Working group · Germany
Giant Schnauzer
Also called Riesenschnauzer, Munich Schnauzer.
Large dog, high energy, quick to learn.
- Loyal
- Intelligent
- Bold
- Powerful
- Strong-willed
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25 to 39 kg55 to 85 lb
- Lives
- 12 to 15 years
- Energy
- High
- Trains
- High
- Barks
- Moderate
Training
Training a Giant Schnauzer
Working breeds. Calm structure beats force every time. These dogs shut down under pressure and thrive on predictability.
High Energy Demands Exercise
Start here
Unlike most giant breeds, these are high-energy working dogs. Inadequate exercise leads to destructive behaviour.
Structure and Consistency
Bold, strong-willed personality. Give clear routines and reward good choices, or they will write their own rules.
Excellent Working Dogs
Excel at obedience, protection work, agility, and other dog sports. Give them a job.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Giant Schnauzer and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, on video with Atlas and Shango.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred to guard, pull and rescue. Big, strong, and serious about their people and their patch.
Gets on with
- ChildrenHigh
- Other dogsModerate
- StrangersLow
- CatsLow
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 1-2 hours daily. Running, hiking, and mentally stimulating activities essential.
- Grooming
- High maintenance. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Hand-stripping for show dogs.
- Drool
- Low
- Coat
- Double coat, Wiry outer coat, Dense undercoatSolid Black, Salt and Pepper
- In a flat
- Needs more space than a flat gives.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Hip Dysplasia
Moderate
Joint malformation requiring screening
Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Moderate
Thyroid disease; fairly common in the breed
Bloat (GDV)
Severe
Deep-chested breed at risk for gastric torsion
Where they come from
History
Developed in Germany by crossing Standard Schnauzers with larger breeds like Great Danes. Originally used to drive cattle, then as brewery and butcher shop guards, and later as police and military dogs.
