Breed History
Like the Miniature and Standard Schnauzer, the Giant Schnauzer originated in the German kingdoms of Bavaria and Wrttemburg during the Middle Ages....
Farmers and herders in these regions were impressed with the Standard Schnauzer, but wanted something larger and more powerful. To accomplish this, it is likely they crossed the Standard with several other breeds, including the Great Dane, Bouvier des Flandres, Standard Poodle, Wolf Spitz, and other sheep and cattle dogs. The resulting dog was called the Munchener, and it excelled as a guard dog and cattle herder, with a tough coat to protect it from the elements. Beginning around the turn of the 20th century, the Munchener was put to work as a police dog, and had some considerable success in that field. The breed was recognized as the Giant Schnauzer in 1930 by the American Kennel Club.