Breed Comparison: Miniature Schnauzer Versus Barbet

Last Updated: May 01, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Miniature Schnauzer Versus Barbet: Introduction

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

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

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 Barbet.

Miniature Schnauzer versus Barbet

Miniature Schnauzer versus Barbet: Overview

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

The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer to the Barbet 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 Barbet

FactorMiniature SchnauzerBarbet
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Weight11 to 20 pounds37 to 62 pounds
Life Span12 to 14 years13 to 15 years
Height13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder
Does NOT Shed4/54/5
Easy To Groom2/51/5
Does NOT chew on things4/54/5
Good For Novice Owners3/52/5
Kid-Friendly3/54/5
Dog Friendly3/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/53/5
General Health3/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/53/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/53/5
Easygoing2/53/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/54/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/53/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Low Prey Drive2/53/5
Potential For Playfulness4/54/5
Tolerates Being Alone5/51/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Easy To Train5/54/5
NOT Rambunctious1/51/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/53/5
Average Lifespan13.0 years14.0 years
Average Price$1950No Data
Price Range$1400 – $2500No Data
Temperament Score79.3 percent100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Mycobacterium Avian Complex
  • Myotonia Congenita
  • AKC or UKC DNA Profile
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months, recommend CAER eye exam prior to onset of breeding and then periodically thereafter
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds17146
    *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 Barbet. 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 Barbet is 82 out of 125.

    Despite the equal Better-Pet score of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Barbet, we still think that the Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Barbet.

    This is because Miniature Schnauzers are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Miniature Schnauzer will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Miniature Schnauzer :-). We are for the Miniature Schnauzer. So get a Miniature Schnauzer!

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Barbet

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Barbet

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

  • Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Barbets do not like to be left alone.
  • The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Barbet

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

  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Barbet do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Barbet do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Barbet require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Barbet are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Barbet adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Barbet 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 Barbet can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Barbet can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Barbet gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Barbet are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Barbet have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Barbet are very playful.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Barbet are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Barbet are very easy to train.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Barbet have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Barbet

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

    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 Barbet weighs 37 to 62 pounds when fully grown. The Barbet is 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of Miniature Schnauzer versus Size of Barbet

    Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Barbet

    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 Barbet is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Barbet is 14.0 years.

    The Barbet live longer than the Miniature Schnauzer.

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Barbet

    Temperament of the Barbet Versus the Miniature Schnauzer

    The Barbet has a better temperament than the Miniature Schnauzer.

    This is because the temperament score for the Barbet is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Barbet has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Barbet by measuring the temperaments of 116 Miniature Schnauzers and 1 Barbets.

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Barbet

    The Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer versus Popularity of Barbet

    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 Barbet over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Miniature Schnauzer is more popular with dog owners than the Barbet. 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 Barbet is 146 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer

    Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer

    Popularity of Barbet

    Popularity of Barbet

    Year Miniature Schnauzer Popularity Rank Barbet Popularity Rank
    2013 17 no data
    2014 16 no data
    2015 16 no data
    2016 17 no data
    2017 18 no data
    2018 19 no data
    2019 18 no data
    2020 19 145.0
    2021 18 148.0

    Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Barbet

    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 Barbet 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 Barbet is prone to more genetic health problems than the Miniature Schnauzer.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Barbet than for the Miniature Schnauzer.

    4 health tests are recommended for Miniature Schnauzer while 5 tests are recommended for the Barbet.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Miniature Schnauzers and in Barbets.

    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:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Mycobacterium Avian Complex
  • Myotonia Congenita

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Miniature Schnauzers here.

    Barbet Health Problems

    Barbets are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Barbet 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 Barbet puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Barbet 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 Barbets for:

  • AKC or UKC DNA Profile
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months, recommend CAER eye exam prior to onset of breeding and then periodically thereafter
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Barbets here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Miniature Schnauzers and Barbets

    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:

  • Legg-Calve-Perthes problems: Rank 13 out of 40 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 96 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 125 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 187 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • 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 Barbet Breed is Thyroid problems.

    This is because the Barbet ranks 69 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 106 Barbets, 2 of them had Thyroid problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Barbets, and how common these diseases are in Barbets relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Thyroid problems: Rank 69 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 78 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 81 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 158 out of 182 Dog Breeds

  • The table below lists the common health problems in Miniature Schnauzer and in Barbet and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Miniature Schnauzer and the Barbet:

    Disease Miniature Schnauzer Rank Barbet Rank
    Legg-Calve-Perthes problems 13 out of 40 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 96 out of 182 dog breeds 158 out of 182 dog breeds
    Patella problems 125 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 187 out of 198 dog breeds 81 out of 198 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 69 out of 115 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 78 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 Barbet

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

    Barbets do not like to be left alone.

    Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Barbets?

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

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Barbet?

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

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

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

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Barbets get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Barbets?

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

    Barbets are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Barbet?

    Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Barbets are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Barbet

    Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Barbets do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Barbets?

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

    Barbets get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Barbet?

    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.

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

    Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Barbets?

    Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Barbets bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Barbets Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Barbets can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Barbet

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

    Barbets 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 Barbets Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.

    Barbets can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Barbet?

    Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Barbets adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.

    Barbets 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 Barbet. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Miniature Schnauzer versus Bracco Italiano     Miniature Schnauzer versus Westiepoo     Miniature Schnauzer versus Mountain Cur     Miniature Schnauzer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Miniature Schnauzer versus Japanese Chin     Miniature Schnauzer versus Japanese Spitz     Miniature Schnauzer versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Miniature Schnauzer versus Saluki     Miniature Schnauzer versus Stabyhoun     Miniature Schnauzer versus English Toy Spaniel     Miniature Schnauzer versus Bearded Collie     Miniature Schnauzer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Canaan Dog     

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