Giant Schnauzer at a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 60–70 cm
- Weight
- 40–45 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 12 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Shedding, Garden.
Is the Giant Schnauzer right for you?
Like every breed, the Giant Schnauzer is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You enjoy long walks and an active, outdoor life.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You cannot offer well over an hour of exercise every day.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
How would the Giant Schnauzer fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is a strong, imposing and business-like dog with a square frame and a harsh, protective coat. Its name comes from the German word for snout, a nod to its famous moustache and beard. It is an affectionate and loyal companion, but also a true working dog with great energy and stamina.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Large
A large dog.
- Exercise
Very high
Usually needs several hours of activity or work a day.
- Energy level
Very lively
Very lively and usually keen to be busy.
- Grooming
Daily
The coat usually needs brushing every day.
- Shedding
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Trainability
Moderate
Generally trainable with patience and consistency.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Can be selective
Can be selective about other dogs.
- Good with cats
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Experienced owners
Best with an experienced owner.
- Barking / vocality
Can be vocal
Often quick to bark at visitors or unusual sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The breed was once known as the Munich Schnauzer, because it was developed around Munich by cattle farmers who wanted a strong dog to drive cattle over long distances. Using the Standard Schnauzer as a base, they added Rottweiler, Great Dane, sheepdogs and perhaps the Bouvier des Flandres.
When cattle began to be moved by train, the Giant Schnauzer turned to guarding work in towns and cities. It has since been used as a police dog, a security dog and a tracking dog.
Giant Schnauzer temperament
Giant Schnauzers should be alert and imposing but good-natured. They are natural watchdogs and will be vocal to get your attention when they think it is needed. They tend to need a polite introduction to new people rather than assuming friendship on sight.
They are quite strong-minded and are best suited to experienced owners. With good socialisation they can get on with other animals, but some do not like other dogs and they are generally better with dogs of the opposite sex. Constant noise from neighbours or traffic can overstimulate and stress them, so quiet suburbs or rural homes usually suit them better than a busy town.
Size and appearance
The Giant Schnauzer is a large breed. Adults typically stand 60–70 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 40–45 kg, although Purina gives a wider range for males.
The coat is harsh and weather resistant. Breed standard colours are black, pepper and salt, and black and silver.
How much exercise does a Giant Schnauzer need?
This is a highly energetic dog that needs more than two hours of exercise a day, including walking, training and games. Its weather-resistant coat means it is not put off by wind and rain. The beard and leg furnishings pick up water, mud and debris, so they need drying and checking after each walk.
A large garden with room to train and play, plus access to a variety of walking routes, helps keep a Giant Schnauzer mentally satisfied.
Training a Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzers can be trained, but it may take more effort than with some other breeds. They suit people who enjoy training as a serious hobby and are skilled at motivating a large, independent-minded dog. They need a job to do and can do well in tracking, canicross and obedience.
- Use reward-based training methods.
- Make early socialisation a priority so they are relaxed around other dogs and animals.
- Expect them to react to unfamiliar sights and sounds, because of their guarding tendencies.
- Give them regular work, such as tracking or obedience, to keep their minds busy.
Giant Schnauzer grooming
The coat needs daily attention and regular trimming. Clean the beard every day, as it gathers water and food and can otherwise lead to lip fold infections and smells. Brush the coat through two or three times a week and check it after walks.
Hand-stripping every three months removes dead hair. Owners who do not show their dog may prefer to have the coat clipped instead, either at home or by a professional groomer.
Living with a Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzers can make lovable pets for families with older children, as long as they are well socialised as puppies. As puppies and youngsters they are big, boisterous and bitey, which is not a good mix with small children, and their exercise and training needs can be hard for a young, busy family to meet.
Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Can be selective about other dogs.
Cats and small pets
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually needs a roomy home.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Best with an experienced owner.
Giant Schnauzer health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Purina describes the Giant Schnauzer as a generally healthy breed, but several conditions are recognised in it. The Royal Kennel Club asks breeders to prioritise genetic diversity and to complete hip and elbow scoring and a DNA test for prcd-PRA as a minimum. Knowing about these conditions helps you ask a breeder the right questions; it does not mean every dog will be affected.
Hip dysplasia
The hip joint does not develop properly, which can eventually lead to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip scoring under the BVA/RKC Hip Dysplasia Scheme.
Elbow dysplasia
The Royal Kennel Club recommends testing breeding dogs for elbow dysplasia under the BVA/RKC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited disorder in which part of the eye wastes away, which can lead to blindness. DNA tests for prcd-PRA and PRA5 are part of the Royal Kennel Club's recommended testing, along with eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme, including litter screening.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
The heart muscle weakens and the heart becomes enlarged, so it cannot beat properly. The Royal Kennel Club lists DCM testing as best practice.
Hyperuricosuria (HUU)
A condition included in the Royal Kennel Club's best-practice tests for the breed.
Gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat)
The stomach twists, trapping its contents and gas. It is an emergency that needs urgent veterinary attention and is often seen in large, deep-chested breeds.
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland is underactive, which can lead to low energy, weight gain and skin problems.
Other conditions
PDSA and Purina also list panosteitis, a painful inflammatory bone disease; urinary incontinence; urolithiasis, which is stone formation in the urine; hereditary cataracts; epilepsy; and squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that often develops in the toes.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Giant Schnauzer home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Giant Schnauzer cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Giant Schnauzer home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Giant Schnauzer
If you have decided the Giant Schnauzer suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzers do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Giant Schnauzers looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Giant Schnauzer adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
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Giant Schnauzer FAQs
Is the Giant Schnauzer good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Giant Schnauzer live in a flat?
Usually needs a roomy home. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Giant Schnauzer need?
Very high: usually needs several hours of activity or work each day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
How much grooming does the Giant Schnauzer need?
Typically: daily.
Is the Giant Schnauzer easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistency. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Giant Schnauzer be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Giant Schnauzer bark a lot?
Can be vocal. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Giant Schnauzer good with cats?
Varies with the individual dog. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Giant Schnauzer live?
Typically from 12 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Giant Schnauzer get?
Adults typically stand 60–70 cm at the shoulder and weigh 40–45 kg.