giant giant working breed dog developed 17th century germany largest breeds breeds standard miniature numerous breeds development including black originally bred assist farms driving livestock market guarding farmer property breed eventually moved city worked guarding shops factories unknown outside bavaria popular military dog world war world war dense coarse coat protects weather come color patterns solid black color known pepper salt banded hairs alternating white black appearing gray hairs distance legal shown ears docked tails like distinct beard today numerous dog sports including police dog history giant emerged german state bavaria 17th century original considered rough coated version german breeds hair thought help withstand harsh german winters bites origins breed unclear sources speculate originated combination black des standard giant originally bred farm dog guarding property driving animals market turn 20th century giant factories bavaria unknown outside bavaria military dog world war world war giant imported america 1930s remained rare 1960s breed popular new registered number animals new dogs registered modern times giant police dog trained obedience dog agility search rescue shown shows europe breed considered working dog dog focus european clubs shows working ability breed countries including germany dogs achieve title qualify champion description appearance giant called giant comparison large dog breeds great instead comparison standard miniature breed standard calls males stand inches females stand inches square shape resemble larger version standard tail long ears small button ears carried high head legal possibly docked ears head length dog measured base tail flat coat dense weather resistant fur giant face forms distinct beard stride long crisp come colors solid black pattern called pepper salt banded hairs black white hairs cover body giving appearance having temperament usually quiet breed breeding giant inherently suspicious strangers territorial introduced usually accepting novel people situations potential aggressive usually reserved commanding figure aroused giant described children intelligent bored easily energetic highly spirited coupled lead unwanted destructive behavior easily trained deeply loyal owner breeders believe pepper salt colored black counterparts health require regular beard collect food particles making frequent essential shown coat needs stripped weeks simply companion animal coat instead giant hip elbow common prone eye problems progressive prone skin diseases seasonal flank cancer skin common dark colored dogs frequently occurring varieties limbs cell digit occurs caused defect cells color skin skin common giant develop central diabetes selective seizure disorders sensitive gold bone diseases joint problems issue common causes death liver cancer followed heart attacks heart failure
Giant Schnauzer