With their signature beards and expressive eyebrows, Schnauzers have a charm that’s impossible to miss. Beyond their distinguished looks, these dogs are a powerhouse of intelligence, loyalty, and energy.
Thinking about bringing a Schnauzer into your life? Get ready for a loyal, lively companion who’ll keep you on your toes. Whether you're welcoming a new pup or already have a Schnauzer by your side, this guide will help you keep them happy, healthy, and thriving.
From choosing the right diet to keeping their minds sharp, our holistic approach covers all the ins and outs of what it takes to care for a Schnauzer.
Top breed takeaways
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Breed history
The Schnauzer’s roots trace back to 15th-century Germany, where they were bred as versatile farm dogs — guarding properties, herding cattle, and keeping vermin in check.
Over time, the breed developed into three distinct sizes:
Miniature Schnauzers were bred from the Standard to control rat populations.
Standard Schnauzers remained the original working breed.
Giant Schnauzers were developed for guarding and herding.
Today, all Schnauzers are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and lively nature — whether they’re protecting a farm or curling up on the couch with their humans.
Key characteristics
Alert, energetic, and highly intelligent, Schnauzers are natural watchdogs with a strong protective instinct, though their level of intensity varies by size. The Miniature is feisty and playful, the Standard is even-tempered and versatile, while the Giant is strong-willed and imposing. Despite their differences, all Schnauzers share a love for their humans and a need for engagement and exercise.
Health considerations
Schnauzers are generally a healthy and robust breed, but they can be prone to hereditary conditions such as pancreatitis, skin conditions, and eye disorders. A gently cooked real food diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids can support their skin, pancreas and eye health.
Appearance and size
Schnauzers are sturdy, well-proportioned dogs with a distinctive rectangular head, expressive eyebrows, and a characteristic bearded muzzle. Their strong, square-built bodies give them a confident stance, and their wiry double coat comes in several colours, including salt and pepper, black, and black and silver.
Schnauzer personality and temperament
Schnauzers are known for their affectionate yet independent nature.
Miniature Schnauzers tend to be playful and spunky, making them great companions for families with children. They love to be around their pack and are most suitable for those that can give them the time and attention they desire. Miniature Schnauzers are also highly adaptable and apartment-friendly, if they get enough daily exercise and stimulation.
Standard Schnauzers are more balanced, enjoying both playtime and calm companionship.
Giant Schnauzers are protective and strong-willed, requiring firm but positive training.
If they’re not given adequate stimulation, they may find other channels for their energy and frustration, like excessive barking or destructive behaviour.
Schnauzers do have a high prey drive, which may need to be addressed through consistent training. They can get on with cats and other small pets if they’ve been gradually introduced with careful supervision.
Schnauzer size guide
A full-grown Schnauzer falls into the following size ranges and traits, depending on their genetics and gender:
Miniature Schnauzer: 5–9 kg, 30–36 cm – Small but packed with personality.
Standard Schnauzer: 14–20 kg, 45–50 cm – A perfect blend of size and energy.
Giant Schnauzer: 25–48 kg, 60–70 cm – A powerful guardian with a commanding presence.
Miniature and Standard Schnauzers typically reach their full height by 12 months of age, but their weight and muscle tone may continue developing until they are around 18 months old. Giant Schnauzers can take between 12-18 months to become fully grown.
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How long do Schnauzers live?
Miniature Schnauzers typically live between 12–15 years, Standard Schnauzers around 13–16 years, and Giant Schnauzers 10–12 years.
As dog parents, we want our pups to live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible – and there’s so much we can easily do to help them thrive, not just survive. Every dog deserves a long, vibrant life, and it begins with a thoughtful, holistic approach to their wellbeing.
A nourishing real food diet (like Lyka), regular exercise, mental stimulation, training, grooming, and proactive vet care all work together to help your pup feel their very best.
Read more: The real cost of chronic illness in dogs and how you can prevent it →
“Schnauzers can be prone to developing pancreatitis, due to excess lipids (fats) in their blood. A low-fat, moderate protein diet, like Lyka’s Kangaroo or Chicken meals can support your dog’s pancreas health.”
– Dr Darcy Marshall, Lyka Veterinarian, BSc, DVM
Learn more about Dr Darcy Marshall and her veterinary experience.
What does a Schnauzer eat?
This intelligent and active breed needs nutritious food to fuel their mind and body.
The best Schnauzer diet is made with real food ingredients, like high-quality protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables.
Lyka’s human-grade meals are gently cooked to retain the tastes, textures, and nutrients of each carefully selected ingredient. They’re easy to digest, help keep your pup hydrated, and delicious – perfect for even the fussiest eaters.
