Miniature Schnauzer vs West Highland White Terrier
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| Miniature Schnauzer | West Highland White Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Small | Small |
| Adult weight | 5 to 9.1 kg | 6.8 to 9.1 kg |
| In pounds | 11 to 20 lb | 15 to 20 lb |
| Adult height | 30 to 36 cm | 25 to 28 cm |
| Energy | Moderate | High |
| Grooming | High | Moderate |
| Coat | Medium double and wiry | Medium double |
| Shedding | Moderate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years | 13 to 15 years |
| Good with children | Reliably good | Reliably good |
| Good with other dogs | Fine with supervision | Fine with supervision |
| Country of origin | Germany | Great Britain |
The main differences
- They are about the same size: the Miniature Schnauzer is 5 to 9.1 kg and the West Highland White Terrier 6.8 to 9.1 kg.
- The West Highland White Terrier needs more exercise: high energy against moderate for the Miniature Schnauzer.
- The Miniature Schnauzer takes more grooming (high) than the West Highland White Terrier (moderate).
- Life expectancy is similar: 12 to 15 years for the Miniature Schnauzer and 13 to 15 years for the West Highland White Terrier.
Temperament
Miniature Schnauzer: Alert, reliable and intelligent, primarily a companion dog.
West Highland White Terrier: Alert, gay, courageous, self reliant but friendly. Small, active, game and hardy, with no small amount of self esteem.
Health worth asking about
Conditions each breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable: it means ask the breeder for the parents' test results.
Miniature Schnauzer
- Hereditary eye disease screened under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme, including litter screening
- Mycobacterium avium complex susceptibility (MAC), detectable by DNA test on both parents
West Highland White Terrier
- Craniomandibular osteopathy, also called lion jaw, diagnosed by physical examination and x-ray
- Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, detected by tumour biopsy or the CADET BRAF mutation urine test
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), diagnosed by clinical eye examination and tear production testing
- Patellar luxation, diagnosed by physical and orthopaedic examination
- Periodontal disease, detected at routine veterinary dental examination and treated by cleaning
Common questions
Which is bigger, the Miniature Schnauzer or the West Highland White Terrier?
They are about the same size. Adults weigh 5 to 9.1 kg for the Miniature Schnauzer and 6.8 to 9.1 kg for the West Highland White Terrier, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the Miniature Schnauzer or the West Highland White Terrier?
The published life expectancy is 12 to 15 years for the Miniature Schnauzer and 13 to 15 years for the West Highland White Terrier. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer or the West Highland White Terrier better with children?
They score the same: reliably good with children. Any dog needs supervising around young children, whatever their breed rating.
Related comparisons
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Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the two breed guides, which cite:
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin