A Detailed Comparison of the Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler.

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Giant Schnauzer Versus Lancashire Heeler: Introduction

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

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

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

Giant Schnauzer versus Lancashire Heeler: Overview

A very important difference between the Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Giant Schnauzer is a large-sized dog while the Lancashire Heeler is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Lancashire Heeler 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.

Giant Schnauzer versus Lancashire Heeler: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Giant Schnauzer to the Lancashire Heeler 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 Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler

Factor Giant Schnauzer Lancashire Heeler
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 9 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Height 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 80 pounds 13 to 15 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $2220 $200
Price Range $1800 – $2500 $200 – $200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Giant Schnauzer 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 Lancashire Heeler. 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 Giant Schnauzer is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Lancashire Heeler is 78 out of 125.

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

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

    The Similarities Between the Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler

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

  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler 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 Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Giant Schnauzer versus Lancashire Heeler

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler.

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

    On the other hand, Lancashire Heelers weigh 13 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lancashire Heelers are 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Giant Schnauzer versus Lancashire Heeler

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

    The lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is between 9 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is 11.5 years.

    Lancashire Heelers live longer than Giant Schnauzers.

    Price of Giant Schnauzer versus Price of Lancashire Heeler

    The average price of the Giant Schnauzer puppy is $2220. The price of the Giant Schnauzer typically ranges from $1800 – $2500. However, the price of a Giant Schnauzer can be as low as $1200 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 Giant Schnauzer puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Lancashire Heeler puppy is $200. The price of the Lancashire Heeler typically ranges from $200 – $200. However, the price of the Lancashire Heeler can be as low as $200 and as high as $200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 4 Lancashire Heeler puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Giant Schnauzer is more expensive than the Lancashire Heeler.

    Giant Schnauzer Lancashire Heeler
    Average Price $2220 $200
    Price Range $1800 to $2500 $200 to $200

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Giant Schnauzers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Giant Schnauzers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lancashire Heelers?

    A breakdown of the prices of Lancashire Heelers?

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Giant Schnauzer puppy or the Lancashire Heeler 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 Giant Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Lancashire Heeler

    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 Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Giant Schnauzer.

    3 health tests are recommended for Giant Schnauzer while 3 tests are recommended for the Lancashire Heeler.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Giant Schnauzers and in Lancashire Heelers.

    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.

    Lancashire Heeler Health Problems

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

  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lancashire Heelers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Giant Schnauzer versus Lancashire Heeler

    Giant Schnauzers do not like to be left alone.

    Lancashire Heelers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Giant Schnauzers shed more than Lancashire Heelers?

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

    Lancashire Heelers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Giant Schnauzer or the Lancashire Heeler

    Giant Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Lancashire Heelers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Giant Schnauzer or the Lancashire Heeler?

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

    Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Giant Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lancashire Heeler?

    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.

    Lancashire Heelers 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.

    Do Giant Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Lancashire Heelers?

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

    Lancashire Heelers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Giant Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Giant Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Lancashire Heelers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Giant Schnauzer vs. Lancashire Heeler

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

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

    Can Giant Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Lancashire Heelers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Giant Schnauzer or the Lancashire Heeler?

    Giant Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Giant Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Lancashire Heelers?

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

    Lancashire Heelers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Giant Schnauzers and Lancashire Heelers?

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

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Giant Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Giant Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Lancashire Heelers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Giant Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Giant Schnauzers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Giant Schnauzer or the Lancashire Heeler?

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

    Lancashire Heelers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Giant Schnauzer

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Giant 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 Giant Schnauzer:

  • Airedale Terrier (76 percent match with Giant Schnauzer). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Airedale Terrier.
  • Gordon Setter (79 percent match with Giant Schnauzer). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Gordon Setter.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lancashire Heeler

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler:

  • Dalmatian (77 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Giant Schnauzer vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (79 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Giant Schnauzer vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Hovawart (77 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Giant Schnauzer vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Giant Schnauzer and how the Lancashire Heeler compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Giant Schnauzer and of the Lancashire Heeler to other breeds:

    Giant Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Giant Schnauzer versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Giant Schnauzer versus American Water Spaniel     Giant Schnauzer versus Mal Shi     Giant Schnauzer versus Bulldog     Giant Schnauzer versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Giant Schnauzer versus American Water Spaniel     Giant Schnauzer versus Labradoodle     Giant Schnauzer versus Swedish Vallhund     Giant Schnauzer versus Irish Wolfhound     Giant Schnauzer versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Giant Schnauzer versus Australian Kelpie     Giant Schnauzer versus Belgian Tervuren     Giant Schnauzer versus Japanese Chin     Giant Schnauzer versus Shiranian     Giant Schnauzer versus Tibetan Terrier     Giant Schnauzer versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Giant Schnauzer versus Goldador     Giant Schnauzer versus Basenji     Giant Schnauzer versus Australian Shepherd     Giant Schnauzer versus Schipperke     Giant Schnauzer versus Basenji     Giant Schnauzer versus Miniature Poodle     Giant Schnauzer versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Giant Schnauzer versus Bedlington Terrier     Giant Schnauzer versus Curly-Coated Retriever     

    Lancashire Heeler Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lancashire Heeler versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Lancashire Heeler versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Lancashire Heeler versus Cockapoo     Lancashire Heeler versus Bull Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Lancashire Heeler versus Tibetan Mastiff     Lancashire Heeler versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Lancashire Heeler versus Westiepoo     Lancashire Heeler versus Irish Setter     Lancashire Heeler versus Swedish Vallhund     Lancashire Heeler versus Akita     Lancashire Heeler versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Pomchi     Lancashire Heeler versus Bordoodle     Lancashire Heeler versus Hovawart     Lancashire Heeler versus Portuguese Water Dog     Lancashire Heeler versus Fila Brasileiro     Lancashire Heeler versus Papipoo     Lancashire Heeler versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Lancashire Heeler versus Clumber Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus Papillon     Lancashire Heeler versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Lancashire Heeler versus Chorkie     Lancashire Heeler versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Lancashire Heeler versus Brussels Griffon     

    Conclusion: Giant Schnauzer versus Lancashire Heeler. 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 Giant Schnauzer and the Lancashire Heeler better suits you and your family.