Breeds
Giant Schnauzer: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A Giant Schnauzer is a big, powerful, intelligent working dog that is loyal to its family and protective with strangers. Giants learn quickly and love a job, but they need a great deal of exercise, confident handling and regular professional grooming for that wiry coat. They suit experienced, active owners. Here is what VCA Animal Hospitals and the AKC say about the breed.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read3 sources
Giant Schnauzer temperament and personality
VCA describes the Giant Schnauzer as loyal and strongly bonded to its family, and says many are protective and cautious with strangers. The breed was developed as a working and guarding dog, and it still takes its role in the household seriously.
At home a well-exercised Giant is affectionate and steady with its people. Under-exercised or untrained, VCA warns, it may develop behavior problems. It is a dog that needs structure, a daily job and an owner who enjoys training.
How big do Giant Schnauzers get?
The AKC's breed weight chart lists males at 75 to 95 pounds and females at 55 to 80 pounds. VCA gives a height of 23.5 to 27.5 inches and an overall weight of 55 to 95 pounds.
Giants are muscular and square-built, and the beard and leg furnishings make them look bulkier than they are. Feel for the ribs to check condition, and ask your vet about a large-breed puppy diet to support steady growth.
Giant Schnauzer lifespan and common health issues
VCA gives a lifespan of 10 to 13 years. Its breed page lists hip and elbow dysplasia, retinal dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, bladder stones, lupoid onychodystrophy, a nail bed disease, digital squamous cell carcinoma, a toe cancer, and lymphoma.
Ask a breeder for hip, elbow, eye, heart and thyroid results on both parents. Ask your vet to check the feet and nails at each visit, given the breed's nail and toe risks. A swollen toe, a lost or split nail that will not heal, fainting or a cough needs a vet promptly.
Exercise needs
VCA rates energy as high and says the Giant needs substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation, suggesting obedience work, agility and running. Plan for at least an hour or two a day once the dog is grown.
Protection sports, tracking, carting and long hikes also suit the breed. Keep puppy exercise gentle while the joints develop, and avoid hard exercise right around meals in a large, deep-chested dog.
Mental work matters as much as physical exercise.
Giant Schnauzer grooming and shedding
VCA rates grooming as moderate to high and shedding as moderate. The wiry coat needs frequent brushing plus professional grooming or hand-stripping several times a year, and the facial hair needs regular cleaning.
Comb the beard and leg furnishings several times a week to prevent mats, and wipe the beard after meals. Trim nails regularly and check the feet, ears and teeth. Many pet owners keep the coat clipped for easier care.
Training a Giant Schnauzer
VCA says Giant Schnauzers learn quickly but may test inconsistent leadership, and need structure and confident handling. Reward-based training with clear, consistent rules works best.
Start puppy classes early, keep socializing with people and dogs into adulthood, and teach calm greetings, a solid stay and loose-leash walking. A Giant that understands the rules is a far more relaxed dog.
Keep sessions short and varied, and give the dog a job such as carrying a backpack on walks or learning new tricks, which satisfies its working drive.
Are Giant Schnauzers good with kids and other pets?
VCA says Giant Schnauzers are generally good with children with supervision. Their size and energy mean small children can be knocked over in play.
VCA strongly recommends early socialization with other pets. Raise the puppy around the household's cats and dogs where you can, and supervise introductions to new animals.
Give the dog a quiet space to rest and teach children not to wrestle with it. Supervise meetings with unfamiliar dogs, given the breed's protective nature.
What a Giant Schnauzer needs at home
A high, secure fence, an extra-large crate, a durable bed and a daily training and exercise routine are the basics. Tug toys, puzzle feeders and durable chews help with energy.
For the coat, keep a slicker brush, a metal comb, a stripping knife or clippers, nail clippers, ear cleaner and a dog toothbrush, and budget for professional grooming. Ask your vet about heart and foot checks.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do Giant Schnauzers live?
VCA gives a lifespan of 10 to 13 years. Hip, eye, heart and thyroid screening of the parents and regular foot checks are worth discussing with breeder and vet.
How big do Giant Schnauzers get?
The AKC lists males at 25.5 to 27.5 inches and 75 to 95 pounds, and females at 23.5 to 25.5 inches and 55 to 80 pounds.
What is a Giant Schnauzer's temperament like?
VCA describes Giants as loyal, strongly bonded to family and often protective and cautious with strangers. They need structure, confident handling and plenty of exercise.
Do Giant Schnauzers shed?
VCA rates shedding as moderate. The wiry coat needs frequent brushing and professional grooming or hand-stripping several times a year to stay in good condition.
Are Giant Schnauzers good family dogs?
For experienced, active families, yes. VCA says they are loyal and strongly bonded to family and generally good with children with supervision, but they need structure and plenty of exercise.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
