How to Identify a Giant Schnauzer

The robust, strongly built Giant Schnauzer has the same appearance as a Standard Schnauzer. The temperament combines spirited alertness with intelligent reliability, making this breed loyal to its family, playful, courageous and composed. It commands a certain respect when aroused, so the Giant Schnauzer makes a good watchdog.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look at the rectangular head. It is a long head and narrows slightly from the ears to the eyes. The length of the head is about half the length of the back (measured from the withers to the beginning of the tail). The moderately broad skull is accentuated by the eyebrows. The strong muzzle is parallel to the topskull and is also equal to the length of the topskull. It ends in a blunt wedge at the nose, which is large and black. The ears are cropped, identical in shape and have pointed tips. If they are uncropped, they are v-shaped and carried high. The medium-sized eyes are dark brown and deep set. They are oval and have a keen expression.

2. Make sure the substantial body is compact and short-coupled but has strength for power and agility at the same time. The height at the withers is equal to the body length when measured from the breastbone to the point of the rear. Males should be 25 ½ to 27 ½ inches at the withers and females should be 23 ½ to 25 ½ inches at the withers. The straight forelegs are separated by a deep brisket. The elbows are close to the body and they point backwards. The medium-width chest have well sprung ribs and leads to sloping shoulders. The shoulder blades should be strongly muscled and flat. The tail is carried high when the Giant Schnauzer is excited. It is docked to the second or third—preferably the second—joint. The strongly-muscled rear is balance with the forequarters. The feet well-arched feet are compact and catlike. They do not turn in or out and have thick, tough pads. Dewclaws on the front may be removed, but should be removed on the rear.

3. Feel the wiry coat. The Giant Schnauzer has a hard coat that is quite dense. It rides over a soft undercoat. The hair on the head, beard and eyebrows is coarse—and is the distinctive look of the Schnauzer. The coat may be solid black or salt and pepper. The salt and pepper may be iron gray to a silvery gray. No matter which shade the Giant Schnauzer is, it will have a dark mask.