Schnauzers: A Collection

Best Shampoo for Giant Schnauzer Review

How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Giant Schnauzer

Due to the uniqueness of Giant Schnauzer coat special products – harsh hair dog shampoos – should be used during water procedures. And finding the best shampoo for Giant Schnauzer if a key issue. Under no circumstances wash your pet with shampoo, shower gels or soap designed for humans. Skin and hair cover of people and animals are different, as well of pH level. In order to avoid unpleasant consequences in the form of inflammatory processes, this rule should not be ignored.

Giant Schnauzer has double coat with wired and coarse outer coat and rather soft undercoat. You shouldn’t use any shampoo softening the coat. There are shampoos specially formulated to keep the rough texture of the coat, cleaning and refreshing at the same time. This is exactly what Schnauzers need. Soft and smooth hair is considered to be a fault according to Giant Schnauzer breed standards.

Best Choice
Nature's Specialties
Author’s Choice
Nature's Specialties Almond Crisp Pet Shampoo texturizes and volumizes the coarse pet coat, cleans it and shines keeping top coat structure, as needed for Schnauzers. Highly recommended!
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Best Shampoo for Giant Schnauzer – Overview & Rating

Types of Shampoo for Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzer has short wired haircut along the body, and on the muzzle and over the eyes the coat lengthens to form the beard and eyebrows; the hair on the legs is also longer than that on the body. Each length requires corresponding care. Giant Schnauzer may be either Black or Pepper and Salt (combination of black and white hairs). Every color needs special treatment. And let’s not forget about after-hand-stripping treatment if irritation or bumps appear. A number of special grooming products for such hair type are a must in the arsenal of Giant Schnauzer pet parents. Let’s make a close look at them.

Regular Care

Special (After-Hand-Stripping) Care

Top Rated Shampoos, Conditioners and Sprays for Giant Schnauzer Grooming

Best Shampoo for Coarse Hair

Nature's Specialties Almond Crisp Pet Shampoo
  • Features: Texturizes and Volumizes the coat, cleans and shines without making it soft, as needed for Schnauzers
  • Benefits: Concentrate (32:1), Non-Toxic, Biodegradable Blend with Herbal Oils, Essential Oils, Texturizing Agent, Aloe Vera and Panthenol. Enriched with Vitamins A, D, and E
  • Scent: Long-Lasting Fresh Fragrance

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Best for Facial Wash

Nature's Specialties Plum-Crazy Foaming Facial Wash for Pets
  • Features: Tearless facial wash for in-between grooming and travel
  • Benefits: Non-Toxic, Biodegradable, Gentle Cleansing Base with Aloe Vera, Optical Brighteners, Detangler, Panthenol, and Vitamins A, D, and E. pH Balanced
  • Scent: Plum Fragrance

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Best Conditioner for Coarse Hair

Chris Christensen Spectrum One Coarse and Rough Coat Conditioner
  • Features: Hydrates UnderCoat without Making Top Coat Soft. Locks Moisture in Cuticle. Maintains Crisp Wire Texture and Strong Hair
  • Benefits: Infused with apple cider vinegar
  • Scent: Long-Lasting Fresh Fragrance

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Best Black Enhancer Shampoo

Bio-Groom Ultra Black Color Enhancer Pet Shampoo
  • Features: Intensifies black coats by means of pearlescent brighteners. Gives a coat rich and sparkling shining. Controlls matting, tangling
  • Benefits: Concentrate (4:1), Contains coconut oil base. Enriched with protein. Neutral pH. Free of Parabens and Dyes. Biodegradable. Made in USA
  • Scent: Floral Fresh Fragrance

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Best White Enhancer Shampoo

John Paul Pet Super Bright Shampoo for Dogs
  • Features: Special formula to whiten and brighten white or light-colored coat. Gives a coat rich and sparkling shining. Controlls matting, tangling
  • Benefits: Concentrate. Contains aloe, chamo­mile, and oatmeal moisturize, with neutral pH. Cruelty Free. Made in USA
  • Scent: Almond Fragrance

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Best DeTangling Spray

John Paul Pet Lavender Mint Detangling Spray
  • Features: Special botanical formula to soothen, hydrate and to release tangles
  • Benefits: Concentrate. Contains 13 conditioning agents including Oatmeal, Chamomile, sweet Almond Oil, and Panthenol With neutral pH. Cruelty Free. Made in USA
  • Scent: Lavender Mint

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Best Medicated Shampoo for Irritated Skin

