Giant Schnauzer Bite Force

Menu ▼

General Appearance: The Giant Schnauzer is a robust, more heavy-set than a slender dog, square in build. He should resemble a larger and more powerful version of the Standard Schnauzer. The sound, reliable temperament, rugged build, and dense, weather-resistant wiry coat make for one of the most useful, powerful, and enduring working breeds. The Giant Schnauzer is among the dogs described as working dogs. His heritage was probably one of the cattle herding breeds, which, during the early portion of the 20th century, was expanded to include police and army work.

My Books
Expert Advice
Dog Breed Reviews
Product Reviews
About

Giant Schnauzer temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books

The AKC Standard calls the Giant Schnauzer 'a bold and valiant figure of a dog – amiable in repose and a commanding figure when aroused.'

Keen expression is what you may notice first about the Giant Schnauzer. This sensitive dog seems always aware of your moods and likes to be physically close to you, watching you.

Some lines are 'harder-tempered' (bold, serious, vigorous) while others are much sweeter and more mellow.

But in general, when you acquire a Giant Schnauzer puppy, you should expect him to mature into an athletic, energetic dog who plays hard and needs a mile or two of walking and/or running each day.

Mental stimulation is just as important to this extremely intelligent dog.

Most Giant Schnauzers are watchful with strangers and responsible about protecting their home. However, timidity, skittishness, and sharp-shyness are seen in some lines. To promote a stable, confident temperament, Giant Schnauzers need more socialization than many other breeds.

Many individuals are too spirited for small children, and some become overprotective of their own kids when a group is engaging in rough-and-tumble play.

Strange dogs may well be challenged by your Giant Schnauzer. Cats may or may not be accepted.

Once you establish your leadership, the Giant Schnauzer responds very well to obedience training that is fair and consistent. But this highly intelligent, strong-minded working breed is often 'too much dog' for many households.

If you want a dog who...

Is large, athletic, and rather elegant-looking
Has a wiry coat that doesn't shed too much and a whiskery face with a wise expression
Plays hard and thrives on vigorous athletic activities
Makes a keen watchdog and looks imposing, so also makes an effective deterrent

A Giant Schnauzer may be right for you.

If you don't want to deal with...

Vigorous exercise requirements
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
Potential aggression or fearfulness in some lines, or when not socialized enough
Potential aggression toward other animals
Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
Regular clipping and trimming of the wiry coat

A Giant Schnauzer may not be right for you.

Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Giant Schnauzers have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up.
Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your Giant Schnauzer to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy.

More traits and characteristics of the Giant Schnauzer

If I was considering a Giant Schnauzer, I would be most concerned about...

Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Giant Schnauzers look athletic for a reason! They ARE athletic, which means they require plenty of exercise – not just a couple of walks around the block. If you don't take your Giant Schnauzer out to romp and play and do interesting things, he will become rambunctious and bored and then you'll see frustrated behaviors like barking and destructive chewing. Bored Giant Schnauzers can make a shambles of your house and yard.
Providing enough socialization. Most Giant Schnauzers have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of 'good guys.' Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, they may be suspicious of everyone, which could lead to aggression.
Some Giant Schnauzers go in the opposite direction -- without enough socialization, they become fearful of strangers. Fearfulness in a Giant Schnauzer can also be dangerous because it can lead to defensive biting if the dog becomes frightened and feels cornered.
Potential animal aggression. Many Giant Schnauzers are dominant or aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex. Some have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring other animals.
The strong temperament. The best Giant Schnauzers are versatile working dogs, capable of learning a great deal. But they have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. Some Giant Schnauzers are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. Read more about Giant Schnauzer Training.
Lots of grooming. Giant Schnauzers don't shed a great deal – though they are not hypoallergenic. The trade-off to less shedding is a commitment to coat care. Giant Schnauzers require clipping and trimming every few months. Breed purists may say that the wiry coat should never be clipped because it makes the coat softer and more prone to matting. Instead they advocate hand-stripping (each dead hair pulled out so a new one can grow in its place). But in my opinion, stripping is too time-consuming and uncomfortable for the dog. Many groomers won't do it anymore. For pet dogs, I think clipping is just fine.

About the author: Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a Dog Trainer, Dog Breed Consultant, and founder of three Dog Training Centers. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs.

Giant Schnauzer Bite Force Dog

To help you train and care for your dog

Crocodile Bite Force

Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy (or adult dog) when you can see the correct training techniques in action.
The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership.

Animal Bite Force

Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know.

Giant Schnauzer Bite Force Wiki

If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know.

Teach Your Dog 100 English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say.

11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy helps your dog live a longer, healthier life.

Dog Quest: Find The Dog Of Your Dreams will help you find a good-tempered, healthy family companion.