Miniature Schnauzer versus Berger Picard. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Last Updated: May 01, 2022

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Miniature Schnauzer Versus Berger Picard: Introduction

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

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

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 Berger Picard.

Miniature Schnauzer versus Berger Picard

Miniature Schnauzer versus Berger Picard: Overview

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

The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer to the Berger Picard 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 Berger Picard

FactorMiniature SchnauzerBerger Picard
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Weight11 to 20 pounds50 to 70 pounds
Life Span12 to 14 years13 to 14 years
Height13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho
Does NOT Shed4/52/5
Easy To Groom2/55/5
Does NOT chew on things4/54/5
Good For Novice Owners3/54/5
Kid-Friendly3/55/5
Dog Friendly3/53/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/52/5
General Health3/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/53/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/53/5
Easygoing2/51/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/54/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/53/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Low Prey Drive2/53/5
Potential For Playfulness4/55/5
Tolerates Being Alone5/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Easy To Train5/54/5
NOT Rambunctious1/51/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/51/5
Average Lifespan13.0 years13.5 years
Average Price$1950$2350
Price Range$1400 – $2500$1900 – $3050
Temperament Score79.3 percent95.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Mycobacterium Avian Complex
  • Myotonia Congenita
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination (min age 24 months effective 9/1/17)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds17148
    *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 Berger Picard. 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 Berger Picard is 86 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Berger Picard, we still believe that the Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Berger Picard.

    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 Berger Picard

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Berger Picard

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

  • Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Berger Picards are very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Berger Picard

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

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

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

    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 Berger Picard weighs 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Berger Picard is 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho when fully grown.

    Size of Miniature Schnauzer versus Size of Berger Picard

    Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Berger Picard

    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 Berger Picard is between 13 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Berger Picard is 13.5 years.

    The Berger Picard live longer than the Miniature Schnauzer.

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Berger Picard

    Temperament of the Miniature Schnauzer Versus the Berger Picard

    The Berger Picard has a better temperament than the Miniature Schnauzer.

    This is because the temperament score for the Berger Picard is 95.2 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 95.2 percent, the Berger Picard has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Berger Picard by measuring the temperaments of 116 Miniature Schnauzers and 21 Berger Picards.

    Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Berger Picard

    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 Berger Picard puppy is $2350. The price of the Berger Picard typically ranges from $1900 – $3050. However, the price of the Berger Picard can be as low as $1000 and as high as $3200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 4 Berger Picard puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Berger Picard is more expensive than the Miniature Schnauzer.

    Miniature Schnauzer Berger Picard
    Average Price $1950 $2350
    Price Range $1400 to $2500 $1900 to $3050

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Miniature Schnauzer and Berger Picard. For different price points, the charts show how many Miniature Schnauzer puppies or how many Berger Picard 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 Miniature Schnauzers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Berger Picards

    A breakdown of the prices of Berger Picards

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

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Berger Picard

    The Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer versus Popularity of Berger Picard

    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 Berger Picard over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Miniature Schnauzer is more popular with dog owners than the Berger Picard. 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 Berger Picard is 148 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer

    Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer

    Popularity of Berger Picard

    Popularity of Berger Picard

    Year Miniature Schnauzer Popularity Rank Berger Picard Popularity Rank
    2013 17 no data
    2014 16 no data
    2015 16 no data
    2016 17 141.0
    2017 18 146.0
    2018 19 144.0
    2019 18 146.0
    2020 19 151.0
    2021 18 163.0

    Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Berger Picard

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

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

    4 health tests are recommended for Miniature Schnauzer while 3 tests are recommended for the Berger Picard.

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

    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.

    Berger Picard Health Problems

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

  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination (min age 24 months effective 9/1/17)
  • Hip Dysplasia

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

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Miniature Schnauzers and Berger Picards

    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 Berger Picard Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.

    This is because the Berger Picard ranks 6 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 96 Berger Picards, 6 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.

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

  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 6 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 6 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 9 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 53 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 58 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 64 out of 198 Dog Breeds

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

    Disease Miniature Schnauzer Rank Berger Picard Rank
    Legg-Calve-Perthes problems 13 out of 40 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 96 out of 182 dog breeds 9 out of 182 dog breeds
    Patella problems 125 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 187 out of 198 dog breeds 64 out of 198 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems Not Common 6 out of 71 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 6 out of 159 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 53 out of 115 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 58 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 Berger Picard

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

    Berger Picards can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Berger Picards?

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

    Berger Picards shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Berger Picard?

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

    Berger Picards are very easy to groom.

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

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Berger Picards get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Berger Picards?

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

    Berger Picards are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Berger Picard?

    Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Berger Picards are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Berger Picard

    Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Berger Picards do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Berger Picards?

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

    Berger Picards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Berger Picard?

    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.

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

    Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Berger Picards?

    Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Berger Picards are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Berger Picards Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Berger Picards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Berger Picard

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

    Berger Picards do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Berger Picards Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.

    Berger Picards can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Berger Picard?

    Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Berger Picards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.

    Berger Picards are very good 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 Berger Picard. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Vizsla     Miniature Schnauzer versus Dogo Argentino     Miniature Schnauzer versus German Pinscher     Miniature Schnauzer versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Miniature Schnauzer versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Miniature Schnauzer versus Pomchi     Miniature Schnauzer versus Cavapoo     Miniature Schnauzer versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Miniature Schnauzer versus Cesky Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Border Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Dachshund     Miniature Schnauzer versus American Hairless Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Portuguese Water Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Black Russian Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Bouvier des Flandres     Miniature Schnauzer versus Maltese     Miniature Schnauzer versus Finnish Lapphund     

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