Miniature Schnauzer versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Last Updated: May 01, 2022

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Miniature Schnauzer Versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde? 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde. 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde.

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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde.

Miniature Schnauzer versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde

Miniature Schnauzer versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde: Overview

A very important difference between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Miniature Schnauzer is a small-sized dog while the Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Miniature Schnauzer versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer to the Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde

Factor Miniature Schnauzer Appenzeller Sennenhunde
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Weight 11 to 20 pounds 48 to 55 pounds
Life Span 12 to 14 years 9 to 12 years
Height 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder 19 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
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 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 10.5 years
Average Price $1950 No Data
Price Range $1400 – $2500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Mycobacterium Avian Complex
  • Myotonia Congenita
  • No Data

    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde. 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Appenzeller Sennenhunde. So, you should get a Miniature Schnauzer!

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    Below is a list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are most different:

  • Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Appenzeller Sennenhundes are very easy to groom.
  • Miniature Schnauzers are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Appenzeller Sennenhundes are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Miniature Schnauzers adapt well to apartment living. However, Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not like to be left alone.
  • The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    The Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are most similar:

  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are very playful.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are very easy to train.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde.

    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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde weighs 48 to 55 pounds when fully grown. The Appenzeller Sennenhunde is 19 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of Miniature Schnauzer versus Size of Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    Appearance (Colors) of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    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

    Appenzeller Sennenhunde Colors

    The Appenzeller Sennenhunde comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Black

    The Appenzeller Sennenhunde comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream

    Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde is between 9 to 12 years. The average lifespan of the Appenzeller Sennenhunde is 10.5 years.

    The Miniature Schnauzer live longer than the Appenzeller Sennenhunde.

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde
    Miniature Schnauzer versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    Adopting the Miniature Schnauzer versus Adopting the Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Miniature Schnauzers and many Appenzeller Sennenhundes 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 Baxter that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Miniature Schnauzers like Baxter on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Miniature Schnauzers, Appenzeller Sennenhundes are also available for adoption. For example, Boss is a Male Appenzeller Sennenhunde that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Appenzeller Sennenhundes like Boss that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Miniature Schnauzer and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Bleu is the name of another Miniature Schnauzer (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more Miniature Schnauzers and Appenzeller Sennenhundes that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not like to be left alone.

    Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Appenzeller Sennenhundes?

    Miniature Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Appenzeller Sennenhundes?

    Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Appenzeller Sennenhundes?

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    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.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Appenzeller Sennenhundes?

    Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Appenzeller Sennenhundes Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    Miniature Schnauzers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Appenzeller Sennenhundes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Sealyham Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Lowchen     Miniature Schnauzer versus Swedish Vallhund     Miniature Schnauzer versus Vizsla     Miniature Schnauzer versus Bich Poo     Miniature Schnauzer versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Miniature Schnauzer versus Boston Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Irish Water Spaniel     Miniature Schnauzer versus Weimaraner     Miniature Schnauzer versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Miniature Schnauzer versus Bouvier des Flandres     Miniature Schnauzer versus Cavapoo     Miniature Schnauzer versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Miniature Schnauzer versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Miniature Schnauzer versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Miniature Schnauzer versus Carolina Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Dalmatian     Miniature Schnauzer versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Bloodhound     

    Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde. 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde better suits you and your family.