Is the Giant Schnauzer hypoallergenic?’ Indeed they are. Hard-working and loyal canine companions, but if you have dog allergies, you’ll be pleased to hear that Giant Schnauzers are also an allergy-friendly breed.

Giant Schnauzer Quick Facts

Hypoallergenic Dog:
Shedding:
Drooling:
Size:
Breed Group:
Lifespan:
Energy Level:
Trainability:
Family Dog:
Yes
Moderate
Low
Large
Working dog
12-15 years
High
High - Eager to please
Yes
how big is a giant schnauzer.

Are Any Dogs Allergy-Free?

Dog allergies can cause several unpleasant symptoms — coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes, sneezing, and a scratchy feeling in the mouth and throat. This is why many allergy sufferers would like a pooch but don’t want to suffer these consequences. 

The good news is that several dog breeds are more allergy-friendly than others. That said, no breed is completely allergy-free. 

What Causes Allergies?

Many people think dog fur is the problem, but it’s down to a specific protein found in a dog’s dead skin cells (dander) that causes an allergic reaction. This protein is also present in a dog’s saliva and urine

Dogs that shed a lot of fur will also lose a lot of dander. Think of dander like doggy dandruff, when the hair sheds, it takes these minute skin flakes with it. 

Hypoallergenic Dogs

Low-shedding dog breeds are considered hypoallergenic because they don’t release enough dander to trigger allergy symptoms. Likewise, low-drooling dogs fall under this moniker, because saliva holds the allergens too.

There is no such thing as a 100% allergy-free dog, but there are several hypoallergenic dog breeds of all sizes, temperaments, and appearances.

Learn more — check out our article What is a Hypoallergenic Dog?

The Giant Schnauzer’s Coat

The Giant Schnauzer dog breed has a low-shedding double coat. The undercoat is made up of dense and soft hair, and the top layer has a more wiry texture. Their coat is also weather resistant.

As they have hair and not fur, it continually grows in much the same way as ours does. If the Giant Schnauzer’s grooming needs are neglected, their bushy eyebrows and beard can take over their whole face! Also, their coat will just keep on growing, and this can put your pooch at risk of painful knots and tangles. 

Popular Giant Schnauzer colors include black, and salt and pepper (gray). Black is by far the most common color, but the pepper salt Giant Schnauzer also has a striking coat.

How Much Do Schnauzer Shed?

On the whole, Giant Schnauzer shedding isn’t much of a concern for potential pet parents.

These dogs are moderate shedders, they will infrequently shed from their undercoat, but it’s rarely enough to leave your home covered in clumps of fur. And, when they do, the dead hair becomes caught up in the medium-length, wiry top hairs — not around your home. 

In short — as a hypoallergenic breed, Giant Schnauzers aren’t heavy shedders — meaning these big bow-wows can often live in perfect harmony with someone who is allergic to dogs.

giant schnauzer size.

Why is My Giant Schnauzer Shedding?

As you now know, Giant Schnauzers don’t shed a lot. These hypoallergenic dogs will mildly lose fur at infrequent periods throughout the year. However, there are certain reasons why your Giant Schnauzer may be shedding more than expected. 

Here are a few tips to help prevent your Giant Schnauzer from shedding excessively: 

Keep On Top of Coat Care 

If you’re wondering about grooming a Giant Schnauzer, you may be disappointed to learn that these dogs are quite high maintenance. 

This big bow-wow requires frequent brushing to keep their luscious coat looking healthy and shiny. Brushing your furry friend for five to 10 minutes every day will keep your dog’s coat in good condition, and also help to reduce shedding. 

These dogs require some commitment from their owners to maintain their coats. This means they need to be clipped regularly, or they can also be stripped, to keep on top of their coat care.

To keep dog hair out of your home, brush your Giant outside in the yard. Brushing can be a lovely time for you and your dog to bond and, when done outdoors, will keep your house fur-free. 

De-Flea Your Big Schnauzer 

Giant Schnauzers shouldn’t shed much at all, and if you’re spotting clumps of fur in your home, there may be a problem. Fleas can irritate your dog’s skin and cause them to bite and scratch themselves excessively. 

Flea bites can cause skin irritation and even allergic reactions. If your dog has a bad case of fleas, their fur may start to fall out, especially in places they’re scratching a lot. 

Reduce excessive shedding by maintaining a regular treatment plan for fleas and other parasites. 

Feed Your Giant Schnauzer a Nutritious Diet 

Just like humans, dogs ‘are what they eat.’ Hence, if your pooch isn’t receiving the vital nutrition they need, their skin and fur will suffer, along with the rest of their health. 

Dogs need a protein-rich diet and shouldn’t be fed cheap and highly processed kibble. Giant Schnauzers require food with a high meat content and a decent balance of carbohydrates and healthy fats. 

A poor diet can lead to dry and flaky skin, which can exacerbate shedding. You can also supplement their diet with either probiotics or Omega 3 for dogs. This will improve their fatty acid intake and lead to healthier skin and fur. 

Visit the Vet

We all want our furry friends to remain healthy and live long and happy lives. Unfortunately, many health problems can cause dogs to become unwell and experience unpleasant symptoms. 

If your Giant Schnauzer is shedding a lot more than usual, there may be a health condition that needs addressing. 

