Is a Giant Schnauzer or Standard Schnauzer better for families with kids?

The Standard Schnauzer edges ahead for families with kids based on kid-friendliness, affection level, and trainability scores.

Which is easier to train, a Giant Schnauzer or a Standard Schnauzer?

The Giant Schnauzer and Standard Schnauzer are equally trainable — both respond well to consistent, positive reinforcement training.

Giant Schnauzer vs Standard Schnauzer

Q: What is the difference between a Giant Schnauzer and a Standard Schnauzer?

The Giant Schnauzer and Standard Schnauzer differ across several key traits. Overall, Standard Schnauzer wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs. See the full side-by-side comparison above for size, shedding, trainability, energy, and family fit.

A side-by-side comparison of the Giant Schnauzer and Standard Schnauzer across size, temperament, grooming, family fit, and more.

Giant Schnauzer

Standard Schnauzer

Verdict

Overall, Standard Schnauzer wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.

Standard Schnauzer

4 wins

Giant Schnauzer

0 wins

More family-friendly

Standard Schnauzer edges ahead on kid-friendliness, affection, and trainability.

✓Standard Schnauzer

Lower maintenance

Standard Schnauzer sheds less and needs less grooming overall.

✓Standard Schnauzer

Longer-lived

These breeds have a similar expected lifespan.

Tie

Calmer

Standard Schnauzer is generally more relaxed and lower-energy.

✓Standard Schnauzer

Quieter

Standard Schnauzer tends to bark less.

✓Standard Schnauzer

More trainable

These breeds are equally trainable.

Tie

Side-by-side comparison

Breed	Size	Weight	Height	Lifespan	Energy	Shedding	Grooming	Trainable	Affection	Barking	Kids	Dogs	Cats	Apartment	First-timers	Low-allergen
Giant Schnauzer	Giant	65–90 lb	24–28 in	10 yr							—	—	—	—	—	✓
Standard Schnauzer	Large	31–44 lb	18–20 in	10 yr							✓	✓	—	—	—	✓

Helpful tools for these breeds

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Dog Food Cost Calculator

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Find the right crate dimensions from your dog’s height and length, with crate recommendations.

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Dog Harness Size Calculator

Turn your dog’s chest and neck measurements into the correct harness size.

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Giant Schnauzer vs Standard Schnauzer: which is right for you?

The Giant Schnauzer and Standard Schnauzer are both popular breeds, but they differ meaningfully in day-to-day life. The verdict above scores them on six key dimensions — use it as a starting point, then factor in your specific home, activity level, and family situation.

Overall, Standard Schnauzer wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.

Learn more

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