Differences and Similarities between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Patterdale Terrier.

Last Updated: May 01, 2022

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Miniature Schnauzer Versus Patterdale Terrier: Introduction

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

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

Miniature Schnauzer versus Patterdale Terrier

Miniature Schnauzer versus Patterdale Terrier: Overview

Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Patterdale Terrier are similar in size. The Miniature Schnauzer and the Patterdale Terrier are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Patterdale Terrier are Terrier Dogs. This means both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer to the Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier

FactorMiniature SchnauzerPatterdale Terrier
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Weight11 to 20 pounds11 to 13 pounds
Life Span12 to 14 years11 to 14 years
Height13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder12 to 15 inches
Does NOT Shed4/54/5
Easy To Groom2/54/5
Does NOT chew on things4/52/5
Good For Novice Owners3/52/5
Kid-Friendly3/54/5
Dog Friendly3/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/54/5
General Health3/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/52/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/51/5
Easygoing2/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/54/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/53/5
Intelligence4/55/5
Low Prey Drive2/51/5
Potential For Playfulness4/54/5
Tolerates Being Alone5/51/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Easy To Train5/53/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/52/5
Average Lifespan13.0 years12.5 years
Average Price$1950$640
Price Range$1400 – $2500$500 – $688
Temperament Score79.3 percent80.0 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 Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Patterdale Terrier. So, you should get a Miniature Schnauzer!

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Patterdale Terrier

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Patterdale Terrier

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

  • Miniature Schnauzers adapt well to apartment living. However, Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.
  • The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Patterdale Terrier

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

  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Patterdale Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Patterdale Terrier do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Patterdale Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Patterdale Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Patterdale Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Patterdale Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Patterdale Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Patterdale Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Patterdale Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Patterdale Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Patterdale Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier weighs 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. The Patterdale Terrier is 12 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Miniature Schnauzer versus Size of Patterdale Terrier

    Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Patterdale Terrier is 12.5 years.

    The Miniature Schnauzer live longer than the Patterdale Terrier.

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Patterdale Terrier

    Temperament of the Miniature Schnauzer Versus the Patterdale Terrier

    The Patterdale Terrier has a better temperament than the Miniature Schnauzer.

    This is because the temperament score for the Patterdale Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Patterdale Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Patterdale Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 116 Miniature Schnauzers and 5 Patterdale Terriers.

    Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier puppy is $640. The price of the Patterdale Terrier typically ranges from $500 – $688. However, the price of the Patterdale Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 24 Patterdale Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Miniature Schnauzer is more expensive than the Patterdale Terrier.

    Miniature Schnauzer Patterdale Terrier
    Average Price $1950 $640
    Price Range $1400 to $2500 $500 to $688

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers

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

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Patterdale Terrier

    Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Patterdale Terrier

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

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Patterdale Terrier?

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

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Patterdale Terrier?

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Patterdale Terrier

    Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Patterdale 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.

    Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terriers?

    Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Patterdale Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Patterdale Terrier

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

    Patterdale Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.

    Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terrier. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Patterdale Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Japanese Spitz     Miniature Schnauzer versus Sussex Spaniel     Miniature Schnauzer versus Pomsky     Miniature Schnauzer versus German Pinscher     Miniature Schnauzer versus Skye Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Field Spaniel     Miniature Schnauzer versus Standard Poodle     Miniature Schnauzer versus Chorkie     Miniature Schnauzer versus Papipoo     Miniature Schnauzer versus Manchester Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Havanese     Miniature Schnauzer versus Irish Wolfhound     Miniature Schnauzer versus Yorkshire Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Shetland Sheepdog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Black Russian Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Airedale Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Schnoodle     Miniature Schnauzer versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     

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