Last Updated: May 01, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Miniature Schnauzer Versus Curly-Coated Retriever: Introduction
- Miniature Schnauzer versus Curly-Coated Retriever: Overview
- Miniature Schnauzer versus Curly-Coated Retriever: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Curly-Coated Retriever
- The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Curly-Coated Retriever
- Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Curly-Coated Retriever
- Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Curly-Coated Retriever
- Temperament of the Curly-Coated Retriever Versus the Miniature Schnauzer
- The Intelligence of the Miniature Schnauzer versus the Intelligence of the Curly-Coated Retriever
- The Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer versus Popularity of Curly-Coated Retriever
- Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Curly-Coated Retriever
- Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Curly-Coated Retriever
- Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Curly-Coated Retrievers?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Curly-Coated Retriever?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Curly-Coated Retriever?
- Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Curly-Coated Retrievers?
- Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Curly-Coated Retriever?
- Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Curly-Coated Retriever
- How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Curly-Coated Retrievers?
- Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Curly-Coated Retriever?
- Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Curly-Coated Retrievers?
- Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Curly-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Curly-Coated Retriever
- Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Curly-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Curly-Coated Retriever. Which One is a Better Pet?
Miniature Schnauzer Versus Curly-Coated Retriever: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Miniature Schnauzer and the Curly-Coated Retriever? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Curly-Coated Retriever better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Curly-Coated Retriever.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Curly-Coated Retriever is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Miniature Schnauzer and for the Curly-Coated Retriever. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Curly-Coated Retriever.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Miniature Schnauzer or the Curly-Coated Retriever.
Miniature Schnauzer versus Curly-Coated Retriever: Overview
A very important difference between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Curly-Coated Retriever is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Miniature Schnauzer is a small-sized dog while the Curly-Coated Retriever is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Miniature Schnauzer belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
On the other hand, the Curly-Coated Retriever belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
Miniature Schnauzer versus Curly-Coated Retriever: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer to the Curly-Coated Retriever based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Miniature Schnauzer and the Curly-Coated Retriever
| Factor | Miniature Schnauzer | Curly-Coated Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 11 to 20 pounds | 65 to 100 pounds |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 9 to 12 years |
| Height | 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 10.5 years |
| Average Price | $1950 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1400 – $2500 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 79.3 percent | 91.7 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 17 | 162 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 12 | 41 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Miniature Schnauzer in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Curly-Coated Retriever. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Miniature Schnauzer is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Curly-Coated Retriever is 77 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Curly-Coated Retriever. So, you should get a Miniature Schnauzer!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Curly-Coated Retriever
Below is a list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Curly-Coated Retriever are most different:
The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Curly-Coated Retriever
The Miniature Schnauzer and the Curly-Coated Retriever are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Curly-Coated Retriever are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Curly-Coated Retriever
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Curly-Coated Retriever.
The Miniature Schnauzer weighs 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. The Miniature Schnauzer is 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, the Curly-Coated Retriever weighs 65 to 100 pounds when fully grown. The Curly-Coated Retriever is 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the when fully grown.
Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Curly-Coated Retriever
The lifespan of the Miniature Schnauzer is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Miniature Schnauzer is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of the Curly-Coated Retriever is between 9 to 12 years. The average lifespan of the Curly-Coated Retriever is 10.5 years.
The Miniature Schnauzer live longer than the Curly-Coated Retriever.
Temperament of the Curly-Coated Retriever Versus the Miniature Schnauzer
The Curly-Coated Retriever has a better temperament than the Miniature Schnauzer.
This is because the temperament score for the Curly-Coated Retriever is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Miniature Schnauzer is 79.3 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 79.3 percent, the Miniature Schnauzer has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 91.7 percent, the Curly-Coated Retriever has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Curly-Coated Retriever by measuring the temperaments of 116 Miniature Schnauzers and 181 Curly-Coated Retrievers.
The Intelligence of the Miniature Schnauzer versus the Intelligence of the Curly-Coated Retriever
| Miniature Schnauzer | Curly-Coated Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 12 out of 130 dog breeds | 41 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 5 To 15 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.
Prof. Coren found that the Miniature Schnauzer has an obedience intelligence rank of 12 out of 130 dog breeds. The Miniature Schnauzer belongs to the `Excellent Working Dogs` category. This means that Miniature Schnauzers tend to learn new commands after 5 to 15 repetitions.
The Curly-Coated Retriever has an obedience intelligence rank of 41 out of 130 dog breeds. The Curly-Coated Retriever belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Curly-Coated Retrievers tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.
