| Height | 25.5-27.5 inches (male), 23.5-25.5 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 75-95 pounds (male), 55-80 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 10–13+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Alert / Loyal / Trainable [1] |
| AKC group | Working Group [1] |
| Origin | Germany [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 52 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
More energetic and up-tempo than most big breeds, Giants need lots of exercise. Long daily walks, play sessions with another dog, or romps in the yard with their owners will do nicely. Giants are great workout companions for people who run, bicycle, hike, cross-country ski, swim, or skijor. [1]
Grooming
The Giant Schnauzer has a dense, wiry, weather-resistant double coat consisting of a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat. The Giant must be brushed weekly, and clipped or stripped regularly to maintain a healthy and attractive coat. The owner should be prepared to spend time maintaining the coat or plan to have the dog periodically groomed by the breeder or someone whom the breeder recommends. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Giant Schnauzers are healthy overall, and dedicated breeders will screen for health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye disease, and autoimmune thyroiditis. Prospective owners should select a breeder who is a member of the Giant Schnauzer Club of America. GSCA members agree to a code of ethics in breeding and will be the owner's resource for health information as well as grooming help and tips on Giant Schnauzer care and training. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a giant dog (median $607) | $350 – $1,373 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
| Full professional grooming, per visit | $40–$150 | [6] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Giant Schnauzer in 1930. [1]
- It ranked No. 52 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 81 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Giant.” [1]
- The AKC lists Germany as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 5/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 2/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Low-maintenance seekers: AKC rates grooming needs 4/5
Common questions
How long do Giant Schnauzers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10-13 years.
How big does a Giant Schnauzer get?
AKC breed information lists height 25.5-27.5 inches (male), 23.5-25.5 inches (female) and weight 75-95 pounds (male), 55-80 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Giant Schnauzer?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For giant dogs like the Giant Schnauzer, a typical vet bill runs $350 – $1,373 (median $607). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.