Miniature Schnauzer vs Patterdale Terrier

Compare the Miniature Schnauzer to the Patterdale Terrier. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Miniature Schnauzers and Patterdale Terriers.

Quick Summary

Below are a few quick comparisons between the two breeds.
  • Owner Experience - Both the Miniature Schnauzer and Patterdale Terrier are good choices for new or inexperienced owners.
  • Children - Both the Miniature Schnauzer and Patterdale Terrier are child friendly, but the Miniature Schnauzer is a better choice for young children.
  • Grooming - The Patterdale Terrier is easy to groom while the Miniature Schnauzer has moderate grooming needs.
  • Barking - Both breeds will bark frequently, but the Patterdale Terrier has the highest tendency to bark between the two.
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Miniature Schnauzer vs Patterdale Terrier
Black and Silver Miniature Schnauzer
Tan Patterdale Terrier
Breed NameMiniature SchnauzerPatterdale Terrier
General Details
Breed TypePurebredPurebred
Is Hypo­allergenicYesNo
Lifespan12-14 yrs.11-13 yrs.
Height12-14 in.10-20 in.
Weight11-20 lb11-18 lb
IntelligenceHighHigh
History
Origin CountryGermanyUnited Kingdom
Origin Year1888 AD1940 AD
Temperament
Overall FriendlinessVery GoodVery Good
Family FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Kid FriendlyGoodBelow Average
Pet FriendlyGoodBelow Average
Stranger FriendlyGoodGood
Personality
  • Affectionate
  • Stubborn
  • Willing To Please
  • Affectionate
  • Loving
  • Willing To Please
Living Environment
ApartmentYesYes
IndoorYesYes
Small YardYesYes
Medium YardYesYes
Large YardYesYes
Temperature Tolerance ¹30°F to 80°F55°F to 80°F
Barks/HowlsOftenVery Often
Exercise Needs
Energy LevelMediumVery High
Exercise RequiredMediumVery High
Top Running Speed17 mph20 mph
StrengthLow-MediumMedium
Grooming Needs
Coat Main­tenanceHighMedium
SheddingLowMedium
DanderLowLow
Drool AmountNone-LowNone

¹This is estimated min/max temperature range for a healthy adult dog. Dogs that live indoors, puppies, seniors, unwell dogs, and/or dogs with improperly groomed coats may overheat sooner and get cold more quickly.
Instincts & Behavior Comparison
Breed NameMiniature SchnauzerPatterdale Terrier
Breed Mentality
Dominant/AlphaNoNo
Family/PackNoYes
IndependentYesYes
Breed Focus
Distracted EasilyYesNo
AverageYesNo
Focused & PatientNoYes
Breed Instincts
AggressionAverageBelow Average
Burrow/DiggingBelow AverageHigh
ChasingHighHigh
Follow CommandsAverageAverage
FightingBelow AverageAverage
GuardingBelow AverageBelow Average
HerdingBelow AverageBelow Average
HuntingAverageHigh
ProtectionBelow AverageAverage
Remove VerminHighHigh
SleddingVery LowVery Low
WatchHighHigh
Health Comparison
Breed NameMiniature SchnauzerPatterdale Terrier
Lifespan
Lifespan12-14 yrs.11-13 yrs.
Common Health Issues
CataractsYesNo
ConjunctivitisNoYes
Mycobacterium Avium InfectionYesNo
Progressive Retinal AtrophyYesNo
Appearance Comparison
Breed NameMiniature SchnauzerPatterdale Terrier
Coat
HairYesNo
FurNoYes
Coat Type
Double CoatYesYes
Smooth CoatNoYes
Coat Texture
RoughYesYes
Coat Length(s)
ShortYesYes
MediumYesYes
Coat Color(s)
BlackYesYes
Black & SilverYesNo
Salt & PepperYesNo
Black & TanNoYes
BlueNoYes
BrindleNoYes
BronzeNoYes
ChocolateNoYes
RedNoYes
TanNoYes