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Giant Schnauzer vs Miniature Schnauzer: The Differences (With Pictures)

Jordyn Alger

By Jordyn Alger

Giant Schnauzer vs Miniature Schnauzer

You’ve finally decided on getting a Schnauzer, but now you’ve come across a new question: which Schnauzer is right for you? Although the Giant Schnauzer and the Miniature Schnauzer share many similarities, they have enough differences to encourage anyone to pause before making their final decision.

The Giant Schnauzer is often described as vigilant, loyal, and biddable. This large breed is a powerful, imposing figure with a majestic quality. It is a part of the working group and comes in color patterns such as black, black and tan, fawn, and salt and pepper.

As for the Miniature Schnauzer, it is categorized as a part of the Terrier group. The breed is known to be obedient, smart, and friendly. The breed standard includes fewer color patterns than the Giant Schnauzer’s, as the Miniature Schnauzer only comes in black, black, silver, and salt and pepper.

Both breeds make excellent family dogs, so the decision between the two will not be easy. To help you sort out the similarities and differences between the two breeds, we have taken a closer look at them.

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Visual Differences

Giant Schnauzer vs Miniature Schnauzer side by side
Image Credit: (Left) Maxim Gutsal, Shutterstock (Right) Roman Zaiets, Shutterstock

At a Glance

Giant Schnauzer
  • Average height (adult): 5–27.5 inches
  • Average weight (adult): 60–85 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12–15 years
  • Exercise: 1+ hours a day
  • Grooming needs: High
  • Family-friendly: Yes
  • Other pet-friendly: Often
  • Trainability: Intelligent and eager to please
Miniature Schnauzer
  • Average height (adult): 12–14 inches
  • Average weight (adult): 11–20 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12–15 years
  • Exercise: 30+ minutes a day
  • Grooming needs: High
  • Family-friendly: Yes
  • Other pet-friendly: Often
  • Trainability: Intelligent, energetic, and eager to please

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Giant Schnauzer Overview

giant schnauzer dog sitting
Image Credit: Pulikina Olga, Shutterstock

Personality / Character

The temperament of the Giant Schnauzer is gentle and loving, although this dog is no pushover. The Giant Schnauzer has the boldness and courage of any good watchdog, making this breed the perfect combination of sweet yet protective.

Since they are working dogs, they take their tasks and expectations very seriously. They are vigilant and can be wary of strangers, although they are highly adaptable and can warm up to new faces soon enough. This dog will defend its loved ones with all of its might, but when its ferocity is not needed, the Giant Schnauzer is a lovable, cuddly companion.

Exercise

Giant Schnauzers are full of energy. Compared to other large-breed dogs, the Giant Schnauzer is upbeat and lively. This means this breed requires plenty of exercise to burn off all that energy.

Hiking, bike rides, or swimming trips are excellent ways to help the Giant Schnauzer stay fit. Playing in an open yard or long walks around the neighborhood are other great ways to get the Giant Schnauzer out and about. Regardless of the activity, the Giant Schnauzer needs around an hour or more of activity each day. They enjoy spending quality time with their loved ones, so letting them loose in the yard without your company isn’t going to cut it.

Giant Schnauzer running
Image Credit: Vilve Roosioks, Pixabay

Training

Giant Schnauzers are highly intelligent dogs. They require a lot of mental stimulation to stay satisfied, so regular training sessions are ideal. They are also eager to please their owner, so training your Giant Schnauzer to do tasks will be easier than other breeds.

Since this dog is so large and protective, training is essential. You must establish yourself as the head of the household, or the Giant Schnauzer may see itself as the boss and start to act like it. Accidents are liable to happen if you cannot get your Giant Schnauzer under control.

Health & Care

This breed is healthy overall, although they may be prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and autoimmune thyroiditis. Compared to other large-breed dogs, they have a long lifespan.

When feeding a Giant Schnauzer, you must look for a high-quality diet that suits its age. Your Giant Schnauzer’s weight, health concerns, and activity levels will also determine what the diet should look like.

