Last Updated: May 01, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Miniature Schnauzer Versus Alaskan Klee Kai: Introduction
- Miniature Schnauzer versus Alaskan Klee Kai: Overview
- Miniature Schnauzer versus Alaskan Klee Kai: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Alaskan Klee Kai
- The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Alaskan Klee Kai
- Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Alaskan Klee Kai
- Appearance (Colors) of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Alaskan Klee Kai
- Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Alaskan Klee Kai
- Temperament of the Miniature Schnauzer Versus the Alaskan Klee Kai
- Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Alaskan Klee Kai
- Adopting the Miniature Schnauzer versus Adopting the Alaskan Klee Kai
- Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Alaskan Klee Kai
- Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Alaskan Klee Kai
- Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Alaskan Klee Kais?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Alaskan Klee Kai?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Alaskan Klee Kai?
- Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Alaskan Klee Kais?
- Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Alaskan Klee Kai?
- Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Alaskan Klee Kai
- How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Alaskan Klee Kais?
- Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Alaskan Klee Kai?
- Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Alaskan Klee Kais?
- Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Alaskan Klee Kais Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Alaskan Klee Kai
- Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Alaskan Klee Kais Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Alaskan Klee Kai. Which One is a Better Pet?
Miniature Schnauzer Versus Alaskan Klee Kai: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Miniature Schnauzer and the Alaskan Klee Kai? 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 Alaskan Klee Kai 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 Alaskan Klee Kai.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Alaskan Klee Kai 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 Alaskan Klee Kai. 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 Alaskan Klee Kai.
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 Alaskan Klee Kai.
Miniature Schnauzer versus Alaskan Klee Kai: Overview
Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Alaskan Klee Kai are similar in size. The Miniature Schnauzer and the Alaskan Klee Kai are both small-sized dogs.
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 Alaskan Klee Kai belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
Miniature Schnauzer versus Alaskan Klee Kai: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer to the Alaskan Klee Kai 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 Alaskan Klee Kai
| Factor | Miniature Schnauzer | Alaskan Klee Kai |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 11 to 20 pounds | 10 to 15 pounds |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Height | 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder | 13 to 17 inches |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $1950 | $2570 |
| Price Range | $1400 – $2500 | $2000 – $3000 |
| Temperament Score | 79.3 percent | 50.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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 Alaskan Klee Kai. 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 Alaskan Klee Kai is 75 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Alaskan Klee Kai. So, you should get a Miniature Schnauzer!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Alaskan Klee Kai
Below is a list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Alaskan Klee Kai are most different:
The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Alaskan Klee Kai
The Miniature Schnauzer and the Alaskan Klee Kai are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Alaskan Klee Kai are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Alaskan Klee Kai
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Alaskan Klee Kai.
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 Alaskan Klee Kai weighs 10 to 15 pounds when fully grown. The Alaskan Klee Kai is 13 to 17 inches when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Alaskan Klee Kai
Miniature Schnauzer Colors
The Miniature Schnauzer comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Bicolor
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Brown / Chocolate
- Black
- White / Cream
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
The Miniature Schnauzer comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Black
- Gray / Blue / Silver
Alaskan Klee Kai Colors
The Alaskan Klee Kai comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Black
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
The Alaskan Klee Kai comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Gray / Blue / Silver
Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Alaskan Klee Kai
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 Alaskan Klee Kai is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the Alaskan Klee Kai is 14.0 years.
The Alaskan Klee Kai live longer than the Miniature Schnauzer.
Temperament of the Miniature Schnauzer Versus the Alaskan Klee Kai
The Miniature Schnauzer has a better temperament than the Alaskan Klee Kai.
This is because the temperament score for the Miniature Schnauzer is 79.3 percent while the temperament score for the Alaskan Klee Kai is 50.0 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 50.0 percent, the Alaskan Klee Kai has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Alaskan Klee Kai by measuring the temperaments of 116 Miniature Schnauzers and 2 Alaskan Klee Kais.
Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Alaskan Klee Kai
The average price of the Miniature Schnauzer puppy is $1950. The price of the Miniature Schnauzer typically ranges from $1400 – $2500. However, the price of a Miniature Schnauzer can be as low as $500 and as high as $8500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 913 Miniature Schnauzer puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Alaskan Klee Kai puppy is $2570. The price of the Alaskan Klee Kai typically ranges from $2000 – $3000. However, the price of the Alaskan Klee Kai can be as low as $400 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 202 Alaskan Klee Kai puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Alaskan Klee Kai is more expensive than the Miniature Schnauzer.
| Miniature Schnauzer | Alaskan Klee Kai | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1950 | $2570 |
| Price Range | $1400 to $2500 | $2000 to $3000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Miniature Schnauzer and Alaskan Klee Kai. For different price points, the charts show how many Miniature Schnauzer puppies or how many Alaskan Klee Kai puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Miniature Schnauzers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Alaskan Klee Kais
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Miniature Schnauzer puppy or the Alaskan Klee Kai puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Adopting the Miniature Schnauzer versus Adopting the Alaskan Klee Kai
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Miniature Schnauzers and many Alaskan Klee Kais are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Miniature Schnauzer named Mcgee that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Miniature Schnauzers like Mcgee on pefinder.com.
Also, like Miniature Schnauzers, Alaskan Klee Kais are also available for adoption. For example, Gonzo is a Male Alaskan Klee Kai that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Alaskan Klee Kais like Gonzo that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Max is the name of another Miniature Schnauzer (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Iditarod is an adorable Male Alaskan Klee Kai on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Miniature Schnauzers and Alaskan Klee Kais that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Alaskan Klee Kai
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 Alaskan Klee Kai 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 Alaskan Klee Kai is prone to more genetic health problems than the Miniature Schnauzer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Alaskan Klee Kai than for the Miniature Schnauzer.
4 health tests are recommended for Miniature Schnauzer while 7 tests are recommended for the Alaskan Klee Kai.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Miniature Schnauzers and in Alaskan Klee Kais.
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.
Alaskan Klee Kai Health Problems
Alaskan Klee Kais are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Alaskan Klee Kai 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 Alaskan Klee Kai puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Alaskan Klee Kai 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 Alaskan Klee Kais for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Alaskan Klee Kais here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Miniature Schnauzers and Alaskan Klee Kais
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 Alaskan Klee Kai Breed is Dentition Database problems.
This is because the Alaskan Klee Kai ranks 1 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 98 Alaskan Klee Kais, 47 of them had Dentition Database problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Alaskan Klee Kais, and how common these diseases are in Alaskan Klee Kais relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Miniature Schnauzer and in Alaskan Klee Kai and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Miniature Schnauzer and the Alaskan Klee Kai:
| Disease | Miniature Schnauzer Rank | Alaskan Klee Kai Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 13 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 96 out of 182 dog breeds | 159 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 125 out of 145 dog breeds | 83 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 187 out of 198 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 1 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 67 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 74 out of 159 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 Alaskan Klee Kai
Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.
Alaskan Klee Kais do not like to be left alone.
Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Alaskan Klee Kais?
Miniature Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Alaskan Klee Kais shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Alaskan Klee Kai?
Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Alaskan Klee Kais are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Alaskan Klee Kai?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Alaskan Klee Kais do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Alaskan Klee Kais?
Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Alaskan Klee Kais are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Alaskan Klee Kai?
Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.
Alaskan Klee Kais are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Alaskan Klee Kai
Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Alaskan Klee Kais do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Alaskan Klee Kais?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Alaskan Klee Kais get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Alaskan Klee Kai?
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.
Alaskan Klee Kais 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 Alaskan Klee Kais?
Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.
Alaskan Klee Kais bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Alaskan Klee Kais Tolerate Cold Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Alaskan Klee Kais can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Alaskan Klee Kai
Miniature Schnauzers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Alaskan Klee Kais have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Alaskan Klee Kais Tolerate Hot Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.
Alaskan Klee Kais cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Alaskan Klee Kai?
Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.
Alaskan Klee Kais adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Alaskan Klee Kai?
Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.
Alaskan Klee Kais are not the best dogs 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 Alaskan Klee Kai. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:
Miniature Schnauzer versus Bracco Italiano Miniature Schnauzer versus Leonberger Miniature Schnauzer versus Portuguese Water Dog Miniature Schnauzer versus Xoloitzcuintli Miniature Schnauzer versus Chinese Crested Miniature Schnauzer versus Cockalier Miniature Schnauzer versus King Shepherd Miniature Schnauzer versus Keeshond Miniature Schnauzer versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Miniature Schnauzer versus Lhasa Apso Miniature Schnauzer versus Norfolk Terrier
Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Alaskan Klee Kai. 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 Alaskan Klee Kai better suits you and your family.