Standard Schnauzer vs Giant Schnauzer: What Are the Differences?

What could be more adorable than a dog being a man’s best friend?  Of course, we should be sure of what breed will be suitable for our home and lifestyle before getting one. With a high level of adaptability, trainability, and emotional quotient, we can never go wrong with dogs of the working group. A Schnauzer is definitely one good pick. However, the choice between Standard Schnauzer and Giant Schnauzer can be a tough decision to make.  Although similarities are exceptional, these breeds also have differences. So, what are the differences between Standard Schnauzer vs Giant Schnauzer? Below, we will take a closer look at each of these fuzzy beings’ differences.

Comparing a Standard Schnauzer and a Giant Schnauzer

The 5 Key Differences of Standard Schnauzer and Giant Schnauzer 

No matter how uncanny their resemblance is, the main differences between a Standard Schnauzer and a Giant Schnauzer include their size, adaptability, lifespan, trainability, and health and grooming needs. Though both are exceptionally good dog breeds for recreation, guarding, and training, there are still areas that make the other breed stand out. Apart from the fact that these fur babies are fun to be with, we will review each of the differences that these dogs from the working group have.

Standard Schnauzer vs Giant Schnauzer: Size

Giant Schnauzers are larger than Standard Schnauzers. Standard Schnauzers are between 17 to 20 inches tall. The males are 35 to 50 pounds heavy while the females weigh 30 to 45 pounds. The facial hair of this dog breed makes it seem like it has a beard. It also has a mustache and bristly eyebrows. Its coats are hard and straight and are usually in pepper and salt or pure black color. In contrast, the height of the Giant Schnauzer is 23.5 to 27.5 inches, a very large dog breed with a soft undercoat and hard outercoat. The females are around 55 to 74 pounds while the males are 59 to 85 pounds. They finish growing between the ages of 16 and 19 months. Given their size, the Giant Schnauzer has the bold, valiant, and imposing vibe.

Standard Schnauzer vs. Giant Schnauzer: Adaptability

Standard Schnauzers are friendlier than Giant Schnauzers. While the two schnauzer breeds are loyal to their families and owners and may have a high wanderlust potential, Standard Schnauzers are more suitable for apartment living as this schnauzer breed can tolerate warm and cold temperatures while Giant Schnauzers prefer warmer places. Standard Schnauzers are better for novice owners due to their playful and affectionate nature. Giant Schnauzers are generally silent with low separation anxiety. Giant Schnauzers can also have a quiet temperament. They are loyal and trusting when it comes to their family and the people they often see around, but they can be very suspicious of people outside their home or family circle.

Standard Schnauzer vs Giant Schnauzer: Lifespan

Standard Schnauzers have a longer lifespan than Giant Schnauzer. The average Standard Schnauzer can live up to 13 to 16 years while a Giant Schnauzer may live for about 10 to 12 years only. The origins of the Giant Schnauzer date back to the mid-1800s from the Bavarian Alps. Before railroads were built, their purpose was to herd cattle from farm to market but when this became unnecessary, they worked in Europe’s police and military. On the other hand, the origins of the Standard Schnauzer date back to 15th Century Germany and were formerly called wire-haired pinschers. They have a history of being the German army’s dispatch carriers and Red Cross aides and are good as therapy or search and rescue dogs. But nowadays, they more often take on the role of a companion and personal guard. 

Standard Schnauzer vs Giant Schnauzer: Trainability

Standard Schnauzers have higher intelligence and more prey drive than Giant Schnauzers. These two schnauzer breeds are smart but it can be said that the former is smarter. The Standard Schnauzers are strong-willed and high-spirited and more likely to bark than Giant Schnauzers. The Standard Schnauzer has many favorable qualities including a high ability to get along well with other pets. They are ready to learn obedience lessons and are more alert. Although easier to train than other dog breeds, the Giant Schnauzer may become aggressive when threatened. It is not advisable to have them as pets in homes with younger children due to their powerful and dominant nature.

Standard Schnauzer vs Giant Schnauzer: Health and Grooming Needs

The Standard Schnauzers have more excellent health than Giant Schnauzers. The latter has lower energy and does not require much physical and mental exercise which may lead to them being more destructive. Nonetheless, they are good for homes where a family member has allergies because they do not shed much. One simply needs to regularly check their ears for any sign of infection and use toothpaste formulated for dogs when brushing their teeth. Standard Schnauzers, on the contrary, require daily grooming to the point that they may require constant use of professional grooming services. One must be patient with them, especially when brushing, stripping, bathing, clipping them, and trimming their coat. They have a higher tendency to chew but a lower tendency to drool and snore. In addition, they also have moderate needs for walking and playtime.

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