Hailing from the rural countryside of Germany, the Giant Schnauzer is a dog whose unique appearance can’t be missed. With its iconic beard and strong work ethic, this canine is a sight to behold. Read on to learn more about the Giant Schnauzer!
1. This Breed Originates from Germany
The Giant Schnauzer, also known as the Riesenschnauzer in German, originates from Germany, although its exact origin is debated. Most people agree that the Giant Schnauzer probably originated in the Bavarian Alps. In any case, the ancestral Giant Schnauzer is believed to have descended from crossbred lines of Standard Schnauzers and farm dogs from the highlands.
The Giant Schnauzer was developed sometime around the 1800s. Breeders heavily focused more on their ability to work rather than appearance. The Giant Schnauzer was virtually unknown outside of Bavaria until World Wars I and II when dogs were used for military purposes.
Giant Schnauzers were imported into the United States in the early 20th century, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized them as a breed in 1930. This breed was initially rare but has slowly become more popular as the number of registered dogs has increased over the decades. As of 2025, the Giant Schnauzer is ranked the 57th most popular breed in the American Kennel Club’s registry.
2. Giant Schnauzers Descend from Many Breeds
Much like the Giant Schnauzer’s origins, the breed itself has an ancestry that is also mostly shrouded in mystery. The ancestral form of this canine, known as the Munich Schnauzer, was believed to have been a result of breeding between Standard Schnauzers and other working breeds.
To further improve and enhance the Munich Schnauzer, a handful of other various dog breeds were chosen for this breed’s development, including:
- Great Danes
- Dobermann Pinschers
- Rottweilers
- Bouvier des Flandres
- German Shepherds
- Boxers
In the 1920s, a breed standard was originally written by the Pinscher-Schnauzer Klub (PSK). In 1971, many years later, the Giant Schnauzer Club of America wrote a revised standard from the PSK that would then be adopted and established by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
3. This Breed Was Made to Work!
The Giant Schnauzer was built to work. In the early days of this breed, breeders focused on this canine’s physical ability rather than its aesthetic appearance. Farmers needed a dog that was intelligent and adaptable and able to withstand a variety of rough conditions as they worked. The Schnauzer’s wiry coat protected them from the harsh German winters, and their strength and stamina empowered this dog to pursue livestock and protect property.
Originally, the Giant Schnauzer was mostly used to drive cattle and guard farm animals; eventually, their protective abilities allowed the dogs to provide their services in more urban environments throughout Bavaria, such as in factories, butcher shops, and even breweries.
Today, the Giant Schnauzer has more uses in both military and police forces. Breeders and enthusiasts alike maintain and reinforce this canine’s work ethic. In Europe, many dog shows focus on the Giant Schnauzer’s ability to work more than the physical appearance and conformation of this breed. In a few countries, including Germany, this canine must obtain a Schutzhund Champion title before moving on to conformation trials, further showcasing the desire to preserve this breed’s strong work ethic.
4. These Are the Largest Schnauzer Variety
Three Schnauzer varieties exist today: the Standard Schnauzer, the Miniature Schnauzer, and the Giant Schnauzer. As its name suggests, the Giant Schnauzer is the largest of the three. The Giant Schnauzer is named for its size in comparison to the other two types; this breed isn’t a true giant compared to other dogs. All three Schnauzer breeds sport the feathery beards on their faces that they’re well-known for.
Interestingly, the Giant Schnauzer is less related to the other two Schnauzer breeds than they appear to be, being a bit rather distinct genetically. A study conducted in 2017 showed that the Miniature and Standard Schnauzers branch off separately from the Giant Schnauzer itself. While the Standard Schnauzer has been involved in the development of this breed, the Giant Schnauzer is more closely related to Rottweilers, Black Russian Terriers, and Doberman Pinschers. Similarly to the Giant Schnauzer, the Miniature Schnauzer too was developed from the Standard Schnauzer and then outcrossed with other breeds to add more desirable characteristics.
