Difference Between Miniature Schnauzer and Standard Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer vs Standard Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer and Standard Schnauzer are two very similar looking dog breeds with different body sizes. However, it is always difficult to identify who is who in the case of a pup of standard breed with an adult of a miniature breed. Therefore, other considerable differences should be aware of these two important dogs. The respective behaviours and some other characteristics serve more differences between miniature and standard schnauzers. This article reviews their characteristics and the differences between them in brief.

Miniature Schnauzer

It is a small dog of the schnauzer type that originated in Germany. Zwergschnauzer and Dwarf Schnauzer are the other commonly referred names for this breed. The miniature schnauzer was developed through the crossbreeding between standard schnauzer and small breeds such as poodle and Affenpinschers. Miniatures are available in black, salt and pepper, black and silver, and white colourations. They have more or less a square shaped body with a weight ranging from 5 to 6.8 kilograms. In addition, their height at withers ranges from 30 to 36 centimetres. They have a double coat; the outer coat is wiry and the inner coat is smooth. The shedding of the fur is not prominent among miniatures. They have a characteristic rectangular head, bushy beard with a moustache, and long eyebrows. Usually, they have a docked tail, but sometimes it is not so. These dogs are stubborn but intelligent, and have a lifespan of 12 – 15 years.

Standard Schnauzer

It is a medium-sized dog originated in Germany. Mittelschnauzer, Schnauzer, and Wirehair Pinscher are the other commonly referred names for this particular dog breed. It is a versatile dog, but they are mainly used as a working or utility dog. The standard schnauzer is available in either salt and pepper or black colourations. The bodyweight could vary from 14 to 23 kilograms, and the height at the withers ranges from 43 to 51 centimetres in standards. They are very active, strong, and enthusiastic dogs. The long bushy beard and eyebrows are distinctive features of them. It has stiff and wiry coat of hairs. Tail docking, ear cropping, and dewclaw cutting are performed on some dogs, for aesthetic reason, on the request of owners. The lifespan of a standard schnauzer could vary between 13 and 16 years.