Which is Better between the Hovawart and the Miniature Schnauzer? A Very Detailed Review.

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Hovawart Versus Miniature Schnauzer: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart or the Miniature Schnauzer.

Hovawart versus Miniature Schnauzer

Hovawart versus Miniature Schnauzer: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Hovawart 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.

Hovawart versus Miniature Schnauzer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Miniature Schnauzer

Factor Hovawart Miniature Schnauzer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Height 23 to 29 inches 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
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
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 110 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $1400 – $2500
Average Price No Data $1950
Temperament Score 91.7 percent 79.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Mycobacterium Avian Complex
  • Myotonia Congenita
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Hovawart 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 Hovawart is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Miniature Schnauzer is 82 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Hovawart. 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 Hovawart and the Miniature Schnauzer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Hovawart versus Miniature Schnauzer

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Hovawart and the Miniature Schnauzer

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

  • Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Miniature Schnauzers adapt well to apartment living.
  • Hovawarts do not like to be left alone. However, Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Hovawarts are not easy to train. However, Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Miniature Schnauzer

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

  • Both the Hovawart and the Miniature Schnauzer do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Miniature Schnauzer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Miniature Schnauzer do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Miniature Schnauzer are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Miniature Schnauzer are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Miniature Schnauzer are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Miniature Schnauzer can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Miniature Schnauzer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Miniature Schnauzer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Miniature Schnauzer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Hovawart and the Miniature Schnauzer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Miniature Schnauzer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Miniature Schnauzer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Miniature Schnauzer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Miniature Schnauzer are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Miniature Schnauzer

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

    Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 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.

    Lifespan of Hovawart versus Miniature Schnauzer

    The lifespan of Hovawarts is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Hovawarts is 12.0 years.

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

    Miniature Schnauzers live longer than Hovawarts.

    Hovawart versus Miniature Schnauzer

    Temperament of the Hovawart Versus the Miniature Schnauzer

    The Hovawart has a better temperament than the Miniature Schnauzer.

    This is because the temperament score for the Hovawart is 91.7 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 91.7 percent, the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Miniature Schnauzer by measuring the temperaments of 24 Hovawarts and 116 Miniature Schnauzers.

    Hovawart versus Miniature Schnauzer

    Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Miniature Schnauzer

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Hovawarts shed more than Miniature Schnauzers?

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Miniature Schnauzer

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Hovawart or the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Hovawart Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Hovawarts 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.

    Do Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Miniature Schnauzers?

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

    Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Miniature Schnauzer

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart or the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Miniature Schnauzers?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts and Miniature Schnauzers?

    Hovawarts get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Is the Hovawart Better for Apartment Owners than the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Hovawarts are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Hovawart

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

  • Catahoula Leopard Dog (78 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer vs Catahoula Leopard Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (81 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer vs Spanish 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 Hovawart vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Mastiff     Hovawart versus English Setter     Hovawart versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Hovawart versus Whippet     Hovawart versus Field Spaniel     Hovawart versus Briard     Hovawart versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Hovawart versus Boerboel     Hovawart versus Bich Poo     Hovawart versus Finnish Spitz     Hovawart versus Skye Terrier     Hovawart versus Bloodhound     Hovawart versus Pomeranian     Hovawart versus Cocker Spaniel     Hovawart versus Samoyed     Hovawart versus American Hairless Terrier     Hovawart versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Hovawart versus Cavachon     Hovawart versus Saint Bernard     Hovawart versus Bloodhound     Hovawart versus Boston Terrier     Hovawart versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Hovawart versus Maltipoo     Hovawart versus Pyredoodle     Hovawart versus Basset Hound     

    Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Miniature Schnauzer versus English Setter     Miniature Schnauzer versus Australian Kelpie     Miniature Schnauzer versus Cesky Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Skye Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Frenchton     Miniature Schnauzer versus Shichon     Miniature Schnauzer versus Cairn Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Tibetan Spaniel     Miniature Schnauzer versus American Hairless Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus English Cocker Spaniel     Miniature Schnauzer versus Westiepoo     Miniature Schnauzer versus Cockapoo     Miniature Schnauzer versus Jack Russell Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus German Shepherd Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Japanese Spitz     Miniature Schnauzer versus Shichon     Miniature Schnauzer versus Tibetan Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Briard     Miniature Schnauzer versus Cockalier     Miniature Schnauzer versus American Water Spaniel     Miniature Schnauzer versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Miniature Schnauzer versus Toy Poodle     Miniature Schnauzer versus Boxer     Miniature Schnauzer versus Chinese Crested     

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