giant schnauzer

American  

noun

1. one of a German breed of large working dogs, resembling a larger and more powerful version of the standard schnauzer, having a pepper-and-salt or pure black, wiry coat, bushy eyebrows and beard, and a docked tail set moderately high, originally developed as a cattle herder but now often used in police work.

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Etymology

Origin of giant schnauzer

First recorded in 1930–35

Compare meaning

How does giant-schnauzer compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• giant schnauzer vs. miniature schnauzer
• giant schnauzer vs. standard schnauzer

Example Sentences

After reaching the final three years in a row, Monty beat more than 2,500 canines to become the first giant schnauzer to take home the show's top prize.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2025

Two of last year’s seven semifinalists are expected back: Trouble, an American Staffordshire terrier, and Monty, a giant schnauzer, who is currently the nation’s top-ranked dog in The Canine Chronicle magazine’s stats.

From Seattle Times • May 10, 2024

“The first president you get to vote for is kind of a big deal,” she said as she sat on a bench outside a downtown shop with Leo, her 9-month-old giant schnauzer.

From New York Times • Feb. 22, 2023

A giant schnauzer is meticulously primped and primed on a grooming table while a half-submerged Newfoundland is scrubbed in an elevated bathtub.

From The Guardian • Feb. 12, 2019

Guided by expert handler Bill McFadden, Flynn beat out Ty the giant schnauzer, Biggie the pug, Bean the Sussex spaniel, Lucy the borzoi, Slick the border collie and Winston the Norfolk terrier.

From Washington Times • Feb. 14, 2018