How Much Does a Giant Schnauzer Cost?

Also known as the Munich Schnauzer, the Giant Schnauzer dog breed was developed around the 17th Century in Germany. The breed may have originated from the likes of the Great Dane, German Pinscher, and other large dog breeds that contribute towards its rich and varied ancestral history.

The adult Giant Schnauzer weighs about 65 to 90 lb. and measures around 27 inches at withers. Females are slightly smaller than males. Both genders have a harsh ‘beard’ and eyebrows – the trademark of all Schnauzer breeds.

Giant Schnauzers have plenty of thick hair which helps them withstand extreme cold weather. No wonder the breed’s original purpose was to guard farm property and as a multipurpose working dog. By the 20th Century, this hard-working breed was even assigned the important task of guarding butcheries, factories, and real estate across Bavaria.

If you are looking to buy or adopt the Giant Schnauzer, then make sure you can provide it with plenty of exercise and activity. They are prone to hyperactivity, boredom, and even destructive behaviors if they are not given adequate physical stimulation.

Once you are sure you can commit to meeting the Giant Schnauzer’s needs, you may want to think about the financial aspects of raising one.

The cost of dog ownership does not stop at its purchase price although it is a significant expense. You also have to think of the day-to-day costs of raising this large dog breed. It entails not just food expenses but also the cost of training, medical costs, and the expenses incurred on basic supplies.

This guide will provide you with all those cost estimates. It will give you precise and concise information about the Giant Schnauzer’s basic needs so you can provide your pet with the best care it deserves.

Here is a summary of costs involved in raising a Giant Schnauzer:

Let us take an in-depth look at these costs.

How Much Does a Giant Schnauzer Puppy Cost?

The cost of a Giant Schnauzer puppy is between $1500 and $6000 depending on the breeder. Dog breeders registered with the GSCA or the Giant Schnauzer Club of America often own champion dogs and their puppies sell for a higher price.

You can always buy cheaper Schnauzers at pet shops and on sites like Craigs’ List. However, we recommend not buying from such sources as often, the dogs are not of pure bloodlines. Moreover, they could be a product of backyard breeding or puppy mills. Resultantly, these dogs end up with many health issues or behavioral problems.

The best place to buy a purebred Giant Schnauzer is from a reputed breeder having strong ethics behind their breeding programs. Most importantly, they should be concerned about the breed’s welfare.

Certain factors can impact your GS puppy’s price. These are:

Location

If you live far away from the breeder, you’d have to factor in shipping costs. You’d also need to purchase special air carriers.

Breeder

As mentioned before, breeders who follow the Code of Ethics laid down by the GSCA are likely to offer health guarantees to their puppies. Some even promise to take back the dog should it develop some health issue within a year’s time. These breeders can charge nearly $5000 for their pups.

If you do not want to spend so much on your GS pup, you could consider adopting one. The cost of adoption is around $400 which goes to the shelter for covering spaying/neutering and basic immunizations.

Here is a summary of the above:

Cost of Basic Supplies for Giant Schnauzer

Your pet does not need too much but a few basic supplies can go a long way in making it more comfortable in your home. Here are some supplies to stock up on:

Water/food bowls

Giant Schnauzer puppy will eat 3-4 meals per day while an adult will need two meals per day. Invest in sturdy ceramic or glass bowls. Make sure they won’t tip over. Bowls cost around $20. You can also buy a mat to contain food spills and messes for around $10.

Toys

Some of the best toys for the Giant are balls, squeaky toys, Nylabone, rope toys, chew toys, and Kong toys. These will keep your smart dog engaged and also give it a job to do. Toys also soothe irritated gums during the teething phase. Most dog toys cost $20 to $50.

Grooming kit

Giant Schnauzers have double coats with the topcoat being wiry, hard, and dense and a soft undercoat. You need to keep the coat trimmed and also hand strip it from time to time. A basic dog grooming kit should have a comb, brush, wipes, nail trimmer, shampoo, toothbrush, and doggy toothpaste. This will cost around $50.

Crate and bed

Crate training and potty training of a puppy are best done side-by-side. Invest in a sturdy crate and crate pads. This can cost around $50 to $75. Dog beds come in a wide variety like plush beds, orthopedic foam beds, etc. Depending on the type, you could spend between $30 and $100 on the bed.

