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

Miniature Schnauzer versus Coton de Tulear: Overview
A very important difference between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Coton de Tulear is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Miniature Schnauzer is a small-sized dog while the Coton de Tulear is a tiny-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 Coton de Tulear belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
Miniature Schnauzer versus Coton de Tulear: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer to the Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear
| Factor | Miniature Schnauzer | Coton de Tulear |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 11 to 20 pounds | 8 to 13 pounds |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 14 to 16 years |
| Height | 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder | 8 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| 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 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 15.0 years |
| Average Price | $1950 | $1980 |
| Price Range | $1400 – $2500 | $1600 – $2400 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 17 | 75 |
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 Coton de Tulear. 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 Coton de Tulear is 94 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Coton de Tulear, we still believe that the Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Coton de Tulear.
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 Coton de Tulear
Below is a list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Coton de Tulear are most different:
The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Coton de Tulear
The Miniature Schnauzer and the Coton de Tulear are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Coton de Tulear are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Coton de Tulear
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Coton de Tulear.
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 Coton de Tulear weighs 8 to 13 pounds when fully grown. The Coton de Tulear is 8 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

Appearance (Colors) of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Coton de Tulear
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
Coton de Tulear Colors
The Coton de Tulear comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
The Coton de Tulear comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Coton de Tulear
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 Coton de Tulear is between 14 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the Coton de Tulear is 15.0 years.
The Coton de Tulear live longer than the Miniature Schnauzer.

Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Coton de Tulear
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 Coton de Tulear puppy is $1980. The price of the Coton de Tulear typically ranges from $1600 – $2400. However, the price of the Coton de Tulear can be as low as $550 and as high as $3200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 253 Coton de Tulear puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Coton de Tulear is more expensive than the Miniature Schnauzer.
| Miniature Schnauzer | Coton de Tulear | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1950 | $1980 |
| Price Range | $1400 to $2500 | $1600 to $2400 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Miniature Schnauzer and Coton de Tulear. For different price points, the charts show how many Miniature Schnauzer puppies or how many Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulears
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Miniature Schnauzer puppy or the Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Miniature Schnauzers and many Coton de Tulears 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 Benny that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Miniature Schnauzers like Benny on pefinder.com.
Also, like Miniature Schnauzers, Coton de Tulears are also available for adoption. For example, Adam is a Male Coton de Tulear that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Coton de Tulears like Adam that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

Baxter 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 Coton de Tulears that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer versus Popularity of Coton de Tulear
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 Coton de Tulear over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Miniature Schnauzer is more popular with dog owners than the Coton de Tulear. 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 Coton de Tulear is 75 out of about 200 dog breeds.

Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer

Popularity of Coton de Tulear
| Year | Miniature Schnauzer Popularity Rank | Coton de Tulear Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 17 | no data |
| 2014 | 16 | 31.0 |
| 2015 | 16 | 85.0 |
| 2016 | 17 | 80.0 |
| 2017 | 18 | 81.0 |
| 2018 | 19 | 81.0 |
| 2019 | 18 | 81.0 |
| 2020 | 19 | 80.0 |
| 2021 | 18 | 83.0 |
Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Coton de Tulear
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 Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Miniature Schnauzer than for the Coton de Tulear.
4 health tests are recommended for Miniature Schnauzer while 3 tests are recommended for the Coton de Tulear.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Miniature Schnauzers and in Coton de Tulears.
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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Miniature Schnauzers here.
Coton de Tulear Health Problems
Coton de Tulears are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulears for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Coton de Tulears here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Miniature Schnauzers and Coton de Tulears
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:
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 Coton de Tulear Breed is Chondrodysplasia (Cdpa) problems.
This is because the Coton de Tulear ranks 1 out of 2 dog breeds for Chondrodysplasia (Cdpa) problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 51 Coton de Tulears, 47 of them had Chondrodysplasia (Cdpa) problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Coton de Tulears, and how common these diseases are in Coton de Tulears relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Miniature Schnauzer and in Coton de Tulear and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Miniature Schnauzer and the Coton de Tulear:
| Disease | Miniature Schnauzer Rank | Coton de Tulear Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 13 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 96 out of 182 dog breeds | 168 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 125 out of 145 dog breeds | 36 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 187 out of 198 dog breeds | 121 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Chondrodysplasia (Cdpa) problems | Not Common | 1 out of 2 dog breeds |
| Chondrodystrophy (Cddy) problems | Not Common | 2 out of 5 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 61 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 71 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 103 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 Coton de Tulear
Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.
Coton de Tulears do not like to be left alone.
Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Coton de Tulears?
Miniature Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Coton de Tulears do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Coton de Tulear?
Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Coton de Tulears 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 Coton de Tulear?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Coton de Tulears get along very well with other dogs.
Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Coton de Tulears?
Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Coton de Tulears are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Coton de Tulear?
Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.
Coton de Tulears are fairly easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Coton de Tulear
Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Coton de Tulears do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Coton de Tulears?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Coton de Tulears get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Coton de Tulear?
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.
Coton de Tulears 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 Coton de Tulears?
Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.
Coton de Tulears are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Coton de Tulears Tolerate Cold Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Coton de Tulears can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Coton de Tulear
Miniature Schnauzers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Coton de Tulears 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 Coton de Tulears Tolerate Hot Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.
Coton de Tulears can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Coton de Tulear?
Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.
Coton de Tulears adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Coton de Tulear?
Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.
Coton de Tulears 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 Coton de Tulear. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:
Miniature Schnauzer versus West Highland White Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Westiepoo Miniature Schnauzer versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Miniature Schnauzer versus Akita Miniature Schnauzer versus Komondor Miniature Schnauzer versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Miniature Schnauzer versus Puggle Miniature Schnauzer versus Tibetan Mastiff Miniature Schnauzer versus Goldador Miniature Schnauzer versus Leonberger Miniature Schnauzer versus French Spaniel Miniature Schnauzer versus American Eskimo Dog Miniature Schnauzer versus English Springer Spaniel Miniature Schnauzer versus Pekingese Miniature Schnauzer versus Chorkie Miniature Schnauzer versus Black Mouth Cur Miniature Schnauzer versus Kuvasz Miniature Schnauzer versus Hovawart Miniature Schnauzer versus Gordon Setter
Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Coton de Tulear. 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 Coton de Tulear better suits you and your family.