Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Lowchen Versus Standard Schnauzer: Introduction
- Lowchen versus Standard Schnauzer: Overview
- Lowchen versus Standard Schnauzer: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Lowchen and the Standard Schnauzer
- Size (Weight and Height) of Lowchen versus Standard Schnauzer
- Lifespan of Lowchen versus Standard Schnauzer
- Temperament of the Standard Schnauzer Versus the Lowchen
- Price of Lowchen versus Price of Standard Schnauzer
- The Popularity of Lowchen versus Popularity of Standard Schnauzer
- Health Problems of Lowchen versus Health Problems of Standard Schnauzer
- Tolerates Being Alone: Lowchen versus Standard Schnauzer
- Do Lowchens shed more than Standard Schnauzers?
- Which one drools more, the Lowchen or the Standard Schnauzer
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Lowchen or the Standard Schnauzer?
- Does the Lowchen Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Standard Schnauzer?
- Do Lowchens Bark and Howl? What about Standard Schnauzers?
- Can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Standard Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Lowchen vs. Standard Schnauzer
- Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Standard Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Lowchen or the Standard Schnauzer?
- Are Lowchens good family dogs? What about Standard Schnauzers?
- How Kid-friendly are Lowchens and Standard Schnauzers?
- Is the Lowchen Easier to Train than the Standard Schnauzer?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Standard Schnauzer
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Lowchen versus Standard Schnauzer. Which One is a Better Pet?
Lowchen Versus Standard Schnauzer: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Lowchen and the Standard 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 Lowchen and the Standard 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 Lowchen and the Standard Schnauzer.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Lowchen and the Standard 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 Lowchen and for the Standard 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 Lowchen and the Standard Schnauzer.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Lowchen or the Standard Schnauzer.
Lowchen versus Standard Schnauzer: Overview
A very important difference between the Lowchen and the Standard Schnauzer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Lowchen is a tiny-sized dog while the Standard Schnauzer is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Lowchen belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
On the other hand, the Standard 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.
Lowchen versus Standard Schnauzer: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Lowchen to the Standard 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 Lowchen and the Standard Schnauzer
| Factor | Lowchen | Standard Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 8 inches tall at the s |
| Life Span | 13 to 15 years | 13 to 16 years |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 9 to 18 pounds | 30 to 50 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 14.5 years |
| Average Price | $2870 | $1710 |
| Price Range | $1642 – $4500 | $1200 – $2150 |
| Temperament Score | 75.0 percent | 71.1 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 163 | 90 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Lowchen 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 Standard 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 Lowchen is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Standard Schnauzer is 80 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lowchen is a better pet than the Standard Schnauzer. So, you should get the Lowchen!
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 Lowchen and the Standard Schnauzer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Lowchen and the Standard Schnauzer
The Lowchen and the Standard Schnauzer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Lowchen and the Standard Schnauzer are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Lowchen versus Standard Schnauzer
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Lowchen and the Standard Schnauzer.
Lowchens weigh 9 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Lowchens are 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Standard Schnauzers weigh 30 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Standard Schnauzers are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 8 inches tall at the s when fully grown.
Lifespan of Lowchen versus Standard Schnauzer
The lifespan of Lowchens is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lowchens is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Standard Schnauzers is between 13 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Standard Schnauzers is 14.5 years.
Standard Schnauzers live longer than Lowchens.
Temperament of the Standard Schnauzer Versus the Lowchen
The Lowchen has a better temperament than the Standard Schnauzer.
This is because the temperament score for the Lowchen is 75.0 percent while the temperament score for the Standard Schnauzer is 71.1 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 75.0 percent, the Lowchen has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 71.1 percent, the Standard Schnauzer has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Lowchen and the Standard Schnauzer by measuring the temperaments of 12 Lowchens and 76 Standard Schnauzers.
Price of Lowchen versus Price of Standard Schnauzer
The average price of the Lowchen puppy is $2870. The price of the Lowchen typically ranges from $1642 – $4500. However, the price of a Lowchen can be as low as $300 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 7 Lowchen puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Standard Schnauzer puppy is $1710. The price of the Standard Schnauzer typically ranges from $1200 – $2150. However, the price of the Standard Schnauzer can be as low as $600 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 26 Standard Schnauzer puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Lowchen is more expensive than the Standard Schnauzer.
| Lowchen | Standard Schnauzer | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2870 | $1710 |
| Price Range | $1642 to $4500 | $1200 to $2150 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Lowchen and Standard Schnauzer. For different price points, the charts show how many Lowchen puppies or how many Standard Schnauzer puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Standard Schnauzers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Lowchen puppy or the Standard 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 Popularity of Lowchen versus Popularity of Standard Schnauzer
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Lowchen and the Standard Schnauzer over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Standard Schnauzer is more popular with dog owners than the Lowchen. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Standard Schnauzer is 90 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Lowchen is 163 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Lowchen
Popularity of Standard Schnauzer
| Year | Lowchen Popularity Rank | Standard Schnauzer Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 154 | 90 |
| 2014 | 165 | 90 |
| 2015 | 161 | 91 |
| 2016 | 171 | 85 |
| 2017 | 169 | 90 |
| 2018 | 168 | 89 |
| 2019 | 158 | 97 |
| 2020 | 161 | 92 |
Health Problems of Lowchen versus Health Problems of Standard 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 Lowchen and the Standard 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 Standard Schnauzer is prone to more genetic health problems than the Lowchen.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Standard Schnauzer than for the Lowchen.
