What’s The Temperament of a Giant Schnauzer?

OUR GIANT SCHNAUZERS have stable temperaments, natural confidence, loyalty to family, high trainability, and a willingness and ability to engage a threat when necessary. The foundation for all of these qualities is genetic; these traits are selectively bred for and tested. ALL of our giants are temperament tested and undergo rigorous training in obedience, and protection work. These help test and demonstrate each dog’s temperament, trainability, confidence, and willingness to engage a threat. Our training also develops self-control in the dog, and develops handler control over the dog to transfer over to a new owner.

Temperament cannot be stressed enough when it comes to good protection dogs. Many people mistakenly think that dogs who bark at everything and everyone, or who fly into a fit of aggressive behavior when anyone walks by the car or house, are good ‘guard dogs’. But this type of behavior can indicate a dog that is overly suspicious, nervous, anxious, or fearful; they perceive everything as a personal threat to their safety, and react aggressively out of worry and self-preservation. An overly reactive dog with a weak temperament does not make a good protection dog; they view everyone as a foe, and may end up biting indiscriminately. Or, they may be too fearful to truly commit and follow through when engaged with a threat; they put on a spectacular display, but that is all it is–a mere “bluff” with no bravery or fight to back it up.

Giant Schnauzers with solid, sound temperaments will mostly be quiet and chill in public, confident in their surroundings, watchful but unconcerned with normal everyday encounters. Good protection Giant Schnauzers may show aloof behavior toward strangers, but are not aggressive toward strangers displaying normal, non-threatening behaviors.

Giant Schnauzers are very intelligent and easy to train, and they have the ability to be trained to a very high level. Giants show a natural aptitude for working with the handler. These genetic qualities are what help make a good protection dog. Giant Schnauzers are extremely intelligent and eager to train, and they have the ability to be trained to an impressively high level. They show a natural desire and satisfaction for working with the handler. These genetic qualities are what help make a good giant schnauzer protection dog.