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic and Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo for Dogs
  • Features: Treats, Hydrates and Heals Multiple Skin Disoders: Dermatitis, Mange, Seborrhea, Parasitic and Bacterial Infections
  • Benefits: Fast Acting and Effective, Vet Recommended. Paraben, Soap and Dye-free
  • Scent: No Fragrance

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Best Medicated Spray for Irritated Skin

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Spray for Dogs
  • Features: Treats, Hydrates and Heals Multiple Skin Disoders: Dermatitis, Mange, Seborrhea, Parasitic and Bacterial Infections
  • Benefits: Fast Acting and Effective, Vet Recommended. Paraben, Soap and Dye-free
  • Scent: No Fragrance

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Best Dog Shampoo for Harsh and Coarse Coat

As already mentioned Giant Schnauzer has coarse coat. And it is a breed fault to make it soft or smooth. It is better to use shampoos for coarse hair and to keep such type of coat properly textured and hydrated at the same time. Here is a list of the top rated among them.

Best Shampoo for Coarse Hair

Nature's Specialties Almond Crisp Pet Shampoo
  • Features: Texturizes and Volumizes the coat, cleans and shines without making it soft, as needed for Schnauzers
  • Benefits: Concentrate (32:1), Non-Toxic, Biodegradable Blend with Herbal Oils, Essential Oils, Texturizing Agent, Aloe Vera and Panthenol. Enriched with Vitamins A, D, and E
  • Scent: Long-Lasting Fresh Fragrance

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People's Choice

Bio-Groom Wiry Coat Shampoo
  • Features: Texturizes and Volumizes the coat, cleans and shines without making it soft, as needed for Schnauzers
  • Benefits: Formula adds the desired coarseness needed for perfection, neutral pH. Made in USA
  • Scent: Fresh Fragrance

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Premium Choice

Chris Christensen Spectrum One Shampoo, for Coarse & Rough Coated Breeds
  • Features: Hydrates UnderCoat without Making Top Coat Soft. Locks Moisture in Cuticle. Maintains Crisp Wire Texture and Strong Hair
  • Benefits: Infused with customized complexes to create the results
  • Scent: Fresh Fragrance

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Best Black Color Enhancement Dog Shampoos

Black Giant Schnauzer has solid black rich color. However, age or continued influence of the sun may cause a certain amount of fading and burning to this beautiful color, or even reddish shade. Black color enhancement dog shampoos are created to fix this. You can use them on a regular basis or just when it becomes really needed.

Author's Choice

Bio-Groom Ultra Black Color Enhancer Pet Shampoo
  • Features: Intensifies black coats by means of pearlescent brighteners. Gives a coat rich and sparkling shining. Controlls matting, tangling
  • Benefits: Concentrate (4:1), Contains coconut oil base. Enriched with protein. Neutral pH. Free of Parabens and Dyes. Biodegradable. Made in USA
  • Scent: Floral Fresh Fragrance

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People's Choice

Perfect Coat Black Pearl Dog Shampoo
  • Features: Intensifies black coats by means of pearlescent brighteners. Special cleansing agent reflects light for brilliant shine for dark coats
  • Benefits: Aloe Vera and additional moisturizersMade in USA
  • Scent: Boysenberry Fragrance

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Premium Choice

Chris Christensen Black on Black Shampoo
  • Features: Black Revitalizing treatment, keeps red out of coat. Restores the intense black color of coats exposed to the bleaching effects of the sun. Neutralizes unwanted stains that cleansing does not remove
  • Benefits: Lasts up to 4 weeks. Semi-permanent color that will not rub off on hands or clothing. No dyes. Made in USA
  • Scent: Light Fresh Fragrance

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Best White Color Enhancement Dog Shampoos

Most of Giant Schnauzers are Pepper and Salt. White hairs prevail in the combination of white and black hairs, especially on legs, stomach and beard. Due to dirt and environment influences these white hairs may loose their bright whiteness and get yellowish. If this has happened to your pup, use one of the top rated white color enhancement shampoos. They will not harm black color.

