Schnauzer (Giant)
The Good
- Excellent guard dog instincts
- Devoted to their owner
- Great strength and endurance
- Handle cold weather well
The Real
- Large size requirements
- Can be stubborn
- High grooming needs
- Require early socialisation
Breed Overview
If you're looking for a dog that's basically a gentle giant with a serious side job as your personal bodyguard, the Giant Schnauzer might just be your perfect match. These impressive dogs are the largest of the three Schnauzer breeds, standing up to 70cm tall and weighing as much as 47kg - that's quite a presence in any Australian home!
Originally bred in Bavaria to drive cattle and guard farms, today's Giant Schnauzers have traded their farming boots for roles in police work, military service, and devoted family companionship. They're incredibly intelligent dogs that form deep bonds with their families, though they can be a bit suspicious of strangers initially - which makes them excellent watchdogs.
What really sets these dogs apart is their combination of brains and brawn. They're eager to please and highly trainable, but they're also high-energy dogs that need both physical exercise and mental stimulation. Think of them as the university graduate of the dog world - brilliant, but they need a job to do or they'll find their own entertainment (and you might not love their creative choices!).
Their distinctive appearance, with that characteristic beard and bushy eyebrows, gives them a wise, almost human-like expression. They adapt well to Australian family life, whether that's on a rural property in NSW or a suburban block in Melbourne, provided they get the exercise and training they crave.
History
The Giant Schnauzer's story begins in the Bavarian Alps during the mid-1800s, where practical German farmers needed a versatile working dog that could handle multiple jobs around the farm. These clever folks took the Standard Schnauzer and bred it with larger breeds, including Great Danes, to create a more substantial dog capable of driving cattle to market while also serving as a formidable property guardian.
Originally, these dogs didn't have a specific specialisation - they were the Swiss Army knife of the canine world. They herded livestock, guarded homes and property, and protected their families' assets. Bavarian farmers, known for their practical approach to life, realised they'd struck gold with a breed that could essentially do the work of several dogs.
The breed gained popularity among German nobility in the mid-19th century, appearing in royal portraits alongside kings and queens. Interestingly, they were initially called "Munich Schnauzers" and later earned the nickname "beer Schnauzers" because they were frequently used to transport beer barrels to pubs throughout Germany.
The breed's rise to official recognition came in 1902 when they began appearing at dog shows, with a significant exhibition in Munich in 1909 featuring 29 Giant Schnauzers. They received their official name and breed standard in 1923. During both World Wars, their intelligence and loyalty made them valuable as military and police dogs.
The breed arrived in the Soviet Union in the 1920s, and the first breeding pair reached what would become modern Russia through the "Red Star" kennel in the 1970s, establishing the foundation for all Giant Schnauzers in the region today.
Traits & Characteristics
Schnauzer (Giant) characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Giant Schnauzers are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 12-15 years, which is pretty good for a large breed. However, like most big dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions that Australian owners should be aware of.
Hip dysplasia is a primary concern, where the hip joint doesn't form properly, leading to arthritis. Reputable ANKC registered breeders will screen their breeding stock for this, so always ask to see health clearances. As a deep-chested breed, they are also at risk for bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists. To help prevent this, feed them two smaller meals a day and avoid vigorous exercise an hour before and after eating. It's crucial for owners in Australia to know the signs of bloat—like a swollen abdomen and retching without vomiting—and have an emergency vet's number handy.
Other potential issues include Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), a cartilage issue in growing puppies that can be mitigated by proper large-breed puppy food, and Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid easily managed with daily medication. Regular vet check-ups are key to catching any problems early.
Australian owners should ensure their Giant Schnauzer receives regular veterinary check-ups, maintains a healthy weight, and receives appropriate exercise. With proper care, most Giant Schnauzers enjoy long, active lives.
Feeding a Giant Schnauzer properly is crucial for their health and development, and let's be honest - it's going to impact your grocery budget. These big dogs can consume up to $100-$150 AUD worth of food per month, so factor this into your decision-making process.
The key is feeding a high-quality, large-breed specific dog food. Brands like Royal Canin, Hill's Science Diet, and Advance offer excellent options formulated for large dogs. Grain-inclusive diets are generally recommended unless your vet advises otherwise.
For puppies, it's essential to use large-breed puppy food until they're at least 12-18 months old. This helps prevent developmental issues like OCD and hip dysplasia by providing the right balance of nutrients for proper bone growth. Puppies should eat three to four times daily on a consistent schedule.
Adult Giant Schnauzers should be fed measured portions twice daily, ideally at the same times each day. These intelligent dogs enjoy mental stimulation, so consider using slow feeder bowls or puzzle feeders to make mealtime more engaging and prevent them from wolfing down their food too quickly.
Portion control is vital - Giant Schnauzers can easily become overweight, which puts additional stress on their joints. Follow the feeding guidelines on your chosen food's packaging, but remember these are starting points. Your vet can help determine the right amount based on your dog's age, activity level, and body condition.
Here's where Giant Schnauzer ownership gets real - their distinctive double coat requires a serious commitment to grooming. That iconic beard and those bushy eyebrows don't maintain themselves, and you'll need to budget for professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, which can cost between $120-$180 AUD for a dog of this size, especially for hand-stripping.
The Giant Schnauzer's wiry outer coat and soft undercoat need daily brushing to prevent matting. While they are not heavy shedders, their wiry coat traps dead hair, which can cause significant knots if not removed. Use a metal comb with both wide and narrow teeth, working through the coat systematically.
