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General
Description
The Giant
Schnauzer should resemble, as nearly as possible, in general appearance,
a larger and more powerful version of the Standard Schnauzer,
on the whole a bold and valiant figure of a dog. Robust, strongly
built, nearly square in proportion of body length to height at
withers, active, sturdy, and well muscled. Temperament which combines
spirit and alertness with intelligence and reliability. Composed,
watchful, courageous, easily trained, deeply loyal to family,
playful, amiable in repose, and a commanding figure when aroused.
The sound, reliable temperament, rugged build, and dense weather-resistant
wiry coat make for one of the most useful, powerful, and enduring
working breeds.
Head
Strong, rectangular in appearance, and elongated; narrowing slightly
from the ears to the eyes, and again from the eyes to the tip
of the nose. The total length of the head is about one-half the
length of the back (withers to set-on of tail). The head matches
the sex and substance of the dog. The top line of the muzzle is
parallel to the top line of the skull; there is a slight stop
which is accentuated by the eyebrows. Skull--(Occiput to
Stop). Moderately broad between the ears: occiput not too prominent.
Top of skull flat; skin unwrinkled. Cheeks--Flat, but with
well-developed chewing muscles; there is no "cheekiness"
to disturb the rectangular head appearance (with beard). Muzzle--Strong
and well filled under the eyes; both parallel and equal in length
to the topskull; ending in a moderately blunt wedge. The nose
is large, black, and full. The lips are tight, and not overlapping,
black in color. Bite--A full complement of sound white teeth (6/6
incisors, 2/2 canines, 8/8 premolars, 4/6 molars) with a scissors
bite. The upper and lower jaws are powerful and well formed. Disqualifying
Faults--Overshot or undershot. Ears-- When cropped,
identical in shape and length with pointed tips. They are in balance
with the head and are not exaggerated in length. They are set
high on the skull and carried perpendicularly at the inner edges
with as little bell as possible along the other edges. When uncropped,
the ears are V-shaped button ears of medium length and thickness,
set high and carried rather high and close to the head. Eyes--Medium
size, dark brown, and deep-set. They are oval in appearance and
keen in expression with lids fitting tightly. Vision is not impaired
nor eyes hidden by too long eyebrows. Neck--Strong and
well arched, of moderate length, blending cleanly into the shoulders,
and with the skin fitting tightly at the throat; in harmony with
the dog's weight and build.
Body
Compact, substantial, short-coupled, and strong, with great power
and agility. The height at the highest point of the withers equals
the body length from breastbone to point of rump. The loin section
is well developed, as short as possible for compact build.
Forequarters
The forequarters have flat, somewhat sloping shoulders and high
withers. Forelegs are straight and vertical when viewed from all
sides with strong pasterns and good bone. They are separated by
a fairly deep brisket which precludes a pinched front. The elbows
are set close to the body and point directly backwards. Chest--
Medium in width, ribs well sprung but with no tendency toward
a barrel chest; oval in cross section: deep through the brisket.
The breastbone is plainly discernible, with strong forechest;
the brisket descends at least to the elbows, and ascends gradually
toward the rear with the belly moderately drawn up. The ribs spread
gradually from the first rib so as to allow space for the elbows
to move close to the body. Shoulders--The sloping shoulder
blades (scapulae) are strongly muscled, yet flat. They are well
laid back so that from the side the rounded upper ends are in
a nearly vertical line above the elbows. They slope well forward
to the point where they join the upper arm (humerus), forming
as nearly as possible a right angle. Such an angulation permits
the maximum forward extension of the forelegs without binding
or effort. Both shoulder blades and upper arm are long, permitting
depth of chest at the brisket.
Back
Short, straight, strong, and firm.
Tail
The tail is set moderately high and carried high in excitement.
It should be docked to the second or not more than the third joint
(approximately one and one-half to about three inches long at
maturity).
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are strongly muscled, in balance with the forequarters;
upper thighs are slanting and well bent at the stifles, with the
second thighs (tibiae) approximately parallel to an extension
of the upper neckline. The legs from the hock joint to the feet
are short, perpendicular to the ground while the dog is standing
naturally, and from the rear parallel to each other. The hindquarters
do not appear over-built or higher than the shoulders. Croup full
and slightly rounded. Feet--Well-arched, compact and catlike,
turning neither in nor out, with thick tough pads and dark nails.
Dewclaws--Dewclaws, if any, on hind legs should be removed;
on the forelegs, may be removed.
Gait
The trot is the gait at which movement is judged. Free, balanced
and vigorous, with good reach in the forequarters and good driving
power in the hindquarters. Rear and front legs are thrown neither
in nor out. When moving at a fast trot, a properly built dog will
single-track. Back remains strong, firm, and flat.
Coat
Hard, wiry, very dense; composed of a soft undercoat and a harsh
outer coat which, when seen against the grain, stands slightly
up off the back, lying neither smooth nor flat. Coarse hair on
top of head; harsh beard and eyebrows, the Schnauzer hallmark.
Color
Solid black or pepper and salt. Black--A truly pure black.
A small white spot on the breast is permitted; any other markings
are disqualifying faults. Pepper and Salt--Outer coat of
a combination of banded hairs (white with black and black with
white) and some black and white hairs, appearing gray from a short
distance. Ideally; an intensely pigmented medium gray shade
with "peppering" evenly distributed throughout the coat,
and a gray undercoat. Acceptable; all shades of pepper
and salt from dark iron-gray to silver-gray. Every shade of coat
has a dark facial mask to emphasize the expression; the color
of the mask harmonizes with the shade of the body coat. Eyebrows,
whiskers, cheeks, throat, chest, legs, and under tail are lighter
in color but include "peppering." Markings are disqualifying
faults.
Height
The height at the withers of the male is 25½ to 27½
inches, and of the female, 23½ to 25½ inches, with
the mediums being desired. Size alone should never take precedence
over type, balance, soundness, and temperament. It should be noted
that too small dogs generally lack the power and too large dogs,
the agility and maneuverability, desired in the working dog.
FAULTS
The foregoing description is that of the ideal Giant Schnauzer.
Any deviation from the above described dog must be penalized to
the extent of the deviation.
The judge shall
dismiss from the ring any shy or vicious Giant Schnauzer.
Shyness --
A dog shall be judged fundamentally shy if, refusing to stand
for examination, it repeatedly shrinks away from the judge; if
it fears unduly any approach from the rear; if it shies to a marked
degree at sudden and unusual noises. Viciousness -- A dog
that attacks or attempts to attack either the judge or its handler,
is definitely vicious. An aggressive or belligerent attitude towards
other dogs shall not be deemed viciousness.
DISQUALIFICATIONS
Overshot or undershot.
Markings other than specified.
Approved
October 11, 1983
This
is the AKC standard
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