The Giant Schnauzer has many interesting facts that you may not know. He is more than just a bundle of excessive energy!
The Giant Schnauzer was called the Munchener for many years. This was later changed as the breed developed.
The name of the Giant Schnauzer in German is "Riesenschnauzer". There are many interpretations of this name and its meaning. The literal meaning for the name is divided into two parts. In German, the name "riesen" literally means giant, herculean, monster. The name "schnauzer" literally means walrus mustache. Hence the name "Riesenschnauzer" means giant, herculean monster with a walrus mustache.
The Giant Schnauzer closely resembles the other two Schnauzers in appearance only. Each of the three Schnauzers are in fact distinctly different breeds that have been simply developed to look very similar to each other.
The Giant Schnauzer had its origin in Germany. They were developed in the kingdoms of Bavaria and Wurttemberg. These are both agricultural regions where dogs were in great demand as farm help.
Shepherds who were craving a more powerful and larger dog were key in the development of the Great Schnauzer. They interbred within the breeds and included a Great Dane in order to achieve the size of the Giant Schnauzer. The Giant Schnauzer is not actually a Giant breed of dog. It is simply the largest of the Schnauzers.
The Giant Schnauzer began to come to national attention in Germany during World War I. They were recognized as suitable for police training and were sent for training at schools in Berlin and other principal cities in Germany. They were used extensively in the war and are still used as police dogs in Germany today. They are in fact the German's breed of choice for this type of work.
In Europe, the Giant Schnauzer was used for all of the farm work that involved stock. This enabled the farmer to not need four different dogs to do the work he required. The Giant Schnauzer was able to handle the work alone, which made him extremely valuable to the farmer.
In Germany the Giant Schnauzer was used to do the various daily chores on the farm. They were used primarily to herd the cattle and the sheep wherever they were needed. They were often used to drive the cattle and sheep to market and then used to protect the purse on the way back home. He was also used as a guard dog by butchers and breweries.
In the United States and Canada, the Giant Schnauzer is used for Search and Rescue work. He is also used in airports for the detection of dangerous and illegal substances. He is used to sniff out drugs as a drug dog. He has the drive and ability to achieve any job placed before him. He is a dog who loves to work and lives for his job of whatever nature it may be.
The Giant Schnauzer is truly a breed of dog who will devote his life to you if you will do the same for him. He exemplifies the meaning of the phrase "where much is given, much is expected."
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