How much does a Giant Schnauzer cost? Guide 2022 (2023)

The Riesenschnauzer breed of dog, also known as the Munich Schnauzer, was developed in Germany around the 17th century. The breed may have descended from breeds such as the Great Dane, German Pinscher, and other large dog breeds, adding to its rich and varied ancestral history.

The adult Giant Schnauzer weighs about 65 to 90 pounds and measures about 27 inches at the withers. Females are slightly smaller than males. Both sexes sport a hard "beard" and eyebrows - the hallmark of all Schnauzer breeds.

Giant Schnauzers have lots of thick hair that helps them withstand extremely cold weather. No wonder the breed's original purpose was to guard farm property and serve as a multi-purpose working dog. By the 20th century, this hardworking breed was even given the important job of guarding butcher shops, factories, and properties across Bavaria.

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

Once you're confident that you can commit to meeting the Giant Schnauzer's needs, you should start thinking about the financial aspects of raising them.

The cost of owning a dog doesn't end with the purchase price, although it is a significant expense. You also need to think about the daily costs of raising this large breed of dog. This includes not only subsistence costs, but also education costs, medical costs and basic care expenses.

You can find all of these cost estimates in this guide. It gives you precise and concise information about the Giant Schnauzer's basic needs so you can provide your pet with the best care they deserve.

Here is a summary of the costs associated with raising a Giant Schnauzer:

The price range for a purebred giant schnauzer is between $1500 and $6000. The cost of owning this large dog breed for the first year ranges from $2000 to $8000 depending on the purchase price. In subsequent years, the price of owning a GS can range from $1500 to $3600, mostly for food and medical expenses. The lifespan of the Giant Schnauzer is around 12-15 years. Therefore, the lifetime cost of owning a GS can range from $20,000 to $45,000.

Let's take a closer look at these costs.

How Much Does a Giant Schnauzer Puppy Cost?

The cost of a Giant Schnauzer puppy ranges from $1500 to $6000 depending on the breeder. dog breederregisteredThe GSCA or Giant Schnauzer Club of America often sells their own champion dogs and their puppies at a higher price.

You can always buy cheaper schnauzers at pet stores and on sites like Craigs' List. However, we do not recommend buying from such sources as often as the dogs are not from pure bloodlines. Also, they could be a product of backyard breeding or puppy mills. As a result, these dogs have many health or behavioral issues.

The best place to buy a purebred Giant Schnauzer is from a reputable breeder who has strong ethics behind their breeding programs. Most importantly, they care about the welfare of the breed.

Certain factors can affect the price of your GS puppy. These are:

Location

If you live far away from the breeder, you have to factor in the shipping costs. You would also need to buy special airlines.

breeder

As previously mentioned, breeders who follow the code of ethics established by the GSCA are likely to offer health guarantees to their puppies. Some even promise to take the dog back if it develops health problems within a year. These breeders can charge close to $5000 for their puppies.

If you don't want to spend that much on your GS puppy, you can consider adopting one. Adoption costs are around $400, which goes to the shelter to cover neutering/neutering and basic immunizations.

Here is a summary of the above:

Cost of basic care for giant schnauzers

Your pet doesn't need too much, but a few basic things can go a long way in making them feel more comfortable in your home. Here are some supplies to stock up on:

water/feed bowls

A Giant Schnauzer puppy will eat 3-4 meals a day while an adult will need two meals a day. Invest in sturdy ceramic or glass bowls. Make sure they don't tip over. Bowls cost about $20. You can also buy a mat for catching spilled food and messes for about $10.

toys

Some of the best toys for the giant are balls, squeaky toys, nylabones, rope toys, chew toys, and kong toys. These keep your intelligent dog busy and also give them a task. Toys also soothe irritated gums during the teething phase. Most dog toys range in price from $20 to $50.

care kit

Giant Schnauzers have a double coat with the top coat being wiry, hard and dense and a soft undercoat. You need to keep the coat trimmed and also hand peel it off from time to time. A basic dog grooming kit should include a comb, brush, towels, nail clippers, shampoo, toothbrush, and dog toothpaste. That costs around $50.

box and bed

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

Here is a table with these costs:

Dog training costs for giant schnauzers

Exercise is extremely important for your Giant Schnauzer, and it's also a fun way to bond with your pet. Good dog training can boost your pet's confidence and also give you the beloved canine you desire as a companion.

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

board and train

Puppies older than 12 weeks up to 5 months of age can be entered for the board and train option. These are 2 week sessions during which your Giant Schnauzer will step in with a trainer and become familiar with basic commands like come, sit, toe, etc. Trainers also teach your pup potty training and crate training. These 2 weeks are a great way to lay a solid foundation for your small pet. The cost of such training ranges from $500 to $1250 per week.

Privattraining

Basic private dog training packages include the basic commands like come, sit etc. plus general obedience training. Private training is a great option for dog owners who are willing to devote time to one-on-one training with a professional. Private training can help establish the ground rules for good communication and positive reinforcement for dogs. It's a great way to bond with your pet. Private training costs between $50 and $120 per session.

Dog school/group training

Your Giant Schnauzer may interact with dogs of the same age at puppy school. Places like PetSmart offer these sessions for $119 for 6 weeks, which is $20 per hour-long session.

Here is a table summarizing these training costs:

How much food does a Giant Schnauzer cost?

When you get your GS puppy from the breeder, feed him the same food he ate at the breeder. This prevents indigestion while your pet is already stressed and trying to adjust to their new environment.