The Miniature Schnauzer is more intelligent than the Curly-Coated Retriever.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
The Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer versus Popularity of Curly-Coated Retriever
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Curly-Coated Retriever over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Miniature Schnauzer is more popular with dog owners than the Curly-Coated Retriever. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Miniature Schnauzer is 17 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Curly-Coated Retriever is 162 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer
Popularity of Curly-Coated Retriever
| Year | Miniature Schnauzer Popularity Rank | Curly-Coated Retriever Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 17 | 163 |
| 2014 | 16 | 163 |
| 2015 | 16 | 151 |
| 2016 | 17 | 164 |
| 2017 | 18 | 171 |
| 2018 | 19 | 162 |
| 2019 | 18 | 163 |
| 2020 | 19 | 159 |
| 2021 | 18 | 167 |
Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Curly-Coated Retriever
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Curly-Coated Retriever are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Curly-Coated Retriever is prone to more genetic health problems than the Miniature Schnauzer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Curly-Coated Retriever than for the Miniature Schnauzer.
4 health tests are recommended for Miniature Schnauzer while 7 tests are recommended for the Curly-Coated Retriever.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Miniature Schnauzers and in Curly-Coated Retrievers.
Miniature Schnauzer Health Problems
Miniature Schnauzers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Miniature Schnauzer puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Miniature Schnauzer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Miniature Schnauzer breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Miniature Schnauzers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Miniature Schnauzers here.
Curly-Coated Retriever Health Problems
Curly-Coated Retrievers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Curly-Coated Retriever puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Curly-Coated Retriever puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Curly-Coated Retriever breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Curly-Coated Retrievers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Curly-Coated Retrievers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Miniature Schnauzers and Curly-Coated Retrievers
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Miniature Schnauzer Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
This is because the Miniature Schnauzer ranks 13 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 157 Miniature Schnauzers, 0 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Miniature Schnauzers, and how common these diseases are in Miniature Schnauzers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Curly-Coated Retriever Breed is Exercise Induced Collapse problems.
This is because the Curly-Coated Retriever ranks 1 out of 6 dog breeds for Exercise Induced Collapse problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 145 Curly-Coated Retrievers, 12 of them had Exercise Induced Collapse problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Curly-Coated Retrievers, and how common these diseases are in Curly-Coated Retrievers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Miniature Schnauzer and in Curly-Coated Retriever and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Miniature Schnauzer and the Curly-Coated Retriever:
| Disease | Miniature Schnauzer Rank | Curly-Coated Retriever Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 13 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 96 out of 182 dog breeds | 84 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 125 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 187 out of 198 dog breeds | 73 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Exercise Induced Collapse problems | Not Common | 1 out of 6 dog breeds |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | Not Common | 10 out of 32 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 24 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 136 out of 144 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Curly-Coated Retriever
Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.
Curly-Coated Retrievers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Curly-Coated Retrievers?
Miniature Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Curly-Coated Retrievers shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Curly-Coated Retriever?
Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Curly-Coated Retrievers are moderately easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Curly-Coated Retriever?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Curly-Coated Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Curly-Coated Retrievers?
Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Curly-Coated Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Curly-Coated Retriever?
Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.
Curly-Coated Retrievers are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Curly-Coated Retriever
Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Curly-Coated Retrievers do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Curly-Coated Retrievers?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Curly-Coated Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Curly-Coated Retriever?
Miniature Schnauzers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Curly-Coated Retrievers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Curly-Coated Retrievers?
Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.
Curly-Coated Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Curly-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Curly-Coated Retrievers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Curly-Coated Retriever
Miniature Schnauzers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Curly-Coated Retrievers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Curly-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.
Curly-Coated Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Curly-Coated Retriever?
Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.
Curly-Coated Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Curly-Coated Retriever?
Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.
Curly-Coated Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.
Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Miniature Schnauzer compares to other breeds aside from the Curly-Coated Retriever. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:
Miniature Schnauzer versus Bordoodle Miniature Schnauzer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Miniature Schnauzer versus Shih Tzu Miniature Schnauzer versus Ibizan Hound Miniature Schnauzer versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Miniature Schnauzer versus Chinese Shar-Pei Miniature Schnauzer versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Miniature Schnauzer versus Puggle Miniature Schnauzer versus Boxerdoodle Miniature Schnauzer versus Great Pyrenees Miniature Schnauzer versus Black and Tan Coonhound Miniature Schnauzer versus Irish Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Affenpinscher Miniature Schnauzer versus Harrier
Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Curly-Coated Retriever. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Curly-Coated Retriever better suits you and your family.