Cali

This strong, shaggy pup is the biggest Schnauzer breed, known for their kind heart and energetic spirit. Giant Schnauzers are even-keeled but rise to the challenge when protection is needed. Invite them into your family for a friendly companion that will get along with the kids and keep an eye on everyone. Full-grown, they typically weigh 55-85 pounds and stand 23-28 inches tall.

Giant Schnauzers are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. The Giant Schnauzer gets along great with familiar children, dogs, and other pets, but they're wary and cautious of people and animals that they don't know. Although Giant Schnauzers are kind with kids, their high energy and large size may be too much for young children. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

Giant Schnauzers need a lot of exercise, such as daily walks and vigorous playtime in the yard. This athletic breed loves having a job to do or something to focus on, whether it’s a training exercise or a sport like rally, agility, obedience, and tracking. Plan for at least an hour of activity each day to keep your Giant Schnauzer physically and mentally stimulated. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

Giant Schnauzers have a soft, thick undercoat and a rugged, wiry outer coat that is solid black or salt-and-pepper colored. The dog’s chin and face have longer hair, forming eyebrows and a beard that lend well to their facial expressions. Giant Schnauzers don’t shed much, but their long hair requires grooming. Grooming-wise, this breed is fairly high-maintenance. Giant Schnauzers are considered hypoallergenic, which can be a plus for allergy sufferers.

Giant Schnauzers are best suited for a rural property or home with a large yard. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.

Schnoodles mix the charm and humor of both of their parent breeds: the Poodle and the Schnauzer. These cute little dogs love being part of the family and demand your attention. If they are not getting enough, you can expect to hear about it. Full-grown, they typically weigh 20-75 pounds and stand 10-26 inches tall.

Schnoodles are generally excellent with children of all ages. The Schnoodle gets along well with children, strangers, dogs, and other pets. It’s a happy breed that loves being part of the family. They're relatively quiet and don't bark much.

Schnoodles need an average amount of exercise, with larger pups requiring a bit more than the smaller ones. Whether it’s going for a daily walk, running by your side, or just playing indoors, they’ll take as much activity as they can get. Many dogs in this breed also enjoy playing fetch, tug of war, and swimming. Overall, their exercise needs are high.

The Schnoodle may have a rough and wiry coat like the Schnauzer, a soft Poodle coat, or anything in between. Some have alternating patches of soft and coarse hair, with coarse fur on the back and soft on fur on top of the head. There are a wide variety of possible colors, including black, brown, grey, white, apricot, or a mixture. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Schnoodles are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. They’re the perfect size for apartment living, but if they live in a home with a yard, they should be kept as indoor pets so they get enough attention and companionship. They are fairly easy to train.