03/15/2025
As the popularity of Giant Schnauzers has grown substantially over recent years, our breed is facing an overwhelming challenge with the number of Giants being rehomed. One breed rescue organization, HT-Z Giant Schnauzer Rescue, reports having a significant number of adoptable dogs currently in foster care – on par with how many Giants we might expect to show at our National Specialty.
A combination of factors brought us to this point:
▪️New owners who didn’t fully appreciate the commitment or expense they were taking on, the breed characteristics of a Giant Schnauzer that make them challenging, or who couldn’t invest the necessary time for training and socialization
▪️Irresponsible breeders producing puppies solely for profit (often without regard to health and temperament), not providing mentoring to their owners, and ultimately not accepting responsibility to take back any dog they produce
▪️Misinformation about the suitability of the breed for many homes
All are issues to be addressed through education or by other means, but in the short term, there are simply too many Giants in rescue needing homes today.
If you have done your research and have decided on a Giant as your next dog but aren’t finding one through a reputable breeder, please consider adopting one through an experienced, qualified rescue organization. This is a much better option than buying a puppy from an irresponsible breeder who just wants your money and won’t be there to support you for the life of the dog.
Of course, there are unknowns and certainly can be challenges with adopting a rescue. These risks need to be well understood and thoroughly considered beforehand, and a good rescue organization will be sure you are making an informed decision while they also provide ongoing coaching, advice, and the assurance that they will take the dog back if it doesn't work out. This is far better than finding a dog being rehomed on social media, as the rescue group should work to match you with a dog suited to your home and lifestyle. Online scams are prevalent, so adopting through a rescue group helps avoid many heartbreaking situations.
If you are new to the breed, adopting a rescue is a great way to learn about the breed with the bonus of a team of experienced volunteers coaching you along the way. In addition to receiving the unconditional love of a Giant and gaining a lifetime friend, there is another upside to bringing an adult Giant into your life – you get to skip over both the "puppy piranha" and the “obnoxious teenager” phases of Giant development! Lastly, if you haven’t decided or aren’t quite ready to make a long-term commitment to adopt, you might instead consider fostering a rescue Giant. Truly the best way to understand the breed is by spending time with one, and by fostering a Giant you will be making a life-saving contribution while you learn.
*** GSCA does not participate directly in rescue, nor does it endorse any particular rescue groups including breed-specific organizations. As is the case when selecting a responsible breeder, every prospective rescue adopter needs to do their due diligence on both the individual dog and the associated rescue organization.
