Last Updated: May 01, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Miniature Schnauzer Versus Cavapoo: Introduction
- Miniature Schnauzer versus Cavapoo: Overview
- Miniature Schnauzer versus Cavapoo: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Cavapoo
- The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Cavapoo
- Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Cavapoo
- Appearance (Colors) of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Cavapoo
- Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Cavapoo
- Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Cavapoo
- Adopting the Miniature Schnauzer versus Adopting the Cavapoo
- Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Cavapoo
- Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Cavapoos?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Cavapoo?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Cavapoo?
- Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Cavapoos?
- Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Cavapoo?
- Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Cavapoo
- How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Cavapoos?
- Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Cavapoo?
- Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Cavapoos?
- Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Cavapoos Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Cavapoo
- Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Cavapoos Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Cavapoo. Which One is a Better Pet?
Miniature Schnauzer Versus Cavapoo: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Miniature Schnauzer and the Cavapoo? 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 Cavapoo 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 Cavapoo.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Cavapoo 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 Cavapoo. 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 Cavapoo.
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 Cavapoo.

Miniature Schnauzer versus Cavapoo: Overview
Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Cavapoo are similar in size. The Miniature Schnauzer and the Cavapoo are both small-sized dogs.
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 Cavapoo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.
Miniature Schnauzer versus Cavapoo: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer to the Cavapoo 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 Cavapoo
| Factor | Miniature Schnauzer | Cavapoo |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 11 to 20 pounds | 9 to 25 pounds |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Height | 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 14 inches |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1950 | $2380 |
| Price Range | $1400 – $2500 | $1500 – $2895 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
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 Cavapoo. 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 Cavapoo is 89 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Cavapoo, we still believe that the Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Cavapoo.
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!

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Cavapoo
Below is a list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Cavapoo are most different:
The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Cavapoo
The Miniature Schnauzer and the Cavapoo are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Cavapoo are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Cavapoo
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Cavapoo.
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 Cavapoo weighs 9 to 25 pounds when fully grown. The Cavapoo is 9 to 14 inches when fully grown.

Appearance (Colors) of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Cavapoo
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
Cavapoo Colors
The Cavapoo comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Black
- White / Cream
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Golden
- Merle (Blue)
- Apricot / Beige
The Cavapoo comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Brown / Chocolate
Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Cavapoo
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 Cavapoo is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Cavapoo is 13.5 years.
The Cavapoo live longer than the Miniature Schnauzer.

Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Cavapoo
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 Cavapoo puppy is $2380. The price of the Cavapoo typically ranges from $1500 – $2895. However, the price of the Cavapoo can be as low as $180 and as high as $8775. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1589 Cavapoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Cavapoo is more expensive than the Miniature Schnauzer.
| Miniature Schnauzer | Cavapoo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1950 | $2380 |
| Price Range | $1400 to $2500 | $1500 to $2895 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Miniature Schnauzer and Cavapoo. For different price points, the charts show how many Miniature Schnauzer puppies or how many Cavapoo 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 Cavapoos
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Miniature Schnauzer puppy or the Cavapoo 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 Cavapoo
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Miniature Schnauzers and many Cavapoos 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, Cavapoos are also available for adoption. For example, Leo is a Male Cavapoo that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Cavapoos like Leo that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

Mcgee 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 Cavapoos that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Cavapoo
Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.
Cavapoos do not like to be left alone.
Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Cavapoos?
Miniature Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Cavapoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Cavapoo?
Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Cavapoos are moderately easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Cavapoo?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Cavapoos get along very well with other dogs.
Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Cavapoos?
Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Cavapoos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Cavapoo?
Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.
Cavapoos are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Cavapoo
Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Cavapoos do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Cavapoos?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Cavapoos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Cavapoo?
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.
Cavapoos have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Cavapoos?
Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.
Cavapoos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Cavapoos Tolerate Cold Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Cavapoos can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Cavapoo
Miniature Schnauzers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Cavapoos 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 Cavapoos Tolerate Hot Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.
Cavapoos can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Cavapoo?
Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.
Cavapoos adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Cavapoo?
Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.
Cavapoos 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 Cavapoo. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:
Miniature Schnauzer versus Afador Miniature Schnauzer versus Beagle Miniature Schnauzer versus King Shepherd Miniature Schnauzer versus Bearded Collie Miniature Schnauzer versus Scottish Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Akita Miniature Schnauzer versus Silky Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Miniature Schnauzer versus Cane Corso Miniature Schnauzer versus Chorkie Miniature Schnauzer versus Bernedoodle Miniature Schnauzer versus Keeshond Miniature Schnauzer versus Afghan Hound Miniature Schnauzer versus Lagotto Romagnolo Miniature Schnauzer versus Goldador
Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Cavapoo. 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 Cavapoo better suits you and your family.