Miniature Schnauzer vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Terrier · Small vs Terrier · Medium

Quick take
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is the larger breed at 35–40 lbs (males) vs 11–20 lbs for the Miniature Schnauzer.
  • The Miniature Schnauzer typically lives longer (12–15 years).

Side-by-side traits

TraitMiniature SchnauzerSoft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Group
TerrierTerrier
Size
SmallMedium
Origin
GermanyIreland
Height (male)
12–14"18–19"
Height (female)
12–14"17–18"
Weight (male)
11–20 lbs35–40 lbs
Weight (female)
11–20 lbs30–35 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–15 years12–14 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with kids
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with other dogs
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
wirehairedlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
YesYes
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About the Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is a friendly, smart, obedient ratter — the eyebrowed, bearded German farm dog scaled down for family life. Originally from Germany, this small terrier breed typically weighs 11–20 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, smart, obedient.

About the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a happy, steady, self-confident Irish farm dog with a wheat-colored silky coat — the friendliest terrier. Originally from Ireland, this medium terrier breed typically weighs 35–40 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as happy, steady, self-confident.

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Miniature Schnauzer health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Pancreatitis
  • Diabetes
  • Bladder stones
  • Cataracts

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Renal dysplasia
  • Protein-losing diseases
  • Addison's disease