Maintaining the right weight and body shape is crucial for a Schnauzer’s health and wellbeing. Excess weight or obesity can lead to other diseases and affect a dog’s joints, mobility, quality of life, and lifespan.
That’s why Lyka meals are custom portioned to meet your dog’s specific needs, helping you keep them at their healthiest and happiest.
Read more: The life-changing benefits of real food for dogs →
Do Schnauzer puppies need special food?
Contrary to popular belief, puppies don’t need special puppy food if they’re getting the right portion of nutrient-dense real food.
Schnauzer puppies need a diet containing high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low GI carbohydrates for slow-release energy, like Lyka.
A balanced, real food diet supports healthy growth and helps maintain steady energy levels, reducing the risk of hyperactivity or lethargy. Since Schnauzer puppies can be prone to digestive sensitivities, a gently cooked diet with fresh ingredients can aid digestion and promote gut health.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development →
Read more: Puppy vs adult food: what our experts want you to know →
Schnauzer health issues
Schnauzers from reputable breeders are generally known to be healthy, but like all dogs, they can develop health issues or inherit conditions from their parents.
Before planning a litter, respectable breeders will consider the health, temperament, and genetic history of their breeding pairs to select good characteristics. Always check the health of the parents before choosing your new pup.
1. Pancreatitis
Miniature Schnauzers can be prone to developing pancreatitis due to high levels of fat in their bloodstream (hyperlipidaemia).
Dietary management is usually recommended for dogs with pancreatitis. A low-fat, easy to digest, real food diet is a great way to support your dog’s pancreas health. Maintaining a healthy weight and body condition can also help.
Lyka’s Kangaroo meal is ultra-low fat, high-quality animal protein and fresh vegetables – highly digestible and delicious.
Look for these ingredients in Lyka meals too:
🧡 Butternut Squash: low glycaemic load vegetables release their energy slowly without stressing the organ.
❤ Raspberries: contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to support pancreas health and function.
Read more: Dog pancreatitis: a holistic guide to pain-free prevention and care →
2. Eye conditions
Eye conditions, like progressive retinal atrophy, can affect Huskies. This is a degenerative disease that impacts the photoreceptor cells in a dog’s eye, eventually leading to blindness. They can also be prone to developing cataracts.
Speak to your breeder about how they have mitigated the risks of this disease by selecting their breeding pairs.
Although you may not be able to change your dog’s genetics, you can support their eye health through nutrition.
Meals containing ingredients with antioxidant properties may help, though more research needs to be done to confirm the benefits.
Look for these ingredients in Lyka meals:
🧡 Turmeric: contains curcumin, an active ingredient with antioxidant properties to help fight cellular damage.
🥕Carrots: packed with beta-carotene that can promote eye health.
3. Skin issues
Skin conditions are the most common reason to visit the vet. From skin allergies to dermatitis and dandruff, Shiba Inus are no stranger to these problems.
Soothe your pup's skin inflammation, itchiness and scratching with a balanced diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
A real food diet helps reduce sensitivities by promoting a healthy immune response to allergens and strengthening the skin's defence against irritants.
Look for real ingredients full of skin-soothing properties, like:
🌱 Hemp seeds: contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 to calm skin irritations.
💛 Safflower oil: full of Vitamin E for nourished and moisturised skin.
🐟 Fish oil: has potent omega-3 to reduce inflamed and dry skin.
Read more: Common dog skin conditions: how to spot & treat them →
Schnauzer coat, grooming, and hygiene tips
Keeping your Schnauzer well-groomed is about more than just a sleek and shiny coat – it’s essential for their overall health.
A consistent grooming routine helps maintain healthy skin, trim nails, and clean teeth. By investing a little time in their hygiene, you ensure your dog stays healthy and happy.
Coat types and shedding
Schnauzers have a wiry, double-layer coat that sheds minimally, making them a great option for allergy sufferers. Regular brushing helps keep their coat healthy and free from tangles.
Grooming
Miniature and Standard Schnauzers need brushing a few times a week, while Giant Schnauzers often require professional grooming due to their size. Hand stripping is another way of removing excess hair, to keep their coat in good condition.
They only need a bath every 6-8 weeks unless they’ve rolled in something dirty or smelly. Always use a mild, dog-friendly shampoo to avoid skin irritation.
Schnauzer hygiene tips
A dog's nails can grow surprisingly fast and if they're not trimmed regularly can become uncomfortable and affect how they walk. If you can hear them tap on the ground, it’s time for a quick mani-pedi.
Introduce your pup to nail trims from an early age so they’re used to the sensation and the tools. Don’t forget to reward them with a high-value treat at the end, so they develop a positive association with the process.
Brushing your dog's teeth a few times a week helps reduce tartar buildup and supports healthy gums.
