Giant Schnauzers have a natural instinct to protect their families, making them excellent family guardians. They are naturally suspicious of strangers and will defend their loved ones if necessary.
Their intelligence and loyalty make them a great breed for families with children. With proper training, they can learn to be gentle and patient with kids.
Giant Schnauzers are also highly trainable, which means they can learn to obey commands and behave well in various situations. This makes them a great choice for families who want a dog that can adapt to their lifestyle.
Their protective nature can be a double-edged sword, however, as they can become overprotective if not socialized properly.
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Care and Costs
Caring for a Giant Schnauzer is a big responsibility, but with the right knowledge, you'll be well-prepared to provide the best life for your new furry friend.
Regular grooming is essential for a Giant Schnauzer, requiring brushing, clipping, and hand-stripping of their wiry coat. This can be a significant cost, with estimates ranging from $200 to $700 per year.
High-quality dog food is also crucial for a Giant Schnauzer's health and energy levels. With costs ranging from $100 to $300 per month, it's essential to consider your budget and choose a reputable breeder or consider adopting from a shelter.
Here's a breakdown of the estimated annual costs for a Giant Schnauzer:
Overall, the estimated annual cost for a Giant Schnauzer can range from $3,850 to $8,400. It's essential to factor in these costs and plan accordingly to provide the best life for your new furry friend.
Caring for a Dog
Caring for a dog requires a lot of attention to their health and well-being. Regular health screenings are recommended for Giant Schnauzers due to their predisposition to health issues like hip dysplasia, bloat, and eye problems.
Their wiry coat requires regular grooming, including brushing, clipping, and hand-stripping. This helps prevent matting and tangling, which can be painful for the dog.
For another approach, see: Schnauzer Health Problems
Giant Schnauzers have high energy levels that need to be met with daily exercise. Activities like long walks, running, and agility training are ideal for keeping them physically and mentally fit.
A balanced diet is crucial for their size, age, and activity level. A proper nutrition plan can help maintain their health and vigor.
Here's a list of common health issues in Giant Schnauzers and recommended tests:
- Hip Dysplasia: A heritable condition where the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint. Recommended Test: Hip Evaluation: To check for signs of hip dysplasia.
- Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip evaluation, it focuses on the elbows to check for elbow dysplasia. Recommended Test: Elbow Evaluation.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A type of cancer that can affect the Giant Schnauzer, often presenting in the toenails or skin. Recommended Test: Regular Vet Check-ups.
Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are key factors in promoting the long-term health of Giant Schnauzers.
Care Costs
Caring for a Giant Schnauzer can be a costly endeavor, but understanding the various expenses involved can help you prepare and budget accordingly. The total annual cost of owning a Giant Schnauzer can range from $2,850 to $8,400, depending on factors such as location, individual health needs, and standard of care.
The initial purchase price of a purebred Giant Schnauzer puppy from a reputable breeder can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from $3,000 to $5,500 or more. However, adopting from a shelter or rescue can be a more affordable option.
One-time costs such as spaying or neutering, initial vaccinations, and training can add up, especially in the first year of ownership. Regular budgeting and an emergency fund for unforeseen costs are essential for responsible pet ownership.
Here's a breakdown of the estimated annual costs involved in caring for a Giant Schnauzer:
- Purchase Price: $3,000 - $5,500
- Initial Supplies: $100 - $300
- Food: $500 - $1,000
- Grooming: $200 - $700
- Veterinary Care: $200 - $700
- Pet Insurance: variable
- Miscellaneous Supplies: $500 - $1,000
- Training: $500 - $2,500
- Emergency Medical Expense: variable
- Boarding or Pet Sitting: variable
- License and Microchip: $50 - $100
It's essential to note that these figures are estimates and can vary depending on individual circumstances.
Physical and Behavioral Traits
The Giant Schnauzer protection dog is a large breed, weighing in at up to 100 pounds. They have a strong, square stance and a naturally commanding appearance.
Their brows and dark eyes create a deep shadow, giving them a wise look. This is enhanced by their scruffy beard and cropped ears, which are a common sight on these dogs.
Their coat is medium-length, extremely thick, and wiry, coming in black or "salt and pepper" gray. They have little-to-no shedding, making them a favorite among dog owners who dislike shedding.
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Physical Traits
The Giant Schnauzer is a large dog breed, with males weighing up to 100 pounds and females weighing at least 66 pounds. Their sturdy build and strong stance give them a commanding presence.
Their coat colors are primarily black or "salt and pepper" gray, which suits their rugged yet intelligent appearance. The Giant Schnauzer's coat is medium-length, extremely thick, and wiry, requiring regular trimming to maintain its unique look.
They have a distinctive facial feature, with brows that frame their dark eyes and create a deep shadow. Their scruffy beard and cropped ears add to their wise and inquisitive expression.
The Giant Schnauzer's coat is a low-shedding breed, making it a favorite among dog owners who dislike shedding. However, it's worth noting that no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, but the Giant Schnauzer is considered hypoallergenic compared to other breeds.
