Giant Schnauzer: Your Complete Guide

The giant schnauzer is a loyal and intelligent breed of dog that exudes regality with every step they take. Bred for herding and guarding, these energetic working dogs require an equally active owner. These large dogs also have a protective personality, especially with their families, which usually earns them the role of watchdogs in a lot of households.

In this article, we’re going to look at every aspect of this breed in detail. Where does it come from, and what was its original purpose? Can it live in an apartment setting with noise restrictions? Whatever burning questions you have about the breed, keep reading to have them all answered.

Quick Look at the Giant Schnauzer

Below is a quick glance at the giant schnauzer in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs. 

Weight/Height	55-80 pounds, 23-27 inches
Coat Type	Wiry outer coat, soft undercoat
Grooming Needs
Shedding
Temperament	Protective, smart, and loyal
Good With Kids
Good With Other Animals
Intelligence
Easy to Train
Energy Level
Barking Habits
Lifespan	12-15 years

What Is the History of Giant Schnauzers?

Having come from the mountainous regions of southern Germany, specifically Bavaria and Württemberg, the giant schnauzer can be traced back all the way to the 17th century. These giants were originally bred as multi-purpose farm dogs. 

As the name implies, these dogs are huge and have immense strength, which is what makes them ideal for herding cattle and driving them to market. 

As large as the breed is, the giant schnauzer isn’t actually a giant breed, but it is the largest of the schnauzer breeds. The exact origins of the breed are unknown, but some believe they have great Dane, standard schnauzer, and even Rottweiler or Dobermann pinscher in their bloodlines.

What Do Giant Schnauzers Look Like?

Giant schnauzers are imposing and regal dogs that look a lot like a larger version of the standard schnauzer. Their facial hair is the most easily identifiable part of them. They have a wiry beard and eyebrows that frame a keen, intelligent expression. This hallmark schnauzer trait extends to their coat, which comes in two color schemes: a classic solid black or a “salt and pepper” mix of black and white hairs.

What Size Is a Giant Schnauzer?

Giant schnauzers live up to their name in size, but they are not the largest among all large dog breeds. That said, they are still large dogs by all means, typically standing between 23 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing anywhere from 55 to 80 pounds. Males tend to be on the heavier side, as it is with most breeds.

What Is a Giant Schnauzer’s Coat Type and Length?

This exquisite breed has a double coat to match, with a soft, dense undercoat for insulation and a harsher, wiry outer coat that’s weather-resistant. This outer coat is typically medium length, though you might see slightly longer furnishings with show dogs, especially on their legs and beards. 

The sturdy double coat has always been a functional feature of the breed as it needed protection on harsh farmlands.

What Is a Giant Schnauzer’s Temperament? 

Giant schnauzers are a rather complex breed. Their temperament matches in some ways with their working dog heritage. This is best seen in their fierce loyalty and protectiveness towards their family, with a natural instinct to guard their territory. You might also see it manifested as aloofness at times. 

At the same time, giant schnauzers are known for being a playful and loving breed. This is mostly with close family, not strangers. As intelligent but independent dogs, you’ll see them do really well in training as long as they’re under a firm yet patient hand. 

Are Giant Schnauzers Good With Kids?

Giant schnauzers can be amazing with children, which they see as family, but with some important caveats. While they are generally a patient breed, their big size and boisterous energy can understandably be overwhelming for very young children. That’s why it’s best for them to be in homes with older children. 

To prevent unintentional roughhousing, make sure you supervise all interactions the dog has with children. If the schnauzer is still a pup, make sure it gets a lot of early socialization with children so it can become comfortable with them and learn to tolerate their presence.

Are Giant Schnauzers Good With Other Animals?

With proper socialization from a young age, they can learn to coexist peacefully with other dogs. However, the breed is known to be aggressive with other dogs of the same sex. If your schnauzer needs to live with another dog, consider getting one of the opposite sex to help with socialization. 

Cats are a different story. They’re independent by nature, and this can clash with the giant schnauzer’s protective instincts. Early socialization can help in this case too, but there’s always a risk of a high prey drive leading the giant schnauzer to chase the cat. 

