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Distinguished by his bearded muzzle, the Giant Schnauzer is a robust, powerful dog originally bred to drive livestock. He loves having a job to do, and this natural guard dog considers his most important task to be protecting his human family. Highly energetic, the Giant Schnauzer should be vigorously exercised daily. His lightly shedding, coarse coat requires weekly brushing and clipping or stripping four to six times a year.
DID YOU KNOW? A descendant of the Great Dane, the Giant Schnauzer was developed in Germany, where the breed is called the Riesenschnauzer, meaning “the giant.” The breed historically has also been referred to as the Russian Bear Schnauzer and the Munich Schnauzer. Highly intelligent and easily trained, the Giant Schnauzer was used as a police and military dog during World War I. The Giant Schnauzer is not actually a giant breed, but rather, the largest of the three Schnauzer breeds. The other two are Miniature and Standard.
ALSO KNOWN AS: Munich Schnauzer, Munchener, Russian Bear Schnauzer
| Lifespan: | 12-15 years |
| Weight: | Adult males 27-48kg, adult females 25-34kg |
| Height: | Adult males stand at 65-70cm, females are around 60-65cm |
| Colours: | Black or pepper and salt (dark iron grey to light grey with hairs banded dark/light/dark) |
| Size: | Large |
| UK Kennel Club Groups: | Working |
| Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 5/5 |
| Easy to train: | 5/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 2/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 3/5 |
| Energy level: | 5/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 4/5 |
| Shedding: | 3/5 |
The Giant Schnauzer should look strong, alert and imposing, but be good-natured in temperament. A natural watchdog, they will be vocal to get your attention if necessary, and will need polite introduction to new people rather than assuming friendship on sight!
If well socialised, the Giant Schnauzer can get on well with other animals, but are generally better with dogs of the opposite sex.
Country of Origin: Germany
The original ancestor of the Giant Schnauzer is unsurprisingly, the Standard Schnauzer. Cattlemen from Bavaria found they needed a larger dog for working their cattle over long distances and created the breed using other pastoral types including Great Danes, Rottweilers and possibly the Bouvier des Flandres. Since then this tough, working breed has found popularity as a very effective police and security dog.
As with many breeds, the Giant Schnauzer can suffer from various hereditary eye disorders, and hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems). Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important. Epilepsy and a particular type of cancer of the toe are also encountered relatively frequently.
Two hours a day or more, of dog exercise with walking, training and games included will be needed to keep the Giant Schnauzer content. This is an athletic outdoors dog, not put off by wind and rain due to his protective, weather resistant coat. Although smart in appearance, the Giant Schnauzer’s trousers and beard will pick up water, mud and debris and so need drying and checking after each walk to clean up.
The Giant Schnauzer is a large dog with a coat that collects muck, water and debris, so may not be suitable for the smaller home. A large garden offering space to train and play in, and access to a variety of walking routes will help keep them mentally satisfied.
Given their vocal, guarding nature, this is a dog who needs space and will be potentially over stimulated and stressed by constant noise from neighbours or traffic. Quiet suburbs or rural living will suit the Giant Schnauzer better than busy town or city.
Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. The Giant Schnauzer is also prone to bloating and stomach problems. Smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk. Discover more about how to offer your dog a balanced diet with our easy-to-follow guide.
Giant Schnauzers’ beards tend to gather water and debris from both the floor and meals, so cleaning the beard daily is necessary to avoid lip fold infections and nasty pongs. Check the coat daily after walks, and brush through two or three times a week. Hand-stripping is needed every three months, to remove dead hair, though pet owners who are not exhibiting their dogs may prefer to get the coat clipped instead. This can be done at home if you wish to learn how, or by professional groomers if not. Find out more about dog grooming and daily care with our article.
The Giant Schnauzer is suited to those who enjoy dog training and working with their pet. Early dog socialisation is vital to ensure they are relaxed and happy in the presence of other dogs and animals, as this breed has guarding tendencies and will react to unfamiliar sights and sounds. Well capable of competing in a variety of dog sports including tracking, Cani-X and obedience, this is a dog who needs a job to do.
The Giant Schnauzer is still very much a working, guarding breed and therefore better suited for those with older children or teenagers. As puppies and juveniles they are big, boisterous and bitey, not an ideal combination with children. This is also a dog who requires several hours exercise and training per day which will take up a reasonable amount of time and energy making them less suitable for the young, busy family.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with each other and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
