The decision to include a Schnauzer in your life often revolves around this question: “Are Schnauzers Good Family Pets?” There is a lot to take into consideration, especially if you have children and other pets. You’ll also need to know how much room and exercise a Schnauzer will need, whether or not they are truly hypoallergenic, if they are affectionate dogs, and much more. This article answers the top questions you probably have.
Are Schnauzers good family pets? All Schnauzer breeds are generally excellent family pets. They were bred to be with humans and they thrive within family relationships. Schnauzers are hypoallergenic, affectionate, intelligent, and loyal dogs. One primary consideration will be which size is right for your family. Depending on the breed you choose, Schnauzers can range from 8 pounds to 100 pounds.
While all Schnauzer breeds are generally great family dogs, there is a lot to take into consideration….including slight differences in temperament and wide ranges of size and weight.
We’ll dive into each Schnauzer breed on their own merits and cover the top questions you might have.
We’ll cover Miniature Schnauzers, Standard Schnauzers, and Giant Schnauzers in that order. If you are only considering a specific breed or size of Schnauzer, feel free to skip to that breed.
If you want access to additional overviews of each individual breed, you may want to visit our Start Here page.
You may also want to read Are Schnauzers Affectionate and Do Schnauzers Get Along with Other Dogs (and With Cats), What are the Best Sports for Schnauzers, and Are Schnauzers Smart (How to Tell and 5 At-Home Tests), Are Schnauzers Hypoallergenic, Why Do Schnauzers Bark and Bite (And How to Stop It), and How Much Do Schnauzers Cost?
Let’s get started!
“Schnauzers were bred to be with humans and they thrive within family relationships.”
THE SCHNAUZER COLLECTIVE
Are Miniature Schnauzers Good Family Dogs?
- Height: 10-24 inches
- Weight: 10-20 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-16 years
- Food: 3/4 – 1 cup each day, spread over two meals
- Intelligence: Ranked in the top 12 of 140 dogs
- Popularity: Ranked 18th out of 190 dogs
Miniature Schnauzers have been around since the late 19th century and are the smallest, most modern Schnauzer breed. They were first bred in Germany to ward off mice, rats and other smaller animals that could harm farm animals or crops. Miniature Schnauzers are crossbreeds of Standard Schnauzers, Poodles and Affenpinschers. The term “Schnauzer” is German for “small beard.”
The Miniature Schnauzer was officially recognized as a separate breed of Schnauzers by the American Kennel Club in 1933. They have been one of the 20 most popular dog breeds in the United States for over eighty years.
For a comprehensive information on Miniature Schnauzers, read my Ultimate Guide to Miniature Schnauzers.
Temperament
Miniature Schnauzers are friendly, fun-loving companions. They are very spunky, playful, and love constant attention. They enjoy regular activity and moderate exercise, both of which are good outlets for their energy. As highly intelligent dogs, they may be somewhat stubborn but are also loving, loyal friends.
Size
As the smallest Schnauzer breed, their size makes them manageable as a family pet. They are generally large enough to play with kids and other family members without being overwhelming.
However, if you purchase a “teacup” size (which is still considered to be a Miniature), she may only weigh 8 pounds and could be injured with playful roughhousing.
In all cases, you should always supervise your Schnauzer around your own children as well as any children who visit your home.
Good with Kids?
Miniature Schnauzers are generally friendly with children of all ages. They may sometimes be a little wary of strangers or new people, but they should eventually warm up to everyone over time. The high-pitched voices of loud or young children can be difficult on their highly sensitive ears, but if they are brought into a family as puppies they generally adapt and thrive.
As with all dogs, there is some risk of jumping, biting, accidental scratching, etc. and children should always be supervised. In addition, children need to be trained to handle dogs as much as dogs need to be trained.
Good with other Pets?
If trained and socialized early, Miniature Schnauzers can do quite well with other dogs and even cats. However, they can also be territorial if they are not socialized to other animals and pets early. In addition, Miniatures were bred to hunt small rodents and the instinct can still come into play. It is necessary to monitor a Miniature Schnauzer’s reaction to small pets and possibly simply keep them apart. It’s never advisable to leave a Miniature Schnauzer alone with a very small, rodent-like pet.
Playful and Need Exercise?
Miniature Schnauzers are energetic, playful dogs and need a moderate amount of exercise. The need at least a full 30 minutes of moderately vigorous exercise, such as a long walk, each day. Running at dog parks or other safe off-lease situations is also a great option. Miniature Schnauzers also love dog sports and tend to excel at many of them. Agility sets are a nice addition to any exercise routine.
As intelligent dogs, Miniature Schnauzers also need mental stimulation and attention. Consider treat puzzles, toys, and snuffle mats.
Trainable?
Miniature Schnauzers can be trained. They are a very intelligent breed that does well with mental stimulation. They can be somewhat stubborn and you will need assert your authority, but they are also eager to please and quick to learn. Being consistent with your commands and training regimen will make it easier to train your Miniature Schnauzer. Obedience training near you, or our recommended training resources are a great place to start.
