Giant Schnauzer Dog
The loyal and lovable Giant Schnauzer is undoubtedly a head-turner in the doggy world. Being the largest of the Schnauzer breed, this working dog is a wonderfully intelligent companion suited to an active, busy family.
Giant Schnauzer At A Glance
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Temperament | A very loyal and loving breed known for their courageous and watchful traits. |
| Suitable | A breed suggested for experienced dog owners who love training and working alongside their dogs. |
| Health | The Giant Schnauzer is generally a healthy dog; however, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health complaints. |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Tissue Damage or Fracture | $2,070.04 |
| Procedure Complications | $181.00 |
| Ear Conditions | $2,817.17 |
| Thyroid | $980.89 |
| Eye Condition | $276.37 |
| Gastrointestinal Condition | $757.61 |
| Liver/Gallbladder/Biliary Tract Condition | $854.00 |
| Arthritis | $335.95 |
| Nail Disorder | $327.18 |
| Neoplasia | $2,892.84 |
*Pet Insurance Australia Data 2022/2023
Trainability
This beautifully giant breed needs training. Due to their size and intelligence, the Giant Schnauzer needs a firm and patient leader who thrives on consistency. Like all breeds, positive reinforcement training alongside variety will keep your pup enthusiastic and willing to learn new things. Training is paramount in staving off boredom, as with such a large dog, becoming bored and destructive could not only see the end of your shoes but possibly your couch, too! The breed needs a good dose of daily exercise and on-lead training, which is fundamental, alongside a strong ‘recall’ command. Socialisation from a young age (think plenty of loud noises, sights, smells and people) will grow a well-rounded and tolerant dog. They excel in dog sports and love a good daily jog beside their owners. Consider a puppy preschool followed by a group obedience school to get the best out of your brilliant breed.
Grooming
Your Giant Schnauzer’s double coat will need some attention. A good stiff brush will do the job to prevent tangles at least three to four times per week. Ensure you take extra care of the underbelly that is prone to mats. They will also require a hand strip of the outer wiry dense coat every six months. Some prefer to hand strip or clip, depending on your dog and if you intend to show. Call in the experts to give you some handy tips on how to best achieve the look you require. Ensure you clip your pup’s nails from an early age. It will make this monthly task much easier when they are a fully-grown dog. Also, take the time to desensitise your pup to being touched on their feet, face, mouth and ears. This will make your vet check-ups much less stressful for all involved.
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Common Health Problems - Giant Schnauzer
Being a robust and hardy breed, the Giant Schnauzer is a beautiful dog who thrives in the right home. However, like all dog breeds, they are known to have a list of common health concerns, including:
- Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition due to the malformation and misalignment of the hip joint and thigh bone, leading to pain, lameness and arthritis. Typically managed with surgery, medication, and weight management.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (Bloat): As a deep-chested breed, the Giant Schnauzer is predisposed to this life-threatening condition. Bloat is caused when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. Immediate veterinary attention is required, and in many cases, emergency surgery.
- Autoimmune Problems: Giant Schnauzers can be prone to certain autoimmune conditions, such as autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia (AIHA). This condition is due to the immune system attacking the red blood cells, causing lethargy, pale gums and breathing problems. Specialised medications alongside ongoing veterinary monitoring are typically recommended for treatment.
- Eye Issues: The Giant Schnauzer can also be at risk for eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which can lead to vision problems. Treatment will depend on the eye concern and may include surgery. Regular veterinary check-ups are highly recommended for eye concerns to protect your pet's vision.
- Hypothyroidism: This is caused when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, leading to weight gain, skin issues, and lethargy. Hypothyroidism is treated with medication and veterinary monitoring.
- Pancreatitis: Giant Schnauzers can also be more susceptible to Pancreas inflammation, leading to digestive upset and problems. Repeated vomiting, diarrhea, pain and a distended abdomen is a common symptom of this condition. Specialised medication and veterinary monitoring alongside diet is a typical form of treatment for Pancreatitis.
- Malignant Histiocytosis: This is a type of cancer that affects certain breeds, such as the Giant Schnauzers, appearing in the form of skin tumours or internal organ issues. Treatment is typically a combination of medication and surgery to remove the cancer.
- Otitis Externa: Those adorable ears can also pose a problem with this common ear condition. Regular ear cleaning and ensuring your Giant Schnauzer's ears are dried correctly after bathing or swimming is essential. Treatment involves medication.
- Allergies: Skin and food allergies can also pose a problem for the Giant Schnauzer, resulting in itching, skin concerns and digestive upsets. Depending on the allergen, avoidance and medication alongside a diet change could be advised.
- Orthopaedic Issues: Due to their impressive size, the Giant Schnauzer can also be prone to orthopaedic problems like cruciate ligament injuries and arthritis. Taking care of your puppy's joints during high growth times is necessary, alongside feeding your pet a high-quality diet.
Exercise Requirements
This breed loves to run and will require a good amount of vigorous activity daily. A brisk run or walk in the morning followed by a good off-leash romp in the afternoons. If you do not provide your Giant Schnauzer with the correct amount of exercise, they can become destructive. This breed loves to have a job to do and can be taught various tricks. This not only stimulates their mind but also their muscles. They are high-energy dogs (and big ones at that), so they are not suited to life in an apartment. This dog needs room to move and run.
Intelligence
Being an intelligent breed, they are masters at making up their entertainment. Plus, they love to dig and chew. If you do not have an enriching environment, they may take to digging a nice big hole to play in. In saying this, as long as you correctly exercise and train your Schnauzer, they are much less likely to become a nuisance when left alone. Consider giving your dog a job when you are not home, and utilise clever boredom-busting ideas to keep your pup happy and entertained. An excellent weekly dose of dog sports can also aid in keeping your playful pup happy.
Family Friendly
The Giant Schnauzer is more suited to a family with older children. However, if trained correctly, they can easily adjust to life with little ones. Like with all breeds, all interactions should be supervised by an adult. It is also essential to teach your children how to interact with a dog correctly and also train your dog how to play with your children perfectly. They can learn to tolerate other pets in the home if correctly socialised from a young age. However, due to their sheer size, care does need to be taken as a playful chase could end in disaster for a small cat.
Indoor/outdoor?
This breed does well outside during the day and will need a large, well-fenced area to keep them happy. Check weekly for any fresh digging zones or possible escape routes. However, once their favourite companion returns (AKA you), they will only want to be your best indoor company and should only be locked outside some of the time. Teaching manners is paramount as being such a large dog, understanding where their bed is and when they need to be on it is crucial—as to not pushing past you through doorways or running in the home. Like all dogs, they need ample shade and water in the summer and a nice warm area during the winter to protect against the weather.
Responsible Breeding
It is imperative only to source your Giant Schnauzer from a reputable breeder to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and common breed complaints. You can also contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have paperwork to show that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. This can take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it will save you and your family from the pain and heartache a sick puppy can bring.
Contact PIA for Giant Schnauzer Pet Insurance
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Giant Schnauzers. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
