Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is the largest among the Schnauzer dog breeds. Their look resembles a Standard Schnauzer, but they are a lot bigger. These dogs have compact and muscular bodies covered with a coat that comes in solid black or pepper and salt.

Standing at the height of 27.5 inches, Giant Schnauzers may appear intimidating. However, these dogs come with a big personality, and with the right person, they are excellent family companions. It’s important not to let them get bored, as they can become very destructive.

Giant Schnauzer Statistics

Dog Breed Group	Working
Breed Size	Large
Height	25.5-27.5 inches (male); 23.5-25.5 inches (female)
Weight	60-85 pounds (male); 55-75 pounds (female)
Lifespan	12-15 years

Giant Schnauzer Ratings

Energy level
Exercise needs
Requires attention
Playfulness
Trainability
Shedding
Grooming
Friendly with family
Friendly with kids
Friendly with strangers
Friendly with other dogs
Prey Drive

Giant Schnauzer History

Giant Schnauzers were first developed in Germany sometime in the mid-1800s. They were developed to increase the size of a Standard Schnauzer so that these dogs would be useful in driving cattle.

“Munchener” was what people used to call the Giant Schnauzers. They have carried this name for years and was known throughout Bavaria and Wurttemberg. This name was also attached to them because of their primary work.

Years passed, and the dogs were no longer used to drive cattle. So, people began using them as guard dogs for butchers, stockyards, and brewers. It was only in the 1900s when these dogs were finally trained for police work in Berlin.

By 1962, the Giant Schnauzer Club of America was founded. Soon after, they were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Now, these dogs remain to be one of the most uncommon breeds in the US. German Shepherds beat them for being great police dogs. For those who own a few of this dog breed, Giant Schnauzers do make excellent human companions.

Giant Schnauzer Temperament

Giant Schnauzers have that keen expression that somehow always watches over you. They are sensitive dogs, so you can expect them to be always aware of any change in your moods. This also prompts them to follow you everywhere; hence they are also known as velcro dogs.

These dogs are generally composed, courageous, and easily trained. When aroused, a commanding figure comes out from within. But overall, they are loyal and loving dogs.

This dog breed matures into an athletic and energetic dog. He is very playful and needs lots of activities in a day. If you want to own one, you can expect to be tired of following him around all day.

Like their original purpose, these dogs make excellent watchdogs and guard dogs. They take their responsibilities seriously, and they are very protective of the family.

They don’t trust strangers and other animals well, but you’ll find them good with cats. It’s best to promote early socialization to these dogs, so they have a more stable and confident temperament.

Obedience training is highly encouraged, but make sure that you establish a firm and consistent leadership to your Giant Schnauzer. This dog can be too much to handle for inexperienced owners, but a puppy school will also be a great idea.

Giant Schnauzer Care Requirements

Nutrition: Giant Schnauzers require a high-quality and well-balanced meal to support their high energy and daily activities. It’s best to ensure that what they eat contains all essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins. Protein should comprise most of their diet, as this helps support muscle growth. Fat should be next to keep their coat healthy, and carbohydrates will help give them energy. Only buy high-quality food ingredients. It’s also helpful to add some fruits and vegetables as excellent sources of fiber and vitamins. For dog food, make sure to choose the premium-quality ones. These don’t contain fillers and additives that may be harmful to your dog.
Grooming: Giant Schnauzers have a dense, wiry, and harsh coat. They don’t shed a lot, but they do need a lot of brushing – daily brushing. Doing so will ensure that mats and tangles will be prevented from forming. It will also help remove any dirt or debris stuck on the hair. Coats should be clipped and trimmed regularly as well to maintain its beauty. You need to be prepared to send them to a professional groomer at least once a month or two months. You can schedule your baths at that frequency too. Ears should be regularly checked and cleaned to prevent any infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly, and nails should be kept short to avoid pain and discomfort.
Exercise: Giant Schnauzers are very energetic and athletic breeds. They require a lot of exercise and activities to keep them entertained. If you left them bored without anything to do, they could become very destructive. These dogs are happy to go out for long, daily walks. Play sessions are great for these dogs, especially if they do activities with you. If you want to let them off-leash, make sure that you do it in a fenced yard. If you love outdoor activities, you can take them running, hiking, skiing, swimming, or even as bicycle companions. They are the best fit for outgoing persons.
Health: Giant Schnauzers are generally healthy dogs. However, they are also prone to some health conditions such as hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis dissecans, autoimmune thyroiditis, and squamous cell carcinoma. It’s always best to monitor any changes in your dog’s behavior whenever he’s running or walking. Bone diseases may be the biggest problem for these dogs. Take him to regular check-ups to monitor his condition and ensure that it’s always at its best.
Lifespan: The life expectancy of Giant Schnauzers is 12-15 years.