Giant Schnauzer
Also known as Riesenschnauzer
- Height at the withers
- 60 to 70 cm
- Weight
- 35 to 50 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 120 minutes
- Origin
- Germany
- FCI group
- 2 · Pinschers, molossers and Swiss mountain dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
- people bothered by dog hair (no breed is guaranteed allergy-free)
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 120 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A large, powerful and sturdy working dog with a hard, dense, weatherproof coat, the trademark beard and eyebrows, and an imposing presence. Originally bred for driving cattle and guarding.
History and origins
Developed in Bavaria and Württemberg from the Standard Schnauzer, crossed with larger breeds such as the Great Dane or the Bouvier des Flandres. It drove cattle to market and guarded farms and breweries, before becoming a police dog in the early 20th century.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
- Hypothyroidism
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the toes
- Osteochondritis dissecans
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, wiry coat. Almost no shedding, high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- High, 4 out of 5
- Shedding
- Almost none, 1 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Giant Schnauzer FAQ
How big does the Giant Schnauzer get?
The Giant Schnauzer stands 60 to 70 cm at the withers and weighs 35 to 50 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Giant Schnauzer shed a lot?
It sheds almost nothing and its coat needs a lot of care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Giant Schnauzer live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard.
How much exercise does the Giant Schnauzer need each day?
Allow about 120 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Giant Schnauzer good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Giant Schnauzer live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat).
