Last Updated: May 01, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Miniature Schnauzer Versus Leonberger: Introduction
- Miniature Schnauzer versus Leonberger: Overview
- Miniature Schnauzer versus Leonberger: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Leonberger
- The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Leonberger
- Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Leonberger
- Appearance (Colors) of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Leonberger
- Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Leonberger
- Temperament of the Leonberger Versus the Miniature Schnauzer
- Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Leonberger
- The Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer versus Popularity of Leonberger
- Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Leonberger
- Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Leonberger
- Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Leonbergers?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Leonberger?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Leonberger?
- Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
- Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
- Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Leonberger
- How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Leonbergers?
- Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
- Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Leonbergers?
- Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Leonberger
- Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Leonberger. Which One is a Better Pet?
Miniature Schnauzer Versus Leonberger: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Miniature Schnauzer and the Leonberger? 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Leonberger 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 Leonberger. 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 Leonberger.
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 Leonberger.
Miniature Schnauzer versus Leonberger: Overview
A very important difference between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Leonberger is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Miniature Schnauzer is a small-sized dog while the Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer to the Leonberger 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 Leonberger
| Factor | Miniature Schnauzer | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 11 to 20 pounds | 120 to 170 pounds |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Height | 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder | 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1950 | $1140 |
| Price Range | $1400 – $2500 | $500 – $2188 |
| Temperament Score | 79.3 percent | 96.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 17 | 97 |
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 Leonberger. 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 Leonberger is 63 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Leonberger. So, you should get a Miniature Schnauzer!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Leonberger
Below is a list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Leonberger are most different:
The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Leonberger
The Miniature Schnauzer and the Leonberger are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Leonberger are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Leonberger
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Leonberger.
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 Leonberger weighs 120 to 170 pounds when fully grown. The Leonberger is 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Leonberger
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
Leonberger Colors
The Leonberger comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Brown / Chocolate
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Bicolor
The Leonberger comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- Brown / Chocolate
- Black
Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Leonberger
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 Leonberger is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of the Leonberger is 11.0 years.
The Miniature Schnauzer live longer than the Leonberger.
Temperament of the Leonberger Versus the Miniature Schnauzer
The Leonberger has a better temperament than the Miniature Schnauzer.
This is because the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 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 96.0 percent, the Leonberger has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Leonberger by measuring the temperaments of 116 Miniature Schnauzers and 25 Leonbergers.
Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Leonberger
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 Leonberger puppy is $1140. The price of the Leonberger typically ranges from $500 – $2188. However, the price of the Leonberger can be as low as $300 and as high as $2250. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 10 Leonberger puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Miniature Schnauzer is more expensive than the Leonberger.
| Miniature Schnauzer | Leonberger | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1950 | $1140 |
| Price Range | $1400 to $2500 | $500 to $2188 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Miniature Schnauzer and Leonberger. For different price points, the charts show how many Miniature Schnauzer puppies or how many Leonberger 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 Leonbergers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Miniature Schnauzer puppy or the Leonberger 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 Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer versus Popularity of Leonberger
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 Leonberger over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Miniature Schnauzer is more popular with dog owners than the Leonberger. 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 Leonberger is 97 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer
Popularity of Leonberger
| Year | Miniature Schnauzer Popularity Rank | Leonberger Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 17 | 98 |
| 2014 | 16 | 104 |
| 2015 | 16 | 93 |
| 2016 | 17 | 95 |
| 2017 | 18 | 100 |
| 2018 | 19 | 93 |
| 2019 | 18 | 95 |
| 2020 | 19 | 98 |
| 2021 | 18 | 102 |
Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Leonberger
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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger is prone to more genetic health problems than the Miniature Schnauzer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Leonberger than for the Miniature Schnauzer.
4 health tests are recommended for Miniature Schnauzer while 10 tests are recommended for the Leonberger.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Miniature Schnauzers and in Leonbergers.
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.
Leonberger Health Problems
Leonbergers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Leonberger 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 Leonberger puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Leonberger 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 Leonbergers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Leonbergers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Miniature Schnauzers and Leonbergers
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 Leonberger Breed is Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems.
This is because the Leonberger ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1600 Leonbergers, 22 of them had Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Leonbergers, and how common these diseases are in Leonbergers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Miniature Schnauzer and in Leonberger and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Miniature Schnauzer and the Leonberger:
| Disease | Miniature Schnauzer Rank | Leonberger Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 13 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 96 out of 182 dog breeds | 20 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 125 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 187 out of 198 dog breeds | 83 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems | Not Common | 1 out of 1 dog breeds |
| Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2 problems | Not Common | 1 out of 1 dog breeds |
| Leukoencephalomyelopathy problems | Not Common | 1 out of 1 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 34 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 38 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 41 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 74 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 Leonberger
Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.
Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.
Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Leonbergers?
Miniature Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Leonberger?
Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Leonbergers are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Leonberger?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Leonbergers?
Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Leonbergers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Leonberger?
Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.
Leonbergers are not easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Leonberger
Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Leonbergers drool moderately.
How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Leonbergers?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Leonberger?
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.
Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers?
Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.
Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Leonberger
Miniature Schnauzers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Leonbergers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.
Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Leonberger?
Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.
Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Leonberger?
Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.
Leonbergers 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 Leonberger. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:
Miniature Schnauzer versus Boerboel Miniature Schnauzer versus Scottish Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Sloughi Miniature Schnauzer versus Afador Miniature Schnauzer versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Miniature Schnauzer versus Estrela Mountain Dog Miniature Schnauzer versus American Pit Bull Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Harrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Boston Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Irish Wolfhound Miniature Schnauzer versus Catahoula Bulldog Miniature Schnauzer versus Korean Jindo Dog Miniature Schnauzer versus Shiranian Miniature Schnauzer versus Chow Chow Miniature Schnauzer versus English Toy Spaniel Miniature Schnauzer versus Rottweiler Miniature Schnauzer versus French Bulldog Miniature Schnauzer versus Flat-Coated Retriever
Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Leonberger. 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 Leonberger better suits you and your family.