You need to discuss all your questions with the breeder you are considering getting a dog from. Each breeder brings different goals and desires they are bringing out in the dogs they personally breed. A breeder is not just someone you buy a dog from. These same questions may be answered by other breeders differently. Beware of back yard breeders. You pay a whole lot more in the long run in pain or disappointment. Finding a quality dog from  a good breeder will be better off for your family in the long haul. this pet will be part of your family for many years to come.

I have answered them in accordance to our breeding program and what we breed for.

How large is a Giant Schnauzer?  How much do they weigh? 

The Giant Schnauzer is a square, compactly built, muscular and powerful dog, built this way for endurance and speed. Keeping your dog in shape at a lower weight will significantly allow him to live a much longer healthier life.

The breed standard is easy enough to follow. That is specifically what they should be, much as a blue print for the breed. The standard suggests that the male should be 25.5 to 27.5 inches, and the should be female, 23.5to 25.5 inches. I find the average male is 27.5 - 28.5 , my average female is 24.5 to 26.5.

Now Pets can fall on either side of the standard. Pets can be much larger. Larger dogs tend not to move like a giant. they tend to lumber around.

How is training a Giant?

It is very necessary to train them properly. The giant is highly intelligent but not always eager to please you. That is why they need to develop a relationship with the trainer. I compare raising a pup to raising a child.  They can be a bit stubborn only because they learn so quickly and can get bored doing the same old tricks so you have to mix it up more to keep their interest. They pick up new exercises very quickly. They are happiest when learning. Due to their high intelligence level, the biggest challenge is to keep them focused, and not let them get away with 'inventing' variations to the exercise being taught. Keep on your guard and only reward when it is done the way you want it to be done.  They are very perceptive and read body language all the time, because of this extreme sensitivity to people the trainer must always be watchful of their own body language and reactions to issues that come up during a training exercises.  As a general rule it is best to have a calm demeanor providing quick and clear reward for desired behavior, while ignoring or, if necessary, simple verbal correction for undesired behavior.

How long do they live?

A well cared for healthy Schnauzer can live to be about 9 - 12 or 14 years. Keeping weight down will help dog live much longer. I have known of a few living a bit longer.

What do they eat and about how much?

We feed ours about 2 – 3 cups of a high quality, Large breed dry dog food 2 times a day depending on the dog's activity level it may be a bit more.  We specifically use dog food made for large breed there are many reasons for this one is rapid bone growth can happen if it is not used. Consult a good VET. I would look for a vet before you bring your pup home. Ask many questions like when they are available and if the same vet will see you when you come in. THAT IS IMPORTANT. Good quality, balanced food will help to keep the coat healthy. Less is more only in the sense that leaner is better. Treats can be carrot, apples. There are some veggies and fruit dangerous to dogs get to know which ones.

Two smaller meals is preferred due to possibilities of Bloat.Read more on Bloat

Eukanuba, Iams  ,Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Adult 

Why can't I find a VET experienced in Giants?

Not many VETS know anything about Giant Schnauzers. Get most of your info about the breed and giant health from your breeder. That is why we think it is important to keep a good working relationship with your breeder! I would suggest you calling your breeder if your vet suggest a procedure before doing it unless it is life threatening.

Are these the dogs that are good for people with allergies?

These are not " hypoallergenic dogs" that is not a good term to discibe any dog breed. It all depends on what they are allergic to. Most people do not have any allergic reaction to this breed. My son has severe allergic asthma and reacts with other breeds, but not with these dogs. Most people are allergic to dogs dandler. Staying away from them when grooming is going on is enough for them. Giants do not shed as most breeds do. They do release hairs occasionally just as we do. If you have just one, you may find a doggy hair dust bunny in a corner or under something. They require grooming for this same reason. I enjoy petting them and not having hair all over after or them jumping in your lap and not getting covered with hair.

I suggest people who are allergic to visit a schnauzer pet them, play with them on the floor. A good breeder will work with you.