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

The exact amount of food depends on your pet's activity level and age. Also, pregnant and older dogs require different amounts and types of food.

Take a look at your GS from time to time. You should be able to see a well defined waistline. His ribs should be felt but not seen. The breed tends to gain weight quickly. So keep your pet healthy by practicing portion control and avoiding free feeding. Your energetic Schnauzer also needs lots of exercise.

An adult Giant Schnauzer weighs between 60 and 80 pounds. Based on that, he needs about 30 pounds of dog food or kibble per month. You can also feed them wet/canned food or raw food.

Here's a table showing different foods based on type and approximate cost:

Dog food for giant schnauzers - cost comparison

The right food for your Giant Schnauzer will depend on their age, activity level, and overall health. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on the best food. You can feed your GS puppy high quality puppy food and later switch to adult food when your pet turns around 1 year old.

It is important to choose foods that meet the requirementsAAFCO Guidelines for Dogs. Most good quality commercial foods meet these requirements. It is important to also choose foods that contain meat as the first ingredient.

Avoid grains, fillers, and other unwanted ingredients like soy, corn, etc. These provide no real nutrition to your buddy and just give empty calories.

Some Giants are sensitive or allergic to certain ingredients, such as beef, wheat, dairy, egg, soy, chicken, or fish. If you suspect a food allergy, work with your veterinarian 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 chart of top dog food for giant schnauzers:

Medical Costs of Giant Schnauzers

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

Also, your pet will need several life-saving vaccinations during the first year. The breeder will have covered some of the early ones so make sure you get a record of that. You will need to show this to your vet so he can give you a schedule of remaining vaccinations and booster shots.

Most vet clinics charge between $40 and $120 for vaccinations, deworming, and flea tick prevention. Certain vaccines cost more. Depending on the area you live in, your pet will also need some non-core vaccines. These include vaccines such as leptospirosis, rattlesnake venom and Lyme disease vaccines.

Another major medical expense in your pet's first year is the cost of spaying and neutering. This is important if you do not intend to breed your pet. The cost of neutering is usually higher than the cost of neutering.

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

In addition to vaccinations, deworming, and flea and tick prevention, you can also expect the following costs if your pet needs special medical care:

Medical problems common in Giant Schnauzers

Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD)

Common signs of OCD in dogs include lameness, lameness that gets worse after exercise, and swelling. The cost of the treatment is about $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 a preventable condition. Good breeders will refrain from breeding affected Schnauzers - this is why you should only buy your pet from an ethical breeder.

PRA - Progressive Retinal Atrophy

The early sign of progressive retinal atrophy in dogs is night blindness. Daytime vision can also be affected over time. There is no treatment for the condition.

Von Willebrand disease

This is a blood clotting disorder that is common in Giant Schnauzers. It can cause bleeding from mucous membranes and excessive bleeding after minor cuts. There is no treatment, but affected dogs can be given medication to deal with it.

Bloating or gastric dilatation volvulus

Deep or large chested dogs like giant schnauzers often suffer from gastric dilatation volvulus. This fills the stomach with gases and acids. The cost of the operation ranges from $2000 to $5000.

Pet Insurance - Need One for Your Giant Schnauzer?

Vet bills are the biggest expense for dog owners. As seen above, medical bills can add up quickly, and even a routine exam can cost $50 depending on where you live. A full medical exam can cost $100. Neutering, or neutering itself, costs about $200 to $400.

Vaccines are cheap, but a heartworm test can cost as much as $300. Serious injury or illness can cost nearly $500. X-rays and anesthesia can be up to $500. Some canine surgeries can cost as much as $1000.

Animal insurance can cover these costs in whole or in part. However, pet insurance can cost $500 a year. Some of these plans cover almost all medical bills. Many offer the convenience of paying the vet direct, so you don't have to pay out of your pocket.

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

Here are some top pet insurance companies that operate in the US and have monthly (approximate) costs:

Additional costs of owning a Giant Schnauzer

In addition to food, medicine, training, and other big costs, there are other costs that dog owners need to consider. These include the following:

personal hygiene

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

travel and meals

You will 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, these costs can add up quickly. Look for local boarding houses for your dog. Most pet shelters charge around $50-$75 per night to accommodate large dogs. If you decide to hire a pet sitter, you can avail their services for $40 to $60 per day.

dog walk

If you're too busy to train your buddy, hire the services of a dog walker. Most hikers charge around $30 for a short 30-45 minute walk.

life 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 and $700 for a pet deposit when you sign the lease.

KEY FACTS – How Much Does a Giant Schnauzer Cost?

Many dog ​​owners underestimate the cost of getting a dog and only consider the purchase price. While this comes at a significant cost when raising your Giant Schnauzer, there are other costs to consider as well.

Here is a short summary:

initial costs

Your pup could cost anywhere from $1500 to $6000 depending on the breeder and the pup's bloodline. Based on this, the cost for the first year itself can range from $2500 to $8000 as it also includes the cost of vaccinations, training, spaying or neutering and basic care.

The recurring monthly costs

This includes expenses such as food and treats, walking the dog, pet insurance, etc. For most Giant Schnauzer owners, this can be close to $800 a month.

annual costs

The annual cost of owning a Giant Schnauzer can be almost $2500-$3600 mainly for food, flea and tick prevention, grooming, travel or meals etc.

The lifetime cost of owning a Giant Schnauzer

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

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