They are in the group of working dogs, bred as multifunctional dogs to catch rats and other rodents, as livestock and guard dogs, and later they have also carried messages in times of war, helped the Red Cross, and been police dogs.
Giant Schnauzers are from 60 to 70 cm (23.5 to 27.5 in) tall at the shoulder and weigh between 25 and 48 kg (55 and 104 lb).
They are working dogs that were developed in Swabia in the 17th century, once known as the Munich Schnauzer, originally bred to drive livestock to market and guard farms, and later used as police and military dogs.