Breed Comparison: Miniature Schnauzer Versus Portuguese Water Dog

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Miniature Schnauzer Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Miniature Schnauzer and for the Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog.

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

Miniature Schnauzer versus Portuguese Water Dog

Miniature Schnauzer versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Miniature Schnauzer is a small-sized dog while the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Portuguese Water Dog 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.

Miniature Schnauzer versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog

Factor Miniature Schnauzer Portuguese Water Dog
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Weight 11 to 20 pounds 35 to 60 pounds
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 14 years
Height 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1950 $2860
Price Range $1400 – $2500 $2500 – $3300
Temperament Score 79.3 percent 77.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Mycobacterium Avian Complex
  • Myotonia Congenita
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend annual exams until age 10
  • GM1 GANGLIOSIDOSIS
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy – Univ of Pennsylvania –
  • NYU
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Sebaceous Adenitis
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 17 50

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Miniature 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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Miniature Schnauzer is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 84 out of 125.

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

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Portuguese Water Dog

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog

    Below is a list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:

  • Miniature Schnauzers are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Portuguese Water Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
  • The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog

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

  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog are very playful.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog are very easy to train.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Miniature Schnauzer versus Portuguese Water Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog.

    Miniature Schnauzers weigh 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Miniature Schnauzers are 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Portuguese Water Dog

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

    The lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 years.

    Miniature Schnauzers live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.

    Temperament of the Miniature Schnauzer Versus the Portuguese Water Dog

    The Miniature Schnauzer has a better temperament than the Portuguese Water Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Miniature Schnauzer is 79.3 percent while the temperament score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 77.9 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 79.3 percent, the Miniature Schnauzer has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 77.9 percent, the Portuguese Water Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog by measuring the temperaments of 116 Miniature Schnauzers and 163 Portuguese Water Dogs.

    Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog

    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 reviewing the prices of 913 Miniature Schnauzer puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Portuguese Water Dog puppy is $2860. The price of the Portuguese Water Dog typically ranges from $2500 – $3300. However, the price of the Portuguese Water Dog can be as low as $900 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 140 Portuguese Water Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Portuguese Water Dog is more expensive than the Miniature Schnauzer.

    Miniature Schnauzer Portuguese Water Dog
    Average Price $1950 $2860
    Price Range $1400 to $2500 $2500 to $3300

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Portuguese Water Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Portuguese Water Dogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Miniature Schnauzer puppy or the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Miniature Schnauzer versus Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog

    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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Miniature Schnauzer is more popular with dog owners than the Portuguese Water Dog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Miniature Schnauzer is 17 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Portuguese Water Dog is 50 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer

    Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer

    Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog

    Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog

    Year Miniature Schnauzer Popularity Rank Portuguese Water Dog Popularity Rank
    2013 17 49
    2014 16 52
    2015 16 52
    2016 17 51
    2017 18 54
    2018 19 50
    2019 18 49
    2020 19 49

    Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog

    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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Miniature Schnauzer.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Portuguese Water Dog than for the Miniature Schnauzer.

    4 health tests are recommended for Miniature Schnauzer while 11 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Water Dog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Miniature Schnauzers and in Portuguese Water Dogs.

    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.

    Portuguese Water Dog Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend annual exams until age 10
  • GM1 GANGLIOSIDOSIS
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy – Univ of Pennsylvania –
  • NYU
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Sebaceous Adenitis
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Portuguese Water Dogs here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Miniature Schnauzers and Portuguese Water Dogs

    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 Miniature Schnauzer Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.

    This is because the Miniature Schnauzer ranks 13 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 157 Miniature Schnauzers, 0 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Miniature Schnauzers, and how common these diseases are in Miniature Schnauzers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Legg-Calve-Perthes problems: Rank 13 out of 40 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 96 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 125 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 187 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • 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 Portuguese Water Dog Breed is Early Onset Pra problems.

    This is because the Portuguese Water Dog ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Early Onset Pra problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 788 Portuguese Water Dogs, 0 of them had Early Onset Pra problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Portuguese Water Dogs, and how common these diseases are in Portuguese Water Dogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Early Onset Pra problems: Rank 1 out of 1 Dog Breeds
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems: Rank 15 out of 32 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 59 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 94 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 111 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 140 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Miniature Schnauzer and in Portuguese Water Dog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog:

    Disease Miniature Schnauzer Rank Portuguese Water Dog Rank
    Legg-Calve-Perthes problems 13 out of 40 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 96 out of 182 dog breeds 140 out of 182 dog breeds
    Patella problems 125 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 187 out of 198 dog breeds 94 out of 198 dog breeds
    Early Onset Pra problems Not Common 1 out of 1 dog breeds
    Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems Not Common 15 out of 32 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 59 out of 115 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 111 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: Miniature Schnauzer versus Portuguese Water Dog

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Portuguese Water Dog

    Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Portuguese Water Dog?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    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.

    Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?

    Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Portuguese Water Dog

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.

    Portuguese Water Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Portuguese Water Dogs?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    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 Portuguese Water Dog vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Portuguese Water 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 Portuguese Water Dog:

  • Bernedoodle (83 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer vs Bernedoodle.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (79 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Goldendoodle     Miniature Schnauzer versus Cocker Spaniel     Miniature Schnauzer versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Carolina Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Shichon     Miniature Schnauzer versus Siberian Husky     Miniature Schnauzer versus Finnish Spitz     Miniature Schnauzer versus Brittany     Miniature Schnauzer versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Labrador Retriever     Miniature Schnauzer versus Shichon     Miniature Schnauzer versus Akita     Miniature Schnauzer versus Doberman Pinscher     Miniature Schnauzer versus Kishu Ken     Miniature Schnauzer versus Beaglier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Bernedoodle     Miniature Schnauzer versus Pomchi     Miniature Schnauzer versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Welsh Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus German Pinscher     Miniature Schnauzer versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Briard     Miniature Schnauzer versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     

    Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Water Dog versus Lhasapoo     Portuguese Water Dog versus Stabyhoun     Portuguese Water Dog versus Beaglier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Black Mouth Cur     Portuguese Water Dog versus Puggle     Portuguese Water Dog versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Weimaraner     Portuguese Water Dog versus Labrador Retriever     Portuguese Water Dog versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Portuguese Water Dog versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Portuguese Water Dog versus Schnoodle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Portuguese Water Dog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Akbash     Portuguese Water Dog versus Belgian Tervuren     Portuguese Water Dog versus Scottish Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Komondor     Portuguese Water Dog versus English Setter     Portuguese Water Dog versus Labradoodle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Lowchen     Portuguese Water Dog versus Yorkshire Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Schnoodle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Finnish Spitz     

    Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.