Which is Better between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Biewer Terrier?

Last Updated: May 01, 2022

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Miniature Schnauzer Versus Biewer Terrier: Introduction

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

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

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 Biewer Terrier.

Miniature Schnauzer versus Biewer Terrier

Miniature Schnauzer versus Biewer Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Biewer Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Miniature Schnauzer is a small-sized dog while the Biewer Terrier is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Biewer Terrier are Terrier Dogs. This means both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Biewer Terrier 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.

Miniature Schnauzer versus Biewer Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer to the Biewer Terrier 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 Biewer Terrier

FactorMiniature SchnauzerBiewer Terrier
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Weight11 to 20 pounds4 to 8 pounds
Life Span12 to 14 years12 to 15 years
Height13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder7 to 11 inches
Does NOT Shed4/55/5
Easy To Groom2/54/5
Does NOT chew on things4/53/5
Good For Novice Owners3/53/5
Kid-Friendly3/54/5
Dog Friendly3/53/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/53/5
General Health3/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/55/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/53/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/55/5
Easygoing2/53/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/53/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Low Prey Drive2/55/5
Potential For Playfulness4/54/5
Tolerates Being Alone5/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Easy To Train5/53/5
NOT Rambunctious1/51/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/53/5
Average Lifespan13.0 years13.5 years
Average Price$1950$2530
Price Range$1400 – $2500$2000 – $3000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Mycobacterium Avian Complex
  • Myotonia Congenita
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Eye Examination prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds1782
    *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 Biewer Terrier. 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 Biewer Terrier is 89 out of 125.

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

    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 Biewer Terrier

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Biewer Terrier

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

  • Miniature Schnauzers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Biewer Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Biewer Terrier

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

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

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

    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 Biewer Terrier weighs 4 to 8 pounds when fully grown. The Biewer Terrier is 7 to 11 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Miniature Schnauzer versus Size of Biewer Terrier

    Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Biewer Terrier

    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 Biewer Terrier is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Biewer Terrier is 13.5 years.

    The Biewer Terrier live longer than the Miniature Schnauzer.

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Biewer Terrier

    Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Biewer Terrier

    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 Biewer Terrier puppy is $2530. The price of the Biewer Terrier typically ranges from $2000 – $3000. However, the price of the Biewer Terrier can be as low as $650 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 188 Biewer Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Biewer Terrier is more expensive than the Miniature Schnauzer.

    Miniature Schnauzer Biewer Terrier
    Average Price $1950 $2530
    Price Range $1400 to $2500 $2000 to $3000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Miniature Schnauzer and Biewer Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Miniature Schnauzer puppies or how many Biewer Terrier 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 Biewer Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Biewer Terriers

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

    The Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer versus Popularity of Biewer Terrier

    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 Biewer Terrier over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Miniature Schnauzer is more popular with dog owners than the Biewer Terrier. 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 Biewer Terrier is 82 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer

    Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer

    Popularity of Biewer Terrier

    Popularity of Biewer Terrier

    Year Miniature Schnauzer Popularity Rank Biewer Terrier 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 no data
    2021 18 82.0

    Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Biewer Terrier

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

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

    4 health tests are recommended for Miniature Schnauzer while 8 tests are recommended for the Biewer Terrier.

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

    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.

    Biewer Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Eye Examination prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Serum Bile Acid Test

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

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Miniature Schnauzers and Biewer Terriers

    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 Biewer Terrier Breed is Patella problems.

    This is because the Biewer Terrier ranks 10 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 298 Biewer Terriers, 25 of them had Patella problems.

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

  • Patella problems: Rank 10 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 41 out of 182 Dog Breeds

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

    Disease Miniature Schnauzer Rank Biewer Terrier Rank
    Legg-Calve-Perthes problems 13 out of 40 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 96 out of 182 dog breeds 41 out of 182 dog breeds
    Patella problems 125 out of 145 dog breeds 10 out of 145 dog breeds
    Hips problems 187 out of 198 dog breeds Not Common

    *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 Biewer Terrier

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

    Biewer Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Biewer Terriers?

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

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Biewer Terrier?

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

    Biewer Terriers are very easy to groom.

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

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Biewer Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Biewer Terriers?

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

    Biewer Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Biewer Terrier?

    Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Biewer Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Biewer Terrier

    Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Biewer Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Biewer Terriers?

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

    Biewer Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Biewer Terrier?

    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.

    Biewer Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Biewer Terriers?

    Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Biewer Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Biewer Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Biewer Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Biewer Terrier

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

    Biewer Terriers 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 Biewer Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.

    Biewer Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Biewer Terrier?

    Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Biewer Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.

    Biewer Terriers 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 Biewer Terrier. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Redbone Coonhound     Miniature Schnauzer versus Swedish Vallhund     Miniature Schnauzer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Pug     Miniature Schnauzer versus Sloughi     Miniature Schnauzer versus Pyredoodle     Miniature Schnauzer versus Basenji     Miniature Schnauzer versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Xoloitzcuintli     Miniature Schnauzer versus Tibetan Spaniel     Miniature Schnauzer versus Miniature Pinscher     Miniature Schnauzer versus Jack Russell Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Irish Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Welsh Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Karelian Bear Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Chinese Shar-Pei     

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