 
Originally the Giant
Schnauzer was used in the region of Southern Germany to drive cattle.
Around the turn of the century, determined breeders realised that he had
outstanding working capabilities and particularly valuable traits in
character. Since 1913 the breed has been registered in a stud book, and
in 1925 already the Giant Schnauzer has officially been recognised as a
working dog. The Giant Schnauzer (Riesenschnauzer)
is the largest of the three types of schnauzers. (The other two being
the miniature and the standard schnauzer.) Everyone agrees that the
Riesenschnauzer originated in southern Germany, in the Bavarian region
near Switzerland. The German word "schnauzer" means "snout",
which has been interpreted by many as referring to the distinctive
bearded muzzle, and by some as a reference to the breed's eagerness to
use its nose (as in tracking). As early as the fifteenth century,
paintings by the famous Albrecht Durer portray schnauzer-like dogs
resembling the modern standard schnauzer. (The World of the Schnauzer:
Miniature, Standard and Giant by Johan Gallant contains this and other
illustrations of early schnauzers.) The Riesenschnauzer was bred from a
cross of the standard schnauzer and several other types of dogs,
probably a combination of smooth-coated drovers and rough-coated farm
dogs, along with a larger breed, such as a black Great Dane or Bouvier.
There are many theories about the exact combination of breeds, but we
have no way to verify the exact mixture. The first record of the
appearance of the modern Riesenschnauzer is attributed to breedings by
the Wettenstein and Kinzigtal Kennels. Karl Kluftinger of the
Wetterstein Kennels was one of the oldest and most experienced
Riesenschnauzer breeders, who bred and raised his dogs in secrecy in the
mountains and was said to never have sold a dog to anyone else. His dog,
Bazi von Watterstein was recorded as being 28.4 inches high and 88
pounds, and became one of the most successful sires of his time. The
Kinzigtal Kennel was established by Dr. Calaminus around 1895. Like Karl
Kluftinger, he kept his breeding program a mystery and discouraged
visitors. His dog, Fels v. Kinzigtal, (born in 1924) became another of
the foundation dogs of the modern Riesenschnauzer.The first
Riesenschnauzers were imported into the United States in the 1920's, and
began to be bred from German stock in the 1930's. An American-bred Giant
won the Eastern Dog Club trophy for obedience in 1947. The Pinscher
Schnauzer Club of Germany established the first breed standard for the
Riesenschnauzer, which was adopted by the AKC for forty years, and the
AKC standard was modified to reflect the PSK Standard's elimination of
any colors but black or salt-and-pepper in 1983. The breed standard has
been interpreted by breeders throughout the world, and there is
significant controversy concerning whether or not the original
characteristics of the Riesenschnauzer have been diluted or maintained
over the last fifty years of breeding. Although there are far fewer of
this breed in this country, the outstanding performance of a few
representatives of the breed in competitive sports has brought new
attention to their natural character and outstanding talents as
protectors, trackers, and competition dogs. Schnauzers have successfully
competed against the German Shepherd and Malinois in Schutzhund, have
held their own against other breeds in obedience, agility, and tracking
competitions, and have jobs as search and rescue dogs, police dogs,
guard dogs and even as researchers (as in the case of the standard
schnauzer who is able to distinguish between cancer cells and non-cancer
cells).
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General
Appearance 
The Schnauzer is the greatly enlarged and much powerful version of
the Standard Schnauzer, in all respects a bold and resolute dog of
imposing apperance. His typical traits are: boldness coupled with
composure and reliability, a good-natured temperament and unconditional
loyalty to his master. His highly developed senses, intelligence,
adaptability to training, strength, endurance, speed and resistance
against weather and illness make the Giant Schnauzer a hardy and tough
utility dog.
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| Head
The head is strong, long without pronounced occiput gradually tapering
from the eyes to the tip of the nose. The total length (from the tip of
the nose to the occiput) in proportion to the length of the back (from
the withers to the base of the tail) is about 1 *2. The head has to
harmonize with the substance of the dog. The marked stop is emphasized
by eyebrows, the straight bridge of the nose runs parallel with the
topline of unwrinkled, flat forehead. The masseters are strong; however,
the cheeks should not be protruding to disturb the rectangular shape of
the head (with its whiskers). The muzzle ends in a moderately blunt
wedge. The tip of the nose is full and black. The lips must be tight,
and are black in all varieties.
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Teeth
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| Body
The chest is moderately broad, ribs well sprung, the cross-section is
oval in shape. The brisket extends beyond the elbows and is well curved.
The forechest is formed by the prosternum extending clearly beyond the
shoulder blades and upper arms. The underbody rises slightly towards the
rear with a moderate tuck-up at the loin area. The distance from the
last rib to the pelvis is short giving the impression of a compact,
short-coupled dog. The length of the body is approximately equal to the
dog´s height at the withers. The back is short and slightly sloping.
The topline is not absolutely straight but shows a slight, elegant curve
from the first vertebra of the withers over the back, the slightly
rounded croup to the base of the tail.
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| Tail
The tail is high set and carried erect. It is docked to approximately 3
joints. Forequaters * The sloping shoulder blades and the upper arm are well angulated, flat, but well muscled. The front legs form strong supports and are straight when viewed from all sides. The elbows are close to the body. Hindquaters * The hindquarters have strong-muscled, slanting thighs. The hock joints are well angulated. Feet * The feet are short, round and tight with well arched toes (cat´s paws), dark nails and tough pads.
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| Coat
The coat is wirehaired. It should be harsh and dense. The coat consists
of a dense undercoat and a harsh topcoat which should be short. The
topcoat should be harsh but not shaggy or wavy. The hair at the head or
legs is also harsh; on the forehead and ears it is shorter. The typical
hallmarks of the Miniature Schnauzer are the harsh whiskers and bushy
eyebrows which slightly overshadow the eyes.
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| Color
The colors are solid black, and salt and pepper. The breeding aims for
the salt and pepper color are a medium shade, evenly distributed and
well pigmented with a grey undercoat. Admissible are the shades ranging
from dark iron-grey to silver-grey. A dark mask is desired which
emphasizes the typical Miniature Schnauzer appearance. The mask must
harmonize with the corresponding shade of the coat color. White markings
on the head, chest or legs are undesirable.
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| Size
The height at the withers is from 60-70 cm. Faults * Body too plump, too light or too high on the legs. Too coarse or round skull, wrinkled forehead, low set or badly cropped ears. Eyes too light, too large or round. Strongly protruding cheekbones; dewlap, ewe-neck. Level bite, overshot or undershot bite. Distemper teeth. Short, pointed or narrow muzzle. Back too long, back sway- or reach-back. Sloping croup. Rabbit´s tail (tail set low), loose elbows. Cow-hocked. Steep rear or bowlegged. Long feet. Pacing gait. Coat too long, soft, wavy, shaggy, silky white or spotted or other additional shades. Black stripe down the back (trace), back saddle or stripe. Terrier expression.
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| Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault an
d the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in
exact proportion to its degree.
Note* Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
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Riesenschnauzer 
History 
