PickADogBreed
BreedsCompareQuizRankingsBlogCost
Tools
View All Tools →🎂Dog Age Calculator📛Dog Name Generator📈Puppy Weight Predictor🍫Chocolate Toxicity Calculator🏆Dog Report Card🔍Breed Matchmaker🍖Feeding Calculator🌍Breed Origins Map
BreedsCompareQuizRankingsBlogCost
View All Tools →🎂Dog Age Calculator📛Dog Name Generator📈Puppy Weight Predictor🍫Chocolate Toxicity Calculator🏆Dog Report Card🔍Breed Matchmaker🍖Feeding Calculator🌍Breed Origins Map
PickADogBreed

The most comprehensive dog breed comparison tool. Compare 100+ breeds side by side and find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

Take the Quiz →Compare Breeds →

Tools

  • Dog Age Calculator
  • Cost Calculator
  • Puppy Weight Predictor
  • Dog Name Generator
  • Chocolate Toxicity
  • Dog Report Card
  • Breed Matchmaker
  • Feeding Calculator
  • Breed Origins Map
  • Breed Assistant

Explore

  • AKC Popularity Rankings
  • Best for Families
  • Best for Apartments
  • Best for First-Time Owners
  • Best for Active Lifestyles

Blog

  • All Articles
  • Dogs That Don't Shed
  • Medium Dogs That Don't Shed
  • Cheapest Dog Breeds
  • Best Dogs for Apartments
  • Best Dogs for First-Time Owners

Popular Breeds

  • French Bulldog
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Golden Retriever
  • German Shepherd
  • Poodle
  • Bulldog
  • Rottweiler
  • Beagle

Top Comparisons

  • Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever
  • French Bulldog vs Bulldog
  • German Shepherd vs Rottweiler
  • Poodle vs Golden Retriever

© 2026 PickADogBreed. All rights reserved.

AboutContactAll BreedsCompareQuizTools
  1. Home
  2. /Breeds
  3. /Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzer photo

Giant Schnauzer

A powerful, imposing working dog and the largest of the three schnauzer breeds. Giant Schnauzers are spirited, intelligent guardians that demand an active lifestyle and firm, consistent training.

giantWorkingGermanyloyalintelligentdominantspirited

Quick Stats

Weight

34–45 kg (75–99 lbs)

Height

60–70 cm (24–28 in)

Lifespan

12–15 years

Coat Type

wiry

AKC Popularity

#99

Good For

experienced-owners, Active Lifestyles, working-roles

Breed Ratings

Personality

Intelligence
5/5
Trainability
4/5
Playfulness
4/5
Energy Level
4/5

Social

Good with Kids
4/5
Good with Dogs
3/5
Good with Strangers
2/5

Lifestyle

Apartment Friendly
1/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
Watchdog Ability
5/5
Barking Level
3/5

Care

Shedding
2/5
Grooming Needs
4/5
Health Robustness
4/5

Cost of Ownership

Purchase Price

$1,500–$3,500

Monthly Food

$70

Annual Vet

$600

Annual Grooming

$350

Est. First Year Total

~$4,290

Est. Annual Total

~$1,790

See full cost breakdown with interactive calculator →

Looking for Giant Schnauzer name ideas?

Browse 100+ name ideas organized by gender and category.

See Names →

Common Health Issues

hip dysplasiabloathypothyroidismautoimmune thyroiditis

Health robustness rating: 4/5. Giant Schnauzers are generally healthy dogs with fewer breed-specific health concerns than average.

Compare Giant Schnauzer with Other Breeds

Giant Schnauzer vs French Bulldog

See the full comparison →

Giant Schnauzer vs Labrador Retriever

See the full comparison →

Giant Schnauzer vs Golden Retriever

See the full comparison →

Giant Schnauzer vs German Shepherd

See the full comparison →

Giant Schnauzer vs Poodle

See the full comparison →

Giant Schnauzer vs Bulldog

See the full comparison →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Giant Schnauzer cost?

A Giant Schnauzer puppy typically costs $1,500–$3,500. The estimated first-year cost including food, vet visits, and grooming is around $4,290, with ongoing annual costs of approximately $1,790.

How long do Giant Schnauzers live?

Giant Schnauzers have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Common health concerns include hip dysplasia, bloat, hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroiditis.

Are Giant Schnauzers good with kids?

Giant Schnauzers score 4/5 for being good with children. They are generally excellent family dogs and get along well with children of all ages.

Do Giant Schnauzers shed a lot?

Giant Schnauzers have a shedding level of 2/5. They are relatively low shedders but still need occasional grooming.

Are Giant Schnauzers good for apartments?

Giant Schnauzers score 1/5 for apartment friendliness. They are better suited to homes with yards and ample space to move around.