Which is Better Between the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer?

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Border Terrier Versus Giant Schnauzer: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Border Terrier and the Giant 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 Border Terrier and the Giant 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 Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Border Terrier and the Giant 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 Border Terrier and for the Giant 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 Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer.

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

Border Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer: Overview

A very important difference between the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Border Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Giant Schnauzer is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Border Terrier 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.

On the other hand, the Giant Schnauzer belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Border Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Border Terrier to the Giant 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 Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer

FactorBorder TerrierGiant Schnauzer
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl5/52/5
Height10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight11 to 15 pounds55 to 80 pounds
Life Span12 to 15 years10 to 12 years
Dog Friendly2/53/5
Easy To Groom2/52/5
Good For Novice Owners3/51/5
Easygoing3/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/52/5
Does NOT Shed3/52/5
Easy To Train3/55/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/51/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/54/5
Kid-Friendly4/53/5
General Health4/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander2/52/5
NOT Rambunctious2/51/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor2/54/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/52/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight1/53/5
Intelligence5/54/5
Does NOT chew on things1/53/5
Low Prey Drive1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/51/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Average Lifespan13.5 years11.0 years
Average Price$1160$2280
Price Range$800 – $1400$2000 – $2500
Temperament Score91.6 percent77.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination annually until at least Age 8ys (96mo)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM)
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    • Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds)3028

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Border Terrier 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 Giant 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 Border Terrier is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Giant Schnauzer is 70 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Border Terrier is a better pet than the Giant Schnauzer. So, you should get the Border Terrier!

    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 Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer

    Below is a list of where the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer are most different:

    • Border Terriers are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Giant Schnauzers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Border Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Giant Schnauzers do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Border Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Giant Schnauzers are not very friendly towards strangers.

    The Similarities Between the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer

    The Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer are most similar:

    • Both the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Border Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer.

    Border Terriers weigh 11 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Border Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Giant Schnauzers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Giant Schnauzers are 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Border Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer

    The lifespan of Border Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Border Terriers is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Giant Schnauzers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Giant Schnauzers is 11.0 years.

    Border Terriers live longer than Giant Schnauzers.

    Temperament of the Giant Schnauzer Versus the Border Terrier

    The Border Terrier has a better temperament than the Giant Schnauzer.

    This is because the temperament score for the Border Terrier is 91.6 percent while the temperament score for the Giant Schnauzer is 77.4 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 91.6 percent, the Border Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 77.4 percent, the Giant Schnauzer has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer by measuring the temperaments of 143 Border Terriers and 265 Giant Schnauzers.

    Price of Border Terrier versus Price of Giant Schnauzer

    The average price of the Border Terrier puppy is $1160. The price of the Border Terrier typically ranges from $800 – $1400. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 19 Border Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Giant Schnauzer puppy is $2280. The price of the Giant Schnauzer typically ranges from $2000 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 95 Giant Schnauzer puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Giant Schnauzer is more expensive than the Border Terrier.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Border Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Border Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Giant Schnauzers

    A breakdown of the prices of Giant Schnauzers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Border Terrier puppy or the Giant 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.

    The Intelligence of the Border Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Giant Schnauzer

    `
    Border Terrier Giant Schnauzer
    Intelligence Rank 30 out of 130 dog breeds 28 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 Repetitions Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 Repetitions

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
    • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
    • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
    • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.

    Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Border Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 30 out of 130 dog breeds. The Border Terrier belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Border Terriers tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.

    The Giant Schnauzer has an obedience intelligence rank of 28 out of 130 dog breeds. The Giant Schnauzer belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Giant Schnauzers tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.

    The Giant Schnauzer is more intelligent than the Border Terrier.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    Health Problems of Border Terrier versus Health Problems of Giant 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 Border Terrier and the Giant 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 Border Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Giant Schnauzer.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Border Terrier than for the Giant Schnauzer.

    5 health tests are recommended for Border Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Giant Schnauzer.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Border Terriers and in Giant Schnauzers.

    Border Terrier Health Problems

    Border Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Border Terrier 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 Border Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Border Terrier 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 Border Terriers for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination annually until at least Age 8ys (96mo)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM)

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Border Terriers here.

    Giant Schnauzer Health Problems

    Giant Schnauzers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Giant 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 Giant Schnauzer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Giant 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 Giant Schnauzers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Border Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer

    Border Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Giant Schnauzers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Border Terriers shed more than Giant Schnauzers?

    Border Terriers shed moderately.

    Giant Schnauzers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Border Terrier or the Giant Schnauzer

    Border Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Giant Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Border Terrier or the Giant Schnauzer?

    Border Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Border Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Giant Schnauzer?

    Border Terriers 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.

    Giant 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 Border Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Giant Schnauzers?

    Border Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Giant Schnauzers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Border Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Giant Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Border Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Giant Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Border Terrier vs. Giant Schnauzer

    Border Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Giant Schnauzers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Border Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Giant Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Border Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Giant Schnauzers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Border Terrier or the Giant Schnauzer?

    Border Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Giant Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Border Terriers good family dogs? What about Giant Schnauzers?

    Border Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Border Terriers and Giant Schnauzers?

    Border Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Border Terrier Easier to Train than the Giant Schnauzer?

    Border Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Giant Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Is the Border Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Giant Schnauzer?

    Border Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Giant Schnauzers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Border Terrier or the Giant Schnauzer?

    Border Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Giant Schnauzers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Border Terrier versus Giant 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 Border Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer better suits you and your family.