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

Miniature Schnauzer versus Fila Brasileiro: Overview
A very important difference between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Fila Brasileiro is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Miniature Schnauzer is a small-sized dog while the Fila Brasileiro is a giant-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 Fila Brasileiro belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
Miniature Schnauzer versus Fila Brasileiro: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer to the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro
| Factor | Miniature Schnauzer | Fila Brasileiro |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 11 to 20 pounds | 90 to 180 pounds |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 9 to 12 years |
| Height | 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder | 24 to 30 inches |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 10.5 years |
| Average Price | $1950 | $1330 |
| Price Range | $1400 – $2500 | $1000 – $1575 |
| Temperament Score | 79.3 percent | 78.6 percent |
| 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 Fila Brasileiro. 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 Fila Brasileiro is 62 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Fila Brasileiro. So, you should get a Miniature Schnauzer!

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Fila Brasileiro
Below is a list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Fila Brasileiro are most different:
The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Fila Brasileiro
The Miniature Schnauzer and the Fila Brasileiro are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Fila Brasileiro are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Fila Brasileiro
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Fila Brasileiro.
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 Fila Brasileiro weighs 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. The Fila Brasileiro is 24 to 30 inches when fully grown.

Appearance (Colors) of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Fila Brasileiro
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
Fila Brasileiro Colors
The Fila Brasileiro comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Brown / Chocolate
- Brindle
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
The Fila Brasileiro comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Fila Brasileiro
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 Fila Brasileiro is between 9 to 12 years. The average lifespan of the Fila Brasileiro is 10.5 years.
The Miniature Schnauzer live longer than the Fila Brasileiro.

Temperament of the Fila Brasileiro Versus the Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer has a better temperament than the Fila Brasileiro.
This is because the temperament score for the Miniature Schnauzer is 79.3 percent while the temperament score for the Fila Brasileiro is 78.6 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 78.6 percent, the Fila Brasileiro has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Fila Brasileiro by measuring the temperaments of 116 Miniature Schnauzers and 14 Fila Brasileiros.
Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Fila Brasileiro
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 Fila Brasileiro puppy is $1330. The price of the Fila Brasileiro typically ranges from $1000 – $1575. However, the price of the Fila Brasileiro can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 4 Fila Brasileiro puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Miniature Schnauzer is more expensive than the Fila Brasileiro.
| Miniature Schnauzer | Fila Brasileiro | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1950 | $1330 |
| Price Range | $1400 to $2500 | $1000 to $1575 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Miniature Schnauzer and Fila Brasileiro. For different price points, the charts show how many Miniature Schnauzer puppies or how many Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiros
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Miniature Schnauzer puppy or the Fila Brasileiro 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.

Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Fila Brasileiro
Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.
Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Fila Brasileiros?
Miniature Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Fila Brasileiros do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Fila Brasileiro?
Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Fila Brasileiro?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Fila Brasileiros?
Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Fila Brasileiros are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Fila Brasileiro?
Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.
Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Fila Brasileiro
Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.
How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Fila Brasileiros?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Fila Brasileiros get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Fila Brasileiro?
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.
Fila Brasileiros 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.
Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Fila Brasileiros?
Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.
Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Fila Brasileiro
Miniature Schnauzers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.
Fila Brasileiros can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Fila Brasileiro?
Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.
Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Fila Brasileiro?
Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.
Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Miniature Schnauzer compares to other breeds aside from the Fila Brasileiro. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:
Miniature Schnauzer versus Puli Miniature Schnauzer versus Dogue de Bordeaux Miniature Schnauzer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Miniature Schnauzer versus American Hairless Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Pointer Miniature Schnauzer versus Tibetan Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Dutch Shepherd Miniature Schnauzer versus Chinese Shar-Pei Miniature Schnauzer versus Bulldog Miniature Schnauzer versus Norfolk Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Black Mouth Cur Miniature Schnauzer versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Miniature Schnauzer versus Skye Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Cane Corso Miniature Schnauzer versus Shiloh Shepherd Miniature Schnauzer versus Kerry Blue Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Estrela Mountain Dog
Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Fila Brasileiro. 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 Fila Brasileiro better suits you and your family.