The Giant Schnauzer, also known as Riesenschnauzer, originated in Germany in the 1400's. Its first use was droving cattle. The Giant Schnauzer was first exhibited at a show in Munich in 1909. The Giant Schnauzer is a powerful, muscular dog. Its height at the shoulders should match its body length, giving it a square shape when viewed in profile. The Giant Schnauzer has a flat forehead, chin whiskers and a stubby mustache.

Appearance
The Giant Schnauzer is a larger more powerful version of, but should resemble, the smaller, Standard Schnauzer. Nearly a square built dog in proportion of body length to height at withers. Ruggedly built, with a dense, weather-resistant coat. The Giant Schnauzer is usually salt and pepper in color or black.

Character
The Giant Schnauzer is a large, powerful, dominant dog which needs a firm, consistent but friendly handler. Unnecessary harshness will only do harm. Early and consistent training is necessary as the Giant Schnauzer tends to be very willful. Its ability to understand a command does not always translate into obedience. Giant Schnauzers are very loyal and intelligent dogs. They often become so attached to their owner that they follow them around the house. The Giant Schnauzer can live outside in temperate to cool climates, but it does best when allowed to divide its time between house and yard.
 

Temperament
Confident and bold, Giant Schnauzers are excellent around children, devoted and good-natured. This muscular and spirited breed requires a firm experienced trainer.

Exercise/Training
The Giant Schnauzer needs daily exercise and fun. Its exercise requirements can be met with vigorous games and long hikes or walks. Playing and obedience are very good types of mental exercise. 20 minutes obedience and playing with your Giant Schnauzer will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.

Color
The color of the Giant Schnauzer is salt and pepper or solid black. On the black Giant Schnauzer a small white spot on the breast is permitted. Ideally the Salt and Pepper is an intensely pigmented medium gray shade with peppering evenly distributed throughout the coat.

Grooming
The harsh coat of the Giant Schnauzer needs combing once or twice weekly, plus shaping two to four times yearly. Shaping is best done by professional scissoring and hand-stripping, but clipping is acceptable for pets. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Giant Schnauzer as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Giant Schnauzer should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.