Author's Choice

John Paul Pet Super Bright Shampoo for Dogs
  • Features: Special formula to whiten and brighten white or light-colored coat. Gives a coat rich and sparkling shining. Controlls matting, tangling
  • Benefits: Concentrate. Contains aloe, chamo­mile, and oatmeal moisturize, with neutral pH. Cruelty Free. Made in USA
  • Scent: Almond Fragrance

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People's Choice

Wahl White Pear Brightening Shampoo for Pets
  • Features: Cleans & Whitens Dirty, Dull Fur From Short to Long Coats. Helps Brighten Whites & Enhances Colors
  • Benefits: Lasts up to 4 weeks and will not rub off on hands or clothing. Contains NO bleaching agents, harsh chemicals or softening agents. Made in USA
  • Scent: White Pear

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Premium Choice

Chris Christensen White on White Shampoo
  • Features: White Revitalizing treatment, keeps yellow out of coat. Restores the intense white color of coats. Neutralizes unwanted stains that cleansing does not remove.
  • Benefits: Can be used on all coat colors - Removes all yellow stains with a lustrous sheen on darker colors!! Lasts up to 4 weeks and will not rub off on hands or clothing. Contains NO bleaching agents, harsh chemicals or softening agents. Made in USA
  • Scent: Light Fresh Fragrance

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Best DeTangling Conditioners and Sprays

To brush your dog, you will need to have a number of Schnauzer grooming tools. Schnauzers are best treated with a massage bristle brush that penetrates deep into the undercoat. This process is quite time consuming, as the tangled areas of the bottom layer of the coat will have to be thoroughly worked through. Detangling conditioners and sprays become really helpful when combing a Schnauzer.

Author's Choice

John Paul Pet Lavender Mint Detangling Spray
  • Features: Special botanical formula to soothen, hydrate and to release tangles
  • Benefits: Concentrate. Contains 13 conditioning agents including Oatmeal, Chamomile, sweet Almond Oil, and Panthenol With neutral pH. Cruelty Free. Made in USA
  • Scent: Lavender Mint

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People's Choice

BioSilk Therapy Detangling and Shine Spray
  • Features: Helps to detangle fur and loosen knots, minimuzes stress of dog brushing by reducing pulling of matted areas. Makes dog's coat silky, easy to brush, smooth, and shining
  • Benefits: Contains Silk Protein, Soy Protein, Oat Extract, Papaya Leaf Extract, Jojoba Oil, Aloe Vera Panthenol. Paraben, Sulfate, Silicon and Gluten Free. Made in USA
  • Scent: Light Fresh Fragrance

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Premium Choice

Lillian Ruff - Pet Dog Leave in Conditioner & Detangler
  • Features: Leave-in conditioner and detangler spray created to make it easy to remove knots and tangles and to make brushing smooth
  • Benefits: Contains powerful ingredients and does not contain any harmful chemicals. Tear free, aerosol free, gluten free, dye free, paraben free, vegan, sulfate free, alcohol free. Made in USA
  • Scent: Light Fresh Fragrance

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Best Medicated Dog Shampoos for Irritated Skin (For After-Hand-Stripping Care)

Special medicated shampoos eliminate irritation and itching of the skin which may occur after hand stripping Schnauzer.  Many Giant Schnauzers have small sores on their skin after hand stripping, and if dirt gets in, skin can get irritated and bacteria can multiply, leading to itching, bumps, etc.

Author's Choice

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic and Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo for Dogs
  • Features: Treats, Hydrates and Heals Multiple Skin Disoders: Dermatitis, Mange, Seborrhea, Parasitic and Bacterial Infections
  • Benefits: Fast Acting and Effective, Vet Recommended. Paraden, Soap and Dye-free
  • Scent: No Fragrance

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People's Choice

Davis Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Dog Shampoo
  • Features: Deep-cleansing shampoo with 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide to alleviate conditions associated with seborrhea dermatitis. Good degreaser and moisturizer for problem coats
  • Benefits: May be used daily or as directed by a veterinarian, If irritation develops. Vet Recommended
  • Scent: No Fragrance

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Premium Choice

BEXLEY LABS Curaseb Antifungal & Antibacterial Chlorhexidine Shampoo
  • Features: Antifungal, Antibacterial and Anti-Yeast Chlorhexidine Shampoo. Treats a Broad Spectrum of Skin Related Problems. Eliminates Odor Caused by Bacteria and Fungus
  • Benefits:Vet Recommended. Paraden and Soap Free. Made in USA
  • Scent: Refreshing Cucumber Melon

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Best Medicated Dog Sprays for Irritated Skin (For After-Hand-Stripping Care)

Sprays are even better than shampoos sometimes, as you can use them directly on the irritated parts of the dog’s body and do not have to wash your pet in order to promote healthy skin.

