The schnauzer world consists of three separate breeds, which are the giant, standard and miniature. Giant schnauzers, as their moniker expresses, are the biggest of the three. Miniature schnauzers, on the other hand, are the smallest. Standard schnauzers are somewhere in the middle. Giant schnauzers are big, tough working pooches with dense physiques.
Breed Mature Size
Mature male and female giant schnauzers are similar in weight, both typically weighing somewhere in the ballpark of 65 to 90 pounds. Adult male giant schnauzers, however, are typically a little taller than the females. The males generally grow to heights of between 25.5 and 27.5 inches, from the shoulders. The females generally grow to heights of between 23.5 and 25.5 inches. Giant schnauzers' bodies are sturdy and sinewy, with somewhat squarish basic outlines.
Lifestyle and Fitness Needs
Since giant schnauzers are undeniably big dogs, people who are thinking about getting one must carefully consider their living environment beforehand. Giant schnauzers typically thrive in residences with sizable yards and fences encircling them. Fences that are a minimum of 5 to 6 feet in height are optimal for giant schnauzers. Giant schnauzers can sometimes manage in apartments, but only if they receive sufficient daily physical activity in the form of exercises such as running, jogging and extended outdoor hikes. Giant schnauzers adore running and appreciate routine lively and energetic playtime sessions.
Children and Giant Schnauzers
If you have any children in your household, consider their age before you dedicate yourself to owning a giant schnauzer. Giant schnauzers tend to do well alongside more mature kids. These dogs are energetic and big. When they're excited, they could unintentionally cause small youngsters to topple over by running into them. If you have toddlers, you can prevent this unpleasant possibility by waiting until they're older to bring a giant schnauzer into your home. Note that giant schnauzers can sometimes act truculently around fellow dogs. Since they're highly territorial, they're usually extremely cautious around brand new faces, too.
Schnauzer Size Comparisons
Standard schnauzers are considerably smaller than giant schnauzers, but at the same time, markedly bigger than their miniature counterparts. Male adult standard schnauzers usually weigh between 40 and 45 pounds. They typically grow to between 18.5 and 19.5 inches in height. Female adult standard schnauzers usually weigh between 35 and 40 pounds, with heights of between 17.5 and 18.5 inches. As far are miniature schnauzers go, mature male and female specimens are similar both in height and weight. They typically weigh between 13 and 15 pounds, with heights of between 1 foot and 14 inches.
- American Kennel Club: Giant Schnauzer Page
- Animal Planet: Giant Schnauzer Guide
- DogChannel.com: Giant Schnauzer Dog Breed Profile
- Vetstreet: Giant Schnauzer
- The Dog Encyclopedia; DK Publishing
- Tails of Rescue; Susan Schmitz
- ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs; Sheldon L. Gerstenfeld
- Animal Planet: Standard Schnauzer Guide
- Animal Planet: Miniature Schnauzer Guide
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images