You should start training your Miniature Schnauzer as soon as possible. They respond favorably to positive reinforcement. Maintain a calm, rational demeanor while training them. You should also make sure that they have a nice variety of activities to perform so that they don’t get bored quickly.
Miniature Schnauzers usually have short attention spans, so it’s best to have short training sessions. You may want to schedule several different activities for them to perform every week, and rotate the activities every day or two. Miniature Schnauzers are often eager to learn, so you can keep training them as long as you have enough things to do that will occupy their time.
Hard to Manage?
Miniature Schnauzers are not necessarily hard to manage, but you may find that they display many of the common terrier breed traits. Digging in your lawn or garden, chasing other animals, and being suspicious of unfamiliar people or pets are just some behaviors to watch for.
Miniature Schnauzers also tend to bark at anything around them. You’ll probably never be able to train a Miniature Schnauzer to stop barking completely. However, you can teach commands to reduce the length of time that they bark.
Schnauzers with early socialization and training, along with consistent exercise, makes them quite manageable.
When it comes to chewing issues, heavy-duty chew toys and spray deterrents can redirect and manage the behavior.
Hypoallergenic?
Miniature Schnauzers are hypoallergenic, so you don’t generally need to worry about exposing them to people with pet allergies. Their coat and beard need consistent maintenance, however, and daily brushing is best. Because they don’t shed any more than humans do, their coats need attention so they don’t become matted.
Are Standard Schnauzers Good Family Dogs?
- Height: 17-20 inches
- Weight: 35-45 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-16 years
- Food: 1-2 cups each day, spread over two meals
- Intelligence: Ranked in the top 22 of 140 dogs
- Popularity: Ranked 90th out of 190 dogs
Standard Schnauzers are the original and oldest Schnauzer breed, having been around for over three centuries. They were first bred in Germany to serve as watchdogs and hunting dogs. They also make fine pets.
For a comprehensive information on Standard Schnauzers, read my Ultimate Guide to Standard Schnauzers.
Temperament
Standard Schnauzers are generally excellent family pets. They are naturally protective of their human families and crave human interaction. Because they are an intelligent breed, they can be a little bossy and stubborn, but early training and socialization will help.
Good with Kids?
Some Standard Schnauzers might be overwhelming to small kids simply because of their medium size. However, they are not overly aggressive dogs and do not deliberately hurt people unless threatened. You will always want to supervise a Standard Schnauzer when it is with very small children, just to be safe.
However, because they need a lot of physical exercise, play, and mental stimulation, they are perfect for older kids who can take on the responsibility of walking them, playing with them, and teaching them new skills and sports.
Good with other Pets?
Standard Schnauzers may initially be more aggressive towards other dogs. You can minimize this kind of behavior by being proactive and introducing your Standard Schnauzer to other people and animals. The more familiar they are with humans and other pets, the friendlier they will usually be.
In addition, Standard Schnauzers were bred for many things, including hunting small rodents. As a result, they need to be introduced to small pets deliberately and carefully. To be safe, you should never leave a Standard Schnauzer alone within close proximity of a very small pet.
Trainable?
Standard Schnauzers are very intelligent, like to be in charge, and can get into trouble if you’re not careful. However, they can be easily trained and learn very quickly. Start your training regimen as soon as you bring your Standard Schnauzer home and consider enrolling in an obedience training. Obedience training near you, or our recommended training resources are a great place to start.
Standard Schnauzers respond best to consistent training. They get bored quickly, so feel free to mix activities up a bit from time to time. Don’t be surprised if your Schnauzer puts their own spin or flair on some of the exercises or activities. With enough training, a Standard Schnauzer can become search and rescue, explosive detection, and therapy animals. They also excel at herding other animals.
Playful and Need Exercise?
Standard Schnauzers are playful, high-energy dogs who need at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise each day. Exercise can be broken up into 2-3 separate walks or hikes.
Running at dog parks or other safe off-lease situations is also a great option. Standard Schnauzers also love dog sports and tend to excel at many of them. Agility sets are an excellent addition to any exercise routine.
As intelligent dogs, Standard Schnauzers also need mental stimulation and attention. Consider treat puzzles, toys, and snuffle mats.
Hard to Manage?
Standard Schnauzers are not necessarily hard to manage, but they are highly intelligent, instinctive guardians. They need to have regular interaction with people and other animals so that they learn who is and who isn’t a threat. After enough time and repeated contact, they will know who they can and can’t trust.
Schnauzers with early socialization and training, along with consistent exercise, are quite manageable. However, you will need to assert yourself as the leader right from the beginning. Because of their intelligence and breeding, Standard Schnauzers will naturally want to be the leader.
When it comes to chewing problems, heavy-duty chew toys and spray deterrents can redirect and manage the behavior.