Professional grooming ideally involves "hand-stripping" the coat rather than just clipping, which maintains the proper wire texture. Clipping can alter the coat structure, making it softer and more prone to matting. In Australia, finding a groomer experienced with hand-stripping might require some research through breed clubs, but it's worth the effort for coat health.
That magnificent beard requires special attention - it needs washing or wiping after every meal to prevent food buildup and skin irritation. This is particularly important in Australia's warm climate where bacteria can multiply quickly. Many owners keep a dedicated 'beard towel' handy.
Regular ear cleaning is essential as their floppy ears can trap moisture and lead to infections. Check weekly for discharge, redness, or unusual odours, and clean every week or two with a vet-approved solution.
Giant Schnauzers are brilliant dogs, but they're also strong-willed characters who'll test your leadership skills daily. Think of training as an ongoing conversation rather than a one-time course - these dogs need consistent, lifelong guidance to reach their potential.
Start training and socialisation early and never stop. These dogs are natural leaders who'll happily take charge if they sense any weakness in your resolve. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods, but you need to be firm and consistent. A wishy-washy approach will get you nowhere with a Giant Schnauzer.
Exercise requirements are substantial - we're talking at least 60 minutes of vigorous activity daily. A casual stroll around the block won't cut it. These dogs excel at activities like running, hiking, agility training, and even swimming. They make excellent companions for active Australians who enjoy weekend adventures in places like the Blue Mountains or beach runs along the Gold Coast.
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. These intelligent dogs need jobs to do - whether that's learning new tricks, participating in dog sports, or even something as simple as carrying their own lead. Bored Giant Schnauzers become destructive Giant Schnauzers, and trust me, you don't want a 40kg dog with nothing to do redesigning your backyard.
Socialisation is crucial to help them manage their natural wariness of strangers and prevents them from becoming overly protective. Expose them to different people, animals, and situations early and often so they grow into well-adjusted adults.
Who is an ideal owner?
Let's be completely honest here - Giant Schnauzers aren't for everyone, and that's perfectly okay. These dogs need owners with specific qualities and lifestyles to truly thrive.
First and foremost, you need to be a natural leader with a firm but fair approach. If you're the type of person who gives in when your current dog gives you those puppy eyes, a Giant Schnauzer will walk all over you. They respect strength and consistency, not aggression, but they need to know you're in charge from day one.
Active individuals and families are ideal candidates. If your idea of exercise is walking to the mailbox, this isn't your breed. Giant Schnauzers suit people who genuinely enjoy outdoor activities - hiking, running, cycling, or even just long, energetic walks. They're perfect for Australian families who love camping trips, beach adventures, or exploring national parks.
These dogs do well with older children (10 years and up) who understand how to interact respectfully with large dogs. While they're gentle with kids, their size means they can accidentally knock over small children during play. They're not recommended for families with very young children or small pets.
You'll need adequate space - while they can adapt to larger apartments with sufficient exercise, they're happiest with a securely fenced yard where they can patrol and play. They also need owners who are home regularly, as these social dogs don't cope well with long periods of isolation.
Finally, you need to be prepared for the grooming commitment and associated costs. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, plus daily maintenance, is non-negotiable with this breed.
Interesting facts about the Schnauzer (Giant)
Not a True 'Giant'
The Giant Schnauzer isn't technically a 'giant' breed by classification. They are simply the largest of the three distinct Schnauzer varieties, alongside the Standard and Miniature.
Three Distinct Breeds
All three Schnauzer breeds are recognised as separate and distinct, despite their similar appearance. They were developed for different purposes from a common ancestor.
Created with Great Danes
To achieve their impressive size and power, German drovers bred Standard Schnauzers with larger breeds, most notably the Great Dane and the Bouvier des Flandres.
The Original 'Beer Dog'
In 19th-century Bavaria, they earned the nickname 'Bier Schnauzer' or 'Beer Schnauzer' as they were commonly used to guard and accompany beer wagons from breweries.
FAQ
Yes, there are three distinct Schnauzer breeds: Miniature Schnauzers (11-20 pounds, 30-35cm tall), Standard Schnauzers (14-23kg, up to 50cm tall), and Giant Schnauzers (25-47kg, 60-70cm tall). Each is a separate breed that developed from the original Standard Schnauzer in Germany.
While Miniature and Standard Schnauzers can be suitable for some people with allergies, Giant Schnauzers are not considered hypoallergenic due to their large size and thick double coat. No dog is completely hypoallergenic, so if you have allergies, spend time with the breed before committing.
From a reputable, ANKC registered breeder in Australia, expect to pay between $2,500 - $4,500 AUD for a Giant Schnauzer puppy. Remember to factor in ongoing costs like professional grooming every 6-8 weeks (around $120-$180) and a substantial food bill, which can be $100-$150 per month.
While possible in larger apartments, Giant Schnauzers really need space to move and a job to do. They're better suited to homes with secure yards in suburbs rather than inner-city apartment living. Their size and exercise needs make suburban life more practical.
Their double coat provides good insulation, but they can struggle in extreme heat. In northern Australia or during summer heatwaves, exercise should be scheduled for early morning or evening. They handle cooler climates like Melbourne or Canberra winters very well.
Giant Schnauzers are excellent with older children (10+ years) and make devoted family guardians. However, their size means they can accidentally knock over small children during play. They're not recommended for families with toddlers or very young children.
These dogs need 40-60 minutes of vigorous exercise daily, regardless of weather. In hot Australian summers, this means early morning beach runs or evening hikes. They excel at activities like swimming at dog-friendly beaches or hiking in national parks - perfect for active Australian lifestyles.