Miniature Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog

Compare the Miniature Schnauzer to the Portuguese Water Dog. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Miniature Schnauzers and Portuguese Water Dogs.

Miniature Schnauzer

Portuguese Water Dog

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General Details

Miniature Schnauzer

Portuguese Water Dog

Breed Type

Purebred

Allergy Friendly

Yes

Lifespan

12-14 Years

10-14 Years

Height

12-14 Inches

17-22 Inches

Weight

11-20 Pounds

35-60 Pounds

Intelligence

Above Average

History

Miniature Schnauzer

Portuguese Water Dog

Origin Country

Germany

Portugal

Origin Year

1888 AD

1297 AD

Temperament

Miniature Schnauzer

Portuguese Water Dog

Overall Friendliness

Above Average

Family Friendly

Above Average

Child Friendly

Average

Above Average

Pet Friendly

Average

Above Average

Stranger Friendly

Average

Personality

Miniature Schnauzer

Portuguese Water Dog

Traits

Affectionate

Stubborn

Willing to Please

Needy

Separation Anxiety

Willing to Please

Living Environment

Miniature Schnauzer

Portuguese Water Dog

Apartment

Yes

Indoor

Yes

Small Yard

Yes

Medium Yard

Yes

Large Yard

Yes

Temperature Tolerance

30-80 °F

40-80 °F

Barks/Howls

Above Average

Average

Exercise Needs

Miniature Schnauzer

Portuguese Water Dog

Energy Level

Medium

High to Very High

Exercise Required

Medium

High to Very High

Top Running Speed

17 MPH

22 MPH

Strength

Low to Medium

High

Grooming Needs

Miniature Schnauzer

Portuguese Water Dog

Coat Maintenance

High

Medium to High

Shedding

Low

None

Dander

Low

None to Low

Drool

None to Low

None

Instincts and Behavior

Breed Mentality

Miniature Schnauzer

Portuguese Water Dog

Dominant / Alpha

Family / Pack

Yes

Independent

Yes

Breed Focus

Miniature Schnauzer

Portuguese Water Dog

Distracted Easy

Yes

Focused & Patient

Yes

Breed Instincts

Miniature Schnauzer

Portuguese Water Dog

Aggression

Below Average

None

Burrow / Digging

Below Average

Chasing

Above Average

Below Average

Follow Commands

Average

Below Average

Fighting

Below Average

Guarding

Below Average

Herding

Below Average

None

Hunting

Average

Below Average

Protection

Below Average

Average

Remove Vermin

Above Average

None

Sled Pulling

None

Watch / Guardian

Above Average

Health Comparison

Lifespan

Miniature Schnauzer

Portuguese Water Dog

Average Lifespan

12-14 Years

10-14 Years

Health Concerns

Miniature Schnauzer

Portuguese Water Dog

Common Health Issues

Cataracts

Progressive retinal atrophy

MAC Lung Disease

Addison's disease

Entropion

Cataracts

Hip dysplasia

Progressive retinal atrophy

Ectropion

Dilated cardiomyopathy

Irritable bowel syndrome

Gangliosidosis

Hair Loss

Appearance Comparison

Coat

Miniature Schnauzer

Portuguese Water Dog

Coat Type

Hair

Coat Layering

Double

Curly

Single

Coat Texture

Rough

Wavy

Coat Length

Short to Medium

Medium

Coat Coloring

Miniature Schnauzer

Portuguese Water Dog

Breed Colors