Breed Comparison: Miniature Schnauzer Versus Miniature Poodle

Last Updated: May 01, 2022

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Miniature Schnauzer Versus Miniature Poodle: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle? 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 Miniature Poodle 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 Miniature Poodle.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle 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 Miniature Poodle. 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 Miniature Poodle.

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 Miniature Poodle.

Miniature Schnauzer versus Miniature Poodle

Miniature Schnauzer versus Miniature Poodle: Overview

A very important difference between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Miniature Schnauzer is a small-sized dog while the Miniature Poodle 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 Miniature Poodle belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Miniature Schnauzer versus Miniature Poodle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer to the Miniature Poodle 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 Miniature Poodle

FactorMiniature SchnauzerMiniature Poodle
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Weight11 to 20 pounds12 to 20 pounds
Life Span12 to 14 years12 to 15 years
Height13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulderFrom 10 to over 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Does NOT Shed4/55/5
Easy To Groom2/51/5
Does NOT chew on things4/52/5
Good For Novice Owners3/55/5
Kid-Friendly3/55/5
Dog Friendly3/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/54/5
General Health3/52/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/53/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/55/5
Easygoing2/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/53/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/52/5
Intelligence4/55/5
Low Prey Drive2/54/5
Potential For Playfulness4/55/5
Tolerates Being Alone5/51/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Easy To Train5/55/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/52/5
Average Lifespan13.0 years13.5 years
Average Price$1950$2500
Price Range$1400 – $2500$1500 – $3000
Temperament Score79.3 percent76.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Mycobacterium Avian Complex
  • Myotonia Congenita
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    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 Miniature Poodle. 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 Miniature Poodle is 88 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Miniature Poodle, we still believe that the Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Miniature Poodle.

    This is because Miniature Schnauzers are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Miniature Schnauzer will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Miniature Schnauzer :-). We are for the Miniature Schnauzer. So get a Miniature Schnauzer!

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Miniature Poodle

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle

    Below is a list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle are most different:

  • Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Miniature Poodles do not like to be left alone.
  • The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle

    The Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle are most similar:

  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle are very playful.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle are very easy to train.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Miniature Poodle

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle.

    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 Miniature Poodle weighs 12 to 20 pounds when fully grown. The Miniature Poodle is From 10 to over 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of Miniature Schnauzer versus Size of Miniature Poodle

    Appearance (Colors) of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle

    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

    Miniature Poodle Colors

    The Miniature Poodle comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Black
    • White / Cream
    • Apricot / Beige
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Bicolor
    • Brown / Chocolate

    The Miniature Poodle comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Black
    • Gray / Blue / Silver

    Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Miniature Poodle

    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 Miniature Poodle is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Miniature Poodle is 13.5 years.

    The Miniature Poodle live longer than the Miniature Schnauzer.

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Miniature Poodle

    Temperament of the Miniature Schnauzer Versus the Miniature Poodle

    The Miniature Schnauzer has a better temperament than the Miniature Poodle.

    This is because the temperament score for the Miniature Schnauzer is 79.3 percent while the temperament score for the Miniature Poodle is 76.7 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 76.7 percent, the Miniature Poodle has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle by measuring the temperaments of 116 Miniature Schnauzers and 73 Miniature Poodles.

    Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Miniature Poodle

    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 Miniature Poodle puppy is $2500. The price of the Miniature Poodle typically ranges from $1500 – $3000. However, the price of the Miniature Poodle can be as low as $350 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1190 Miniature Poodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Miniature Poodle is more expensive than the Miniature Schnauzer.

    Miniature Schnauzer Miniature Poodle
    Average Price $1950 $2500
    Price Range $1400 to $2500 $1500 to $3000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Miniature Schnauzer and Miniature Poodle. For different price points, the charts show how many Miniature Schnauzer puppies or how many Miniature Poodle 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 Miniature Schnauzers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Miniature Poodles

    A breakdown of the prices of Miniature Poodles

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Miniature Schnauzer puppy or the Miniature Poodle 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.

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Miniature Poodle

    Adopting the Miniature Schnauzer versus Adopting the Miniature Poodle

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Miniature Schnauzers and many Miniature Poodles 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 Nicodemus that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Miniature Schnauzers like Nicodemus on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Miniature Schnauzers, Miniature Poodles are also available for adoption. For example, Jules is a Male Miniature Poodle that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Miniature Poodles like Jules that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Benny is the name of another Miniature Schnauzer (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Noel And Chuy is an adorable Male Miniature Poodle on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Miniature Schnauzers and Miniature Poodles are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Miniature Schnauzers and Miniature Poodles that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Miniature Poodle

    Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Miniature Poodles do not like to be left alone.

    Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Miniature Poodles?

    Miniature Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Miniature Poodles do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Miniature Poodle?

    Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Miniature Poodles 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 Miniature Poodle?

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Miniature Poodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Miniature Poodles?

    Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Miniature Poodles are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Miniature Poodle?

    Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Miniature Poodles are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Miniature Poodle

    Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Miniature Poodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Miniature Poodles?

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Miniature Poodles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Miniature Poodle?

    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.

    Miniature Poodles 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 Miniature Poodles?

    Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Miniature Poodles are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Miniature Poodles Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Miniature Poodles can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Miniature Poodle

    Miniature Schnauzers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Miniature Poodles 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 Miniature Poodles Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.

    Miniature Poodles can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Miniature Poodle?

    Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Miniature Poodles adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Miniature Poodle?

    Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.

    Miniature Poodles are very good 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 Miniature Poodle. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Puggle     Miniature Schnauzer versus Lhasa Apso     Miniature Schnauzer versus Havanese     Miniature Schnauzer versus Bluetick Coonhound     Miniature Schnauzer versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Miniature Schnauzer versus Karelian Bear Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Miniature Schnauzer versus Spinone Italiano     Miniature Schnauzer versus Borzoi     Miniature Schnauzer versus Black Mouth Cur     Miniature Schnauzer versus Saluki     Miniature Schnauzer versus Chihuahua     Miniature Schnauzer versus Finnish Lapphund     Miniature Schnauzer versus Frenchton     Miniature Schnauzer versus Beaglier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Miniature Schnauzer versus Newfoundland     

    Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Miniature Poodle. 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 Miniature Poodle better suits you and your family.