Giant Schnauzer vs Newfoundland
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
Newfoundland
Working 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.
Newfoundland Overview
Majestic and powerful, Newfoundlands are gentle giants with thick black, brown, or white-and-black coats. Their massive heads, deep chest, and muscular build reflect their water rescue heritage. Standing up to 28 inches tall with males weighing up to 150 pounds, they possess webbed feet and a water-resistant double coat. Their calm, patient demeanor and soft expression embody their reputation as natural caregivers.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Giant Schnauzers are more energetic than Newfoundlands, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Giant Schnauzers require more grooming attention compared to Newfoundlands.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Giant Schnauzers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Newfoundlands.
- Trainability: Newfoundlands may be slightly easier to train due to their Newfoundland's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Newfoundlands 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 Newfoundland, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Giant Schnauzer | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 9-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Giant Schnauzer | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 60-70 cm | 26-28 inches 66-71 cm |
| Weight | 55-85 lbs 25-39 kg | 100-150 lbs 45-68 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Giant Schnauzer | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Alert, Trainable | Sweet, Patient, Devoted |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Giant Schnauzer | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Newfoundland Temperament
The Newfoundland is characterized by being sweet, patient, devoted, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Giant Schnauzer and Newfoundland, 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
Newfoundland
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 3/5
Newfoundland
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 5/5
Newfoundland
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 1/5
Newfoundland
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 5/5
Newfoundland
Rating: 3/5
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.
Newfoundland Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Newfoundlands need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Newfoundlands require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Giant Schnauzer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Thyroid Issues
- Cancer
Newfoundland Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Issues
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
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
Newfoundland
Pros
- Excellent with children
- Gentle and patient
- Strong swimming abilities
- Loyal and protective
- Good therapy dogs
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Excessive drooling
- Expensive to maintain
- Need lots of space
- Short lifespan
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Giant Schnauzer and Newfoundland, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.