How long does a German Shepherd Schnauzer Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 10–12 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Schnauzer (12–15 years).

Is a German Shepherd Schnauzer Mix easy to train?

Trainability is very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

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German Shepherd Schnauzer Mix

A German Shepherd Schnauzer mix is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Schnauzer. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 30–55 lb and live 10–12 years.

German Shepherd, a purebred dog — German ShepherdPhoto: Erick Drumss Hernández, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Schnauzer, a purebred dog — SchnauzerPhoto: Zorik07, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight30–55 lbcan be 11–90 lb

Height17–20 inat the shoulder

Lifespan10–12 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a German Shepherd Schnauzer Mix get?

German Shepherd50–90 lb

The mix30–55 lb

Schnauzer11–20 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most German Shepherd Schnauzer Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 17–20 inches at the shoulder, against 22–26 in for the German Shepherd and 12–14 in for the Schnauzer. The parents differ a lot in size, so litters vary more than usual. Breeders normally use the larger breed as the mother to keep whelping safe.

Figures are for the Miniature Schnauzer, the size most mixes come from.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Very low to high

Schnauzer has a low-shedding coat, so some puppies shed little. It is not guaranteed: coat type varies even within one litter, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic.

Energy

Moderate

Daily walks and some play are enough for most of these dogs.

Trainability

Very high

The German Shepherd rates very high and the Schnauzer very high; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low to very high

Brush a couple of times a week.

Temperament

The German Shepherd is usually described as confident, courageous, smart. The Schnauzer as friendly, smart, obedient. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

German Shepherd vs Schnauzer vs the mix

Trait	German Shepherd	German Shepherd Schnauzer Mix	Schnauzer
Weight	50–90 lb	30–55 lb	11–20 lb
Height	22–26 in	17–20 in	12–14 in
Lifespan	7–10 yr	10–12 yr	12–15 yr
Shedding	high	very low to high	very low
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Herding	mixed	Terrier

Questions about the German Shepherd Schnauzer Mix

How big does a German Shepherd Schnauzer Mix get?: Most grow to 30–55 pounds and 17–20 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 11–90 pounds.
How long does a German Shepherd Schnauzer Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 10–12 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Schnauzer (12–15 years).
Does a German Shepherd Schnauzer Mix shed?: Shedding is very low to high. Schnauzer has a low-shedding coat, so some puppies shed little. It is not guaranteed: coat type varies even within one litter, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
Is a German Shepherd Schnauzer Mix easy to train?: Trainability is very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other German Shepherd mixes

Other Schnauzer mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.