How Much Do Schnauzers Cost?

Last Updated on January 6, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

The Schnauzer breed is easily recognizable all over the world due to the small size of the dogs, but also the huge quadrupeds of the same breed, which are distinguished by long eyebrows and a slightly flowing beard.

Considered the perfect companion dog because of its calm temperament, the Schnauzer is a dog that falls into three categories in terms of size: Miniature Schnauzer, Standard Schnauzer, and Giant Schnauzer. All three of these dog breeds are separate, even though they appear to be very similar.

 How Much Do Schnauzers Cost?

The average cost of Miniature Schnauzers would be anywhere between $520 and $3,000, depending on the breeder, the place where you are living, the quality, the parent’s history, and the age. For instance, show/AKC breeds are going to cost around $2,100, especially if the parents are descendants of a purebred dog that is a recent champion.

Standard Schnauzers costs anywhere between $430 and $1,600, and females will be, in general, more expensive than males. Plan on spending anywhere between $80 and $420 for a dog older than two years old.

The cost of a Giant Schnauzer puppy, which can grow up to eighty pounds would be anywhere between $420 and $1,700. Show/AKC breeds may cost thousands of dollars, while older dogs can be bought for $80 to $320.

It would cost you much less if you chose to adopt a Schnauzer dog, usually as low as $55 to $270. For example, the North Carolina Schnauzer Rescue has an adoption price tag of $260 to $360.

What is going to be included in the adoption fee?

When purchasing a Schnauzer dog from a reputable breeder, it will come with a travel crate if it is going to be shipped, all health paperwork from a reputable breeder, up-to-date vaccinations, registration papers, and a health guarantee.

Most of the time, breeders will also include a simple starter kit with valuable coupons and dog food, a microchip, references to professionals in the community, a neutering/spay, and temporary pet insurance. Before signing the bill of sale for a puppy, make sure you know what is going to be included in your acquisition cost because all breeders are different.

Which are the additional expenses related to the breed?

Plan on spending anywhere between $210 and $550, depending on the distance, for the travel fees in case your pup has to be shipped via an airline.

You should budget more than $110 per month for recurring Schnauzer costs like surprise/routine vet visits, food, accessories, toys, and medicine. According to the North Carolina Schnauzer Rescue, these ongoing costs would be around $670 per year.

Most people who own a Schnauzer choose to hire a groomer every six to eight weeks for maintaining the distinctive “bearded” look of their dog. Depending on where you live, a grooming session would cost, on average, anywhere between $110 and $160.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Border Collies, Yorkie Poos, or Lhasa Apsos.

Grooming the Schnauzer is a bit more complicated than other breeds. This is because wiry, coarse hair not only requires regular brushing but should also be trimmed two to four times a year. For this, you can go to a dog salon or the vet.

Schnauzer overview

It is a dog breed originating from Germany, and of all three dog breeds, the Standard Schnauzer is considered the prototype of the breed, as it is the oldest specimen. The exact origins are unknown, but there are reports that the dogs developed in the kingdoms of Wurttemberg and Bavaria, especially since the standard Schnauzer was found everywhere in these kingdoms after 1490.

Before the year 1910, the dog breed was not known outside of Germany, but after the First World War, the dogs became known all over the world. The giant specimen has been used by the police for decades as a messenger, and today it is considered one of the best guard dogs or police dogs.

A specific breed trait for all Schnauzer dogs is the very rich facial hair. All dogs have thick beards, whiskers, and eyebrows, and this gives them a funny appearance. They have a long neck, no facial wrinkles, a strong chest, a straight back, and a slightly sloping back. The coat of Schnauzer dogs is double and rough with a slightly rough texture.

All Schnauzer dogs, regardless of their size, are brave, bold, and have strong personalities. They are very loving and quickly become attached to people, they are loyal and devoted to their master, they crave affection, and are very enthusiastic when they are noticed.

The average life expectancy is between 10 and 12 years.

Important things to consider

Giant Schnauzers have a domineering attitude, as do Standard Schnauzers, and can sometimes become aggressive if they are in a tense situation. Training should be done from an early age and every lesson should be firm and controlled. They should not be trained harshly or with punishments, because they do not react well at all in these situations.

Schnauzers shed very little hair and do not change their fur. Therefore, they are suitable for dog owners with a slight allergy to animal hair.

Giant Schnauzers can suffer from bladder infections and allergic dermatitis, as can standard-sized four-legged friends. Untreated males can also develop Sertori cell tumors. Other common health problems that pets of the breed can have include hip dysplasia, pancreatitis, gastric torsion, and hypothyroidism.

The recommended daily amount of food for Schnauzer dogs is 1/2 – 1 cup of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals.

Tips for saving money

Consider adopting a dog if you want to save some money. Check the local shelters in your area and see if they have any Schnauzer dogs available for adoption. It should not be that hard to find one because this breed is fairly common.