Here is a table showing these costs:

Dog Training Costs for Giant Schnauzer

Training is extremely important for your Giant Schnauzer and it is also a fun way to bond with your pet. Good dog training can increase your pet’s confidence and also give you the beloved dog you want as a companion.

There are many different types of dog training available in the United States. Here are some options:

Board and Train

Puppies older than 12 weeks up to 5 months of age can be enrolled in the board and train option. These are 2-week sessions where your Giant Schnauzer will board with a trainer and become familiar with basic commands like come, sit, heel, etc. Trainers also teach your puppy potty training and crate training. These 2 weeks are a great way to create a solid foundation for your little pet. The cost of such training is between $500 to $1250 per week.

Private training

Basic private dog training packages cover the basic commands like come, sit, etc. as well as common obedience training. Private training is a great option for dog owners who are willing to spend time on one-on-one training with a professional. Private training can help establish the ground rules of good communication and positive reinforcement for dogs. It is a great way of bonding with your pet. The cost of private training is between $50 and $120 per session.

Puppy obedience school/group training

Your Giant Schnauzer can interact with other dogs of the same age in puppy obedience training school. Places like PetSmart offer these sessions for $119 for 6 weeks which comes to $20 per 1-hour session.

Here is a table summarizing these training costs:

How Much Food Cost for a Giant Schnauzer?

When you bring your GS puppy from the breeder, feed it the same food it was eating at the breeder’s place. This will prevent digestive upsets while your pet is already stressed trying to adjust to its new environment.

A puppy Giant Schnauzer will need around 2 to 2 1/2 cups of food between the age of 4 to 8 months. You can divide this into 4 smaller meals. An adult Schnauzer will need around 3-4 cups of food which you can divide into 2 smaller meals.

The exact quantity of food will depend on your pet’s activity level and age. Also, pregnant and senior dogs will require different quantities and types of food.

From time to time, take a look at your GS. You should be able to see a well-defined waist. Its ribs should be felt although not seen. The breed is prone to gaining weight rapidly, so keep your pet healthy by practicing portion control and avoiding free-feeding. Your energetic Schnauzer also needs tons of exercise.

An adult Giant Schnauzer weighs between 60-80 lb. Based on this it will need around 30 lb. of dog food or kibble per month. You can also choose to feed wet/canned food or raw food.

Here is a table showing different foods based on the type and approximate costs:

Dog Food for Giant Schnauzers – Cost Comparison

The right food for your Giant Schnauzer depends on its age, activity levels, and overall health. Ask your vet for recommendations for the best food. You can feed high-quality puppy food to your GS puppy and switch to adult food later on as your pet turns about 1 year old.

It is important to choose food that meets the AAFCO guidelines for dogs. Most good-quality commercial food meet these requirements. It is important to also choose food that contains meat as the first few ingredients.

Avoid food containing grains, fillers, and other unwanted ingredients like soy, corn, etc. These do not provide your buddy with any real nourishment and only give empty calories.

Some Giants are sensitive or allergic to certain ingredients like beef, wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, chicken, or fish. If you suspect a food allergy, work with your vet to choose the right food for your dog. Sometimes, switching to novel proteins like emu, kangaroo, or rabbit meat can be beneficial for such dogs.

Here is a table showing top-rated dog foods for Giant Schnauzers:

Medical Costs of Giant Schnauzers

Routine medical checkups for most dogs can cost around $45 to $50 per visit. Your Giant Schnauzers will need at least two such visits each year.

Moreover, in the first year, your pet will need several life-saving vaccinations. The breeder will have covered some of the early ones so make sure you get a record of those. You need to show the same to your vet so s/he can then give you a schedule for the remaining vaccinations and booster shots.

Most veterinary clinics charge between $40 and $120 for vaccinations, deworming, and flea-tick prevention. Certain vaccines cost more. Your pet will also need some non-core vaccines based on the area you live in. These include vaccines like Leptospirosis, Rattle Snake venom, and Lyme disease vaccines.

Another major medical expense in your pet’s first year is spaying and neutering costs. This is important if you do not plan to breed your pet. The cost of spaying is generally more than the cost of neutering. 

Here is a table showing these costs for vaccines and other basic medical costs:

In addition to vaccinations, worming, and flea and tick prevention, you could also face the following expenses if your pet needs special medical care:

Medical Issues Commonly Seen in Giant Schnauzers

Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)

Common signs of OCD in dogs are lameness, lameness that worsens after exercise, and swelling. The cost of treating it is around $4000 per joint.

