While the Giant Schnauzer may have the word “giant” in its name, it’s not exactly a particularly large dog breed.
It is, however, the biggest of the three Schnauzer breeds; the other two being the Standard Schnauzer and the Miniature Schnauzer.
A highly-intelligent dog breed, the Giant Schnauzer is known for being a reliable working dog which has long been used for cattle, shepherding, and as a loyal companion. With enough care, this German dog breed can live up to 12 to 15 years.
Unfortunately, the Giant Schnauzer is not a good fit for first-time dog owners. Highly active, this dog breed is best suited in the outdoors and does not adapt well to the apartment life.
Initial Costs of Giant Schnauzer Ownership
These are the one-time costs you will spend when you get a dog of this breed and would include Giant Schnauzer price, shipping and transport, shelter, certification, and obedience training.
- Actual Price of the Dog
Giant Schnauzers are on the pricey side of dog breeds, with standard prices ranging from $1,000 to over $2,000. Show-quality puppies and dogs used for work could reach over $3,000 and figures beyond the standard price.
Dogs of this breed are known for the distinct shape of their ears, which are carefully shaped or “cropped” by breeders. However, you can also get Giant Schnauzers with natural ears which are usually less expensive than their ear-cropped counterparts.
- Shipping & Transport
Shipping can be quite costly especially with air travel which involves many processes each with a different fee. Pet travel coordination (consultations, planning, airline bookings, etc.) will cost you $350 to $375. The actual airfare could range from $300 to $950.
You can also have your pet transported from the airport to your home for an additional $295 to $550 including a handling fee of $75.
If the distance is not that much of a problem, you can just make the drive to get the Giant Schnauzer yourself.
- Shelter
It would be ideal to buy your Giant Schnauzer a dog house since it is more suited to the life outdoors. Doghouses can range from $50 to over $500 depending on the size and the materials used in making them.
Dog kennels are also ideal for whenever you wish to travel with your pet. They can cost as low as $19 to over $300. They are also a great place to put your dog for a timeout when it misbehaves.
- Certification
Buying from a reputable breeder usually gets you a dog that has a limited registration with the American Kennel Club. For a $20 fee, you can ask the breeder to revoke the limited status and register it for a full-membership for another $34.99.
You can also register your new dog with the Giant Schnauzer Club of America for only $85 (administration fee of $25 + $40 and $20 annual dues paid every six months).
By becoming a member of these recognized organizations, you also gain access to their vast resources and services.
- Obedience Training
Enrolling your dog in an obedience class is one of the most effective ways to help housebreak it. With this being said, obedience classes usually cost around $119 to $165 and $800 for private one-on-one classes.
Recurring Costs of Giant Schnauzer Ownership
These are the costs of maintaining a Giant Schnauzer which includes feeding expenses, grooming, regular veterinary care, and collars and leashes.
- Feeding Expenses
Since Giant Schnauzers can weigh 65 to 90 pounds, they need to eat around 3 to 5 cups of quality dog food per day which you can divide into two or three meals. Dog food prices can range from $15 to $60 per bag ranging from 6 to 30 lbs.
Subsequently, dog treats can cost around $2 to over $30 per pack. From time to time, you may also need to replace your dog’s food bowl. This typically costs around $2 to $45.
- Grooming
While Giant Schnauzers don’t shed a lot, you still need to treat them to a full professional grooming every few weeks which can cost around $65 to $85. This would include a full bath, haircut, teeth brushing, nail trimming, anal gland expression, and more.
- Regular Veterinary Visits
Visiting your dog’s vet once or twice a year is necessary to keep your dog healthy. A full wellness examination may include a physical exam ($33 to $55), vaccinations ($10 to $35), de-worming ($15 to $45), a heartworm test ($27 to $55), blood work ($85), and dental cleaning ($320).
There will also be uncontrollable emergency medical expenses which could reach up to $6,500 for advanced surgical costs. To avoid spending too much on hospital bills for your dog, get a pet health insurance which can cost around $25 to over $70 every month.
- Dog Collar, Leash & Toys
Due to constant wear-and-tear, you may have to replace your dog’s toys, collar, and leash from time to time. Dog collars can range from below $5 to over $100 for the electronic variety.
Leashes, on the other hand, can cost around $10 to over $30 while dog toys could be priced as low as $2 to over $15.
Where to Buy Giant Schnauzers
The best place to buy a Giant Schnauzer is through reputable breeders such as Skansen Kennel and Classic Giant Schnauzers as you are positive to receive a great quality pet with little to no health problems.
You can also use the AKC Marketplace to search for reputable breeders and dogs.
If you feel like you can’t afford the price of Giant Schnauzer from reputable breeders, your next best option would be to adopt from a recognized shelter rather than buy a cheap dog from puppy mills or pet stores.