Introducing them as kittens and puppies will be needed for a harmonious relationship between the two. If your home has small pets like hamsters or guinea pigs, a giant schnauzer would be a poor fit and would put the smaller prey animals at significant risk of injury. 

While on walks, this also means they’re going to chase squirrels, rabbits, or other small animals unless trained not to. Obedience training and a strong leash are a must-have with this breed around wild animals.

Are Giant Schnauzers Aggressive?

The breed has been kept as guard dogs in its long history, so it’s definitely a protective one, but it’s still not inherently aggressive. However, schnauzers are very suspicious of strangers and may bark at them while being territorial. Some can even exhibit food or toy possessiveness. 

This behavior can be changed, or at least curbed with training. As they tend to be for other things, early socialization and training will be your best friends in this case, too. Giant schnauzers can be trained to be well-mannered pets, but you’ll have to keep in mind the effort that has to be put in and understand why these behaviors occur in the first place.

Do Giant Schnauzers Bark?

This is a vocal breed, for sure. If they want or need something, they’ll bark to let you know. This is especially true when they’re alerting you to something new or protecting their territory. Their barks are typically loud and booming, which is a side effect of their large size. 

Their tendency to bark is trainable, but their guarding instincts mean that they inherently bark more than some other breeds. For people living in apartments with strict noise restrictions or close neighbors, this breed might not be the best choice.

Are Giant Schnauzers Affectionate?

Strangers and other animals aside, this breed will absolutely love you with all its heart. Their size makes cuddling on the couch a bit impractical, but they definitely enjoy being with their humans. They’ll happily shower you with the most excited greetings, snuggle up nearby, and love a good petting session. 

Don’t expect a lap dog, though. Their stature is better suited for leaning on you or resting at your feet. When it comes to strangers, even though early socialization can help them warm up, they likely won’t be showering everyone with kisses. Their loyalty lies firmly and strictly with their family.

Are Giant Schnauzers Intelligent?

Giant schnauzers are indeed highly intelligent dogs; it’s part of what makes them so good at helping out on farms. They’re also pretty curious and eager to learn new things, which does wonders for training and picking up on commands quickly. 

As an intelligent breed, they also need a lot of stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior such as barking, howling, and general mouthiness. 

Are Giant Schnauzers Energetic?

Giant schnauzers are definitely high-energy dogs, mainly because of their herding past. They’ll need daily exercise to burn off their steam, with a minimum of two walks a day and plenty of playtime in between. For activities, we recommend jogging, hiking, or even dog sports that keep their minds and bodies stimulated.

Are Giant Schnauzers Easy to Train?

These dogs are considered highly trainable, owing to their intelligence and eagerness to please, but it can be difficult to train them sometimes. They have an independent streak which means they question commands and get bored with repetitive training. With that in mind, the key is to make training sessions positive, engaging, and rewarding. 

This way, giant schnauzers can absolutely learn complex tricks. Their athleticism and intelligence also make them excellent candidates for agility training. We like to think of them as the bright students in class who might need a little extra motivation to excel but have the potential to be at the top.

Are Giant Schnauzers Good Watchdogs?

Giant schnauzers are popular choices for watch and guard duties, having all the right qualities to make them excellent watchdogs. The most important traits are their alertness and their smarts, both of which help them realize when something is out of place and needs to be alerted about. 

They’re also brave and protective, and they won’t hesitate to confront any perceived threats.

Are Giant Schnauzers Good Service Dogs?

Giant schnauzers’ intelligence and trainability might sound like they’re great for service dog work, but it’s unfortunately not that simple. These dogs have strong personalities and a tendency for independent thinking, which is a problem since a lot of service dog work needs absolute focus and unwavering obedience. 

Another concern is their guarding instincts. Service dogs need to be able to go in a lot of different environments and behave calmly and appropriately, which a giant schnauzer might not be able to do due to being a bit overly protective.

However, as loyal, affectionate, and highly trainable dogs, giant schnauzers can still make for good emotional support animals or therapy dogs in a lot of situations. Their presence, ability to learn basic commands, and protectiveness can really help people cope with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other problems.