What about grooming?

It can be expensive but not if you do your own grooming. It is a nice bonding session and a good exercise in dominance. The dog has to submit to you for you to do grooming.  Some people are blown away with the thought of all that grooming. It is not a big deal for a pet rather than a show dog. You can learn how to handle a shaver and follow big anatomical features. If you need help with this or would like to set up some grooming or help email us. My daughter does a lot of grooming for our pups and charges a very small amount check on local groomers see how much they charge. Some local breeder may do pet grooming check with them. See if it would be worth while for you to learn simple. schnauzr@aol.com

The real secret is to get your dog on the grooming table as soon as possible. Get your own grooming table! Some make one from wood and party table legs. You can find them at home depot or some hardware stores. You would need to buy the grooming arm to hold the dog on the table though. You can get that at a dog show or a dog supply catalog.  Be sure to give them treats and praise while they're there. Make it a time for special attention. Soon they will be like ours. They can't wait to hop up on the table. It really is very simple.

Where should they live and sleep?

A giant schnauzer that is allowed to get a lot of exercise and socialization with family and friends early on can make for an excellent housedog. Giants cannot be outside dogs and they can not be ignored.  An ignored giant schnauzer can become bored very easily. It is best if he has a secure area to run and play in or he should be taken on very regular romps to let off some steam.  A Giant that has been cooped up and not allowed to play may be too active to enjoy in the house. They do not make good canaries. Because of their puppies curious nature it is best if young dogs sleep in a secure place such as a crate.  This assures that the dog does not “accidentally” get into trouble during the night when he wakes up and is unsupervised.  Older, mature dogs that have proven themselves trustworthy housedogs can be allowed to sleep loose.
WALKING YOUR GIANT!!! Start early be consistant.
A regular structure walking routine will make him think it is a job or task for him to complete. He is walking with you. It is also another good exercise in dominance. walk them in a healing position. Use a control collar use it correctly so it is not a "choker" it is same collar just a matter of positioning it correctly. Keeping leash short at your knee. This is so important, it establishes that you are his leader. YOu are taking him for a walk. You do not want him to take you for a drag. It can be tough at first buit be consistant. I usually stop a few times for them to sniff around and let him have more leash but only when standing still. Once we start walking again he is back to the heal position.  

What are the grooming needs?

Good dental health is also a must.  Teach the dog early to enjoy having his teeth brushed with a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs. 

Toenails should be kept short.  It is best to do them once a week. 

Shedding……NO, not like most breeds! You can do simple things to keep them clean, blowing out the coat is like shaking out a rug. Washing the furnishings and beard is good to do without giving them a full bath.  

Here is useful page with a lot of info on grooming

How about exercise?

Most dogs thrive and feel secure with regular daily routines. Best thing is to have a secure fenced area!! For younger dogs play/training until they tire is all they need. It is not a good Idea to jog younger dogs as they are so loyal they will endure a run even if injured.  Best to do with pups is play fetch and games until they want to stop. ShaQ and my dogs love to play flashlight tag. the beam is like a ball they chase we would do this in the house or basement or outside at  night. Another favorite game is hide and go seek. For example I will hide and they ask the dog where is MOM. If you do not have the facilities for that, a brisk morning and evening walk along with play time. City dwellers will have to get more creative, healthy pet a daily opportunity to blow off steam and to stay in condition, maybe even a treadmill type dog jogger( I have one of these, while expensive the dogs enjoy it a great deal), or a local basketball court where a ball or soft  Frisbee can be safely chased.

What toys do they prefer?

