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Miniature Schnauzer vs Westie Staff Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Zwergschnauzer or Westie Staff?

Compare the Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Zwergschnauzer or a Westie Staff? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Other names

Zwergschnauzer

Weight

What is the average weight of Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff?
15.0 pounds ( 7 kg )
45.0 pounds ( 20 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff
13.0 inches ( 33 cm )
17.5 inches ( 44.5 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Miniature Schnauzers or Westie Staffs hypoallergenic, or neither?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Miniature Schnauzers are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

No

Unfortunately, the Westie Staff is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff dogs?
Alert
Friendly
Obedient
Fearless
Intelligent
Spirited

Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Devoted
Attentive
Tenacious

Shedding Level

Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Westie Staffs, or which breed sheds more, Miniature Schnauzers or Westie Staffs?

Miniature Schnauzer or Westie Staff will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Miniature Schnauzer or Westie Staff?

Choose a Miniature Schnauzer if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Westie Staffs aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

Origin

What is the origin of Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff dog breeds?
Germany

United States

Ancestry

What are the origins of Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff breeds?
schnauzer, affenpinscher, poodle

West Highland White Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff?
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

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff breeds first developed?
1800s

2000s

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff dogs?
Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff?
Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff breeds?
Black
Gray
Silver

Black
Gray
Brown
Cream
Fawn
Blue
White
Pied
Sable
Brindle

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff breeds?

The coat of Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff dogs falls in the medium-length category.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff?
Wiry

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Miniature Schnauzer can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

5-10 puppies per pregnancy

A Westie Staff can have a litter of 5-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Miniature Schnauzers are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Westie Staffs are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Health Issues

Between Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff, which breed is more prone to health problems?

While the Miniature Schnauzer breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Westie Staffs typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff breeds?
Pulmonic Stenosis
Portosystemic Shunt
Pancreatitis
Sick Sinus Syndrome

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Heart Diseases and Disorders

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff?
Bladder Stones
Cushing's Disease
Schnauzer Comedo Syndrome

Inguinal Hernias
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Eye Conditions (Cataracts, Lens Luxation)

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff breeds?
Blood Test
Heart
Liver Ultrasound
Blood And Urine Protein Screens
Physical Examination

Skin Evaluation
Blood And Urine Analysis
Diagnostic Imaging
Eye and Ear Examination
DNA

Energy

How do the energy levels of Miniature Schnauzers and Westie Staffs compare?

Miniature Schnauzers thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Westie Staffs are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Miniature Schnauzer vs Westie Staff social needs comparison

Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff have above average social needs compared to other breeds. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

Miniature Schnauzer vs Westie Staff exercise need comparison.

Miniature Schnauzers need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Westie Staffs need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Miniature Schnauzer or Westie Staff?

Miniature Schnauzers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Westie Staffs have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Tendency to Bark

Do Miniature Schnauzers or Westie Staffs bark more/less frequently?

Miniature Schnauzers bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

The Westie Staff is a vocal breed that frequently barks and howls, and may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet companion.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Miniature Schnauzer vs Westie Staff?

Roaming urge

Miniature Schnauzer vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Miniature Schnauzer or Westie Staff - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Miniature Schnauzers or Westie Staffs?

Medium

Miniature Schnauzers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

High

Westie Staffs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should Miniature Schnauzer or Westie Staff walk each week?

6 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Miniature Schnauzer, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Westie Staff, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Miniature Schnauzers or Westie Staffs require more exercise?

60 minutes

Both Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff typically require a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise each day. The exercise can be spread throughout the day and may involve high-energy activities like walking, running, and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Miniature Schnauzers or Westie Staffs?

Miniature Schnauzers require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

The Westie Staff requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff dogs?

Daily

Ideally, both Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) to improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Miniature Schnauzers and Westie Staffs?
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Miniature Schnauzer or Westie Staff in cups?

1 cups

For an average 14-16 pound (6 - 7 kg) Miniature Schnauzer feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

2.5 cups

For an average 40-50 pound (18 - 23 kg) Westie Staff feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Miniature Schnauzer or Westie Staff?

$1.10 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Miniature Schnauzer is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

$2.20 - $3.40 / day

The average cost of a Westie Staff is somewhere $2.20 - $3.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Miniature Schnauzer or Westie Staff?

$28 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Miniature Schnauzer is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

$67 - $101 / month

The average per month expenses of a Westie Staff is between $67 - $101. This makes an average of $804 - $1212 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Miniature Schnauzers vs Westie Staffs

Miniature Schnauzer is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Westie Staffs are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

Sensitivity Level

How do Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff compare in sensitivity?

These breeds are more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Miniature Schnauzer vs Westie Staff?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Miniature Schnauzer or Westie Staff?

Miniature Schnauzers and Westie Staffs are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Do Miniature Schnauzers or Westie Staffs have a friendlier temperament towards children?

Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Miniature Schnauzer or Westie Staff?

Cat Friendly

Do Miniature Schnauzer or Westie Staff breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Miniature Schnauzers are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Westie Staffs are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Miniature Schnauzer or Westie Staff?

{Miniature Schnauzers and Westie Staffs are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Miniature Schnauzer or Westie Staff dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Miniature Schnauzer or Westie Staff?

Miniature Schnauzers are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Westie Staffs are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff?

Miniature Schnauzers have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Westie Staffs are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Miniature Schnauzers and Westie Staffs compare?

Miniature Schnauzer and Westie Staff dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Common match-ups