Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzers are amiable yet commanding, and were originally bred to work as guard dogs. The Giant Schnauzer size—and big bark to match!—might make them intimidating to strangers. But with family? They are wonderfully engaged, friendly dogs who want nothing more than to be with their pet parent.

They’re highly intelligent—Giant Schnauzer puppies can be downright mischievous!—and if socialization and exercise needs aren’t met, they’ll make it their job to create a job for themselves that may be difficult to undo. Digging holes and destroying furniture or slippers are not unheard of! For this reason, make sure you give them a job to do that you actually approve of, like fetching your slippers or the morning paper.

Giant Schnauzer dogs can be good with older kids once they’re properly trained and socialized, but these big dogs don’t make the best of companions for small children that can easily (though accidentally!) be knocked over. Giant Schnauzers can also be trained to live happily with other furry family members, but make sure they’re of the barking variety—best to steer clear of the meowing kind.

Giant Schnauzers need a higher level of exercise than most dogs. The same goes for mental stimulation, as well as the cost of extensive regular grooming (trimming, baths, teeth cleaning and nail trimming). The most distinctive Giant Schnauzer traits are their beard and brows—which give them a look of nobility—but they’ll both need to be cleaned after every meal to catch drool and debris that naturally accumulate. But they’ll repay your attentions with lots of love!

The Giant Schnauzer has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Health problems are common in pure breeds, so it’s highly important to find a reputable breeder. The most common Giant Schnauzer health issues include: 

• Hypothyroidism: Giant Schnauzers are prone to hypothyroidism, a condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, weight gain or behavioral changes. Treatment is typically daily oral medication. 
• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: A Giant Schnauzer’s size makes them prone to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, both of which often result in arthritis. Early detection enables treatment to minimize pain, and in more serious cases surgery may be an option. Giant Schnauzer weight issues will only worsen dysplasia, so be sure to keep your pup lean. 
• Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD): This developmental condition occurs when cartilage does not turn to bone as it should during the growth process. This can result in pain and limping in young Giant Schnauzer puppies, often those 3 to 9 months of age. Surgery may be needed. 
• Bloat or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV): The Giant Schnauzer’s size and the deep shape of their chest place them at higher risk for gastric dilatation and volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. Left untreated, the condition is quickly fatal. If your dog retches or dry-heaves, acts restless, has an enlarged abdomen or lies in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up) take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! You can help protect your pup from GDV by feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day using a slow feeding bowl. 
• Von Willebrand Disease: Von Willebrand disease is a blood clotting disorder frequently found in Giant Schnauzers. Ensure that your veterinarian performs diagnostic testing to rule out von Willebrand disease and other similar disorders prior to any surgical procedures for your beloved companion. 

The Giant Schnauzer dog is the largest of the three Schnauzer breeds (Miniature and Standard being the other two). The Giant Schnauzer breed’s origin dates back to 17th century Germany to the “bear Schnauzer” of Munich, a long shaggy-haired dog related to the Old German shaggy shepherd dog primarily tasked with cattle herding.

The Giant Schnauzer breed is a cross between the “bear Schnauzer” and black Great Dane, which accounts for their shorter hair and larger body, creating an elite working dog who can also serve as a family guard dog.

Similar to the Belgian Bouvier des Flandres, Giant Schnauzers were originally bred to drive cattle from farm to market. The breed gained popularity after World War I and, since then, Giant Schnauzers have been trained to serve as police dogs, military dogs and search and rescue dogs.

The Giant Schnauzer gained American Kennel Club breed recognition in 1930, and the breed is a frequent competitor in the dog sports/competitions circuit. In modern times, the Giant is still bred throughout Europe as a companion and useful working dog rather than as a “fancy” breed.

Are you considering a Giant Schnauzer as a pet? The cost for a Giant Schnauzer puppy ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 for a purebred. For that price, you’re likely to get a pup who’s been screened for health and temperament issues and may come with pedigree papers. To find reputable breeders, visit the American Kennel Club’s website. To adopt a Giant Schnauzer, consider one of these Giant Schnauzer rescues or search Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area.

Your Giant Schnauzer requires lots of exercise, attention, patience and devotion, but you’ll be rewarded with exceptional loyalty and companionship in return. Ideal for the experienced pet parent, Giant Schnauzers not only seek a job to do but their care can also be considered a job in itself. Early training and socialization—and commitment to their higher-than-typical exercise and grooming needs—mean a level of dedication best left to experienced dog parents who thrive in high-energy activities.