Which is Better Between the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer?

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Berger Picard Versus Miniature Schnauzer: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Berger Picard and for the Miniature Schnauzer. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Berger Picard or the Miniature Schnauzer.

Berger Picard versus Miniature Schnauzer: Overview

A very important difference between the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Berger Picard is a large-sized dog while the Miniature Schnauzer is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Berger Picard belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Miniature Schnauzer belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Berger Picard versus Miniature Schnauzer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Berger Picard to the Miniature Schnauzer based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer

Factor Berger Picard Miniature Schnauzer
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 13 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2600 $1950
Price Range $2400 – $2800 $1400 – $2500
Temperament Score 95.2 percent 79.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination (min age 24 months effective 9/1/17)
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Mycobacterium Avian Complex
  • Myotonia Congenita
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Berger Picard in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Miniature Schnauzer. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Berger Picard is 86 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Miniature Schnauzer is 82 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Berger Picard is a better pet than the Miniature Schnauzer. So, you should get the Berger Picard!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer

    Below is a list of where the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer are most different:

    • Berger Picards are very easy to groom. However, Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    The Similarities Between the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer

    The Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer are most similar:

    • Both the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer are good for new dog owners.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer are very easy to train.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Berger Picard versus Miniature Schnauzer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer.

    Berger Picards weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Berger Picards are 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Miniature Schnauzers weigh 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Miniature Schnauzers are 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Berger Picard versus Miniature Schnauzer

    The lifespan of Berger Picards is between 13 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Berger Picards is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Miniature Schnauzers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Miniature Schnauzers is 13.0 years.

    Berger Picards live longer than Miniature Schnauzers.

    Temperament of the Berger Picard Versus the Miniature Schnauzer

    The Berger Picard has a better temperament than the Miniature Schnauzer.

    This is because the temperament score for the Berger Picard is 95.2 percent while the temperament score for the Miniature Schnauzer is 79.3 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 95.2 percent, the Berger Picard has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 79.3 percent, the Miniature Schnauzer has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer by measuring the temperaments of 21 Berger Picards and 116 Miniature Schnauzers.

    Price of Berger Picard versus Price of Miniature Schnauzer

    The average price of the Berger Picard puppy is $2600. The price of the Berger Picard typically ranges from $2400 – $2800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2 Berger Picard puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Miniature Schnauzer puppy is $1950. The price of the Miniature Schnauzer typically ranges from $1400 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 913 Miniature Schnauzer puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Berger Picard is more expensive than the Miniature Schnauzer.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Berger Picard and Miniature Schnauzer. For different price points, the charts show how many Berger Picard puppies or how many Miniature Schnauzer puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Berger Picards. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Berger Picards. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Miniature Schnauzers

    A breakdown of the prices of Miniature Schnauzers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Berger Picard puppy or the Miniature Schnauzer puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Berger Picard versus Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Miniature Schnauzer is prone to more genetic health problems than the Berger Picard.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Miniature Schnauzer than for the Berger Picard.

    3 health tests are recommended for Berger Picard while 4 tests are recommended for the Miniature Schnauzer.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Berger Picards and in Miniature Schnauzers.

    Berger Picard Health Problems

    Berger Picards are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Berger Picard puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Berger Picard puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Berger Picard breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Berger Picards for:

  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination (min age 24 months effective 9/1/17)
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Berger Picards here.

    Miniature Schnauzer Health Problems

    Miniature Schnauzers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Miniature Schnauzer puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Miniature Schnauzer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Miniature Schnauzer breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Miniature Schnauzers for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Mycobacterium Avian Complex
  • Myotonia Congenita

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Miniature Schnauzers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Berger Picard versus Miniature Schnauzer

    Berger Picards can be left alone only for a short time.

    Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Berger Picards shed more than Miniature Schnauzers?

    Berger Picards shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Miniature Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Berger Picard or the Miniature Schnauzer

    Berger Picards do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Berger Picard or the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Berger Picards are very easy to groom.

    Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Berger Picard Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Berger Picards have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Miniature Schnauzers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Berger Picards Bark and Howl? What about Miniature Schnauzers?

    Berger Picards are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Berger Picards Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Berger Picards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Berger Picard vs. Miniature Schnauzer

    Berger Picards do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Miniature Schnauzers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Berger Picards Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Berger Picards can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Berger Picard or the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Berger Picards get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Berger Picards good family dogs? What about Miniature Schnauzers?

    Berger Picards are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Berger Picards and Miniature Schnauzers?

    Berger Picards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Berger Picard Easier to Train than the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Berger Picards are very easy to train.

    Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Is the Berger Picard Better for Apartment Owners than the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Berger Picards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Berger Picard or the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Berger Picards are very good for new dog owners.

    Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Berger Picard versus Miniature Schnauzer. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Berger Picard and the Miniature Schnauzer better suits you and your family.