Are Giant Schnauzers Good Guard Dogs?


There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether or not a Giant Schnauzer is a good guard dog. It depends on the individual dog’s personality and temperament, and also on your own specific needs. That said, there are some general things to consider when deciding if a Giant Schnauzer is right for you as a guard dog. In this article, I will discuss those things and help you decide if this breed is right for guarding your property!

So, are Giant Schnauzers good guard dogs? The answer is maybe. It depends on your individual needs and circumstances. But if you are looking for a naturally protective breed that will make a great family pet, a Giant Schnauzer may be the perfect fit for you!

Choosing A Guard Dog

  • One of the most important things to consider when choosing a guard dog is whether or not the breed is naturally protective. Giant Schnauzers are bred as working dogs, and their history as watchdogs and cattle dogs means that they have a strong instinct to protect their people and property. This makes them excellent guard dogs, as they will instinctively bark at and chase away strangers who come onto your property. However, it is important to note that this instinct can also lead to aggression if not properly trained and socialized.
  • Another thing to consider is the size of the dog. Giant Schnauzers are, well, giant! They weigh anywhere from 60-90 pounds, making them one of the largest breeds. This size can be intimidating to strangers and can make them very effective guard dogs. However, it is important to remember that size does not always mean strength. Giant Schnauzers are not particularly strong, and they are not known for being aggressive. So, if you are looking for a breed that will physically intimidate intruders, this may not be the breed for you.
  • The last thing to consider is whether or not you want a guard dog that is also a family pet. Giant Schnauzers make great family pets – they are loyal, affectionate, and gentle with children. However, their protective instincts can sometimes be too much for families who are not used to dealing with a guarding dog. If you have small children or do not feel comfortable having a breed that is always on alert, a Giant Schnauzer may not be the right breed for you.

Giant Schnauzers

They were originally bred in Germany to be guard dogs on farms. They were used to protect property and livestock from intruders, and they did their job well. Giant Schnauzers are still used as guard dogs today, but they are also popular family pets.

The Root Of The Behavior

The Giant Schnauzer is a natural guard dog. The roots of this behavior can be found in their history. They were originally bred to be working on farms where they guarded the property and livestock against intruders. This instinct to protect and defend is still strong in Giant Schnauzers today.

While the Giant Schnauzer’s guarding instincts are natural, it’s important to remember that these dogs are not born “knowing” how to be a good guard dog. It’s up to their owners to provide proper training and socialization so that they can learn how to channel their guarding instincts positively.

Without proper training, a Giant Schnauzer may become a nuisance barker or even aggressive. But with the right training and socialization, they can make an excellent guard dog that will provide your family with protection and security.

What You Should Know

If you’re considering getting a Giant Schnauzer, or already have one, there are a few things you should know about their guarding instincts.

  1. First, it’s important to understand that these dogs are not born “knowing” how to be good guard dogs.
  2. Without proper training and socialization, they may become nuisance barkers or even aggressive. However, with the right training and socialization, Giant Schnauzers can make excellent guard dogs that will provide your family with protection and security.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when training and socializing your Giant Schnauzer:

  1. Start training and socialization early. The earlier you start, the better.
  2. Be consistent with your commands and expectations. Giants Schnauzers respond best to consistent leadership.
  3. Make sure to expose them to different people, places, and situations often. This will help them become more comfortable with new things and less likely to react out of fear or aggression.

What Makes A Good Guard Dog?

Several qualities make a good guard dog.

  • A good guard dog should be alert and attentive.
  • They should be able to bark loudly to warn of intruders and be fearless when it comes to protecting their family or property.

Giant Schnauzers have all of these qualities, which is why they make such good guard dogs.

If you’re looking for a loyal and protective breed, then a Giant Schnauzer might be the right one for you. Just be prepared to give them plenty of exercise, as they are a high-energy breed. Giant Schnauzers are also known to be very stubborn, so patience is key when training them. But if you’re up for the challenge, then a Giant Schnauzer could make a great addition to your family.

Do They Make Good Guard Dogs?

Most people would probably say yes to this question because of how big they are. They can weigh up to 90 pounds which makes them one of the largest breeds out there. Their size intimidates people and with their history as watchdogs and cattle dogs, they have a strong instinct to protect their people and property.

However, you can’t just go off of their size because they’re not particularly strong. They’re also not known for being aggressive which is something you might want to take into consideration if you’re looking for a breed that will physically intimidate intruders.

Not only that, but Giant Schnauzers make great family pets too! They’re loyal, affectionate, and gentle with children so you don’t have to worry about them around your kids. Their protective instincts can be a bit much for families who aren’t used to dealing with guarding dogs though, so if that’s something you’re not comfortable with then this might not be the breed for you.

Bottom Line

So, are Giant Schnauzers good guard dogs? At the end of the day, it depends on your individual needs and circumstances as to whether or not a Giant Schnauzer is the right fit for you. But if you’re looking for a naturally protective breed that will make a great family pet, then they might just be what you’re looking for. Thanks for reading.

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Deena

I'm Deena, a writer, communications professional, and unabashed Schnauzer fan. Our Miniature Schnauzer, Livi, helped me overcome a lifetime of doggie fear after being attacked by a large dog when I was 8 years old. After over a decade of being a pet parent, I celebrate the companionship power of man's best friend by offering straightforward, well-researched, first-hand information on all Schnauzer breeds. Happy Schnauzering!

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