Excessive shedding can be a symptom of cancer, immune system issues, kidney and liver problems, bacterial infections, and thyroid conditions. Likewise, it could also be a sign that your dog is suffering from some sort of allergy — like grain, flea, or even seasonal allergies.

If your dog has started shedding more than their ‘norm,’ take a trip to your vet. They will be able to check your dog over and find out why they’re shedding so much.

Giant Schnauzer Hypoallergenic Similar Breeds

Giant Schnauzers are large and energetic working dogs. This breed is best known for their distinct eyebrows and long beard. They’re eager-to-please dogs, so Giant Schnauzer training should be straightforward — although patience and consistency are key, as it is with any breed.

Loyal, protective and hypoallergenic — plus they get on well with children. Giant Schnauzers need lots of exercise, but can also be relaxed and affectionate with their owners. 

But what other breeds share similar qualities? We’ve put together a trio of tail-waggers that fit the criteria.

dogs like giant schnauzers.

With their beards and short coats, the Airedale and Giant Schnauzer are similar in appearance. Although the Schnauzer is quite a bit bigger than the Airedale.

Both these breeds are smart, but the Schnauzer is a little easier to train than the Airedale Terrier. However, the Airedale makes up for this by being less high-energy than the Schnauzer. So, exercise shouldn’t be so demanding. 

The Schnauzer is an amazing watchdog, a quality shared by the Airedale. These dogs are courageous and will instantly protect their family.

dog like giant schnauzer.

The Standard Poodle is a large dog that’s quite close in weight to the Giant Schnauzer, although they’re unlikely to be as tall.

This breed does shed less than the Schnauzer, so if that’s a factor you need to consider, it may push the Poodle out slightly in front. But don’t let that fool you into thinking this breed is low maintenance. Like the Giant, the Poodle has above-average grooming requirements.

Affectionate, intelligent, and easy to train — Poodle traits on par with the Giant. So, if you want a lovey-dovey dog, this pooch is a good choice.

dogs similar to giant schnauzers.

Giant Schnauzers live up to their name, they weigh approximately 85 pounds and grow to around 27.5 inches. In comparison, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are much smaller — weighing just 40 pounds and standing proud at 19 inches. 

While their sizes may differ, the Wheaten Terrier and Giant Schnauzer both sport impressive mustaches and beards. Plus, they share that square-shaped physique and athletic stature.

That said, they don’t have the same coat. The Wheaten Terrier’s coat is much softer and lighter than that of the Giant Schnauzer, but they’re also a low-shedding breed.

Conclusion

Giant Schnauzers are huge, protective working dogs with a wiry double coat. This breed is perfect for someone seeking a high-energy watchdog, who wants nothing more than to protect and love their family. 

A bow-wow that very rarely sheds, but the Giant’s coat needs regular grooming to remain in good condition. Don’t forget to brush your pooch daily and trim their mustache and beard frequently too. 

Is the Giant Schnauzer hypoallergenic? Yes, they are, and they’re an ideal choice for wannabe pet parents looking for an allergy-friendly, large dog.

giant schnauzer hypoallergenic.

Giant Schnauzer Hypoallergenic? FAQs

What’s the Size Difference Between a Giant Schnauzer vs Mini Schnauzer?

When checking a Schnauzer size chart, Mini Schnauzers weigh a mere 20 pounds and are no taller than 14 inches. So, given the Giant’s weight, that’s a potential difference of up to 65 pounds and height-wise — a Giant Schnauzer is double that of the mini.

How Long Do Schnauzers Live?

The three Schnauzer sizes have different life spans: 

  • Miniature Schnauzer can live for 12 to 14 years. 
  • Standard Schnauzer has a lifespan of approximately 13 to 16 years. 
  • Giant Schnauzers have the shortest lives, living for around 10 to 12 years. 

Are Giant Schnauzers Good Family Dogs? 

It depends on how old your children are. Giant Schnauzers aren’t known to be aggressive, but they have a lot of energy. Their large size and energetic personality mean they aren’t the best furry friends for small children. However, Giant Schnauzers are protective and loyal. They make great family dogs and get on well with older children. 

Will a Giant Schnauzer Protect Me?

A Giant Schnauzer protection dog isn’t a myth. These dogs are fiercely loyal to their owners, they feel it’s their life’s purpose to keep their humans safe. Giant Schnauzers aren’t aggressive by nature, but they will be extremely cautious around strangers. If you don’t know a Giant Schnauzer personally, don’t expect them to greet you with a wagging tail and a friendly bark hello!

How Big Is a Giant Schnauzer?

Giant Schnauzers are a super-sized version of the Standard Schnauzer breed. These dogs weigh up to 85 pounds and grow to approximately 27.5 inches tall. Take a look through our pictures of giant schnauzers, and you’ll see what we mean. As their name suggests, Giant Schnauzers are very large dogs. 

What’s the Difference Between Standard Schnauzer vs Giant Schnauzer?

The most obvious — their size. 

The Standard Schnauzer weighs up to 50 pounds and stands up to 19.5 inches tall. In comparison, the Giant can weigh up to 85 pounds and grow to 27.5 inches. 

Do Giant Schnauzers Slobber?

Giant Schnauzers don’t drool as much as some breeds — like the St Bernard. On a scale of one to five — AKC rate them as two (one being the lowest).

are airedale terriers hypoallergenic.
are poodles hypoallergenic.