Hypoallergenic?
You don’t need to worry about excess hair or pet dander. Standard Schnauzers are a hypoallergenic breed. However, because they don’t naturally shed much, their coat should be combed and brushed each day to eliminate tangled or matted fur. Their beards should also be cleaned after meals, and brushed each day, to remove any food or liquids.
Are Giant Schnauzers Good Family Dogs?
- Height: 23-28 inches
- Weight: 65-110 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Food: 4-5 cups each day, spread over two or more small meals
- Intelligence: Ranked in the top 35 of 140 dogs
- Popularity: Ranked 80th out of 190 dogs
The Giant Schnauzers are the largest Schnauzer breed, and their roots date back to the German region of Bavaria in the 17th century. They are believed to have been the result of breeding Standard Schnauzers with larger dogs such as Bouvier de Flandres, German Pinschers and Great Danes.
Giant Schnauzers first served as guard dogs for farmers, factories, stockyards and other industries. They were used by the German army during the first two World Ward. Giant Schnauzers eventually made their way to the United States in the 1930s, where they increased in popularity over time.
For a comprehensive information on Giant Schnauzers, read my Ultimate Guide to Giant Schnauzers.
Temperament
Giant Schnauzers are very protective. They are naturally suspicious of strangers and require proper socialization and training to improve their behavior towards other animals and humans. Once they are familiar with others, they become gentle guardians.
They can also be somewhat territorial, and their sheer size makes them seem threatening, but Giant Schnauzers were not bred to be aggressive or dangerous.
Size
The Giant Schnauzer’s signature long muzzled beard, and dense, bushy coat are their best-known features, but their sheer size is what really makes them stand out. These dogs are enormous. Adults usually weigh anywhere between 70 to 100 pounds (some males can even reach 110 pounds!) and are usually about 24 to 27 inches tall.
Their sheer size is the primary thing that may make them questionable for some families.
Good with Kids?
Technically, Giant Schnauzers are good with kids and can be protective, fun, and loyal friends. Keep in mind that they are extremely large dogs, though, and might be overwhelming to small kids simply by virtue of their towering size.
They are not overly aggressive dogs and do not deliberately hurt people unless threatened. However, you will always want to supervise a Giant Schnauzer when it is with small children, just to be safe.
Because Giant Schnauzers need a lot of physical exercise, play, and mental stimulation, they are perfect for older kids who can take on the responsibility of walking them, playing with them, and teaching them new skills and sports.
Good with other Pets?
If trained and socialized early, Giant Schnauzers can do fairly well with other dogs and even cats. However, their guard dog instinct and size must be taken into consideration. Giant Schnauzers can be quite territorial if they are not socialized to other animals and pets early, and their large stature and strength make them potentially dangerous to small pets.
Trainable?
The breed can be trained, but it may take a little extra work. They definitely need early and firm obedience and respect training. As large, intelligent dogs, they will assert themselves as the leader if you don’t assert your role first.
Giant Schnauzers are very smart, so they usually take to training very well. Just make sure that you have enough varied activities planned to keep them occupied. Without such activities, the breed can become bored or agitated. They can even be very destructive at times if they are not kept busy.
Playful and Need Exercise?
Giant Schnauzers can be very playful, fun, and even humorous. They require at least two long walks per day for a total of at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise. Without proper exercise and mental stimulation, Giant Schnauzers can become very destructive and difficult to handle.
Hard to Manage?
Giant Schnauzers need early training, socialization, and enough room to roam. Their sheer size can make them unmanageable if their behavior is not trained or if they do not get enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Agility sets are an excellent addition to any exercise routine and help to can keep a Giant Schnauzer’s mental and physical energy manageable.
Treat puzzles, toys, and snuffle mats can provide some indoor activity.
If chewing problem develop, heavy-duty chew toys and spray deterrents can redirect and manage the behavior.
Hypoallergenic?
Giant Schnauzers are hypoallergenic. Their thick double coat does not shed any more than a human being sheds hair. This means that you need to maintain their coat and bear with daily brushing, weekly baths, and regular haircuts. You should take special care to trim the hair around their eyes and beards. In addition, take time to remove any food or water that may cling from their beard after meals.
“All in all, each Schnauzer breed is well-suited for family life and can be trained to become one of your best friends.”
THE SCHNAUZER COLLECTIVE
All in all, each Schnauzer breed is well-suited for family life and can be trained to become one of your best friends.
Although specifics will vary based on a Schnauzer’s specific parentage, each Schnauzer breed has a temperament and intelligence that makes for an excellent family pet.
A primary consideration will be the size you choose since the breeds vary wildly and have differing space and exercise needs.
Schnauzers are often thought of as an ideal family dog.
And finally, from one pet parent to another, discover my all-time favorite resources designed to cover your every Schnauzer need. I’ve done the legwork for you so you can spend more time with the people and fur friends in your life.
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