Suitable for:

Giant Schnauzers are great family dogs and are excellent with young children. They are incredibly affectionate with their loved ones and always want to be around them. When it comes to other dogs, they are moderately good with them, but proper introductions and socialization will be a more significant factor in how well a Giant Schnauzer can adjust to a new dog.

Since this dog is so large and may see itself as the alpha if not properly trained, it is not recommended for inexperienced dog owners. An experienced dog trainer will be needed to ensure that this confident dog does not walk all over them.

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Miniature Schnauzer Overview

miniature schnauzer sitting outdoor
Image Credit: Bailey0ne, Shutterstock

Personality / Character

The Miniature Schnauzer is a social extrovert. This pup loves to join the family on every outing and activity, no matter how exciting or plain it is. Since the Miniature Schnauzer is a Terrier, it can have a spitfire personality. However, the Miniature Schnauzer tends to be less feisty compared to other Terriers.

It is an incredibly affectionate breed, and many owners of Miniature Schnauzers report that their dog acts as though it is physically attached to them. Miniature Schnauzers always want to be in close quarters with their loved ones, and you can expect a lot of snuggling.

Although the Miniature Schnauzer is small, it doesn’t seem to realize it. It’s a robust, vigilant watchdog that can have a tendency toward stubbornness from time to time.

Exercise

Miniature Schnauzers are energetic, and they need daily activity. However, unlike the Giant Schnauzers (which require at least an hour of physical activity), the Miniature Schnauzer only needs moderate exercise. Since this breed has a smaller body, it does not need the same extensive exercise that the Giant Schnauzer requires.

Miniature Schnauzer running on field
Image Credit: Grigorita Ko, Shutterstock

Training

Much like the Giant Schnauzer, the Miniature Schnauzer is biddable. This dog is eager to obey its owner and is highly intelligent, so training is not difficult. They require mental stimulation to keep from growing bored, and regular training exercises are essential. Bored dogs may resort to destructive behaviors in order to entertain themselves, so it is best to prevent the Miniature Schnauzer from growing bored in the first place.

Miniature Schnauzers were bred to catch rats and have a high prey drive. During training, you will need to keep your Miniature Schnauzer in an enclosed area to make sure that it does not run off if it spots something that looks like prey.

Health & Care

Miniature Schnauzers tend to be healthy and are just as long-lived as Giant Schnauzers. They may develop conditions such as urinary stones, cataracts, or pancreatitis. Liver shunts and hyperlipidemia are also associated with the breed.

A high-quality diet is essential to the health of your Miniature Schnauzer. Make sure you are feeding it a diet that is appropriate to its age, weight, and activity levels. Likewise, if it has any health conditions, such as sensitive skin, you must find a diet that suits its needs.

Suitable for:

Miniature Schnauzers fit into all sorts of family dynamics and living situations. They are great with younger kids, moderately good with other dogs, and have a lot of love for their family members. Unlike the Giant Schnauzer, they can live well in apartments or spacious homes. They are also a good choice for first-time pet owners, even with their spunky attitude, because their size makes them easier to manage.

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Which Breed Is Right for You?

At a quick glance, it is easy to believe that the Giant Schnauzer and the Miniature Schnauzer are the same (disregarding their size, of course). However, the differences between the breeds become more evident when taking a closer look at their personalities and which living arrangements they are suitable for.

The Giant Schnauzer is an excellent choice for a more experienced dog owner who knows how to assert leadership over a large-breed dog. Both dogs are highly energetic and affectionate. They love to participate in family activities and do not accept solitude with much grace. Both dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation, although the Giant Schnauzer will need more intensive training than the Miniature Schnauzer.

Both dogs are remarkable animals, and it is impossible to put one over the other. Ultimately, the only way to decide which breed is right for you is to determine what kind of lifestyle you can provide. Your dog ownership experience, housing space, and activity level will determine whether the Giant Schnauzer or the Miniature Schnauzer is right for you.


Featured Image Credit: (L) Kwadrat, Shutterstock | (R) Svitlana Diuba, Shutterstock

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