Breed Comparison: Miniature Schnauzer Versus Australian Kelpie

Last Updated: May 01, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

• Miniature Schnauzer Versus Australian Kelpie: Introduction
• Miniature Schnauzer versus Australian Kelpie: Overview
• Miniature Schnauzer versus Australian Kelpie: Comparison Table
• The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Australian Kelpie
• The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Australian Kelpie
• Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Australian Kelpie
• Appearance (Colors) of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Australian Kelpie
• Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Australian Kelpie
• Temperament of the Miniature Schnauzer Versus the Australian Kelpie
• Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Australian Kelpie
• Adopting the Miniature Schnauzer versus Adopting the Australian Kelpie
• Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Australian Kelpie
• Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Australian Kelpies?
• Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Australian Kelpie?
• Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Australian Kelpie?
• Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Australian Kelpies?
• Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Australian Kelpie?
• Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Australian Kelpie
• How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Australian Kelpies?
• Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Australian Kelpie?
• Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Australian Kelpies?
• Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Australian Kelpies Tolerate Cold Weather?
• Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Australian Kelpie
• Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Australian Kelpies Tolerate Hot Weather?
• Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds
• Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Australian Kelpie. Which One is a Better Pet?

Miniature Schnauzer Versus Australian Kelpie: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie. 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 Australian Kelpie.

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 Australian Kelpie.

Miniature Schnauzer versus Australian Kelpie: Overview

A very important difference between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Australian Kelpie is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Miniature Schnauzer is a small-sized dog while the Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer to the Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie

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 Australian Kelpie. 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 Australian Kelpie is 72 out of 125.

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

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Australian Kelpie

Below is a list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Australian Kelpie are most different:

The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Australian Kelpie

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

Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Australian Kelpie

Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Australian Kelpie.

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 Australian Kelpie weighs 25 to 46 pounds when fully grown. The Australian Kelpie is 15 to 20 inches when fully grown.

Appearance (Colors) of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Australian Kelpie

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

Australian Kelpie Colors

The Australian Kelpie comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

• Brown / Chocolate
• Black
• Red / Chestnut / Orange
• Bicolor

The Australian Kelpie comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

• Bicolor
• Brown / Chocolate
• Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
• White / Cream

Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Australian Kelpie

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 Australian Kelpie is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Australian Kelpie is 12.5 years.

The Miniature Schnauzer live longer than the Australian Kelpie.

Temperament of the Miniature Schnauzer Versus the Australian Kelpie

The Australian Kelpie has a better temperament than the Miniature Schnauzer.

This is because the temperament score for the Australian Kelpie is 83.3 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 83.3 percent, the Australian Kelpie has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Australian Kelpie by measuring the temperaments of 116 Miniature Schnauzers and 6 Australian Kelpies.

Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Australian Kelpie

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 Australian Kelpie puppy is $590. The price of the Australian Kelpie typically ranges from $500 – $600. However, the price of the Australian Kelpie can be as low as $100 and as high as $1000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 20 Australian Kelpie puppies listed for sale from various sources.

The Miniature Schnauzer is more expensive than the Australian Kelpie.

The charts below show the price distribution for the Miniature Schnauzer and Australian Kelpie. For different price points, the charts show how many Miniature Schnauzer puppies or how many Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpies

Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Miniature Schnauzer puppy or the Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie

You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Miniature Schnauzers and many Australian Kelpies 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 Rocky 1907 that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Miniature Schnauzers like Rocky 1907 on pefinder.com.

Also, like Miniature Schnauzers, Australian Kelpies are also available for adoption. For example, Handsom is a Male Australian Kelpie that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Australian Kelpies like Handsom that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

Pending — Rowdy 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 Australian Kelpies that are available for adoption on petfinder.

Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Australian Kelpie

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

Australian Kelpies do not like to be left alone.

Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Australian Kelpies?

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

Australian Kelpies shed moderately.

Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Australian Kelpie?

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

Australian Kelpies are very easy to groom.

Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Australian Kelpie?

Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

Australian Kelpies get along fairly well with other dogs.

Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Australian Kelpies?

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

Australian Kelpies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Australian Kelpie?

Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.

Australian Kelpies are very easy to train.

Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Australian Kelpie

Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

Australian Kelpies do have a very low tendency to drool.

How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Australian Kelpies?

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

Australian Kelpies do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Australian Kelpie?

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.

Australian Kelpies 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 Australian Kelpies?

Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.

Australian Kelpies are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Australian Kelpies Tolerate Cold Weather?

Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

Australian Kelpies can moderately tolerate cold weather.

Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Australian Kelpie

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

Australian Kelpies have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Australian Kelpies Tolerate Hot Weather?

Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.

Australian Kelpies can tolerate hot weather.

Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Australian Kelpie?

Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.

Australian Kelpies do not adapt well to apartment living.

Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Australian Kelpie?

Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.

Australian Kelpies 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 Australian Kelpie. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:

Miniature Schnauzer versus Standard Poodle     Miniature Schnauzer versus Tibetan Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus American Water Spaniel     Miniature Schnauzer versus Scottish Deerhound     Miniature Schnauzer versus Bolognese     Miniature Schnauzer versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Clumber Spaniel     Miniature Schnauzer versus Boykin Spaniel     Miniature Schnauzer versus Chinese Crested     Miniature Schnauzer versus Coton de Tulear     Miniature Schnauzer versus Biewer Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Norwegian Lundehund     Miniature Schnauzer versus Sloughi     Miniature Schnauzer versus Sealyham Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Miniature Schnauzer versus Dogue de Bordeaux     

Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Australian Kelpie. 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 Australian Kelpie better suits you and your family.