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

Miniature Schnauzer versus Lakeland Terrier: Overview
Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Lakeland Terrier are similar in size. The Miniature Schnauzer and the Lakeland Terrier are both small-sized dogs.
Furthermore, both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Lakeland Terrier are Terrier Dogs. This means both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Lakeland 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 Lakeland Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer to the Lakeland 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 Lakeland Terrier
| Factor | Miniature Schnauzer | Lakeland Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 11 to 20 pounds | 15 to 17 pounds |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Height | 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder | 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1950 | $1900 |
| Price Range | $1400 – $2500 | $1600 – $2400 |
| Temperament Score | 79.3 percent | 75.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 17 | 142 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 12 | 62 |
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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland Terrier is 81 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Lakeland Terrier. So, you should get a Miniature Schnauzer!

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Lakeland Terrier
Below is a list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Lakeland Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Lakeland Terrier
The Miniature Schnauzer and the Lakeland Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Lakeland Terrier are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Lakeland Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Lakeland 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 Lakeland Terrier weighs 15 to 17 pounds when fully grown. The Lakeland Terrier is 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

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

Temperament of the Lakeland Terrier Versus the Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer has a better temperament than the Lakeland Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Miniature Schnauzer is 79.3 percent while the temperament score for the Lakeland Terrier is 75.0 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 75.0 percent, the Lakeland Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Lakeland Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 116 Miniature Schnauzers and 8 Lakeland Terriers.
Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Lakeland 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 Lakeland Terrier puppy is $1900. The price of the Lakeland Terrier typically ranges from $1600 – $2400. However, the price of the Lakeland Terrier can be as low as $1000 and as high as $2550. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 13 Lakeland Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Miniature Schnauzer is more expensive than the Lakeland Terrier.
| Miniature Schnauzer | Lakeland Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1950 | $1900 |
| Price Range | $1400 to $2500 | $1600 to $2400 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Miniature Schnauzer and Lakeland Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Miniature Schnauzer puppies or how many Lakeland 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 Lakeland Terriers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Miniature Schnauzer puppy or the Lakeland 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.

The Intelligence of the Miniature Schnauzer versus the Intelligence of the Lakeland Terrier
| Miniature Schnauzer | Lakeland Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 12 out of 130 dog breeds | 62 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 5 To 15 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 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 Lakeland Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 62 out of 130 dog breeds. The Lakeland Terrier belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Lakeland Terriers tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.
The Miniature Schnauzer is more intelligent than the Lakeland Terrier.
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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland Terrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Miniature Schnauzer is more popular with dog owners than the Lakeland 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 Lakeland Terrier is 142 out of about 200 dog breeds.

Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer

Popularity of Lakeland Terrier
| Year | Miniature Schnauzer Popularity Rank | Lakeland Terrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 17 | 134 |
| 2014 | 16 | 149 |
| 2015 | 16 | 141 |
| 2016 | 17 | 145 |
| 2017 | 18 | 138 |
| 2018 | 19 | 147 |
| 2019 | 18 | 148 |
| 2020 | 19 | 136 |
| 2021 | 18 | 142 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Lakeland Terrier
Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.
Lakeland Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Lakeland Terriers?
Miniature Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Lakeland Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Lakeland Terrier?
Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Lakeland Terriers 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 Lakeland Terrier?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Lakeland Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Lakeland Terriers?
Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Lakeland Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Lakeland Terrier?
Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.
Lakeland Terriers are not easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Lakeland Terrier
Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Lakeland Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Lakeland Terriers?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Lakeland Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lakeland 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.
Lakeland Terriers 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 Lakeland Terriers?
Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.
Lakeland Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lakeland Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Lakeland Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Lakeland Terrier
Miniature Schnauzers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Lakeland Terriers 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 Lakeland Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.
Lakeland Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Lakeland Terrier?
Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.
Lakeland Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Lakeland Terrier?
Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.
Lakeland 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 Lakeland Terrier. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:
Miniature Schnauzer versus Black Russian Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Silky Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Shichon Miniature Schnauzer versus German Shepherd Dog Miniature Schnauzer versus Siberian Husky Miniature Schnauzer versus Cocker Spaniel Miniature Schnauzer versus Briard Miniature Schnauzer versus Bloodhound Miniature Schnauzer versus Doberman Pinscher Miniature Schnauzer versus German Pinscher Miniature Schnauzer versus Pomapoo Miniature Schnauzer versus Westiepoo Miniature Schnauzer versus Dogo Argentino Miniature Schnauzer versus Weimaraner Miniature Schnauzer versus Mastiff Miniature Schnauzer versus Finnish Spitz Miniature Schnauzer versus Goldendoodle Miniature Schnauzer versus Hovawart
Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Lakeland 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 Lakeland Terrier better suits you and your family.