Interestingly, a similar phenomenon is observed in Miniature Pinschers and Dobermans; while they too look similar in appearance, they are distinct breeds.
5. The Giant Schnauzer is Very Athletic
As a working dog, this breed must be exercised daily. This canine is known to be much more energetic than other large dogs. The Giant Schnauzer thrives best with a very active owner, being a great workout partner for activities such as cross-country hikes, jogs, or long walks. The Giant Schnauzer is not a dog you can simply leave out alone in a yard; this intelligent canine needs to be given a task or it will easily become bored. Playtime sessions, such as playing fetch, are great pastimes to both exercise and bond with your canine.
The Giant Schnauzer’s intelligence and energy make this canine suitable for a variety of canine athletics. Herding, agility, Schutzhund, and obedience trials are all activities that allow this breed to exert its full potential, both physically and mentally. Schutzhund is an activity that builds important skills such as obedience, tracking, and protection; essentially, it’s made as a trial to determine if dogs are fit for work. While originally made for German Shepherds, other breeds, including the Giant Schnauzer, are fit to compete in Schutzhund competitions.
6. Giant Schnauzers Have Grooming Needs
The Giant Schnauzer’s wiry coat needs regular grooming. Weekly brushing sessions are a must for this breed as this will prevent stubborn, painful mats from forming on your dog’s coat. Depending on your dog’s activity levels, bathing should be done at least monthly to maintain their coats.
The Giant Schnauzer’s coat also needs to be maintained through clipping, trimming, and hand-stripping; if you’re unskilled or simply don’t want to maintain the extra work, a professional groomer can be hired to tend to those needs. As this breed’s iconic beard can easily get soiled, wiping it with a warm damp washcloth after feeding can keep it nice and tidy.
As with all other dogs, your Schnauzer’s nails should be trimmed every few weeks as overgrown nails can cause pain and discomfort. Your dog’s ears should also be cleaned at least monthly to ward off any buildup or infection that could potentially develop. Brushing your dog’s teeth is also important to ensure that your canine’s dental hygiene stays in peak condition. While brushing them every day is most recommended, brushing them at least twice or thrice weekly should suffice.
7. This Breed Is Generally Healthy
The Giant Schnauzer is a relatively healthy dog that doesn’t have too many breed-specific issues; in fact, the Giant Schnauzer Club of America has very stringent requirements that involve mandatory genetic screening for breeding dogs in its code of ethics. As a rule of thumb, steer clear of any breeders who cannot provide proof of genetic health screening for their dogs.
The Giant Schnauzer, like many large breeds, can be prone to both elbow and hip dysplasia. This occurs when a dog’s elbow or hip joints don’t properly align, causing discomfort and pain for affected individuals. Giant Schnauzers may be prone to eye problems, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy. Rarely, the Giant Schnauzer may also be prone to cancer in the toes, mostly being either squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma. Epilepsy is another condition that Giant Schnauzers can develop.
As with all other dogs, it is highly recommended to have your dog examined by a veterinarian annually to detect any issues early. You should also schedule an appointment as soon as possible if you notice any symptoms of illness in your dog.
8. These Dogs Need Experienced Owners
Simply put, the Giant Schnauzer probably isn’t a breed that should be kept by a first-time dog owner. The Giant Schnauzer has lots of energy and can be fiercely defensive of its loved ones (owing to its original purpose as a guard dog). Early training and socialization are highly critical for this breed, and its intensive loyalty means that this canine must be able to differentiate between friend and foe early in puppyhood. Due to this breed’s intelligence, the owner must be able to provide their needs not only physically, but mentally as well. Having a large fenced-in yard is also a necessity for this canine.
Intelligent breeds such as the Giant Schnauzer may come off as “headstrong” or even “stubborn;” this can make training somewhat difficult. As with other dogs, the Giant Schnauzer needs an owner who is consistent and is also firm, yet patient. No dog responds well to harsh treatment, especially this breed.
