Opinion - Giant Schnauzer

From Sheri Deerhake, Columbus OH
We rescued our 7 yr. old female giant 4 years ago with some reservations.  My husband and I both had experiences with miniatures in the past that hadn't been very positive.  Once we met Tess, we fell in love!!!  She is the complete opposite in temperament than the minis; gentle, loyal, obedient, eager to please, playful, protective...need I say more?  She's great with people and so wonderful with kids that our neighbors ask Tess to baby-sit their 4, 7 & 10 yr. olds regularly (our supervision is not always needed!).  The only draw back is that they get a little lonely when we're not around, so we had to get her her own giant schnauzer puppy 2 years ago.  They are known in the neighborhood as the dynamic duo!  I strongly recommend obedience training (more for you, not them); they have their own minds and you need to know how to handle them.  Also, gentle leaders are great as they tend to pull on the leash.  All in all, I'll probably never get another breed! 

From T. Westhead, Victoria, BC Canada
We are owners of a 13 yr old Giant who we rescued when she was just over a year.  Although this is not a breed for everyone; they are strong willed, large, independent and extremely boisterous until they are about 8 yrs old, they are the ideal dog for someone who is willing to put forth the effort with obedience training.  They are extremely intelligent and learn quickly.  This breed is not for the faint-hearted but if raised correctly can provide more love than you can possibly handle.  We will never get another breed, we spent the last 3 years trying to chose another breed but just couldn't do it (this was because good breeders are difficult to find) and in the end found a breeder close to home and have another Giant arriving in six weeks.

From Ron Gillespie, Florida
Giant Schnauzers are as varied as any other breed when it comes to energy level, temperament, etc. However, on average they are very energetic, strong willed and very, very intelligent. Obedience training is essential and as important, if not more, is socialization with other dogs/cats, etc. as well as humans. Of course this is true of all breeds but on average more essential with the Giant. If you are not willing or able to exercise this breed, get a more low energy breed because they will exercise you if you don't exercise them. This is also true of most if not all breeds but Giants are very, very athletic and need lots of romping, running and playing especially while young. They don't shed and are generally nonallergenic but the flip side to that is they have to be groomed and clipped. I do this myself but that isn't for everyone. If you choose to have it done, expect a significant bill for grooming a dog that can weigh between 70 and 120 lbs. We have a male that is 115 lbs. of muscle and bone. Our female puppy is 8 months old and 62 lbs. We expect she will be 75 - 80 lbs. when fully grown. We love this breed and would have nothing else but buyer beware you will be getting a handful of energy, intelligence and loyalty. If not exercised, trained and lead they will not be a good choice.

From JoAnn Babbits, Ohio
After having 3 Giants, and looking forward to number 4, I have to say I love this breed! They are a striking dog in appearance and can bring more wonderful memories than your average dog. Mine have pulled a cart and given rides to many children, swam in my in ground pool, served as a life guard for any child that they feel is not a good swimmer, they have pulled my daughter for sled rides, and one was a finished champion in confirmation. This breed is not for the weak owner. They can be physically demanding on their owner and definitely high energy. They can make a real mess to clean up after, as well. When they drink, their beards are like wet mops. When they go outside in the rain, or mud, they bring it in with them. They require good alpha style parenting or they will become the leader. If you are up to the challenge, the giant will give back more than you can imagine.