Page 48 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | WORKING DOGS

Giant Schnauzer

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Pepper and salt
24–28in 65–90lb Over 10 years
(60–70cm) (29–41kg)

Even-tempered, intelligent, and easy to train, this SAFE AND SOUND
powerful dog has strong guarding instincts
This stamp, issued in East Germany in the late
Robust and powerfully built, the Giant US in the 1930s and to the UK in the 1960s. 1970s, shows a typical working Giant Schnauzer
with clipped ears and a docked tail. In the years
Schnauzer from southern Germany was The breed has become more popular in the
leading up to World War I, the Giant Schnauzer
developed from the standard Schnauzer (see US and Europe since the 1970s.
was found to be well suited to police work—
p.45) by crossing with larger local dogs and, The Giant Schnauzer is now widely used its large size and impressive bark proving an
it is thought, with breeds such as the Great by security forces in Europe as a police dog excellent deterrent to trouble. Despite the
Dane (see p.96) and the Bouvier des and for tracking and search and rescue breed’s popularity in Germany, the preferred
choice for this type of work in other countries
Flandres (opposite). duties. An equable temperament also makes
tended to be
The Giant Schnauzer, with its powerful it suitable as a home watchdog and family
the German
frame and weather-resistant coat, was pet. Despite its size, the Giant Schnauzer Shepherd.
originally used for farm work and for is easy to manage if given plenty of exercise.
herding and driving cattle. By the early 20th A quick learner, it excels at obedience and
century the breed’s intelligence, trainability, agility activities. Its dense, wiry, double-
EAST GERMAN
and impressive appearance had been layered coat needs regular maintenance, STAMP ISSUED
recognized as ideal qualities for a guard dog. with daily grooming and trimming LATE 1970S
Giant Schnauzers were first brought to the (shaping) every few months.

Dark eyes
Bushy eyebrows
overhang eyes

Drop ears with
rounded tips

Tail carried
high Dense,
Black wiry coat

Bearded
muzzle Strong,
graceful neck

Deep chest

Slight feathering
on back of forelegs

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