Hip and elbow dysplasia

The cost of treating hip and elbow dysplasia in Giant Schnauzers is around $2000-$4000 per joint. This is an avoidable condition. Good breeders will refrain from breeding affected Schnauzers – which is why you must buy your pet from an ethical breeder only.

PRA – Progressive retinal atrophy

The early sign of progressive retinal atrophy in dogs is night blindness. Over time, its daytime vision may also be affected. There is no treatment available for the condition.

Von Willebrand’s disease

This is a bleeding disorder seen commonly in Giant Schnauzers. It can lead to hemorrhage from mucous membranes and excessive bleeding after minor cuts. There is no treatment available but affected dogs may be given medication to manage it.

Bloat or Gastric Dilation Volvulus

Deep or large chested dogs like Giant Schnauzers often suffer from gastric dilation volvulus. It causes the stomach to fill with gas and acids. The cost of surgery is between $2000-$5000.

Pet Insurance – Do You Need One for Your Giant Schnauzer

Vet bills are the highest expenses for dog owners. As seen above, medical bills can quickly add up and even a routine check-up, depending on where you live, can be $50. A complete medical exam can cost $100. Spaying or neutering itself is around $200-$400.

Vaccines are cheap but a heartworm test can cost up to $300. Serious injury or illness can cost almost $500. X-rays and anesthesia can amount to $500. Some dog surgeries can amount to $1000.

Pet insurance can cover up some or all of these costs. However, pet insurance can cost $500 per year. Some of these plans cover almost all medical bills. Many offer the convenience of paying the vet directly so you do not have to pay from out of your pocket.

There are almost 15-20 great pet insurance companies in the United States. However, they are all very different in their coverages and deductibles. Therefore, pet owners must do their homework before signing up for them. Understand what each clause means and when in doubt, don’t forget to ask the company reps for a detailed explanation.

Here are some top pet insurance companies operating in the USA with monthly (approximate) costs:

Additional Costs of Owning a Giant Schnauzer 

In addition to food, medical, training, and other major expenses, there are other costs that dog owners need to be aware of. These include the following:

Grooming

Giant Schnauzers need plenty of routine grooming. Their coats also need hand-stripping which is time-consuming. You can take your pet to a professional groomer to get a clipped trim. Most groomers charge $75 for advanced grooming for larger dogs. This package could include a trim, nail trim, and bath. Some also include services like ear cleaning and anal gland expression.

Travel and boarding

You also need to consider the cost of boarding your Giant Schnauzer when you travel. If you travel often and plan not to take your pet with you, then these costs can add up quickly. Look into local boarding facilities for your dog. Most pet hostels charge around $50-$75 per night for boarding large dogs. If you choose to hire a pet sitter, you can get their services for $40-$60 per day. 

Dog Walking

If you are too busy to exercise your buddy, hire the services of a dog walker. Most walkers charge around $30 for a short walk of 30-45 minutes.

Living costs

There are also costs associated with living with your Giant Schnauzer. If you live in a rental unit, most landlords and leasing agents charge between $200-$700 as pet deposit fees when you sign the lease. 

Key Takeaways – How Much Does a Giant Schnauzer Cost?

Many dog owners underestimate the cost of owning a dog and they only take into account its initial purchase price. While that is a significant cost involved in raising your Giant Schnauzer, there are other costs to consider as well.

Here is a quick summary:

Initial cost

Your puppy could be priced anywhere between $1500 and $6000 depending on the breeder and the pup’s bloodlines. Based on this, the first-year cost itself can be between $2500 and $8000 as it also includes the cost of immunizations, training, spaying or neutering, and basic supplies.

The recurring monthly costs

This includes costs like food and treats, dog walking, pet insurance, etc.  For most Giant Schnauzer owners, this can come to almost $800 per month.

Annual costs

The annual cost of owning a Giant Schnauzer can come to almost $2500-$3600 mainly on food, flea and tick prevention, grooming, travel or boarding, etc. 

The lifetime cost of owning Giant Schnauzer

The average lifespan of the Giant Schnauzer is between 12 and 15 years. Therefore, the lifetime cost of owning one can be between $20,000 to $45,000.

Though Giant Schnauzers are expensive to keep, it will be well worth it because you will get love, loyalty, and affection like no other. We hope this approximate guide helps you estimate the actual cost of keeping this large pet.