Giant Ratzer

Dog Breed Profile

Giant Ratzer History

The Giant Ratzer (also known as the Giant Schnauzer) is a large, hairy, wire-haired, working, and herding dog breed. The origin of the name “Giant Ratzer” is unclear. It may have been derived from Schweizerische Rasse (“Swiss race”), which was used to distinguish this strain from other strains, which have since been termed “Kleiner” (“small”) or “Maß” (“measure”). The Giant Ratzer is not to be confused with the Rieser, which is a different strain of Schnauzer. The Giant Ratz was and is today a predominantly white, but solid-colored, long haired, often bearded, thick tailed and big bodied, heavy boned, and muscular, working, livestock-driving, and herding dog, with large, erect ears and rather low-set domed, corded, well pigmented, and almond shaped eyes. The coat is long and straight, somewhat coarse and wiry, and single layered.

Time of Origin

Unknown

Country of Origin

United States Of America

Ancestry

Giant Schnauzer, Rat Terrier

Giant Ratzer Physical Characteristics

The Giant Ratzer is a tall, large-sized breed of domestic rat that are typically around 30 to 32 inches long and weigh between 10 and 15 pounds. They have a large, muscular build with broad shoulders and a bulky head with a flat skull and two large, protruding eyes. They have thick, coarse fur that is gray, reddish gray, white, or a mixture of these colors and has a bushy tail that is between 10 and 15 inches in length. They are aggressive and territorial.

Eye Colors

Hazel, Brown

Nose Colors

Black

Coat Colors

Black, White, Brown, Blue, Gray

Height Range

Male Height Range: 12 – 24 inches

Female Height Range: 10 – 22 inches

Weight Range

Male Weight Range: 12 – 55 lbs

Female Weight Range: 11 – 50 lbs

Giant Ratzer Health

Description of breed health.

Lifespan

10-18 yrs

Giant Ratzer Health Concerns

Patellar Luxation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Hip Dysplasia, Bloat, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Demodectic Mange, Autoimmune Thyroiditis, Shoulder Osteochondrosis

Giant Ratzer Temperament and Behaviour

The Giant Ratzer is an intelligent, playful, and energetic dog that makes a great companion. They are loving, gentle, and protective of their owners. They are highly trainable and do well in obedience and agility classes. They are confident, but can become shy or timid around new people or in unfamiliar environments.

Giant Ratzer Activity Requirements

Giant Ratzers were first developed in Germany to hunt boar, but today, they are more known for being a companion and a show dog. They remain a popular pet due to their sweet temperament, small size, and hypoallergenic coat. Unlike many small, short-nosed dogs, Giant Ratsers do not need a lot of vigorous, physical exercise. A short daily walk or game of fetch is enough to keep them fit. Due to their size, they are best suited to homes with yards where they can roam around freely. If you are interested in a Giant Ratzer, be sure to consider their exercise requirements. They are not as high-energy as a Border Collie, but they do require attention and interaction.