Are Giant Schnauzers good with children?

Giant Schnauzers are excellent with children. Their natural patience, gentle nature, and resilience make them outstanding family dogs. They typically form strong bonds with children and tend to be forgiving of the occasional accidental rough handling that can occur with younger kids. Remember that proper socialization and teaching children appropriate interaction with dogs are always important, regardless of breed.

How much grooming does a Giant Schnauzer require?

Giant Schnauzers require intensive grooming, typically daily brushing and regular professional grooming. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended for Giant Schnauzers, along with regular home brushing to prevent painful mats and tangles. Their high-maintenance coat requires commitment but keeps them looking their characteristic best. Regular grooming not only keeps their coat healthy but also provides an opportunity to check for any skin issues or abnormalities.

What makes the Giant Schnauzer unique compared to other dog breeds?

The Giant Schnauzer stands out from other breeds due to its dignified appearance and bearing, rich heritage from Германиа, natural protective instincts. This unique combination of characteristics makes them special among dog breeds and appeals to owners who appreciate these distinct qualities. Understanding these traits helps provide appropriate care tailored to their specific needs.

What should I know before getting a Giant Schnauzer?

Before bringing a Giant Schnauzer into your home, potential owners should consider: They have relatively low exercise needs (2/5), making them suitable for less active households. Their coat requires significant maintenance (4/5) with regular grooming sessions. They typically excel in family environments with children (5/5 child-friendliness). They're typically highly trainable (5/5) and eager to learn. Their large size requires adequate living space. Additionally, researching reputable breeders or rescue organizations is essential for finding a healthy, well-socialized Giant Schnauzer. Understanding these factors will help ensure a good match between the breed and your lifestyle, leading to a happy relationship for both you and your dog.

What were Giant Schnauzers originally bred for?

Giant Schnauzers were originally bred for herding, guarding. This herding heritage explains their intelligence, focus, and sometimes tendency to herd family members, particularly children. As part of the Working group, they share characteristics with other breeds developed for similar purposes. Understanding your Giant Schnauzer's breeding heritage helps explain many of their natural behaviors and instincts, which can be channeled appropriately through training and enrichment activities. Even though modern Giant Schnauzers are primarily companions, these inherent traits remain part of their genetic makeup.

How long do Giant Schnauzers typically live?

The average lifespan of a Giant Schnauzer is 10 - 12 years. With proper care including quality nutrition, regular veterinary check-ups, appropriate exercise, and preventative healthcare, some Giant Schnauzers may live beyond this range. Genetics, environment, and healthcare all play important roles in determining longevity.

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Giant Schnauzer

Q: What is the temperament of a Giant Schnauzer?

Giant Schnauzers are known to be strong willed, kind, loyal, intelligent, dominant, powerful, loyal, playful, friendly, affectionate, couch, curious, gentle, loves, smart, protective, funny, athletic, quiet, dignified, calm, does well in social environments outside of the home, does well in the car, eager to please, fenced yard required, friendly social, good with cats, good with dogs, good with kids, housetrained, large breed, leash trained, moderate energy, needs training puppy, no out of state apps, older kids only, playful goofy, independent, sweet, gets along with dogs, gets along with kids, loves kisses. This combination of traits makes them excellent companions for families with children. Their temperament is influenced by both genetics and proper socialization from an early age.

Q: How much exercise does a Giant Schnauzer need?

Giant Schnauzers need minimal daily exercise, typically 15-30 minutes per day. Their low energy level makes them suitable for apartment living and less active households. Short walks and gentle play sessions are usually sufficient for their needs. Regular exercise is essential for their physical health, mental stimulation, and overall well-being.

Written by Dr. Sarah Johnson, Veterinary Consultant

Published: January 15, 2024 • Last updated: June 18, 2025

Temperament

Strong Willed, Kind, Loyal, Intelligent, Dominant, Powerful, Loyal, Playful, Friendly, Affectionate, Couch, Curious, Gentle, Loves, Smart, Protective, Funny, Athletic, Quiet, Dignified, Calm, Does well in social environments outside of the home, Does well in the car, Eager to Please, Fenced Yard Required, Friendly social, Good with Cats, Good with Dogs, Good with Kids, Housetrained, Large Breed, Leash Trained, Moderate Energy, Needs Training Puppy, No Out of State Apps, Older Kids Only, Playful goofy, Independent, Sweet, Gets along with dogs, Gets along with Kids, Loves Kisses

Weight

65 - 90 lbs

Height

23.5 - 27.5 inches

Life Span

10 - 12 years

Breed Group

Working

Bred For

Herding, guarding

Origin

Германиа

Characteristics

Good with Children5/5

Good with Other Dogs5/5

Trainability5/5

Energy Level2/5

Grooming Needs4/5

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the temperament of a Giant Schnauzer?

How much exercise does a Giant Schnauzer need?

They have a low to moderate energy level and need regular but not extensive exercise.

How often should I groom my Giant Schnauzer?

They have high grooming needs requiring frequent brushing and regular professional grooming.

How do I train a Giant Schnauzer?

The Giant Schnauzer is highly trainable and typically responds well to positive reinforcement methods.

Care Requirements

Exercise Needs2/5

They have a low to moderate energy level and need regular but not extensive exercise.

Grooming Requirements4/5

They have high grooming needs requiring frequent brushing and regular professional grooming.

Trainability5/5

Highly trainable and quick to learn commands

Good with Children5/5

They are excellent with children and often form strong bonds with them.

Good with Other Dogs5/5

Giant Schnauzer

About the Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is a wonderful dog breed with unique characteristics. dog breed

Breed Purpose

Herding, guarding

Temperament

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Giant Schnauzer

Temperament

Weight

Height

Life Span

Breed Group

Bred For

Origin

Characteristics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the temperament of a Giant Schnauzer?

How much exercise does a Giant Schnauzer need?

How often should I groom my Giant Schnauzer?

How do I train a Giant Schnauzer?

Care Requirements

About the Giant Schnauzer

Breed Purpose

Temperament

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How We Find Similar Breeds

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