Giant Schnauzer vs Belgian Tervuren
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Giant Schnauzer
Working Group
Belgian Tervuren
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Giant Schnauzer Overview
Giant Schnauzers are powerful, muscular dogs with distinctive bearded faces and a robust, square-built frame. Their dense, harsh double coat comes in solid black or pepper-and-salt. Standing proudly with an aristocratic bearing, these dogs showcase a blend of strength and agility in their movement. Their alert expression and confident stance reflect their heritage as capable working dogs.
Belgian Tervuren Overview
Belgian Tervuren dogs showcase elegant proportions with a proud carriage and alert expression. Their distinctive long, straight double coat features rich fawn to russet mahogany coloring with black overlay. Square-built and muscular, they possess a refined yet powerful frame, complemented by their characteristic black mask and erect triangular ears.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Giant Schnauzers are more energetic than Belgian Tervurens, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Giant Schnauzers require more grooming attention compared to Belgian Tervurens.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Giant Schnauzers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Belgian Tervurens.
- Trainability: Belgian Tervurens may be slightly easier to train due to their Belgian Tervuren's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Belgian Tervurens adapt better to apartment living, while Giant Schnauzers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Giant Schnauzer and Belgian Tervuren, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Giant Schnauzer | Belgian Tervuren |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Giant Schnauzer | Belgian Tervuren |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 60-70 cm | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm |
| Weight | 55-85 lbs 25-39 kg | 45-75 lbs 20-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Giant Schnauzer | Belgian Tervuren |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Alert, Trainable | Courageous, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Giant Schnauzer | Belgian Tervuren |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Giant Schnauzer Temperament
The Giant Schnauzer is known for being loyal, alert, trainable, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Belgian Tervuren Temperament
The Belgian Tervuren is characterized by being courageous, alert, intelligent, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Giant Schnauzer and Belgian Tervuren, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 5/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 1/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 5/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Giant Schnauzer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Giant Schnauzers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Giant Schnauzers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Belgian Tervuren Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Belgian Tervurens need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Belgian Tervurens require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Giant Schnauzer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Thyroid Issues
- Cancer
Belgian Tervuren Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Thyroid Issues
Pros & Cons
Giant Schnauzer
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent guard dog
- Loyal to family
- Good with children
- Trainable
- Athletic
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Strong-willed
- Needs lots of exercise
- Can be stubborn
- May be aggressive with other dogs
Belgian Tervuren
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent working dog
- Loyal and protective
- Athletic and agile
- Good with family
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Intensive grooming required
- Can be aloof with strangers
- Strong herding instinct
- Requires experienced owner
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Giant Schnauzer and Belgian Tervuren, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.