Is the Estrela Mountain Dog Better than the Miniature Schnauzer as a Pet? Answer…

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Estrela Mountain Dog Versus Miniature Schnauzer: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Miniature Schnauzer? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog and the Miniature Schnauzer.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog or the Miniature Schnauzer

Estrela Mountain Dog versus Miniature Schnauzer: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Estrela Mountain Dog 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.

Estrela Mountain Dog versus Miniature Schnauzer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Estrela Mountain Dog 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.

Factor Estrela Mountain Dog Miniature Schnauzer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 3/5
Life Span 11 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 75 to 130 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2000 $1950
Price Range $2000 – $2000 $1400 – $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Mycobacterium Avian Complex
  • Myotonia Congenita
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Estrela Mountain Dog 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 a Estrela Mountain Dog is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Miniature Schnauzer is 82 out of 125.

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

    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 Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog and the Miniature Schnauzer

    Below is a list of where the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Miniature Schnauzer are most different:

  • Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Miniature Schnauzers adapt well to apartment living.
  • Estrela Mountain Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Miniature Schnauzers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Miniature Schnauzer

    The Estrela Mountain Dog and the Miniature Schnauzer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Miniature Schnauzer are most similar:

  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Miniature Schnauzer are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Miniature Schnauzer require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Miniature Schnauzer are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Miniature Schnauzer can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Miniature Schnauzer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Miniature Schnauzer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Miniature Schnauzer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Miniature Schnauzer are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Estrela Mountain Dog versus Miniature Schnauzer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Miniature Schnauzer.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs weigh 75 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Estrela Mountain Dogs are 24 to 30 inches 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.

    Price of Estrela Mountain Dog versus Price of Miniature Schnauzer

    The average price of the Estrela Mountain Dog puppy is $2000. The price of the Estrela Mountain Dog typically ranges from $2000 – $2000. However, the price of a Estrela Mountain Dog can be as low as $2000 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1 Estrela Mountain Dog 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. However, the price of a Miniature Schnauzer can be as low as $500 and as high as $8500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 913 Miniature Schnauzer puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Estrela Mountain Dog is more expensive than the Miniature Schnauzer.

    Estrela Mountain Dog Miniature Schnauzer
    Average Price $2000 $1950
    Price Range $2000 to $2000 $1400 to $2500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Estrela Mountain Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Estrela Mountain Dogs. 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 Estrela Mountain Dog 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that 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 Estrela Mountain Dog versus Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer

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

    Both the Estrela Mountain Dog 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 the same number of genetic health problems as the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    4 health tests are recommended for Estrela Mountain Dog while 4 tests are recommended for the Miniature Schnauzer.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Estrela Mountain Dogs and in Miniature Schnauzers.

    Estrela Mountain Dog Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Estrela Mountain Dogs 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.

    Is the Estrela Mountain Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Does the Estrela Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: Estrela Mountain Dog vs. Miniature Schnauzer

    Estrela Mountain Dogs 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.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Estrela Mountain Dog or the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

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

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Estrela Mountain Dog or the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Estrela Mountain Dog versus Miniature Schnauzer

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs 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 Estrela Mountain Dog or the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Which one drools more, the Estrela Mountain Dog or the Miniature Schnauzer

    Estrela Mountain Dogs drool moderately.

    Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Estrela Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Miniature Schnauzers?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Do Estrela Mountain Dogs shed more than Miniature Schnauzers?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs 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.

    Is the Estrela Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

    Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Are Estrela Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Miniature Schnauzers?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs 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 Estrela Mountain Dogs and Miniature Schnauzers?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Estrela Mountain Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Estrela Mountain Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Estrela Mountain Dog:

  • Akbash (81 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer vs Akbash.
  • Dutch Shepherd (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Pyrenean Mastiff (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer vs Pyrenean Mastiff.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Miniature Schnauzer

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Miniature Schnauzer that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Miniature Schnauzer:

  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (79 percent match with Miniature Schnauzer). Here is our comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Estrela Mountain Dog and how the Miniature Schnauzer compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog and of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:

    Estrela Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Estrela Mountain Dog versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Swedish Vallhund     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Siberian Husky     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Norwich Terrier     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Shiranian     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Xoloitzcuintli     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Pomsky     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Stabyhoun     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Shihpoo     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Irish Terrier     

    Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Great Dane     Miniature Schnauzer versus Havanese     Miniature Schnauzer versus English Toy Spaniel     Miniature Schnauzer versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Miniature Schnauzer versus Coton de Tulear     Miniature Schnauzer versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Miniature Schnauzer versus Shiranian     Miniature Schnauzer versus Lakeland Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Border Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Clumber Spaniel     

    Conclusion: Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog and the Miniature Schnauzer better suits you and your family.