Breed comparison
Miniature Schnauzer vs Standard Schnauzer
Miniature or Standard Schnauzer? They share a bearded face, a wiry coat and a big opinion of themselves, but they are different breeds with different jobs. The short answer: the Miniature Schnauzer is a small, noisy, easy-to-train family terrier, while the Standard Schnauzer is a medium-sized, athletic working dog that needs more exercise and is more reserved. Both shed very little, both need regular grooming and both are alert watchdogs that will tell you about every visitor. Their grooming is similar, but their size, energy and volume are not.
Photo: Canarian · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Madwren · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
| Miniature Schnauzer | Standard Schnauzer | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Height | 12–14 in (30–36 cm) | 17.5–19.5 in (44–50 cm) |
| Weight | 11–20 lb (5–9 kg) | 30–50 lb (14–23 kg) |
| Life span | 12–15 years | 13–16 years |
| Group | Terrier | Working |
| Coat | Wiry double coat with a bearded muzzle and eyebrows | Hard, wiry double coat with a bearded muzzle and eyebrows |
| Lower-allergen coat | No | Yes |
| Energy level | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Good with kids | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly to strangers | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| Tolerates being alone | ||
| Good for first-time owners | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Barking | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Trait scale 1–5. Shedding, grooming, barking and drooling: 5 = more. Highlighted rows are where the two breeds differ.
The key differences
Size
The Standard is the larger dog, at 17.5 to 19.5 in (44 to 50 cm) and 30 to 50 lb (14 to 23 kg). The Miniature stands 12 to 14 in (30 to 36 cm) and weighs 11 to 20 lb (5 to 9 kg). VCA lists Standards at 18 to 20 in and 35 to 45 lb. The Miniature scores higher for apartment living (4 versus 3 out of 5).
Energy and exercise
Both score 4 out of 5 for energy, but the Standard scores 4 for exercise against 3 for the Miniature. PetMD says a Miniature needs at least an hour of exercise a day, plus mental stimulation. VCA says a Standard needs a long walk or run plus a vigorous game, and may be mischievous without enough exercise. PetMD says Miniatures enjoy agility, obedience and tricks.
Coat and grooming
Both have wiry coats and score 1 out of 5 for shedding. The Miniature scores 4 out of 5 for grooming and the Standard 3. PetMD recommends professional trims for a Miniature at least every eight weeks plus weekly brushing, and VCA suggests combing a Standard once or twice a week with clipping every two to three months. Trim the hair around the eyes and clean the beard.
Temperament and training
Both score 4 out of 5 for trainability and 5 for watchdog instinct. The Miniature is the barkier of the two (5 versus 3) and friendlier with strangers (3 versus 2), and it scores higher for first-time owners (4 versus 3). VCA calls the Standard bold and watchful but aloof toward strangers, and says it can be aggressive toward strange dogs and bored by repetition. PetMD describes Miniatures as eager to please but alert and vocal.
Health and life span
Our profiles list 12 to 15 years for Miniatures and 13 to 16 for Standards. PetMD lists pancreatitis, high blood fat, hereditary cataracts and liver shunts for the Miniature, plus a rare inherited immune disease with a DNA test. For the Standard, the AKC lists hip evaluation, an eye exam and a DNA test for dilated cardiomyopathy as the recommended tests. The Standard scores higher on our health meter (4 versus 3 out of 5).
Cost and care
Both need professional grooming every couple of months, so factor in the recurring cost. The Standard eats more and needs more space and exercise, while the Miniature needs more attention to diet because of its tendency toward pancreatitis. Ask your vet about diet and pancreatitis risk for a Miniature.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Miniature Schnauzer if you want a small, trainable and lively family terrier that fits an apartment or a busy home, and you can live with frequent barking and regular grooming. Choose the Standard Schnauzer if you want a sturdier, athletic and more serious working-type companion, with more exercise, more grooming and more reserve toward strangers. Whichever size you pick, socialize early, plan for professional trims and ask the breeder about health tests. Meeting adult dogs of each size is the best way to judge noise and energy, because Miniatures and Standards can feel like different dogs in the house. Ask your vet which health checks suit your puppy.
Miniature Schnauzer profile Standard Schnauzer profile
Frequently asked questions
Which is quieter, a Miniature or a Standard Schnauzer?
The Standard, at 3 out of 5 on our barking meter against 5 for the Miniature. Both are alert and will announce visitors.
Do Miniature or Standard Schnauzers shed more?
They tie at 1 out of 5. Both have wiry coats that shed very little but need regular grooming.
Which is better for first-time owners?
The Miniature, at 4 out of 5 on our meters against 3 for the Standard. The Standard needs more exercise and firmer handling.