• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or Riesenschnauzer?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer" Compare German Shepherd and Giant Schnauzer. Which is better: German Shepherd or Giant Schnauzer?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Giant Schnauzer
OriginsGermany flagGermany Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank280
Reviews214
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for German Shepherd and Giant Schnauzer. What other names are these breeds known by?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Riesenschnauzer
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a German Shepherd and a Giant Schnauzer. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Giant
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a German Shepherd and a Giant Schnauzer. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Males 60-105 pounds (27-48 kg), Female: 55-75 pounds (25-34 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Males 82.5 pounds (37.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Giant Schnauzer? Is a German Shepherd taller than a Giant Schnauzer?
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 23-26 inches (58-66 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 24.5 inches (62 cm)

German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a German Shepherd and a Giant Schnauzer. Which breed costs more?
$800-$2000 $1000-$1500
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Giant Schnauzer?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Giant Schnauzer is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Smart: The Giant Schnauzer dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare training requirements.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Giant Schnauzer dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare alertness levels.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Giant Schnauzer dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare territorial behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Giant Schnauzer dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a German Shepherd and a Giant Schnauzer. How do their temperaments differ?
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Powerful
Intelligent
Dominant
Loyal
Kind
Strong
Willed
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average: Giant Schnauzer dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Giant Schnauzer dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Giant Schnauzer is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Giant Schnauzer dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Average: The Giant Schnauzer barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Giant Schnauzer is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare living space needs.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Giant Schnauzer breed.

German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare adaptability levels.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Giant Schnauzer dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Giant Schnauzer?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare biting tendencies.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Giant Schnauzer has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare mouthing behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Giant Schnauzer dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Giant Schnauzer bite force: The Strongest.

German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare average lifespans.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Giant Schnauzer: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare climate tolerances.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Giant Schnauzer can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a German Shepherd and a Giant Schnauzer. Which breed is healthier?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Giant Schnauzers are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Giant Schnauzer should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Heart Problems
Elbow Dysplasia
Retinal Dysplasia
Glaucoma
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare activity levels.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Giant Schnauzer dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Giant Schnauzer? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Giant Schnauzer dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Giant Schnauzer?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Giant Schnauzer dogs don't need too much sleep.

German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Giant Schnauzer has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare daily food needs.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals

German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for German Shepherd and Giant Schnauzer? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Pepper
Salt
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Giant Schnauzer requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare drooling amounts.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Giant Schnauzer is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Giant Schnauzer has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a German Shepherd and a Giant Schnauzer? Compare fur types.
Fuzzy Wiry
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare bathing frequencies.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Giant Schnauzer? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than Giant Schnauzer dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Giant Schnauzer dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare kid-friendliness.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Giant Schnauzer dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Giant Schnauzer dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Giant Schnauzer? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Giant Schnauzer dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Giant Schnauzer?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Giant Schnauzer dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Giant Schnauzer? Can a German Shepherd and a Giant Schnauzer be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with Giant Schnauzer dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Giant Schnauzer dogs are not dog-friendly.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Giant Schnauzer dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Giant Schnauzer is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Giant Schnauzers are not the best breed for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare service capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare SAR abilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Giant Schnauzer breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a German Shepherd or a Giant Schnauzer? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between German Shepherd and Giant Schnauzer. Which has stronger military background?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between German Shepherd and Giant Schnauzer. Which has larger litters?
6-10 puppies 5-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between German Shepherd and Giant Schnauzer breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between German Shepherd and Giant Schnauzer. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of German Shepherd and Giant Schnauzer. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of German Shepherd and Giant Schnauzer. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between German Shepherd and Giant Schnauzer. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Rate This Comparsion - German Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer

Reviews