Giant Schnauzer?

Ahh, giants.  Yup, even thought I wanted one once upon a time.  However, I wanted a dog with an attitude that was not "my way or the highway" quite so often []

Giants can be absolutely wonderful.  They can also be an absolute terror.  They can and will step into any leadership void to the point of bullying people into doing things their way.  I am reminded of a story of a giant who decided when bed time was.  No body left there bed room once he had tucked them in for the night.

They are big, powerful, intelligent dogs.  They can be aggressive with new people and dogs unless adequately socialized (read that as 6 to 7 new experiences and locations weekly) from the time they are adequately immunized.  They need to continue going out and about even after reaching adulthood.  They need early, consistent, training with a HUGE emphasis on the positive.  Giants dont take well to punishment. 

Coat care depends on what you want to do with them.  Hand stripping is time consuming or expensive.  A quick clip keeps things under control but you often loose some of the really good harsh coat that protects them from the elements.

We have had one for about a month.He is one of our pound rescues.( see avitar pic) he gets along great with all the other 9 dogs even though we have no idea what his first 2 years were like.He is very big and strong and hasnt had much training but knows the basics.They become VERY attatched to thier owners and will follow you around everywhere.They are also very sweet and will love and snuggle just like other dogs.He has never shown any aggresion towards strangers or other dogs.They definitely need alot of training to keep them under control but mine will listen as long as you are firm with him and let him know whos boss.I will miss him when he finally finds his forever home.

I spent some time at a dog show with a beautiful and well bred Giant Schnauzer.  He wasn't friendly but he wasn't aloof either.  The impression I got from him was that he was VERY serious.  He looked over at me and his eyes said "You can touch me, but know that it's only because I AM ALLOWING IT." 

I'm very impressed with the breed, but it's not one that I could handle.  The one I met didn't seem to have a sense of humor, like the standards schnauzers do.

Wow.  I'm kind of glad I read this.  My inlaws have a gorgeous black giant schnauzer.  He's not neutered.  He's friendly, to me, but has a loud, soul shaking, serious bark that startles me everytime.  He doesn't bark as much at me anymore and has kind of taken a liking to me.  He's a lover, but I wasn't aware that they didn't get along well with other dogs.  I'm planning on getting an English bulldog or Olde English bulldogge come next year and I was planning on taking him over to their house.  I've never owned a dog of my own (I grew up with dogs when I was little but have never owned one as an adult) and am new to all of this animal socialization stuff (amongst other dog-type things).  Their giant schnauzer is going to be considerably larger than my bulldog(ge), so how do I go about this?
Not to be a complete idiot, but how do I introduce their dog and mine without getting my dog killed or injured?  Not saying that it would turn out bad, but just in case it could, how do I avoid that?
 
And, I know this is my first post, but please be kind to me.[]

I should explain.  A well trained and socialized Giant is a delight with people and other dogs.  They tend to be reserved once they reach adulthood.  They dont slip back into silly play behaviors until they know you well.  The reason I stated the caution, to many of the Giants I have encountered in kenneling and training classes have been under socialized. That with training that has been ineffective has resulted in dogs that are not reliable.
 
Giants and many other breeds aught to come with warning labels and required breed mentors.

should have read your whole post before replying[]
 
Ok  use this time to work with the Giant so that he/she will follow commands.  Teach tricks and basic obedience.  Reward fast compliance with commands. Start training and practicing in more and more distracting locations (little league games, shopping center sidewalks, etc) Get that obedience down pat.
 
When introducing the dogs (I am assuming puppy), do it off the dog's property (maybe even your home).  Limit the contact between them to a few minutes at a time.  Have toys and treats to give to the Giant (sitting beside the puppy in the crate, while someone else is petting the puppy)
 
I know it is very difficult, but down play the attention to puppy. 
 
Also, if you want these guys to be buds and have the easiest transition, consider a puppy of the opposite sex.  Look for a temperment tested litter and ask for a middle of the road puppy (3-4's on a scale of 1-5)  Avoid a puppy with any obvious and consistent fear related behaviors.

thank you so much for your advice.  I shall introduce my future pup to their dog by having them bring their dog over to my house. 
 
I intend to get a male because, well, gender is a big deal to my fiancee.  He doesn't wish to have a female dog, he doesn't like the whole heat thing.  I know gender isn't or shouldn't be a big deal but this being our first dog (and I've never owned a female dog before) we're going with a male.
 
I'm concerned about the socialization of my inlaws schnauzer.  He's an only pet and therefore isn't surrounded by any other animals, at all. 
 
 

OMG!! I just have to weigh in about the olde english bulldogge thing!! I have one and they are the best!!  Mine is training in agility and we regularly attend conformaion events with her, they are truely great dogs if you find the right breeder.  Don't hesitate to look for one of these babies instead of an AKC bulldog, and feel free to PM me if you'd like to chat about the breed, they are my passion.
 
Megan

I am ECSTATIC.  I sent you a PM, Megan.
 
Oh, and I just spoke with my fiancee and he told me that their dog DOES have socialization.  They bring the dog up north frequently to visit his mother and they have him out with the neighbors' various dogs and whatnot.

ORIGINAL: Xerxes



I'm very impressed with the breed, but it's not one that I could handle.  The one I met didn't seem to have a sense of humor, like the standards schnauzers do.

 
I LOVE Schnauzers of all kind. Although Giants and Middles definetly need strict training and a lot of socializtion. Not all of them are serious ex. My mini is an absolute goofball he will do anything to put a smile on your face or get your attention. Although all of them need training because their jaw strength is really strong. Grooming is a big thing. I would talk them to a groomer. They also love to protect, and at bedtime always make sure that everyones in bed and say goodnight to them.[]

my in-laws' giant is a beaut. And he is a HUGE goofball. The more and more I'm around him, the more impressed I am getting with him. He's now proven to me to be great with my son and he does this thing where he stands sideways and leans in on me with his body weight. He's such a pretty dog and so full of personality. AND SMART! They have their side garage door set so it won't completely shut and if he's outside he can push the door open with his powerful snout and if he's on the inside and wants out, he just sits on his butt, puts his paw up and pulls the handle down and opens the door. What a smartypants.