Dog breed comparison
Miniature Schnauzer vs Standard Schnauzer
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Standard Schnauzer is the bigger breed, about 11 kg heavier on average. The Standard Schnauzer tends to live about 2 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Miniature Schnauzer | Standard Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Terrier Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Height | 13 to 14 inches | 17 to 20 inches |
| Weight | 11 to 20 pounds | 30 to 50 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 14 years | 13 to 16 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Miniature Schnauzer
Developed in Germany in the late 1800s from Standard Schnauzers crossed with smaller breeds such as the Affenpinscher, as a farm ratter.
It is prone to high blood fats, so a low-fat diet is often recommended.
Health to watch
- Pancreatitis
- Hyperlipidaemia
- Bladder stones
- Diabetes
- Comedo syndrome
The Standard Schnauzer
The original schnauzer, from Bavaria, used to guard farms and carts and kill vermin. It served as a messenger and Red Cross dog in the First World War.
Its wiry coat needs hand-stripping or clipping.
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Follicular dermatitis
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Copes alone
The Miniature Schnauzer copes better when left alone than the Standard Schnauzer.
Easy to train
The Miniature Schnauzer is easier to train than the Standard Schnauzer.
General health
The Standard Schnauzer tends to have fewer health problems than the Miniature Schnauzer.
Intelligence
The Standard Schnauzer is quicker to learn than the Miniature Schnauzer.
Good with children
The Standard Schnauzer is better with children than the Miniature Schnauzer.
Friendly with strangers
The Miniature Schnauzer is friendlier with strangers than the Standard Schnauzer.
Which to choose
Miniature Schnauzer or Standard Schnauzer?
Choose the Miniature Schnauzer if…
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that suits first-time owners better
Choose the Standard Schnauzer if…
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
- You want a dog that is quicker to learn
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
Questions.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer or the Standard Schnauzer bigger, and which lives longer?
The Standard Schnauzer is the bigger breed, about 11 kg heavier on average. The Standard Schnauzer tends to live about 2 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Standard Schnauzer?
The Miniature Schnauzer is generally easier to train than the Standard Schnauzer. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Standard Schnauzer?
The Standard Schnauzer is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Miniature Schnauzer can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Standard Schnauzer sheds less than the Miniature Schnauzer. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Miniature Schnauzer and Standard Schnauzer have?
The Miniature Schnauzer is prone to pancreatitis, hyperlipidaemia, bladder stones. The Standard Schnauzer is prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, follicular dermatitis. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
