Do Giant Schnauzers shed?

Giant Schnauzers don’t shed a lot, but they do require consistent and careful maintenance.

How big do Giant Schnauzers get?

Giant Schnauzers are known for their large size and can grow to be up to 27.5 inches tall at the shoulder and nearly 90 pounds.

Can you have an all-black Giant Schnauzer?

Yep, Giant Schnauzers are either solid black or salt and pepper (gray).

Are Giant Schnauzers good family dogs?

Yes, Giant Schnauzers are great family dogs. They’re known for their high energy, playful nature, loyalty, friendliness, and athleticism. They make good dogs for active families.

Giant Schnauzer

Updated October 22, 2025

Giant Schnauzers are large and high-energy dogs who do best with an experience and active pet parent by their side. As the largest of the three Schnauzer breeds, they need a lot of space to stretch their long legs—and a tall fence that can’t easily hop over.

Temperament

Athletic, Loyal, Smart

Weight

55–85 pounds

Height

23.5–27.5 inches

Life Expectancy

12–15 years

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

Coat Color

Black, Salt and Pepper

Jump to section

Big, beautiful Giant Schnauzers are scroll-stoppers of Instagram and the stroll-stoppers of your evening walk, thanks to their bushy eyebrows and hallmark beard.

But Giant Schnauzers aren’t just looks. Their smarts and cleverness make them fun to be around—especially when teaching them new tricks. Loyal and with stamina to spare, they are ideal companions for the “work hard, play hard” pet parent who leads an active life.

Giant Schnauzer Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Exercise Needs

Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Training Needs

Shedding Level

Friendliness

Playfulness

Energy Level

Good for Apartments and Small Homes

Sensitive to Cold Weather

Sensitive to Warm Weather

Good for First-Time Pet Parents

Giant Schnauzer Appearance

The Giant Schnauzer size is the largest of three Schnauzer types (the other two are the Miniature Schnauzer and the Standard Schnauzer).

They have deep-set eyes that give them a wise, almost wizard-like look, and your Giant Schnauzer dog will sport a double coat—thick and wiry on the outside, soft and dense underneath—that’s typically a dashing black or salt and pepper.

Ears
Giant Schnauzers traditionally have cropped ears, but nowadays it’s common to see their ears left floppy and natural. Many groups, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, oppose ear cropping, and many countries and U.S. states have banned the practice.
Eyes
A Giant Schnauzer’s deep-set eyes run from medium to dark brown.
Nose
Giant Schnauzer dogs sport large black noses.
Coat Length
Giant Schnauzers have a dense, thick, wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat.
Coat Color
Giant Schnauzer colors are typically solid black or salt and pepper (gray).
Tail
Like with ear-cropping, it was once common to dock a Giant Schnauzer tail, but this is another controversial procedure that many groups, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, oppose. Many Giant Schnauzers have long tails held high and curled over their back.

Giant Schnauzer Temperament

These big dogs are known as excellent family pets who’ll adore you as much as you adore them. Playful and athletic, Giant Schnauzers live for adventure, and they’ll be the first ones in the car when you head out for the day.

They’re eager, friendly dogs who happen to be highly intelligent (and occasionally mischievous), so it’s important to meet their exercise needs and see that they’re properly socialized.

These pups love having a job to do, so feel free to teach them how to fetch the morning paper for you. They’ll not only ace it, but they’ll be proud to get the job done.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Giant Schnauzer

Find Giant Schnauzers to Adopt Near You

How to Care for a Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzers need a lot of exercise with plenty of mental stimulation for their bright brains. Grooming-wise, their distinctive beard and brows need regular care (they’ll say thanks with lots of love).

Bathing: Bathe your dog about once a month with a dog-friendly shampoo.
Brushing: Giant Schnauzers don’t shed a ton, but you do need to brush them daily to keep their coat clean and free of debris. Their beard and eyebrows in particular can get dirty with food (and even drool), so tend to these areas in particular. Use a pin brush or a slicker brush for the task.
Ear care: Check their ears every day for signs of an ear infection (redness, odor, debris). Talk to your vet about how to clean your dog’s ears if they’re prone to irritation or infections.
Dental care: Help keep your pup’s teeth in shape by brushing them daily with a dog toothpaste. Start when your Giant Schnauzer puppy is young, so they get used to the experience.
Nail care: Giant Schnauzers need their nails trimmed every week. You’ll know it’s definitely time when you hear their nails clicking as they walk.

As with most working dogs, Giant Schnauzers enjoy having a purpose, so they’ll enjoy showing you what they can do.

Use positive reinforcement to teach various skills, such as how to walk nicely on a leash and come when called. These pups are genuinely cooperative and eager to please. Training will likely be a cinch, especially when you find what motivates your Giant Schnauzer (whether it be training treats, favorite dog toys, or enthusiastic praise).

