This large dog breed, bred to be a working dog and a guard dog, is an all-time favorite. But did you know there are many Giant Schnauzer colors and that they don’t have to be black?
When someone mentions a Giant Schnauzer, my first association, back in the day, would be a large, pure black, elegant dog with a neat doggy haircut that enjoys being looked at as a show dog. And I guess that is what most people think of regarding this dog breed.
The German states of Bavaria and Wurttenberg are where the Giant Schnauzer breed first developed. Puppies of the German Pinscher and coarse-haired Schnauzer breeds coexisted in the same litters, making an important turn point.
The German Pinscher Schnauzer Club established a rule requiring documentation of three generations of pure coats with coarse hair to be eligible for registration.
They soon developed a distinct breed from the German Pinscher because of this, which also helped set the standards.
The Standard Schnauzer was the name given to these Schnauzers. The black Great Dane and the Bouvier des Flandres were bred with these Standard Schnauzers to create the Giant Schnauzers.
The word “Schnauzer” comes from the German word “Schnauze,” which translates to “muzzle.” In Germany, the Giant Schnauzer is called “Riesenschnauzer,” meaning “the giant.”
Having some background about the dog breed, let’s delve into Giant colours!
Standard Giant Schnauzer Colors
When it comes to coat colors of, well, any dog breed, certain colors are registered and approved as official colors, and there are dog colors that are not registered or approved.
Those are some rules and standards set by professionals, dog experts, and veterinarians. Standardized dog colors are a part of the dog breed’s standard, which describes the ideal representation of a dog breed.
Breeding Giant Schnauzers of standardized colors help maintain the breed’s looks and provide a constant recognizable look. Therefore, let me introduce you to the standardized Giant Schnauzer colors:
1. Black
The Black Giant Schnauzer is approved as the standardized breed color, standing under the registration code 007 (appropriate, huh?).
These pure black, elegant, sporty dogs of large size have a consistent black coat from their muzzle to the top of the tail.
Their eyebrows and beard are also as black as they can get, making this dog look like a vicious guard dog when looking from afar.
The giant Schnauzer is bigger and more robust than the Standard Schnauzer. The breed has a square look, meaning that the height at the withers is equal to the length from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttocks.
Giant Schnauzers have a weatherproof double coat and a tough appearance to match. In most cases, the eye color of the black Giant Schnauzers is dark brow, almost black – and rarely, it is hazel and lighter.
2. Pepper And Salt
Approved as the breed’s standard color and standing under the registration code 139 under the AKC official dog breed description, the Pepper and Salt Giant Schnauzer never fails to wow people with its looks.
The outer coat is made up of black and white hairs that, when viewed from a distance, seem gray and banded hairs (black with white and white with black). A pigmented medium gray tone with uniformly spaced “peppering” and a gray undercoat would be ideal.
All pepper and salt tones, from heavy iron gray to silver gray, are acceptable. To highlight the expression, each shade contains a black “facial mask” whose hue complements the body coat’s shade.
The color of the brows, whiskers, cheeks, throat, legs, and undertail is usually lighter in color but has the so-called “peppering.” When it comes to Salt & Pepper Giant Schnauzers, markings are considered as errors that automatically disqualify.
Non-Standard Giant Schnauzer Colors
The non-standard Giant Schnauzer colors can be undesirable for important reasons that we’ll go through later. Now, it is essential to acknowledge that non-standard Giant colours are not following the rules regarding the Giant Schnauzer breed standards.
Non-standardized dog breed colors deviate from the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially approved colors. That does not mean that “deviated” colors cannot occur naturally in any dog breed; they are just not considered desirable.
That does not mean that these pups are not as beautiful as the standard-coloured ones! Let’s take a look!
1. Black & Tan Giant Schnauzer
Under registration code 018, the Black and Tan Giant Schnauzer is not considered the standard color of this dog breed.
This Giant Schnauzer color is described as having an overall black coat, with tan outbursts of color on the chest, legs, and head area.
Looking at them from the back, they seem black, but looking at them from the front, they look more tan. This Giant Schnauzer color is wonderful. However, most breeders won’t go for having pups of this color since many people won’t buy them precisely because of color.
In the area where I live, there is a surprising number of Giant Schnauzer owners, miniature and standard-sized as well. But I wanted to say that some of them vouch for the idea that the black and tan and the salt and pepper Giant Schnauzers are more gentle in nature than black ones.
But we’ll go down that rabbit hole a bit later!
2. Fawn Giant Schnauzer
Fawn Giant Schnauzers stand under the registration code 082 under the AKC. As you can see, fawn Giant Schnauzers usually range from beige all the way to dark yellow or light brown.
They are much more rare than the standardized Giant colors; however, they are familiar enough to have them registered under an AKC code. This color is probably a mutation with a lack of darker pigment in the pup’s genotype, resulting in a much lighter dog breed than usual.
But that doesn’t mean that these pups aren’t as gorgeous as they can get! I mean, look at this beauty!
3. White Giant Schnauzer
Rare, but as beautiful as much as they are rare- say hello to the white Giant Schnauzer! Not recognized as a standard breed color and not having a registration code, the situation is a bit better with the Miniature Schnauzers- white minis have a 199 registration code.
However, white minis are still not standardized. Considering the current state of the standart Schnauzer, there is a slight hope that white Giant Schnauzers might get a registration code eventually.
These wonderful giants are among the most elegant dogs I have ever seen. Being white entirely and thoroughly, these dogs are the epitome of a luxurious dog breed. However, there are certain health conditions you’ll need to watch out for that we will discuss a bit later.
They often have dark hair or two, but it blends seamlessly with their all-white coat, so most people won’t notice it.
4. Albino Giant Schnauzer
Albino dogs carry a rare genetic disorder, making the dogs lack entirely pigment. Albino dogs lack melanin pigment production, making their skin and noses pink, their eyes light, and their coats as fair as they can get.
Breeders don’t breed for albino dogs because these albino Giant Schnauzers result from a genetic disorder that made them this color.
When it comes to these special pups, they will need top services and special attention, which I will describe a little later.
5. Red Giant Schnauzer
The red Giant Schnauzer is the most rare color of them all, usually a darker, fawn one. Not recognized nor usually bred for color – this color, too, is most likely another form of genetic mutation.
However, this mutation does not affect the dog’s health, unlike the Albino mutation.
I have never seen one in real life, but I have seen some pictures of the red Giant Schnauzer. Needless to say that they are beautiful; let this picture of the red Giant Schnauzer speak for itself.
Are Markings Allowed When It Comes To Giant Colours?
Even if the salt and pepper Giant Schnauzer is a two-colored pooch, the American Kennel Club does not approve of any other two-color variants except the one mentioned above.
Markings, spots, dots, and patches of differently-colored shades are not permitted in any dog shows, and they do not stand as the standardized breed description of the Giant Schnauzer.
Even though they can add to the dog’s charm and overall looks, these dogs are considered unwanted, and most breeders would put them as lower-price pups.
Can Certain Giant Schnauzer Colors Have An Impact On Its Health?
Aside from the standard dog breed health issue, known as the hip dysplasia, these dogs are generally considered to have few problems.
They thrive in various dog sports thanks to their athletic abilities, strong hind legs, and muscly upper thighs. Their front legs, being straight and strong, can give this large dog breed just enough of a push to carry their bodies even at a full-speed run seamlessly.
They almost have this natural resistance to diseases, making them an excellent companion that will be by your side for many years.
However, I do have to warn you about specific Giant Schnauzer colors carrying certain health issues. The two colors I’m implying are white and albino.
White Giant Schnauzers are more prone to issues such as blindness and deafness, which can be unfortunate to see your dog experience. Aside from white, albino Giant Schnauzers have this same problem alongside some others.
Albino dogs in general, have many skin problems that can easily ascend to skin cancer. Because of their lack of pigment, their skin is much more sensitive to light, and the endangering properties of sun exposure can lead to some unwanted diseases.
Make sure to apply SPF to some more revealing parts of their skin when going out, and to always check for some bumps and sores all over their bodies. If you notice anything, rush to check it.
Giant Schnauzers Maintenance
This dog has a huge need for grooming, pampering, and maintenance in general. These dogs are bit of divas that need their coats brushed and regularly groomed, nails trimmed, and ears cleaned.
A monthly groomer’s visit will be a part of your routine when it comes to your Giant Schnauzer. If it’s solid black, its black undercoat can often get tangly if not properly groomed, so have that in mind.
Aside from grooming and maintenance, an essential part of taking care of this dog breed lies its foundation in exercise. Enough exercise is crucial for keeping this large dog healthy, both physically and mentally.
Their traditional work involved physical activity, and that kind of activity is often lost in translation with the modern way of living. Therefore, adding two to three hours of daily exercise would be optimal for the Giant Schnauzer.
Does Color Of Giant Schnauzer Affect Its Personality, Which One Is The Best Family Dog?
Happiest to be a part of an active family, the Giant Schnauzer is an active dog that is an excellent fit for families that love spending their time in various activities, such as long walks, playing fetch, and running in general.
However, many people associate a dog’s color with its temperament, often saying that dogs of lighter colors are much more friendly than darker-colored dogs.
That is as such because of the depiction that a black, large dog is a scary guard dog, therefore making the lighter one automatically more friendly in that case. The lighter Schnauzer looks kind of a bit more than the darker one, adding the mustache and long eyebrows to the whole look.
Their gentleman-ish disposition can be off-putting initially; however, their personality will argue in their favor. Even if they might be a bit too lively to be around small children, they are overall great family pets.
They will need a firm owner who will teach them young about the dos and don’ts, and they will be beautiful pets that can serve many purposes. All of these aspects add to the overall soundness of this breed.
Which Giant Schnauzer Color Is Your Favorite?
Considering that we have many different giant Schnauzer colors to choose from, there is enough to fit everybody’s preferences regarding this dog breed.
Compared to its medium-sized cousin, the standard Schnauzer and the mini Schnauzer, the giant Schnauzer is the best one.
You get three in one – an active dog, an excellent guard dog, and a wonderful family pet (bonus, you get your own not-so-little diva to groom regularly.
If you are the person who is up for maintaining the breed’s standard, opt for the standardized Giant Schnauzer colors, and if you just don’t care when it comes to that, opt for simply the color that you like the most.
This dog will be an excellent pick for active families or individuals, whether white, black, salt and pepper or a solid color with some markings. And remember that the color of the Giant Schnauzer does not impact its personality!
Read next: 5 Simple Explanations Why Do Dogs Love Tennis Balls
Zerina is an experienced content writer who found her passion for writing while pursuing her degree in English language and literature.
Growing up with a beloved dog as her companion, Zerina developed love for canines from a young age. Inspired by her bond with her furry friend, she decided to combine her writing skills with her love for dogs.