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Giant Schnauzer Dog Breed Information

  • AKA:Riesenschnauzer
  • Size:Large
  • Ease of Training:Medium
  • Grooming:High
  • Shedding:Low
  • Exercise Needed:Daily walk, and a long romp-around daily
  • Energy Level:Medium/High
  • Protection:High, guard dog
  • Good with Children:Yes, with older considerate children
  • Health Clearances:OFA, CERF
  • Weight:65-90 lbs
  • Height:Male: 25.5-27.5, Female: 23.5-25.5 inches
  • Coat Colour:Solid black or pepper and salt

Giant Schnauzer Coat

The Giant Schnauzer is a double coat breed. The outer coat is wiry, thick, and harsh. The under coat is dense and soft. The hair is longer over the yes and on the muzzle to form bushy eyebrows and a distinctive beard. The hair on the legs is longer than the body coat. The color of the coat is either salt and pepper or pure black. This breed sheds little to no hair.

Giant Schnauzer Character

The Giant Schnauzer is powerful and large, yet possesses elegance. This breed is capable of enduring harsh weather and is extremely hardy, independent, and courageous. A proud and determined breed, the Giant Schnauzers varied attributes make them a loyal and trustworthy family pet.

Giant Schnauzer Temperament

This breed is very loving, protective, and responsible. They thrive on human companionship and do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time. They are not recommended for the novice dog owner, two-career family, or a sedentary owner. This bold breed is intense and complex and requires an owner who completely understands them. They are highly intelligent, imposing, and extremely protective of their family and territory. They make excellent guard dogs. The Giant Schnauzer does best in a home with children over the age of 14 who are considerate and well behaved. They typically do not get along with other household pets.

Giant Schnauzer Care

The Giant Schnauzer requires weekly brushing and combing to keep the under coat free of mats and tangles. They need to be professionally clipped all-over four times per year. The hair around the eyes and ears must be kept trimmed and their whiskers cleaned after meals. Bathing or dry shampooing should be done when necessary. This breed is prone to cancer, bloat, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy.

Giant Schnauzer Activity

The Giant Schnauzer requires an inordinate amount of vigorous exercise. They thrive on being given something to do and enjoy family play sessions. This breed is not recommended for apartment dwelling. Giant Schnauzers do best with plenty of acreage where they are able to run freely.

Giant Schnauzer Health and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Giant Schnauzer is around 10-12 years, and there are a number of health problems that have been linked to this breed. This includes glaucoma, heart problems, epilepsy, PRA, HD, OCD, allergies, and skin problems. The parents of the Giant Schnauzer puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates. This breed is prone to cancer, bloat, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy.