Last Updated: May 01, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Miniature Schnauzer Versus Irish Water Spaniel: Introduction
- Miniature Schnauzer versus Irish Water Spaniel: Overview
- Miniature Schnauzer versus Irish Water Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Irish Water Spaniel
- Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Irish Water Spaniel
- Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Irish Water Spaniel
- Temperament of the Miniature Schnauzer Versus the Irish Water Spaniel
- The Intelligence of the Miniature Schnauzer versus the Intelligence of the Irish Water Spaniel
- The Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer versus Popularity of Irish Water Spaniel
- Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Irish Water Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Irish Water Spaniel
- Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Irish Water Spaniels?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
- Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Irish Water Spaniel
- How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Irish Water Spaniels?
- Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Water Spaniel?
- Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
- Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Irish Water Spaniel
- Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Irish Water Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Miniature Schnauzer Versus Irish Water Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Miniature Schnauzer and the Irish Water Spaniel? 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 Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel. 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 Irish Water Spaniel.
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 Irish Water Spaniel.
Miniature Schnauzer versus Irish Water Spaniel: Overview
A very important difference between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Irish Water Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Miniature Schnauzer is a small-sized dog while the Irish Water Spaniel is a medium-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 Irish Water Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
Miniature Schnauzer versus Irish Water Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer to the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel
| Factor | Miniature Schnauzer | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 11 to 20 pounds | 45 to 65 pounds |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Height | 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1950 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1400 – $2500 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 79.3 percent | 90.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 17 | 157 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 12 | 24 |
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 Irish Water Spaniel. 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 Irish Water Spaniel is 81 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Irish Water Spaniel. So, you should get a Miniature Schnauzer!
The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Irish Water Spaniel
The Miniature Schnauzer and the Irish Water Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Irish Water Spaniel are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Irish Water Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Irish Water Spaniel.
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 Irish Water Spaniel weighs 45 to 65 pounds when fully grown. The Irish Water Spaniel is 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Irish Water Spaniel
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 Irish Water Spaniel is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of the Irish Water Spaniel is 11.0 years.
The Miniature Schnauzer live longer than the Irish Water Spaniel.
Temperament of the Miniature Schnauzer Versus the Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel has a better temperament than the Miniature Schnauzer.
This is because the temperament score for the Irish Water Spaniel is 90.0 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 90.0 percent, the Irish Water Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Irish Water Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 116 Miniature Schnauzers and 30 Irish Water Spaniels.
The Intelligence of the Miniature Schnauzer versus the Intelligence of the Irish Water Spaniel
| Miniature Schnauzer | Irish Water Spaniel | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 12 out of 130 dog breeds | 24 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 5 To 15 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 5 To 15 Repetitions |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.
Prof. Coren found that the Miniature Schnauzer has an obedience intelligence rank of 12 out of 130 dog breeds. The Miniature Schnauzer belongs to the `Excellent Working Dogs` category. This means that Miniature Schnauzers tend to learn new commands after 5 to 15 repetitions.
The Irish Water Spaniel has an obedience intelligence rank of 24 out of 130 dog breeds. The Irish Water Spaniel belongs to the `Excellent Working Dogs` category. This means that Irish Water Spaniels tend to learn new commands after 5 to 15 repetitions.
The Miniature Schnauzer is more intelligent than the Irish Water Spaniel.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
The Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer versus Popularity of Irish Water Spaniel
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 Irish Water Spaniel over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Miniature Schnauzer is more popular with dog owners than the Irish Water Spaniel. 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 Irish Water Spaniel is 157 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer
Popularity of Irish Water Spaniel
| Year | Miniature Schnauzer Popularity Rank | Irish Water Spaniel Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 17 | 141 |
| 2014 | 16 | 152 |
| 2015 | 16 | 144 |
| 2016 | 17 | 150 |
| 2017 | 18 | 164 |
| 2018 | 19 | 159 |
| 2019 | 18 | 170 |
| 2020 | 19 | 174 |
| 2021 | 18 | 165 |
Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Irish Water Spaniel
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 Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel is prone to more genetic health problems than the Miniature Schnauzer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Irish Water Spaniel than for the Miniature Schnauzer.
4 health tests are recommended for Miniature Schnauzer while 5 tests are recommended for the Irish Water Spaniel.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Miniature Schnauzers and in Irish Water Spaniels.
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.
Irish Water Spaniel Health Problems
Irish Water Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniels for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Irish Water Spaniels here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Miniature Schnauzers and Irish Water Spaniels
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 Irish Water Spaniel Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Irish Water Spaniel ranks 5 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 111 Irish Water Spaniels, 7 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Irish Water Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in Irish Water Spaniels relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Miniature Schnauzer and in Irish Water Spaniel and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Miniature Schnauzer and the Irish Water Spaniel:
| Disease | Miniature Schnauzer Rank | Irish Water Spaniel Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 13 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 96 out of 182 dog breeds | 150 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 125 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 187 out of 198 dog breeds | 104 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 5 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 9 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Shoulder problems | Not Common | 18 out of 22 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 31 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 105 out of 115 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 Irish Water Spaniel
Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.
Irish Water Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Irish Water Spaniels?
Miniature Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Irish Water Spaniels do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Irish Water Spaniel?
Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Irish Water Spaniel?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Irish Water Spaniels?
Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Irish Water Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Irish Water Spaniel?
Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.
Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Irish Water Spaniel
Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Irish Water Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Irish Water Spaniels?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Irish Water Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Water Spaniel?
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.
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Irish Water Spaniels?
Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.
Irish Water Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Irish Water Spaniel
Miniature Schnauzers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.
Irish Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Water Spaniel?
Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.
Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Irish Water Spaniel?
Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Irish Water Spaniel. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:
Miniature Schnauzer versus Chi-Poo Miniature Schnauzer versus Gordon Setter Miniature Schnauzer versus Miniature Pinscher Miniature Schnauzer versus Pomapoo Miniature Schnauzer versus Swedish Vallhund Miniature Schnauzer versus Hovawart Miniature Schnauzer versus Lagotto Romagnolo Miniature Schnauzer versus Azawakh Miniature Schnauzer versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Miniature Schnauzer versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Miniature Schnauzer versus King Shepherd Miniature Schnauzer versus Pomsky Miniature Schnauzer versus Stabyhoun Miniature Schnauzer versus Dutch Shepherd
Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Irish Water Spaniel. 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 Irish Water Spaniel better suits you and your family.