Club Membership

The Giant Schnauzer Club of America, Inc. (GSCA) was established in 1962 as a non-profit organization and became the AKC parent club for the breed in 1966. As such, the club is responsible for the official Breed Standard. GSCA hosts Specialty Events, something it has done annually since 1968, and is also responsible for educating judges, breeders, and the public about the breed. There are over 400 GSCA members in the United States as well as Canada, Mexico, and Japan – all dedicated to preserving and protecting the Giant Schnauzer breed.

Membership is open to all persons who are in good standing with AKC, who subscribe to the purposes of the club, and agree to abide by its Constitution & Bylaws , Standing Rules , and Code of Ethics . Membership in the club is also unrestricted as to country of residency. The various membership types are defined in Article I of the Bylaws.

GSCA was organized by breed fanciers and breeders to support three objectives:

To preserve and improve the character and conformation of the Giant Schnauzer
To conduct dog shows, obedience trials and sanctioned matches
To protect and advance the breed

Here are just some of the benefits that membership offers:

Mailed copies of our club magazine Giant Steps as well as monthly newsletters via email
Voting (US residents only) in all decisions put to the membership as well as the biannual election of Board Officers and Regional Directors
Eligibility for annual awards (Top 10 in conformation, companion, and performance activities)
Congratulatory awards for earning new AKC recognized titles on your Giant
Discounted rates on certain educational materials and publications
Opportunity to participate in Giant Schnauzer University webinars and access recordings of previous sessions
Access to the ""Members Only"" area of the GSCA website
Opportunity to participate on committees, host specialty events, voice your opinion, provide feedback, and effect improvements in the organization - all for the betterment of the breed

To become a GSCA member

Begin by completing the online Membership Application form. Please answer all the questions thoroughly and accurately. Otherwise, your application may be delayed or even not be approved.

A non-refundable fee of $25 is required to process your application. Dues for the current year must also be paid at the time of your application. The amount is based on the membership type and is also prorated based on applying before or after June 1^st. If your membership is not approved for any reason, the amount paid for dues will be refunded.

Upon submitting your application, you will be redirected to a website where you can pay via credit/debit card, PayPal, or Venmo. Please note that no action will be taken by GSCA regarding your application unless the total amount is paid . If you do not wish to pay online, please contact our Treasurer via email to make other arrangements.

Each applicant must be endorsed by two club members who are in good standing and have been members of GSCA for at least one year. Each sponsor will be required to complete an online Sponsor Form in support of your application. If you do not know two GSCA members who can sponsor your application, please contact the Regional Director in your area via email for guidance.

Your name and location (city and state only) along with the names of your sponsors will be published in the next monthly newsletter. Per the Bylaws, club members are then given 30 days to submit any concerns in writing via email to our Secretary.

After the 30-day commentary period, applicants may be elected during a meeting of the GSCA Board of Directors or by e-mail vote. A two-thirds affirmative vote of the board is required to confirm an applicant for membership. You will be notified shortly thereafter as to the decision of the board.

The application process may take up to 2-3 months once your application is complete and both sponsor forms are received. If you have any questions regarding the status of your application, please contact our Membership Chair via email.

Current Members - Annual Renewal

Members in good standing may renew their membership for the upcoming year between November 1st and December 31st by completing the renewal form and paying the required dues for the upcoming year. Reminder notices will be also sent out via email and the monthly club newsletter. Please go to the online form according to your membership type to renew:

Please note that Lifetime and Honorary members are not required to pay dues and are renewed automatically.

Payment must be received by December 31st to remain in good standing with the club. Members may still renew during January; however, those who do not do so by January 31st will be removed from the club roster. They will be required to reapply for membership if they wish to rejoin the club as there is no provision in the Bylaws for renewal after January 31st by paying a late fee, etc. If you fail to renew, your only recourse is reapplying for membership.

If you have questions or need any help with renewing your membership, please contact the Membership Chair or the Treasurer via email.