Their height ranges from 23 to 27.5 inches, making them a substantial presence in any room. Despite their size, they have a wiry coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
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Temperament
The Giant Schnauzer's temperament is truly one-of-a-kind. They're highly intelligent and alert, making them exceptional watchdogs.
Their intelligence can also make training a bit challenging, as they have a strong will of their own. They're quick analysts and can determine the safety of a situation in no time.
Their keen protective instincts make them wary of unfamiliar situations and people, and they'll never hesitate to alert you to potential threats.
Giant Schnauzers have a remarkable ability to sense their owner's emotions, almost like they have a "near-telepathic" connection. If you're feeling anxious or upset, they'll likely pick up on it.
Their high intelligence and piercing discernment make them great protection dogs for families, as they can quickly recognize "stranger danger" and keep children safe.
However, their natural "prey drive instinct" means they may chase other small animals, like cats, unless they're properly socialized.
Energy and Exercise
Giant Schnauzers are considered "very high" in the energy department, which means they need lots of exercise to stay healthy and happy. This is because they were bred as working-class dogs who were capable of herding livestock.
To give your Giant Schnauzer proper daily exercise, you'll need to take them on two long walks, each lasting 30-60 minutes, twice a day. This will help them get the physical activity they need.
In addition to physical exercise, Giant Schnauzers also require a significant amount of "mental" activity to keep them from getting restless. This is due to their high intelligence level.
To satisfy both physical and mental needs, you should establish a daily training and exercise regimen. This will keep your Giant Schnauzer amicable and friendly.
If you don't have time to perform this exercise routine, you should reconsider getting a Giant Schnauzer, as they require a significant amount of time and space to run free.
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Bite Strength
A Giant Schnauzer's bite strength is truly impressive, with a whopping 556 PSI that can crush bones.
This puts them at the 4th strongest bite strength in the dog kingdom, just behind the Cane Corso protection dogs.
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Their incredible power makes them a valuable asset in life-and-death situations, capable of stopping an attack or grabbing an intruder and not letting go until commanded to release.
In serious situations, you may need protection power that's a real threat to your enemies, and a Giant Schnauzer can deliver.
Their bite strength is a key factor in their ability to provide peace of mind for their owners, especially when leaving family at home.
Protection and Training
Giant Schnauzers are naturally protective, with a history of guarding property and protecting livestock. They were bred from dogs with highly protective traits, including Great Danes, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and Rottweilers.
With proper training, Giant Schnauzers can excel as personal protection dogs, guard dogs, and family protection dogs. They've been employed in police and military work, and have even saved their owners from lightning strikes and dangerous situations.
In Schutzhund training, Giant Schnauzers have proven to be one of the most commonly trained breeds. They can be trained to guard property, protect their owners, and even perform perimeter searches.
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Are Good?
Giant Schnauzers are renowned for their naturally protective instincts and ancestral prominence as a guard dog. They've been employed in the police and military, and have a past of success in Schutzhund (protection and attack dog training).
These protective pups will stop at nothing to keep their owners safe, and they've saved countless lives throughout their history. They've been used to protect property and livestock, and have even been employed as watchdogs and guard dogs in city life in Bavaria.
The Giant Schnauzer's rich history and accomplishments in protection work have set it apart as one of the best protection dog breeds in the world. They're one of the most commonly Schutzhund-trained breeds, and have been used in various roles such as police dogs, rescue dogs, and even War Dogs in World War I & II.
Giant Schnauzers have a powerful herding instinct that makes them keen as family protection dogs. They've been known to use their protective instincts to "save" their owners and family members from harm, such as dragging their owner home to his wife after he was struck by lightning.
The bravery and fierceness of Giant Schnauzer protection dogs has been exhibited many times over the years, and these are just a handful of examples.
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Fully-Trained Schutzhund Price
A fully-trained protection dog can be a significant investment, but it's worth considering the benefits. Typically, a fully-trained Schutzhund dog costs between $20,000 and $85,000 or more.
You generally won't find a professionally trained protection dog for less than around $35,000. These incredible dogs can be trained to do everything from guard your property, protect you or your family, attack on command, hold perpetrators until the police arrive—and even do perimeter searches and perform “kid protection” duties.
If it's worth more than $35K, you may want to consider a protection dog.
On a similar theme: Start Dog Protection Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Giant Schnauzers be police dogs?
Yes, Giant Schnauzers are used as police dogs, trained for various tasks such as obedience, agility, and search and rescue. They are versatile working dogs with a range of capabilities.
Are Giant Schnauzers good police dogs?
Yes, Giant Schnauzers are well-suited for police work due to their intelligence and strong work ethic. They excel in various roles, including police dogs, military dogs, and search and rescue dogs.
Are Giant Schnauzers good service dogs?
Yes, Giant Schnauzers can make effective service dogs due to their intelligence, loyalty, and protective instincts. They excel in roles requiring a combination of physical assistance and security.
Sources
- AKC Weekly Winners (akcwinners.com)
- Breed of the Week: Giant Schnauzer (pawprintgenetics.com)
- The Giant Schnauzer and Schutzhund (giantschnauzerclubofamerica.com)
- Giant Schnauzer Dog Breed (iheartdogs.com)
- Monty (mirror.co.uk)
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