Giant Schnauzer

Developed in Bavaria, Germany, during the 19th century, standard Schnauzers and Great Danes were crossbred to produce a larger, more robust working animal. The resulting Giant Schnauzer — marked by its loyalty, alertness, and intelligence — was recognized in 1930 by the American Kennel Club.

Giant Schnauzers initially were used to drive cattle from the farms where they grazed to the markets where they were sold. They were also tapped by innkeepers, farmers, and merchants as guard dogs. Soon, though, railroads made their principal work obsolete, so Giant Schnauzers found themselves working with the police and the military throughout Europe.

Today, many active families welcome this dog into their homes for its characteristically loyal and alert temperament. Giant Schnauzers are generally known for their devotion to their human companions.

Appearance, Size, and Weight

These dogs are easily recognizable as a bigger version of the Miniature and Standard Schnauzers as they feature the same eyebrows and beard that are distinct to their smaller versions. Although the name includes the word “giant,” this breed is not included in the group of giant breeds, which includes, among other breeds, the Great Dane and Newfoundland.

Giant Schnauzers’ dense, wiry medium double coat, which is also water-resistant, is found in two colors: either black or salt and pepper. While this breed has somewhat high grooming needs to maintain its coat, ear health, nails, and teeth, the good news is that this breed does not shed much and is hypoallergenic.

They are quite big, though. Males typically weigh between 60 and 85 pounds and are between 25.5 and 27.5 inches tall. As is common, females typically weigh less and are not as tall. They are usually between 55 and 75 pounds and are between 23.5 and 25.5 inches tall. At 3 months old, Giant Schnauzer puppies generally weigh between 21 and 37 pounds already; at 6 months, between 39 and 68 pounds, but this breed finishes growing between the ages of 16 and 19 months.

Temperament and Behavior

The Giant Schnauzer’s temperament is marked by restraint, loyalty, alertness, high intelligence, and suspicion. They are noted for being trusting and loyal to their family, but are wary of new people and places. With their background as guard dogs, owners should anticipate that this breed could exhibit aggressive behavior if they feel threatened. Early training and regular exercise will help to curb undesirable behaviors.

As a working breed, the Giant Schnauzer requires plenty of mental stimulation; if not, the dog can easily get bored and become destructive. Accompanying their owners on walks, hikes, bike rides, trips to the dog park for fetch, and other high-energy activities is encouraged.

While this breed does make a good companion for active families, it is recommended that children be 12 or older before welcoming this dog into your home. Schnauzers, regardless of size, have big, bold personalities.

Common Health Issues

An overall healthy breed, Giant Schnauzers do develop conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye disease, and autoimmune thyroiditis, but this can largely be avoided by procuring your Giant Schnauzer from a reputable breeder who screens for these and other conditions. Nevertheless, watch out for them.

Do keep an eye out for dental disease, which develops from tartar buildup; if their teeth are not properly cleaned regularly, the teeth can become diseased and cause complications to their organs. Giant Schnauzers are also susceptible to viral and bacterial infections, including rabies, parvovirus, and distemper. Vaccination can prevent these, so visit your veterinarian regularly to ensure your canine companion stays up-to-date on their shots.

Giant Schnauzers are prone to becoming, well, even more giant. In other words, obesity is a concern as these dogs age or are overfed, and there are several serious conditions associated with this condition, including heart disease, digestive disorders, and back pain. Feed the recommended amount of food and ensure they receive plenty of exercise to keep obesity or excessive weight gain at bay.

The Best Dog Food

Giant Schnauzers should be fed high-quality large-breed dog food. Some Giant Schnauzers who are overweight could benefit from a weight control formula. Their meals should be divided into two: one in the morning and one in the evening. The amount of food right for your Giant Schnauzer will vary based on age, weight, activity level, health concerns, and other factors, so check with your veterinarian if you are unsure how much food your dog should eat.

This breed’s puppies should eat food designed for their future size and life stage. Puppies have growing stomachs, so further dividing their meals is helpful in ensuring the animal is receiving adequate nutrition throughout the day. Eight- to 12-week-olds should receive four small meals a day. Once they’ve reached 3 months old, three meals a day are appropriate. By 6 months old, they can be served meals twice a day.

When picking dog food for your Giant Schnauzer, reach for dry food. Crunchy kibble helps remove residue, plaque, and tartar from their teeth to mitigate dental problems. Look for foods that supplement the Giant Schnauzer’s diet with probiotics and omega-3s, which enhance the immune system to guard against infection. Also, high protein content helps channel exercise into lean muscle while also satiating hunger.