Differences and Similarities between the Fila Brasileiro and the Miniature Schnauzer.

Fila Brasileiro versus Miniature Schnauzer

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Fila Brasileiro Versus Miniature Schnauzer: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Miniature Schnauzer.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro or the Miniature Schnauzer

Fila Brasileiro versus Miniature Schnauzer: Overview

A very important difference between the Fila Brasileiro and the Miniature Schnauzer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Fila Brasileiro is a giant-sized dog while the Miniature Schnauzer is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Fila Brasileiro 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.

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.

Fila Brasileiro versus Miniature Schnauzer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro Miniature Schnauzer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Life Span 9 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Weight 90 to 180 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1270 $1950
Price Range $1000 – $1400 $1400 – $2500
Temperament Score 78.6 percent 79.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro is 62 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Miniature Schnauzer is 82 out of 125.

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

    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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Miniature Schnauzer

    Below is a list of where the Fila Brasileiro and the Miniature Schnauzer are most different:

  • Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Miniature Schnauzers adapt well to apartment living.
  • Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train. However, Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Fila Brasileiro and the Miniature Schnauzer

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

  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Miniature Schnauzer do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Miniature Schnauzer do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Miniature Schnauzer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Miniature Schnauzer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Miniature Schnauzer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Miniature Schnauzer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Miniature Schnauzer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Miniature Schnauzer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Fila Brasileiro versus Miniature Schnauzer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Fila Brasileiro and the Miniature Schnauzer.

    Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Temperament of the Fila Brasileiro Versus the Miniature Schnauzer

    The Miniature Schnauzer has a better temperament than the Fila Brasileiro.

    This is because the temperament score for the Miniature Schnauzer is 79.3 percent while the temperament score for the Fila Brasileiro is 78.6 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 they 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 78.6 percent, the Fila Brasileiro has a below-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 Fila Brasileiro and the Miniature Schnauzer by measuring the temperaments of 14 Fila Brasileiros and 116 Miniature Schnauzers.

    Price of Fila Brasileiro versus Price of Miniature Schnauzer

    The average price of the Fila Brasileiro puppy is $1270. The price of the Fila Brasileiro typically ranges from $1000 – $1400. However, the price of a Fila Brasileiro can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Fila Brasileiro 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 Miniature Schnauzer is more expensive than the Fila Brasileiro.

    Fila Brasileiro Miniature Schnauzer
    Average Price $1270 $1950
    Price Range $1000 to $1400 $1400 to $2500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. 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 Fila Brasileiro 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.

    Adopting the Fila Brasileiro versus Adopting the Miniature Schnauzer

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Fila Brasileiros and many Miniature Schnauzers are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Fila Brasileiro named Maverick that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Fila Brasileiros like Maverick on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Fila Brasileiros, Miniature Schnauzers are also available for adoption. For example, Chad (San Antonio, Tx) is a Male Miniature Schnauzer that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Miniature Schnauzers like Chad (San Antonio, Tx) that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Fila Brasileiro and the Miniature Schnauzer can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also Rocky, an adorable Male Miniature Schnauzer on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more Fila Brasileiros and Miniature Schnauzers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Better for Apartment Owners than the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Fila Brasileiro or the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Fila Brasileiro or the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Do Fila Brasileiros shed more than Miniature Schnauzers?

    Fila Brasileiros do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Easier to Train than the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Fila Brasileiro versus Miniature Schnauzer

    Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.

    Are Fila Brasileiros good family dogs? What about Miniature Schnauzers?

    Fila Brasileiros are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Fila Brasileiros and Miniature Schnauzers?

    Fila Brasileiros get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Which one drools more, the Fila Brasileiro or the Miniature Schnauzer

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Fila Brasileiros Bark and Howl? What about Miniature Schnauzers?

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

    Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Wanderlust Potential: Fila Brasileiro vs. Miniature Schnauzer

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

    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 Fila Brasileiro or the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Fila Brasileiro Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Fila Brasileiro

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro:

  • Afador (75 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer vs Boerboel.
  • 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 Fila Brasileiro vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Pointer     Fila Brasileiro versus Dalmatian     Fila Brasileiro versus Beaglier     Fila Brasileiro versus Bulldog     Fila Brasileiro versus Australian Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Chihuahua     Fila Brasileiro versus Kishu Ken     Fila Brasileiro versus Cairn Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Pharaoh Hound     Fila Brasileiro versus Redbone Coonhound     

    Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Beaglier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Newfoundland     Miniature Schnauzer versus Valley Bulldog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Boerboel     Miniature Schnauzer versus Bullmastiff     Miniature Schnauzer versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Miniature Schnauzer versus Toy Fox Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Australian Shepherd     Miniature Schnauzer versus Bullmastiff     

    Conclusion: Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Miniature Schnauzer better suits you and your family.