• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier Comparison – Which dog is better Zwergschnauzer or Decker Giant?

"Find similarities and differences between Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier" Compare Miniature Schnauzer and Rat Terrier. Which is better: Miniature Schnauzer or Rat Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Miniature Schnauzer Rat Terrier
OriginsGermany flagGermany United States flagUnited States
Group Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank1897
Reviews52
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Miniature Schnauzer and Rat Terrier. What other names are these breeds known by?
Zwergschnauzer Decker Giant
Rat
Rattie
Ratting Terrier
American Rat Terrier
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Miniature Schnauzer and a Rat Terrier. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Miniature Schnauzer and a Rat Terrier. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 11-18 pounds (5.0-8.2 kg), Female: 10-15 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg) Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 14.5 pounds (5.0-8.2 kg), Female: 12.5 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg) Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Miniature Schnauzer or Rat Terrier? Is a Miniature Schnauzer taller than a Rat Terrier?
Male: 14 inches (35.6 cm), Female: 13 inches (33.0 cm) Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 14 inches (35.6 cm), Female: 13 inches (33.0 cm) Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)

Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Miniature Schnauzer and a Rat Terrier. Which breed costs more?
$600-$1000 $300-$500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Miniature Schnauzer or Rat Terrier?
Very frequent: The Miniature Schnauzer is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Very smart: Miniature Schnauzer is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare training requirements.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare alertness levels.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare territorial behaviors.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Miniature Schnauzer and a Rat Terrier. How do their temperaments differ?
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Obedient
Fearless
Spirited
Loving
Alert
Affectionate
Lively
Inquisitive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier?
High: Miniature Schnauzer dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier social needs comparison:
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier? Which can be better for hunting?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The Miniature Schnauzer barks occasionally.
See more.
Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Miniature Schnauzers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare living space needs.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Miniature Schnauzer indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare adaptability levels.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Rat Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Miniature Schnauzer or Rat Terrier?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Rat Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Miniature Schnauzer has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Miniature Schnauzer bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare average lifespans.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Miniature Schnauzer can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Miniature Schnauzer and a Rat Terrier. Which breed is healthier?
The Miniature Schnauzer is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Rat Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier?
Average
The Miniature Schnauzer should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection (MAI)
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Heart Problems

Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare activity levels.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are high-energy dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Miniature Schnauzer or Rat Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs have an average exercise need.
Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Miniature Schnauzer or Rat Terrier?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs don't need too much sleep.
Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Miniature Schnauzer's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare daily food needs.
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. No data available

Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Miniature Schnauzer and Rat Terrier? Compare breed colors.
Black
Silver
Pepper
Salt
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Brown
Tricolor
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare maintenance needs.
Advanced: The Miniature Schnauzer requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare drooling amounts.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare natural smell levels.

Low 🔽

The Miniature Schnauzer has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Miniature Schnauzer and a Rat Terrier? Compare fur types.
Wiry Dense
Shiny
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare bathing frequencies.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Miniature Schnauzer or Rat Terrier? Do Miniature Schnauzer dogs shed more than Rat Terrier dogs?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs shed above average.
See more.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare kid-friendliness.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are generally with other pets.
Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Miniature Schnauzer or Rat Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Miniature Schnauzer or Rat Terrier?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Miniature Schnauzer or Rat Terrier? Can a Miniature Schnauzer and a Rat Terrier be friends? Do Miniature Schnauzer dogs get along with Rat Terrier dogs?
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier?
Yes
Miniature Schnauzer dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Rat Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Miniature Schnauzer is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Rat Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Miniature Schnauzers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare maritime abilities.

Yes

Miniature Schnauzer breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Rat Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Miniature Schnauzer or a Rat Terrier? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Miniature Schnauzer and Rat Terrier. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Miniature Schnauzer and Rat Terrier. Which has larger litters?
3-6 puppies 5-7 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Miniature Schnauzer and Rat Terrier breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Miniature Schnauzer and Rat Terrier. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Miniature Schnauzer and Rat Terrier. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1926 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Miniature Schnauzer and Rat Terrier. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Miniature Schnauzer and Rat Terrier. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Rate This Comparsion - Miniature Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier

Reviews