Giant Schnauzer

Don’t judge this furry dynamo by its size- the Giant Schnauzer may be big, but it’s got a heart of gold and a brain to match. If you’ve got the time and energy, it’s the perfect addition to your family.

Country of Origin

Germany
Breed Group

Working
Height

Male 65-70 In
Female 60-65 In
Weight

Male 65-95 Ib
Female 55-75 Ib
Life Span

12-15 years

Back to all breeds

In a Nutshell

The Schnauzer shares a striking physical resemblance with its medium and miniature counterparts, boasting a distinctive coat, impressive appearance, and a proud gait. It possesses notable intelligence, which can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, its quick learning ability shines during training and early education. However, on the other hand, this intelligence can lead to them finding loopholes in commands that are not entirely straightforward.

To mold them into the ideal family pet, it’s crucial to prioritize their training and socialization from a young age. The Schnauzer is highly active and energetic, making it an ideal companion for activities such as running, cycling, nature walks, or swimming. If you’re in search of a spirited and lively canine partner, the Schnauzer might be an excellent fit for your lifestyle.

Life With a Giant Schnauzer

Low (1) High (5)

Energy level

Trainability Level

Amount of Shedding

Tendency of Barking

Exercise Needs

Kid Friendly

Pet Friendly

Looks & Personality

The Schnauzer is a robust, muscular canine that’s nearly square in shape. It stands out with its longer fur around the eyebrows, mustache, and legs, giving it a distinctive wise old man appearance. Its lengthy nose is what earned it the nickname “snotty” in German. With a coarse and bristly coat that undergoes seasonal shedding twice a year, regular brushing, ideally weekly or even more frequently, helps remove dead hair. Our recommendation? Find a good dog grooming guide in your area as soon as possible. Here’s some good news: unlike some other breeds, the Schnauzer doesn’t have a strong body odor.

The Schnauzer is a breed known for its higher energy levels compared to many other large dogs. As a result, they require daily physical activity, including long walks in open spaces, agility training, or engaging in ball games. While it’s not impossible to raise a Schnauzer in an apartment, it’s less ideal. It’s recommended to provide them with a house that comes with a spacious, fenced yard. A bored Schnauzer with pent-up energy can become restless and may make home life less enjoyable for everyone involved.

It’s essential to understand that the Schnauzer may not be the right choice for everyone, especially if it’s your first experience raising a dog. This breed tends to be dominant and stubborn, making it crucial for them to have an authoritative owner who can establish clear boundaries. Bred originally as a herding working dog, the Schnauzer is naturally wary of strangers and won’t hesitate to alert its owner to anyone approaching its territory. This innate protective instinct makes it an excellent and brave guard dog that’s willing to protect its owner at any cost. However, it’s also why early socialization is essential. To ensure they are well-adjusted, it’s important to expose them to new people, unfamiliar animals, and diverse social situations from a young age.

Common Health Problems

The Giant Schnauzer is generally regarded as a relatively healthy breed. However, it's crucial to remain vigilant and attentive to potential health issues that are commonly associated with this breed. These may include joint problems, eye diseases, and various digestive disorders. Regular check-ups and proactive healthcare measures can help ensure the well-being of your Giant Schnauzer.

Did you know?

Enrolling in Animalia Pet Insurance
while your pet is healthy is a wise decision.

Waiting until a disease develops means it won't be covered.

A tip from a vet

During the crucial growth stages of a Giant Schnauzer, it's vital to provide them with suitable physical activity that doesn't place excessive strain on their developing joints. Additionally, it's important to note that Schnauzers are sensitive to heat. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid exposing them to scorching hot summer days to prevent the risk of heatstroke.

A tip from a trainer

Training a Schnauzer is a breeze, primarily because this intelligent breed is eager to please and rapidly grasps new commands.

Did You Know

Due to their remarkable intelligence, Schnauzers excel in roles such as police and military work, search and rescue operations, and even as guide dogs.

One distinctive feature of the Schnauzer is its beard, which demands some post-meal maintenance, necessitating a quick wipe-down to remove food and liquids.

Schnauzers can exhibit restlessness and unpredictability around cats or other small dogs. So, if you already have a pet at home and are contemplating adding a Schnauzer to the mix, it’s advisable to reconsider it carefully.

In The News

Ralph, an Australian Giant Schnauzer, began his life as a little puppy with an excessive barking issue, and his future was uncertain. However, fate took a positive turn when Carolyn Lubick from Melbourne decided to open her heart and adopt him. Ralph was showered with love and countless hugs from Carolyn’s four children, who spent hours playing with him. Before long, he became a local sensation, with all the kids at the nearby school eagerly lining up just to give him a friendly pat.

Recognizing Ralph’s extraordinary potential, Carolyn and Ralph embarked on a new journey. Ralph began working regularly in the children’s department at a local hospital in Melbourne. Here, he played a crucial role, offering comfort and support to children battling cancer and assisting toddlers in their rehabilitation after orthopedic procedures, helping them take their very first steps. Ralph seamlessly integrated into the department, becoming an invaluable member of the team.

The History Behind the Breed

The Giant Schnauzer originated in Bavaria, Germany, where it played a crucial role in assisting local farmers with herding their livestock and guiding them to nearby markets. This versatile breed was developed through a careful crossbreeding process, which involved breeds such as the Black Great Dane and the Belgian Bouvier des Flandres. As times changed and the need for farm dogs diminished, the Giant Schnauzer found a new calling as an exceptional guard dog. It became a trusted protector for various butchers and breweries across Germany, showcasing its adaptability and loyalty in a different role.

In the period just before the outbreak of the First World War, Giant Schnauzers started to receive training as police dogs in specialized schools all across the country. They embraced this new role with remarkable success, a tradition that continues to this day.

During the tumultuous times of the two world wars, these dogs took on a different duty as guard dogs, skillfully transmitting messages between various outposts and bases. However, their involvement in the Second World War had a profound impact on their global population, particularly the Schnauzers with the distinctive black and white fur pattern, commonly known as “salt and pepper.” Their numbers saw a significant decline during this period.

Giant Schnauzer

Country of Origin

Breed Group

Height

Weight

Life Span

Get our FREE guide to dog health
and happiness