How to Care for a Giant Schnauzer?

For highly energetic, intelligent dogs such as this, consistent training, regular exercise, and plenty of mental stimulation are an absolute must. For their wiry coat, you’ll need weekly brushing and professional grooming every few months. 

These schnauzers are also known to be territorial, which needs to be curbed with early socialization.

Do You Need to Groom a Giant Schnauzer?

Giant schnauzers have moderate grooming needs, which means they’ll need weekly brushing. To really preserve the texture and prevent matting of the fur, they’ll need professional stripping or clipping every six to eight weeks. 

If you’re not comfortable with hand-stripping, a groomer can clip the coat instead, but this might change the coat’s texture over time to be more soft.

Do Giant Schnauzers Shed?

This breed is a pretty low-shedding one. They have a double coat, but the wiry outer hairs don’t fall out so easily or get trapped in your furniture. With regular brushing, you’ll also be able to remove any loose hairs and prevent them from floating around your home. 

Thanks to the low shedding, the breed is often labeled hypoallergenic as well. While they do shed dander, the microscopic skin flakes that can trigger allergies, the amount is a lot lower than most other breeds.

What Health Problems Do Giant Schnauzers Have?

The most common issues that this breed suffers from are listed below. Remember, while these traits are commonly linked to the breed, it’s not guaranteed that your specific giant schnauzer will have them.

• Skeletal Issues: Due to their large size, giant schnauzers are prone to developing hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These are inherited conditions where the joints don’t form properly, causing pain and lameness. To reduce risk, focus on maintaining a healthy weight, providing proper nutrition during growth, and avoiding excessive jumping.
• Eye Problems: Giant schnauzers can be affected by several eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Regular vet checkups with eye exams are needed for early detection and treatment. Some eye diseases can be hereditary, so choosing a responsible breeder is important.
• Bloat (Gastric Torsion): This is a life-threatening condition where the stomach bloats and twists on itself. Giant schnauzers, with their deep chests, are at higher risk. Feeding them smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding strenuous exercise after eating can help reduce the risk. You should also familiarize yourself with the signs of bloat and seek immediate veterinary attention in case it occurs.
• Other Common Issues: Giant schnauzers can also get hypothyroidism (a condition affecting the thyroid gland), skin allergies, and certain bleeding disorders. Once again, regular veterinary care, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and responsible breeding practices will help you reduce the risk of these issues occurring.

How Long Do Giant Schnauzers Live?

Healthy giant schnauzers can live up to 12-15 years, though genetic issues and how you care for your dog can affect their overall lifespan.

What Should a Giant Schnauzer Eat?

Giant schnauzers, with their high energy and large bodies, need a diet to match. There are specific diets formulated for large-breed, active dogs, which will be your best bet. If your giant schnauzer is a puppy, it’ll need a different food plan than adult dogs. 

Up until they are about a year old, giant schnauzer puppies should be fed high-quality puppy food specifically designed for large breeds, as these have the extra nutrients growing puppies need.

Adult giant schnauzers should ideally be fed twice a day to help prevent bloat. The exact amount of food will vary depending on the specific age and whether the dog has any preexisting health conditions. 

A good rule of thumb is to start with two to three cups of high-quality dry food per day. Alongside quality dog food, make sure to monitor your dog’s weight and body condition and adjust the food amount as needed to maintain a healthy weight. 

Look for a kibble specifically formulated for breeds like giant schnauzers, and choose one with high-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, or lamb listed at the top of the ingredients list. To get a more personalized diet plan, don’t hesitate to consult with your veterinarian.

Is a Giant Schnauzer the Right Dog for Me?

If you’re someone who has an active lifestyle and can spare a fair bit of time to spend with your dog, then this breed might be the one for you. Keep in mind that you’ll need to invest a lot of time into training as well. 

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pup, a giant schnauzer might not be the best fit. That said, these dogs make some of the best watchdogs and can be amazing, affectionate pets for families that don’t have a multi-pet household.