Author's Choice

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Spray for Dogs
  • Features: Treats, Hydrates and Heals Multiple Skin Disoders: Dermatitis, Mange, Seborrhea, Parasitic and Bacterial Infections
  • Benefits: Fast Acting and Effective, Vet Recommended. Paraben, Soap and Dye-free
  • Scent: No Fragrance

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People's Choice

Pet MD - Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Spray for Dogs
  • Features: Antifungal, Antibacterial and Anti-Yeast Antiseptic Topical Spray. Treats a Broad Spectrum of Skin Related Problems. Eliminates Odor Caused by Bacteria and Fungus
  • Benefits: Vet Recommended. No Corticosteriods. Paraden Free. Made in USA
  • Scent: Refreshing fragrance

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Premium Choice

BEXLEY LABS Curaseb Antifungal & Antibacterial Chlorhexidine Spray
  • Features: Antifungal, Antibacterial and Anti-Yeast Antiseptic Topical Spray. Treats a Broad Spectrum of Skin Related Problems. Eliminates Odor Caused by Bacteria and Fungus
  • Benefits: Vet Recommended. Non Stinging. Paraden Free. Made in USA
  • Scent: Refreshing fragrance

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Buyer’s Guide

How Often Do You Bathe a Giant Schnauzer

With proper care, the Giant Schnauzer does not shed like many other breeds and has almost no unpleasant dog smell. And yet, if you care about your pet’s appearance, you’ll have to deal with his coat often and a lot. It’s a good idea to start with the dirtiest areas – hair bars on the paws that get stuck with sand, litter and liquid dirt during walks. The breeders recommend washing the paws and removing small leaves and branches tangled in the hair of Giant Schnauzer living in the apartments after each walk. Do not forget about the hair on his face, which constantly gets dirty while eating, so after each meal we wipe the “mustache” and “beard” of the dog with a clean dry cloth. A Foaming facial wash will be a plus.

Bathe Giant Schnauzer once a month with shampoos and balms for rough hair. By the way, in order to achieve maximum effect, detergents are better diluted with water in the proportion of 1:1 or according to manufacturer’s instructions.

How to Dry a Giant Schnauzer after Bathing

You do not obligatory need to dry him with a hair dryer. It is enough to wrap a Schnauzer in a towel for several minutes, and then the coat will get dried by itself. But as for puppies, better dry them with a hair drier with warm air flow. Do not allow your pet to stay in cold room before he is completely dry.  Wipe the dog gently, soaking water in the direction of his coat growth to avoid creation of knots and tangles.

Why to Use a Dog Conditioner

Conditioners are used immediately after shampooing and also when brushing your dog. We only use conditioners on areas with long hair (paws, skirt, chest, beard) to increase volume and make combing easier. Very dry coat requires a conditioner with a high content of emulsifiers (fat). Fat, enveloping the hair, forms a protective film that retains moisture, restores the original structure of the cut hairs, restoring its elasticity and facilitates care.

FAQ

Can I Use a Human Shampoo for my Schnauzer?

Dog skin is different from human skin: it is thinner and has a different level of acidity. That's why shampoos designed for human acidity are dangerous: they dry out your dog's already thin skin badly. The choice of shampoo also depends on your pet's skin type and coat. There are currently a wide variety of shampoos available: for short, long, curly, straight, white and black coats, for sensitive skin, for puppies and so on. There are also permanent shampoos in spray or powder form. They are handy if you do not have the opportunity to bathe your pet. They are also recommended for dogs who cannot stand the washing process

Is Schnauzer Changing Color Normal?

If Giant Schnauzer is changing color dramatically, like turning into brown, grey (not pepper and salt), black into reddish, one of the reasons is that you clipper your dog instead of hand-stripping, which leads to changing of the structure of coat, and sometimes also color. As undercoat is replacing the topcoat with the time

Can I Use a Black Color Enhancement Shampoo on My Giant Schnauzer?

Yes. Such shampoo reduces reddish color appeared due to sun influence

Summary

Giant Schnauzers have unique coat type which can be blessing or curse, depending on the proper Schnauzer grooming.  And bathing is a major part of it. We hope that our selection of top quality shampoos will help your pup to keep the coat properly moisturized and textured.

And remember – we are here to help you with your choice. So do not hesitate to ask any questions. We will answer them.

Julia Powell

Julia is a founder of PetsLifeGuide and an author of articles about German Shorhaired Pointers and accessories for them. She is a specialist about this breed since 2002

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