Giant Schnauzer
Also called Riesenschnauzer, Munich Schnauzer, Russian Bear Schnauzer
From Southern Germany (Bavaria, around Munich), where it was bred for driving cattle.123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
FCI gives 35-47 kg for both sexes; Hill's gives 75-95 lb (about 34-43 kg).
Coat and looks how to spot one
wire coat
A harsh, wiry topcoat lying close over a dense undercoat, finished with the trademark beard and bushy eyebrows. The coat is weather resistant and the breed sheds little.124
Personality what they are like
A confident, good-natured working dog with an even temper and deep loyalty to its people. It is alert and protective, reserved with strangers, playful at home, and learns fast, though it likes clear, consistent guidance.14
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Very high. The RKC advises more than two hours a day; it thrives on jobs such as obedience, tracking, agility and other dog sports alongside physical exercise.24
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
A high-maintenance coat: brush several times a week (the RKC suggests daily), hand-strip every few months to keep the texture, and wipe the beard after meals.24
Home where they are happiest
Can live in town or country but needs a large, secure garden.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced commercial or vet-guided diet suited to the dog's size, age and activity level, with portions adjusted to keep a lean, athletic shape and fresh water always available.
Company who they like around
Strongly attached to its family and does best with experienced owners who include it in daily life.41
The story where it all began
Cattle farmers in southern Germany built a larger, stronger schnauzer to move herds to market, likely using the Standard Schnauzer with larger breeds. When railways replaced cattle drives, the dogs found work guarding breweries and butcheries and later served as police and military dogs. A stud book has been kept since 1913, and in 1925 the breed was officially recognised as a working dog.231
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
"Giant" only means it is the biggest of the three schnauzers, not that it is one of the largest dog breeds.3
- 2
It served as a messenger and guard dog in both World Wars.4
- 3
It was once known as the Munich Schnauzer after the area where it was developed.3
- 4
It was officially recognised as a working dog in Germany as early as 1925.1
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 181, Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs), Section 1 Pinscher and Schnauzer type, with working trial. Standard dated 10 June 2021.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Working group.2
- AKC
- Recognised; the first imports to America date from the 1930s.3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Giant Schnauzer. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Giant Schnauzer, and at what times?
Feed your Giant Schnauzer at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent meal times help with digestion and routine. Always provide fresh water.5
What should a Giant Schnauzer eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete balanced commercial diet suited to your dog's size, age, and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, and garlic. Consult your vet for exact portions.6
How often should I bathe a Giant Schnauzer?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing every 8 weeks, and general guidance recommends at least every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Giant Schnauzer need brushing?
Brush your Giant Schnauzer several times a week, ideally daily, to keep the wiry coat in good condition. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Giant Schnauzer's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 4 weeks as a starting point, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. Ask your vet or groomer to show you if needed.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Giant Schnauzer need?
Giant Schnauzers need more than two hours of exercise daily, including walks, play, and mentally stimulating activities like dog sports. Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily walks and play.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Giant Schnauzer's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly for moisture and dirt, and dry them gently. Never insert anything into the ear canal.7 Furry Diary plan
Is a Giant Schnauzer good with children and other pets?
Giant Schnauzers are good-natured and playful with their family, including children, but can be reserved with strangers. Early socialisation is important. Their behaviour with other pets varies; ask a good breeder for guidance.14
Can a Giant Schnauzer be left alone?
Giant Schnauzers are strongly attached to their family and may not enjoy long periods alone. Gradually accustom them to short absences and provide plenty of mental stimulation. For specific advice, consult a good breeder.41
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 181, Riesenschnauzer fci.beused for recognition, size, weight, coat, colours, temperament, history
- The Royal Kennel Club, Giant Schnauzer royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, living needs, history
- Giant Schnauzer, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, history, AKC, fun facts
- Hill's Pet, Giant Schnauzer hillspet.comused for weight, lifespan, grooming, exercise, temperament, fun facts
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.