Last Updated: May 01, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Miniature Schnauzer Versus Swedish Vallhund: Introduction
- Miniature Schnauzer versus Swedish Vallhund: Overview
- Miniature Schnauzer versus Swedish Vallhund: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Swedish Vallhund
- The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Swedish Vallhund
- Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Swedish Vallhund
- Appearance (Colors) of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Swedish Vallhund
- Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Swedish Vallhund
- Temperament of the Swedish Vallhund Versus the Miniature Schnauzer
- Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Swedish Vallhund
- The Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer versus Popularity of Swedish Vallhund
- Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Swedish Vallhund
- Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Swedish Vallhund
- Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Swedish Vallhunds?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Swedish Vallhund?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Swedish Vallhund?
- Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Swedish Vallhunds?
- Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Swedish Vallhund?
- Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Swedish Vallhund
- How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Swedish Vallhunds?
- Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Swedish Vallhund?
- Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Swedish Vallhunds?
- Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Swedish Vallhund
- Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Swedish Vallhund. Which One is a Better Pet?
Miniature Schnauzer Versus Swedish Vallhund: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Miniature Schnauzer and the Swedish Vallhund? 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 Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund. 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 Swedish Vallhund.
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 Swedish Vallhund.
Miniature Schnauzer versus Swedish Vallhund: Overview
A very important difference between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Swedish Vallhund is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Miniature Schnauzer is a small-sized dog while the Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer to the Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund
| Factor | Miniature Schnauzer | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 11 to 20 pounds | 22 to 35 pounds |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Height | 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder | 11 inches to 1 foot, 1 inch tall at the shoulder |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1950 | $2500 |
| Price Range | $1400 – $2500 | $2500 – $2500 |
| Temperament Score | 79.3 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 17 | 156 |
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 Swedish Vallhund. 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 Swedish Vallhund is 86 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Swedish Vallhund, we still believe that the Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Swedish Vallhund.
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 Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Swedish Vallhund
Below is a list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Swedish Vallhund are most different:
The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Swedish Vallhund
The Miniature Schnauzer and the Swedish Vallhund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Swedish Vallhund are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Swedish Vallhund
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Swedish Vallhund.
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 Swedish Vallhund weighs 22 to 35 pounds when fully grown. The Swedish Vallhund is 11 inches to 1 foot, 1 inch tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Swedish Vallhund
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
Swedish Vallhund Colors
The Swedish Vallhund comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Black
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
The Swedish Vallhund comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- Brown / Chocolate
- Black
Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Swedish Vallhund
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 Swedish Vallhund is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Swedish Vallhund is 13.5 years.
The Swedish Vallhund live longer than the Miniature Schnauzer.
Temperament of the Swedish Vallhund Versus the Miniature Schnauzer
The Swedish Vallhund has a better temperament than the Miniature Schnauzer.
This is because the temperament score for the Swedish Vallhund is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Swedish Vallhund has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Swedish Vallhund by measuring the temperaments of 116 Miniature Schnauzers and 4 Swedish Vallhunds.
Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Swedish Vallhund
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 Swedish Vallhund puppy is $2500. The price of the Swedish Vallhund typically ranges from $2500 – $2500. However, the price of the Swedish Vallhund can be as low as $2500 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2 Swedish Vallhund puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Swedish Vallhund is more expensive than the Miniature Schnauzer.
| Miniature Schnauzer | Swedish Vallhund | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1950 | $2500 |
| Price Range | $1400 to $2500 | $2500 to $2500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Miniature Schnauzer and Swedish Vallhund. For different price points, the charts show how many Miniature Schnauzer puppies or how many Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhunds
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Miniature Schnauzer puppy or the Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund
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 Swedish Vallhund over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Miniature Schnauzer is more popular with dog owners than the Swedish Vallhund. 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 Swedish Vallhund is 156 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer
Popularity of Swedish Vallhund
| Year | Miniature Schnauzer Popularity Rank | Swedish Vallhund Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 17 | 147 |
| 2014 | 16 | 158 |
| 2015 | 16 | 155 |
| 2016 | 17 | 163 |
| 2017 | 18 | 149 |
| 2018 | 19 | 169 |
| 2019 | 18 | 159 |
| 2020 | 19 | 147 |
| 2021 | 18 | 160 |
Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Swedish Vallhund
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 Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Miniature Schnauzer than for the Swedish Vallhund.
4 health tests are recommended for Miniature Schnauzer while 2 tests are recommended for the Swedish Vallhund.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Miniature Schnauzers and in Swedish Vallhunds.
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.
Swedish Vallhund Health Problems
Swedish Vallhunds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhunds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Swedish Vallhunds here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Miniature Schnauzers and Swedish Vallhunds
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 Swedish Vallhund Breed is Eyes problems.
This is because the Swedish Vallhund ranks 38 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 217 Swedish Vallhunds, 6 of them had Eyes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Swedish Vallhunds, and how common these diseases are in Swedish Vallhunds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Miniature Schnauzer and in Swedish Vallhund and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Miniature Schnauzer and the Swedish Vallhund:
| Disease | Miniature Schnauzer Rank | Swedish Vallhund Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 13 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 96 out of 182 dog breeds | 38 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 125 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 187 out of 198 dog breeds | 112 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 106 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 Swedish Vallhund
Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.
Swedish Vallhunds can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Swedish Vallhunds?
Miniature Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Swedish Vallhunds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Swedish Vallhund?
Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Swedish Vallhunds are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Swedish Vallhund?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Swedish Vallhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Swedish Vallhunds?
Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Swedish Vallhunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Swedish Vallhund?
Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.
Swedish Vallhunds are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Swedish Vallhund
Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Swedish Vallhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Swedish Vallhunds?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Swedish Vallhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Swedish Vallhund?
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.
Swedish Vallhunds 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 Swedish Vallhunds?
Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.
Swedish Vallhunds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Swedish Vallhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Swedish Vallhund
Miniature Schnauzers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Swedish Vallhunds 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 Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.
Swedish Vallhunds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Swedish Vallhund?
Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.
Swedish Vallhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Swedish Vallhund?
Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.
Swedish Vallhunds 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 Swedish Vallhund. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:
Miniature Schnauzer versus Mastiff Miniature Schnauzer versus Irish Setter Miniature Schnauzer versus Kuvasz Miniature Schnauzer versus Miniature Pinscher Miniature Schnauzer versus Bouvier des Flandres Miniature Schnauzer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Miniature Schnauzer versus Shiba Inu Miniature Schnauzer versus Schipperke Miniature Schnauzer versus Valley Bulldog Miniature Schnauzer versus Alaskan Malamute Miniature Schnauzer versus Lowchen Miniature Schnauzer versus Cavachon Miniature Schnauzer versus American Pit Bull Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Afghan Hound Miniature Schnauzer versus Cavapoo Miniature Schnauzer versus Maremma Sheepdog Miniature Schnauzer versus Dogo Argentino Miniature Schnauzer versus Lagotto Romagnolo Miniature Schnauzer versus Field Spaniel
Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Swedish Vallhund. 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 Swedish Vallhund better suits you and your family.