Which is Better between the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer? A Very Detailed Review.

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Skye Terrier Versus Standard Schnauzer: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier or the Standard Schnauzer.

Skye Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer: Overview

A very important difference between the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Skye Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Standard Schnauzer is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Skye Terrier 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 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.

Skye Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer

Factor Skye Terrier Standard Schnauzer
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 13 to 16 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Weight 25 to 40 pounds 30 to 50 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
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
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 8 inches tall at the s
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 14.5 years
Average Price $2000 $1710
Price Range $2000 – $2000 $1200 – $2150
Temperament Score 37.5 percent 71.1 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 24 months, recommend every other year until age 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 176 90
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 55 18

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Standard Schnauzer is 80 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Skye Terrier is a better pet than the Standard Schnauzer. So, you should get the Skye Terrier!

    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 Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer

    Below is a list of where the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer are most different:

  • Skye Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Standard Schnauzers are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer

    The Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer are most similar:

  • Both the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer are not easy to train.
  • Both the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer are very playful.
  • Both the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Skye Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer.

    Skye Terriers weigh 25 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Skye Terriers are 9 to 10 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 Skye Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer

    The lifespan of Skye Terriers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Skye Terriers is 13.0 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 Skye Terriers.

    Temperament of the Skye Terrier Versus the Standard Schnauzer

    The Standard Schnauzer has a better temperament than the Skye Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Standard Schnauzer is 71.1 percent while the temperament score for the Skye Terrier is 37.5 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 37.5 percent, the Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer by measuring the temperaments of 8 Skye Terriers and 76 Standard Schnauzers.

    Price of Skye Terrier versus Price of Standard Schnauzer

    The average price of the Skye Terrier puppy is $2000. The price of the Skye Terrier typically ranges from $2000 – $2000. However, the price of a Skye Terrier can be as low as $2000 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1 Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier is more expensive than the Standard Schnauzer.

    Skye Terrier Standard Schnauzer
    Average Price $2000 $1710
    Price Range $2000 to $2000 $1200 to $2150

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Skye Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Skye Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Standard Schnauzers

    A breakdown of the prices of Standard Schnauzers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Skye Terrier 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.

    Adopting the Skye Terrier versus Adopting the Standard Schnauzer

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Skye Terriers and many Standard Schnauzers are currently available for adoption.

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

    Below is an adorable Male Skye Terrier named Bill Bailey that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Skye Terriers like Bill Bailey on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Skye Terriers, Standard Schnauzers are also available for adoption. For example, Mickey is a Male Standard Schnauzer that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Standard Schnauzers like Mickey that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Skye Terriers and Standard Schnauzers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    The Intelligence of the Skye Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Standard Schnauzer

    Skye Terrier Standard Schnauzer
    Intelligence Rank 55 out of 130 dog breeds 18 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 Repetitions! Tend To Learn New Commands After 5 To 15 Repetitions

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:

  • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
  • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
  • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.
  • Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Skye Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 55 out of 130 dog breeds. The Skye Terrier belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Skye Terriers tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.

    The Standard Schnauzer has an obedience intelligence rank of 18 out of 130 dog breeds. The Standard Schnauzer belongs to the `Excellent Working Dogs` category. This means that Standard Schnauzers tend to learn new commands after 5 to 15 repetitions.

    The Standard Schnauzer is more intelligent than the Skye Terrier.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    The Popularity of Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier. 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 Skye Terrier is 176 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Skye Terrier

    Popularity of Skye Terrier

    Popularity of Standard Schnauzer

    Popularity of Standard Schnauzer

    Year Skye Terrier Popularity Rank Standard Schnauzer Popularity Rank
    2013 161 90
    2014 177 90
    2015 175 91
    2016 178 85
    2017 172 90
    2018 178 89
    2019 187 97
    2020 183 92

    Tolerates Being Alone: Skye Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer

    Skye Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Standard Schnauzers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Skye Terriers shed more than Standard Schnauzers?

    Skye Terriers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Skye Terrier or the Standard Schnauzer

    Skye Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Standard Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Skye Terrier or the Standard Schnauzer?

    Skye Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the Skye Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Standard Schnauzer?

    Skye Terriers 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 Skye Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Standard Schnauzers?

    Skye Terriers 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 Skye Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Standard Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Skye Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Standard Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Skye Terrier vs. Standard Schnauzer

    Skye Terriers 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 Skye Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Standard Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Skye Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Standard Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Skye Terrier or the Standard Schnauzer?

    Skye Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Standard Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Skye Terriers good family dogs? What about Standard Schnauzers?

    Skye Terriers 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 Skye Terriers and Standard Schnauzers?

    Skye Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Standard Schnauzers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Skye Terrier Easier to Train than the Standard Schnauzer?

    Skye Terriers are not easy to train.

    Standard Schnauzers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Skye Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Standard Schnauzer?

    Skye Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Standard Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Skye Terrier or the Standard Schnauzer?

    Skye Terriers 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 Skye Terrier

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

  • Lakeland Terrier (78 percent match with Skye Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Standard Schnauzer vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • 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:

  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (77 percent match with Standard Schnauzer). Here is our comparison of the Skye Terrier vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Skye Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Skye Terrier versus French Bulldog     Skye Terrier versus Dachshund     Skye Terrier versus Finnish Spitz     Skye Terrier versus Sloughi     Skye Terrier versus Briard     Skye Terrier versus Toy Poodle     Skye Terrier versus Cavapoo     Skye Terrier versus Japanese Chin     Skye Terrier versus Cavapoo     Skye Terrier versus Maltese     Skye Terrier versus Kooikerhondje     Skye Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog     Skye Terrier versus Chi-Poo     Skye Terrier versus Frenchton     Skye Terrier versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Skye Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier     Skye Terrier versus Komondor     Skye Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Skye Terrier versus Belgian Malinois     Skye Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog     Skye Terrier versus Cavachon     Skye Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler     Skye Terrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Skye Terrier versus Dutch Shepherd     Skye Terrier versus American Bulldog     

    Standard Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Standard Schnauzer versus German Longhaired Pointer     Standard Schnauzer versus Shetland Sheepdog     Standard Schnauzer versus Chow Chow     Standard Schnauzer versus Bluetick Coonhound     Standard Schnauzer versus Boxer     Standard Schnauzer versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Standard Schnauzer versus Bullmastiff     Standard Schnauzer versus Standard Poodle     Standard Schnauzer versus Shihpoo     Standard Schnauzer versus Golden Retriever     Standard Schnauzer versus Irish Water Spaniel     Standard Schnauzer versus Cesky Terrier     Standard Schnauzer versus Miniature Schnauzer     Standard Schnauzer versus Toy Fox Terrier     Standard Schnauzer versus Pomeranian     Standard Schnauzer versus Chow Chow     Standard Schnauzer versus Great Pyrenees     Standard Schnauzer versus Welsh Terrier     Standard Schnauzer versus Stabyhoun     Standard Schnauzer versus Portuguese Water Dog     Standard Schnauzer versus Toy Poodle     Standard Schnauzer versus Lowchen     Standard Schnauzer versus Plott     Standard Schnauzer versus Airedale Terrier     

    Conclusion: Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier and the Standard Schnauzer better suits you and your family.