Routine ear checks help to spot early signs of ear infections in dogs, wax buildup, or irritation. You can give them a gentle wipe with a clean, damp cloth, but be careful not to reach too far into their ear, as this can cause damage.
Inspect your dog’s paws frequently, checking for cuts, debris, or redness between their pads.
Schnauzer exercise requirements
All Schnauzers need daily exercise, but their energy levels vary by size:
Miniature Schnauzers: Enjoy brisk walks and playtime but can enjoy more energetic dog sports like agility and flyball.
Standard Schnauzers: Need more physical activity, such as long walks and agility training.
Giant Schnauzers: Require the most exercise, thriving on structured activities like running, hiking, and advanced obedience training.
A high-protein, low-glycaemic index diet, like Lyka’s real food meals, provides steady, nutritious energy to complement their active lifestyle.
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Training a Schnauzer
Schnauzers are highly intelligent and eager to learn, making them relatively easy to train. However, their independent streak — especially in the Giant Schnauzer — requires consistent, positive reinforcement training from an early age so they learn obedience to commands. Socialisation is key to preventing excessive guarding behaviours.
Training should continue throughout their life, with enrichment activities and routines to keep them stimulated.
For puppies, toilet training requires frequent breaks (expect one hour of bladder control per month of age), while crate training offers a safe space and helps with house-training. Controlled socialisation through puppy school or meet-ups is essential for building confidence and social skills.
Your pup’s receptivity to training can be improved with the right nutrition that helps support consistent moods, steady energy levels, and cognitive development.
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training →
How to choose a reputable Schnauzer breeder
So, you’ve decided that a Schnauzer is the perfect pup. How exciting! The next step is to find a reputable breeder.
What do we mean by ‘reputable breeder’?
Reputable, ethical breeders establish breeding programs, planning a limited number of litters using breeding pairs carefully selected for their health and temperament. They believe the health and wellbeing of their dogs and puppies are paramount.
Ethical breeders often have an application and selection process and may even have a waitlist. They should be receptive to scheduled visits so you can see their facilities, meet their dogs, and ask them questions about their program.
This is when you should enquire about how they have addressed common health conditions, like hip dysplasia scoring.
A puppy farm (factory, or mill) often operates in poor conditions and on a large scale to maximise their profit. Health and wellbeing are of secondary importance, if at all, leading to puppies that often have long-term health and behavioural issues.
How do I find a reputable Schnauzer breeder?
Often each state has a recognised breed club that can provide a list of reputable breeders that will usually have a website, social media channels, and direct contact details.
RightPaw is a website dedicated to promoting responsible breeders and ethical programs. Not all breeders use this site, but it’s a helpful tool to support you on your puppy journey.
Speak to other dog parents – it’s a great way to gain invaluable insight into their first-hand experience and give you even more of a taste of what to expect from the breed.
How much is a Schnauzer puppy?
You can expect to pay the following for a Schnauzer puppy in Australia:
Miniature Schnauzer: $3,000–$5,000
Standard Schnauzer: $3,500–$6,000
Giant Schnauzer: $4,000–$7,000
Remember that the ongoing cost of parenting a dog is a significant commitment.
If you want to adopt a dog from a shelter, we’re right behind you. Try to find out as much information about them as you can but recognise that a lot of their history will be unknown. When you bring them home, show them love, patience, and consistency to help them settle into a new and secure life with you.
Read more: How much does a dog cost? The real price of dog ownership →
Schnauzer FAQs
Are Schnauzers hypoallergenic?
Yes, Schnauzers are considered hypoallergenic due to their minimal shedding.
When should I desex my Schnauzer?
Most Schnauzers are desexed when they reach maturity. Your vet will determine the best time based on your dog's health, size, and behaviour.
For how long is a Schnauzer pregnant?
The Schnauzer gestation period is around 63 days or nine weeks from conception.
Do Schnauzers drool a lot?
No, Schnauzers are not heavy droolers. They are relatively clean dogs compared to some other breeds.
Do Schnauzers have a strong prey drive?
Yes, particularly Miniature Schnauzers, as they were originally bred for ratting. Early training can help manage their instinct to chase small animals.
Are Schnauzers good with children?
Yes, Schnauzers can make wonderful family pets. Miniature Schnauzers tend to be playful and affectionate, Standard Schnauzers are protective but gentle, and Giant Schnauzers require early training to be well-mannered around children.
Do Schnauzers bark a lot?
Schnauzers are naturally alert and vocal, making them excellent watchdogs. Training and socialisation can help manage excessive barking.
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Parenting your Schnauzer comes with many decisions, like choosing the best diet for your new best friend.
Designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, and made with real, human-grade ingredients, our meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Schnauzers across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.
Join our pack of proud Schnauzer parents today.