Giants are like other dogs, they like different types of toys. Most Giant love interactive toys.  It is a good idea to teach your dog early on to chew on the proper toys that will result in good dental health.  I find the round fur covered squeaky balls have the longest life around giants. they tend to kill the squeaky toys. Hard nylon chew toys are good for helping reduce the tarter on their teeth. Not all dogs like to chew on these types of things and they must be encouraged to do so. Rope toys should be given to the dog only when supervised. These types of toys can be dangerous if the dog eats them. I never feed my dog bones. I find too many injuries out weight the usefulness. It is the same with hooves or pig ears. Too much bacteria can gather and dog often gets sick from them. ALSO rawhide and bones that leaves oils on the fur promote the dog to chew his own fur off his legs later after he is done. Here are some examples of toys, Treats & Chuckles Ball ,Buddy Glow Ball by Sun Pet ,Talk To Me Treat Ball

Should I crate train my Giant?

ABSOLUTELY!!  A crate is a must. It should be large enough for the dog to stretch out in, stand up and turn around but not so large that it does not provide the secure 'den' feeling that dogs enjoy.  The hard sided plastic crate gives them the best sense of security. It is home away from home. Plastic crates are required by the airlines. Introduced properly and in a positive manner, it becomes a safe haven and a secure 'den' for any breed of dog.  This way the dog has a place to go when things get too hectic and he needs a break. When he has to travel, his den can come with him and he can be home away from home. He is protected from himself when there is no one to supervise him. It is very unfair to leave a young, unsupervised giant alone in the house and expect him to be good!  When he is safely in his crate and you come home you know that you can enjoy your dog and he can enjoy you without the trauma of a big, unexpected mess. Last, but certainly not least, if your dog is ever required to stay in a crate, either at home or at the vet, pet sitter, or dog show, it will help him feel comfortable resting in his 'den' rather than feeling like he is trapped in a cage he is not used to.

Are Giants good with children?

I have been asked this a lot, have heard that breeders have told people they are not good with kids.

Each breeder should know enough of their own temperament lines to answer that question.

In Our Breedings I can say that the majority of our dogs are in homes with kids.

The breed can be excellent with children when raised with children. You need to be consistent with training be serious about it. You need to establish early that the giant is the bottom rung of your household ladder. that the kids are much above the giant. There are simple exercises to do about this. Consult extensively with your breeder about this. Some breeders say giants are not good with kids but then they Know the bloodlines that they are breeding and maybe the ones they breed are just not good with kids. Different bloodlines can be different and you should discuss this at in detail with the breeder you are getting the dog from. Leaving any large animal alone with a  child is never a good idea. My dogs are in a family setting with children often. They dog is not a babysitter! I always suggest you be with the kids and dogs especially when there are kids that are not yours. They do not like to see kids in rough play I find. You do not know if a child could do something that could be construed as an attack on the dog or another child. Kids need to be part of the dog's training sessions. I always suggest that the kids feed the dogs, also that they train the dogs for treats and attention rewards.

Some temperament can depend on the bloodlines and what the breeder is specifically breeding them for. In general what ever you want those to react well to as adults you should expose them to as a pup.

Socialization
This is vital with dog breeds like ours. I have several dogs that are so social they do therapy dog work. Most working dogs are like ours territorial and protective by nature. It is what they were bred for. What we do as breeders is socialize the ASAP. You as a new pup owner would have to do the same ASAP. Talk extensively with your breeder about this. How to do it correctly.

What About Ears should I do them?

Here's a page about ear cropping or leaving them natural.

I do not want to discourage cropping. Just want to stress that it is not "easy" and most pets who are cropped do not have ears that stand due to improper posting.

OK, A Favorite Question.........Is that a Giant Scottie?

We get that question all the time. We always like to talk to people at the shows. That's one part of it that can be fun. Meet breeders at dogs shows discuss the breed. Do make sure to note what time people are showing the dogs in the catalog we usually don't mind but some really do. The timing is important and we never mean to give anyone the brush off.

Giants Are Not Terriers. they share parts of a common hair cut but that is all. They are working dogs, started from standard schnauzers a working dog. To make them larger they used large dogs. They were originally bred for cattle droving. Once that was no longer needed due to advent of trains, they were found to be a good addition to the working breeds.