Last Updated: May 01, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Miniature Schnauzer Versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Introduction
- Miniature Schnauzer versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Overview
- Miniature Schnauzer versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Temperament of the Miniature Schnauzer Versus the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- The Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer versus Popularity of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
- Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
- Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
- Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
- Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
- Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
- Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Miniature Schnauzer Versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Miniature Schnauzer and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog? 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog. 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
Miniature Schnauzer versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Miniature Schnauzer is a small-sized dog while the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog
| Factor | Miniature Schnauzer | Polish Lowland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 11 to 20 pounds | 35 to 55 pounds |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Height | 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1950 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1400 – $2500 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 79.3 percent | 54.5 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 17 | 170 |
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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog. 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 84 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, we still believe that the Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
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!
The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
The Miniature Schnauzer and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog weighs 35 to 55 pounds when fully grown. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 11.0 years.
The Miniature Schnauzer live longer than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
Temperament of the Miniature Schnauzer Versus the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
The Miniature Schnauzer has a better temperament than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
This is because the temperament score for the Miniature Schnauzer is 79.3 percent while the temperament score for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 54.5 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 54.5 percent, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 116 Miniature Schnauzers and 11 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs.
The Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer versus Popularity of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Miniature Schnauzer is more popular with dog owners than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog. 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 170 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer
Popularity of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
| Year | Miniature Schnauzer Popularity Rank | Polish Lowland Sheepdog Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 17 | 157 |
| 2014 | 16 | 170 |
| 2015 | 16 | 164 |
| 2016 | 17 | 169 |
| 2017 | 18 | 176 |
| 2018 | 19 | 170 |
| 2019 | 18 | 173 |
| 2020 | 19 | 175 |
| 2021 | 18 | 180 |
Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Miniature Schnauzer than for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
4 health tests are recommended for Miniature Schnauzer while 2 tests are recommended for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Miniature Schnauzers and in Polish Lowland Sheepdogs.
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.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Health Problems
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Polish Lowland Sheepdogs here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Miniature Schnauzers and Polish Lowland Sheepdogs
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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog Breed is Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
This is because the Polish Lowland Sheepdog ranks 1 out of 8 dog breeds for Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 341 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, 60 of them had Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, and how common these diseases are in Polish Lowland Sheepdogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Miniature Schnauzer and in Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Miniature Schnauzer and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog:
| Disease | Miniature Schnauzer Rank | Polish Lowland Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 13 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 96 out of 182 dog breeds | 106 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 125 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 187 out of 198 dog breeds | 60 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | Not Common | 1 out of 8 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 116 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
Miniature Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
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.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Miniature Schnauzers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:
Miniature Schnauzer versus Pomchi Miniature Schnauzer versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Miniature Schnauzer versus Tibetan Spaniel Miniature Schnauzer versus Affenpinscher Miniature Schnauzer versus Scottish Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Miniature Schnauzer versus Pomeranian Miniature Schnauzer versus Azawakh Miniature Schnauzer versus Beagle Miniature Schnauzer versus Swedish Vallhund Miniature Schnauzer versus Norwich Terrier
Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog. 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.