. In Germany, the Giant is the dog of choice for police work.

Originally developed by workingmen who needed a dog to perform a specific task (the oberlanders), the development of the Giant Schnauzer's powerful build was not accidental.  Although their striking good looks was an added attraction.  Even today this dog is happiest when working, and is respected in many countries for its tireless service to the humans who respect its abilities.

Once seen, the Giant Schnauzer is seldom forgotten. It's appearance speaks for itself.

It is a protector that would risk its life for you.

Both in Canada and the U.S., Giants are used for search and rescue, police work and for detection of drugs and or explosives.

The Giant Schnauzer was accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1930 and into the United Kennel Club in 1948.

The breed that we see today is the result of tireless efforts from dedicated breeders around the world.

In 1962 the Giant Schnauzer Club of America was founded.  Since that time, Giant Schnauzer numbers have increased in the United States.   

Giants...

Temperament: Giant Schnauzers are loyal, and protective.
With Children: Yes, as long as they are socialized to children. Best with older, considerate children.
With Pets: Yes, usually gets along with other dogs and pets.
Trainability:  Easy to train.
Independence:   Fairly independent.
Dominance:   High.
Noise:  Average barker,  and very vocal.
Special Skills: Police dog, watch-dog, guard-dog, sport dog (tracking, agility, endurance, obedience, protection) and family protector/companion.
Life Span: 10 - 12 Years
Litter Size: 5 - 8

The Law in Germany has not allowed the Schnauzer's ears to be cropped since January 1, 1987 and tail to be docked since June 1, 1998.  Czech Republic banned docking per FCI standards since August 11, 2000.  A revision was made to KCHK on March 17, 2001 which allows Schnauzers bred in Czech Republic to have docked tails.  Sweden cropping was forbidden around year 1945 and docking in year 1989.  Norway banned cropping in the 50's and docking in 1988.  Cropping in Denmark was forbidden around the same time as Finland and docking around year 1997.  Denmark does however allow certain hunting breeds to be docked, as does Germany, the ban is total in Switzerland, Sweden, Norway and Finland.  Cropping has been banned in Finland since 1972 and docking since July 1st 1996.  According to the Standard of the above listed countries, a docked tail is not a defect and therefore, dogs coming from countries where an anti-docking law is not yet in place, may be presented in the shows.

My Original History page has been edited by Bridgette Tuerler.

Bridgette, Thank You for the amount of time and effort
put into researching and
helping me revise the
History of the Giant Schnauzer on this website.