Dog breed comparison
Miniature Schnauzer vs West Highland White Terrier
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The West Highland White Terrier tends to live about 1 year longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Miniature Schnauzer | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Terrier Dogs | Terrier Dogs |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Height | 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder | 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 11 to 20 pounds | 13 to 22 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 14 years | 12 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.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Copes alone
The Miniature Schnauzer copes better when left alone than the West Highland White Terrier.
Good with other dogs
The West Highland White Terrier gets on better with other dogs than the Miniature Schnauzer.
Shedding
The West Highland White Terrier sheds more than the Miniature Schnauzer.
Energy
The Miniature Schnauzer has more energy than the West Highland White Terrier.
Exercise needs
The Miniature Schnauzer needs more exercise than the West Highland White Terrier.
Easy to train
The Miniature Schnauzer is easier to train than the West Highland White Terrier.
Which to choose
Miniature Schnauzer or West Highland White Terrier?
Choose the Miniature Schnauzer if…
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
Choose the West Highland White Terrier if…
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a dog that is better with children
Questions.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer or the West Highland White Terrier bigger, and which lives longer?
The West Highland White Terrier tends to live about 1 year longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Miniature Schnauzer or the West Highland White Terrier?
The Miniature Schnauzer is generally easier to train than the West Highland White Terrier. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Miniature Schnauzer or the West Highland White Terrier?
The West Highland White Terrier 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 Miniature Schnauzer sheds less than the West Highland White Terrier. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