Regular socialization with other dogs and people, as well as introducing them to new places (think public parks, dog parks, and hiking trails), will help your pup be comfortable in any situation. Talk to your vet about how to safely socialize your Giant Schnauzer puppy.

Giant Schnauzers do best on a high-quality commercial dog food appropriate to your Giant Schnauzer’s size, height, and age (puppy, adult, senior). The food should meet AAFCO nutrition standards as well.

As big dogs, they’ll likely do best with a large-breed dog food to support their size. It’s especially important for Giant Schnauzer puppies to eat a large-breed puppy food to support their rapid growth.

Giant Schnauzers, like other large dogs with deep chests, can be susceptible to a life-threatening condition called bloat, which causes the stomach to fill and distend with food and/or gas. To reduce this risk, pet parents should:

Feed their dog at least twice per day instead of one big meal
Avoid elevated food bowls
Offer their dog food in a slow-feeder bowl to prevent gobbling
Don’t allow their dog to exercise for two hours before or after eating

Remember that dog treats have calories, too. While treats are important for motivating your dog during training, know when to say when. Treats should never be more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories.

Giant Schnauzers are definitely not lazy dogs. They have energy to spare, so aim for at least an hour of exercise every day, if not more.

Plan a fun activity, whether it’s a 45-minute walk around the neighborhood, an adventurous hike, or a swim in a nearby lake. Mix things up to keep them entertained.

And don’t forget intellectual exercise, too: Try a snuffle mat or a puzzle toy for indoor fun.

Giant Schnauzers thrive in homes where they have plenty of quality time with their people—and lots of opportunities to get outside. They’d adore an active pet parent, and if you think your 5 a.m. run is too intense, don’t give it another thought. Your Giant Schnauzer would be delighted to join.

Many will fit right in with a large family, particularly one with older children who can help out with their exercise routine and who know how to interact well with dogs.

Because Giant Schnauzers are such active dogs, they’d probably prefer a suburban or country home with a fenced yard. That said, they might try to herd smaller family members, whether it’s children, cats, or small dogs. Supervision and kind correction are key to prevent this behavior.

Giant Schnauzer Health

The typical Giant Schnauzer lifespan is 12–15 years. Here are some health issues to be aware of.  

Bloat and gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): Bloat is when the stomach distends with air and/or food. A serious complication of bloat is gastric dilatation-volvulus, when the stomach twists on itself, cutting off blood supply to the organs.Symptoms include abdominal distension, restlessness, and dry heaving. If you notice these signs, go to the vet immediately.
Elbow and hip dysplasia: Elbow and hip dysplasia are genetic conditions that develop during puppyhood when the joints don’t develop properly and become looser than normal. Treatment might involve weight loss, reduced activity, joint supplements, physical therapy, or (in severe cases) surgery.
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism includes symptoms like lethargy, hair loss, skin and ear infections, and weight gain. A blood test can diagnose it, and treatment is a daily oral medication.
Osteochondritis dissecans: This developmental condition occurs when joint cartilage doesn’t turn to bone as it should during the growth process. Osteochondritis dissecans results in pain and limping in young Giant Schnauzer puppies, often between 3– 9 months of age. Surgery may be needed. 
Von Willebrand disease: Giant Schnauzers are susceptible to von Willebrand disease, a bleeding disorder where the blood doesn’t clot properly. There’s no cure, but your vet can test your dog for this and recommend lifestyle changes to keep your pup safe.

Giant Schnauzer History

The Giant Schnauzer dog is the largest of the three Schnauzer breeds (Miniature and Standard being the other two).

The breed’s origins date back to 17th-century Germany, when there was a dog called the “bear Schnauzer” of Munich: a shaggy-haired canine known for herding cattle. The Giant Schnauzer breed is a cross between this “bear Schnauzer” and a black Great Dane, which accounts for their shorter hair and large body.

Similar to the Belgian Bouvier des Flandres, Giant Schnauzers were originally bred to drive cattle. They gained popularity after World War I and, since then, brave Giant Schnauzers have been trained to serve as police dogs, military dogs, and search and rescue dogs.

The Giant Schnauzer was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930. Giant Schnauzer puppies tend to cost $1,500 or more. If you choose this route, pick a responsible breeder.

You can also adopt a Giant Schnauzer, as there are many of these pups patiently waiting for their forever families. Find a local Giant Schnauzer rescue (or any Schnauzer rescue will likely do), such as the Schnauzer Rescue of Texas; keep an eye out at your local animal shelter; or search Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area.

FAQs

This content was medically reviewed by Barri Morrison, DVM, Chewy veterinarian.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzer