The believed origin of the Giant Schnauzer is in southern Bavaria. The Giant is known as das Riesenschnauzer in its country of origin, Germany. The name Schnauzer means "snout". This word was chosen because the Giants snout and whiskers draw immediate attention. The Giant Schnauzer is the largest of the three breeds of Schnauzers. The gene pool is not well known but it is believed that the Giant Schnauzer was crossed with smooth-coated German drover dogs, black Great Danes, and rough-coated shepherd dogs. The finished product produced an agile deep-chested dog with a huge heart. That's what makes up a true working dog.

        Once seen, the Giant Schnauzer is seldom forgotten. It's appearance speaks for itself. The Giant has a history as a noble cattle dog and sheep drover. It is a protector that would risk its life for you. When shepherds drove their herds through Bavaria, Giant Schnauzers were soon recognized as guard dogs by shopkeepers. In Germany, the Giant is the dog of choice for police work. Both in Canada and the U.S., Giants are used for rescue work and at airports for detection of illegal and or dangerous substances.

        The first Giants were imported to the United States in the early 1920s and by the 30s, some of the best German breeding stock was in the hands of Americans. Giants were used by the U.S. Army in World War Two. Today, the Giant although rare in the U.S. and Canada, is gaining in popularity.