3 health tests are recommended for Lowchen while 6 tests are recommended for the Standard Schnauzer.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Lowchens and in Standard Schnauzers.
Lowchen Health Problems
Lowchens are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lowchen 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 Lowchen puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lowchen 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 Lowchens for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lowchens here.
Standard Schnauzer Health Problems
Standard Schnauzers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Standard 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 Standard Schnauzer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Standard 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 Standard Schnauzers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Standard Schnauzers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Lowchens and Standard Schnauzers
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Lowchen Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Lowchen ranks 19 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 149 Lowchens, 9 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Lowchens, and how common these diseases are in Lowchens relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Standard Schnauzer Breed is Dilated Cardiomyopathy problems.
This is because the Standard Schnauzer ranks 2 out of 3 dog breeds for Dilated Cardiomyopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1749 Standard Schnauzers, 8 of them had Dilated Cardiomyopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Standard Schnauzers, and how common these diseases are in Standard Schnauzers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Lowchen and in Standard Schnauzer and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Lowchen and the Standard Schnauzer:
| Disease | Lowchen Rank | Standard Schnauzer Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 19 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 42 out of 182 dog breeds | 103 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 163 out of 198 dog breeds | 128 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Dilated Cardiomyopathy problems | Not Common | 2 out of 3 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 40 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 54 out of 144 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Lowchen versus Standard Schnauzer
Lowchens do not like to be left alone.
Standard Schnauzers do not like to be left alone.
Do Lowchens shed more than Standard Schnauzers?
Lowchens shed moderately.
Standard Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Lowchen or the Standard Schnauzer
Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Standard Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Lowchen or the Standard Schnauzer?
Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.
Standard Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Lowchen Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Standard Schnauzer?
Lowchens 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.
Standard 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 Lowchens Bark and Howl? What about Standard Schnauzers?
Lowchens are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Standard Schnauzers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Standard Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Standard Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Lowchen vs. Standard Schnauzer
Lowchens have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Standard Schnauzers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Standard Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Lowchens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Standard Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Lowchen or the Standard Schnauzer?
Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.
Standard Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Lowchens good family dogs? What about Standard Schnauzers?
Lowchens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Standard Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Lowchens and Standard Schnauzers?
Lowchens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Standard Schnauzers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Lowchen Easier to Train than the Standard Schnauzer?
Lowchens are very easy to train.
Standard Schnauzers are fairly easy to train.
Is the Lowchen Better for Apartment Owners than the Standard Schnauzer?
Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.
Standard Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Lowchen or the Standard Schnauzer?
Lowchens are very good for new dog owners.
Standard Schnauzers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lowchen 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 Lowchen:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Standard Schnauzer
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Standard 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 Standard Schnauzer:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Lowchen and how the Standard Schnauzer compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Lowchen and of the Standard Schnauzer to other breeds:
Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds
Lowchen versus Cocker Spaniel Lowchen versus Swedish Vallhund Lowchen versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Lowchen versus Great Pyrenees Lowchen versus Pyredoodle Lowchen versus Siberian Husky Lowchen versus Giant Schnauzer Lowchen versus Norwich Terrier Lowchen versus Great Pyrenees Lowchen versus Komondor Lowchen versus Hovawart Lowchen versus Alaskan Malamute Lowchen versus Carolina Dog Lowchen versus Beaglier Lowchen versus Pug Lowchen versus Korean Jindo Dog Lowchen versus Basset Hound Lowchen versus Standard Schnauzer Lowchen versus Newfoundland Lowchen versus Australian Kelpie Lowchen versus Afador Lowchen versus Belgian Malinois Lowchen versus King Shepherd Lowchen versus Brittany
Standard Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Standard Schnauzer versus Labrador Retriever Standard Schnauzer versus Whippet Standard Schnauzer versus Biewer Terrier Standard Schnauzer versus Cavachon Standard Schnauzer versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Standard Schnauzer versus Border Terrier Standard Schnauzer versus Golden Cocker Retriever Standard Schnauzer versus Hovawart Standard Schnauzer versus Irish Wolfhound Standard Schnauzer versus American Hairless Terrier Standard Schnauzer versus American Staffordshire Terrier Standard Schnauzer versus Puggle Standard Schnauzer versus Tibetan Terrier Standard Schnauzer versus Bearded Collie Standard Schnauzer versus Pointer Standard Schnauzer versus Alaskan Klee Kai Standard Schnauzer versus Bichon Frise Standard Schnauzer versus Norfolk Terrier Standard Schnauzer versus Barbet Standard Schnauzer versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Standard Schnauzer versus Valley Bulldog Standard Schnauzer versus Borzoi Standard Schnauzer versus Bulldog Standard Schnauzer versus Scottish Terrier Standard Schnauzer versus Pharaoh Hound
Conclusion: Lowchen versus Standard 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 Lowchen and the Standard Schnauzer better suits you and your family.