Dog breed comparison
Standard Schnauzer vs Giant Schnauzer
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Giant Schnauzer is the bigger breed, about 12 kg heavier on average. The Standard Schnauzer tends to live about 4 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Standard Schnauzer | Giant Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Height | 17 to 20 inches | 23 to 27 inches |
| Weight | 30 to 50 pounds | 55 to 80 pounds |
| Life span | 13 to 16 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Standard Schnauzer
The original schnauzer, from Bavaria, used to guard farms and carts and kill vermin. It served as a messenger and Red Cross dog in the First World War.
Its wiry coat needs hand-stripping or clipping.
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Follicular dermatitis
The Giant Schnauzer
Developed in Bavaria from the Standard Schnauzer to drive cattle to market and guard farms, inns and breweries. It later worked as a police and military dog.
It needs serious exercise and training, and its wiry coat needs hand-stripping or clipping.
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Toe cancer (squamous cell carcinoma)
- Cobalamin malabsorption
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Shedding
The Giant Schnauzer sheds more than the Standard Schnauzer.
Apartment living
The Standard Schnauzer copes better in an apartment than the Giant Schnauzer.
Easy to train
The Giant Schnauzer is easier to train than the Standard Schnauzer.
Barking
The Giant Schnauzer barks more than the Standard Schnauzer.
Intelligence
The Standard Schnauzer is quicker to learn than the Giant Schnauzer.
Good with children
The Standard Schnauzer is better with children than the Giant Schnauzer.
Which to choose
Standard Schnauzer or Giant Schnauzer?
Choose the Standard Schnauzer if…
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
- You want a dog that barks less
- You want a dog that is quicker to learn
Questions.
Is the Standard Schnauzer or the Giant Schnauzer bigger, and which lives longer?
The Giant Schnauzer is the bigger breed, about 12 kg heavier on average. The Standard Schnauzer tends to live about 4 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Standard Schnauzer or the Giant Schnauzer?
The Giant Schnauzer is generally easier to train than the Standard Schnauzer. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Standard Schnauzer or the Giant Schnauzer?
The Standard Schnauzer is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Giant Schnauzer can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Standard Schnauzer sheds less than the Giant Schnauzer. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Standard Schnauzer and Giant Schnauzer have?
The Standard Schnauzer is prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, follicular dermatitis. The Giant Schnauzer is prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, toe cancer (squamous cell carcinoma). Both share a risk of hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
