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

Miniature Schnauzer versus Lancashire Heeler: Overview
A very important difference between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Miniature Schnauzer is a small-sized dog while the Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
Miniature Schnauzer versus Lancashire Heeler: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer to the Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler
| Factor | Miniature Schnauzer | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 11 to 20 pounds | 13 to 15 pounds |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 9 to 14 years |
| Height | 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder | 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 11.5 years |
| Average Price | $1950 | $420 |
| Price Range | $1400 – $2500 | $200 – $500 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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 Lancashire Heeler. 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 Lancashire Heeler is 78 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Lancashire Heeler. So, you should get a Miniature Schnauzer!

The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler
The Miniature Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Lancashire Heeler
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler.
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 Lancashire Heeler weighs 13 to 15 pounds when fully grown. The Lancashire Heeler is 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

Appearance (Colors) of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler
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
Lancashire Heeler Colors
The Lancashire Heeler comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Black
- Apricot / Beige
The Lancashire Heeler comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Black
- White / Cream
Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Lancashire Heeler
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 Lancashire Heeler is between 9 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Lancashire Heeler is 11.5 years.
The Miniature Schnauzer live longer than the Lancashire Heeler.

Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Lancashire Heeler
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 Lancashire Heeler puppy is $420. The price of the Lancashire Heeler typically ranges from $200 – $500. However, the price of the Lancashire Heeler can be as low as $200 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 8 Lancashire Heeler puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Miniature Schnauzer is more expensive than the Lancashire Heeler.
| Miniature Schnauzer | Lancashire Heeler | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1950 | $420 |
| Price Range | $1400 to $2500 | $200 to $500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Miniature Schnauzer and Lancashire Heeler. For different price points, the charts show how many Miniature Schnauzer puppies or how many Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heelers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Miniature Schnauzer puppy or the Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Miniature Schnauzers and many Lancashire Heelers 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, Lancashire Heelers are also available for adoption. For example, Bob is a Male Lancashire Heeler that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Lancashire Heelers like Bob 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 Lancashire Heelers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Lancashire Heeler
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 Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Miniature Schnauzer than for the Lancashire Heeler.
4 health tests are recommended for Miniature Schnauzer while 3 tests are recommended for the Lancashire Heeler.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Miniature Schnauzers and in Lancashire Heelers.
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.
Lancashire Heeler Health Problems
Lancashire Heelers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heelers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lancashire Heelers here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Lancashire Heeler
Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.
Lancashire Heelers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Lancashire Heelers?
Miniature Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Lancashire Heelers shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Lancashire Heeler?
Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Lancashire Heeler?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Lancashire Heelers?
Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Lancashire Heelers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Lancashire Heeler?
Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.
Lancashire Heelers are fairly easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Lancashire Heeler
Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Lancashire Heelers do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Lancashire Heelers?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lancashire Heeler?
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.
Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heelers?
Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.
Lancashire Heelers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Lancashire Heelers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Lancashire Heeler
Miniature Schnauzers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Lancashire Heelers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.
Lancashire Heelers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Lancashire Heeler?
Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.
Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Lancashire Heeler?
Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.
Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heeler. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:
Miniature Schnauzer versus American Pit Bull Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Giant Schnauzer Miniature Schnauzer versus Bluetick Coonhound Miniature Schnauzer versus Pyrenean Shepherd Miniature Schnauzer versus American Hairless Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Belgian Malinois Miniature Schnauzer versus Coton de Tulear Miniature Schnauzer versus Finnish Lapphund Miniature Schnauzer versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Pomchi Miniature Schnauzer versus Shetland Sheepdog Miniature Schnauzer versus Golden Cocker Retriever Miniature Schnauzer versus Cairn Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Stabyhoun Miniature Schnauzer versus Catahoula Bulldog Miniature Schnauzer versus Brittany Miniature Schnauzer versus Lhasapoo Miniature Schnauzer versus Chow Chow Miniature Schnauzer versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Lancashire Heeler. 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 Lancashire Heeler better suits you and your family.