What Are the Measurements of Giant American Schnauzers?

Bred to be a working dog, the giant schnauzer is far from colossal, but instead is just a larger version of the standard schnauzer. Solid black or salt-and-pepper colored, a giant schnauzer's height is the same as its length, which makes it appear square.

  1. History

    • Bred in Germany's Wurttenberg and Bavaria areas, the giant schnauzer helped drive cattle, and was used as a guard dog by German police and military during World War I. The breed was created by crossing standard schnauzers with black Great Danes and Bouvier des Flandres. In Germany, giant schnauzers are called "Riesenschnauzer," which means "the giant."

    Measurements

    • The height standard for the giant schnauzer, according to the American Kennel Club, is 25 1/2 to 27 1/2 inches at the withers, or shoulders, for males and 23 1/2 to 25 1/2 inches for females. While these measurements are ideal for the show ring, most male giant schnauzers measure 26 to 28 inches, and females measure 23 to 26 inches, according to the Dog Breed Info Center. Male giant schnauzers weigh 60 to 80 pounds while females weigh 55 to 75 pounds.

    Other Physical Characteristics

    • Giant schnauzers are strong, compact dogs that live 12 to 15 years. They have thick, wiry, weather-resistant coats that require regular grooming. The tail is usually docked to the second or third joint, and the ears can be cropped or kept natural in a V-shape. The giant schnauzer's long head is rectangular, with a large black nose, oval eyes and a muzzle that is the same length as the top of the head.

    Personality

    • Extremely active, giant schnauzers need a lot of exercise and space to run, which means apartment life or absentee owners aren't for them. Because of their fierce loyalty and territorial, dominant nature, they need a strong, stern owner who can spend a lot of time with them. Giant schnauzers do particularly well at obedience and agility training because of their high intelligence. If properly trained, they make great pets.