Miniature Schnauzer vs Otterhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Miniature Schnauzer
Terrier Group
Otterhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Miniature Schnauzer Overview
Miniature Schnauzers possess a distinctive beard and eyebrows framing their alert, dark eyes. Their sturdy, square-built frame carries a harsh double coat in salt-and-pepper, black, or black-and-silver. Standing 12-14 inches at the shoulder, these spirited terriers combine intelligence with a friendly, outgoing nature, making them exceptional family companions while maintaining their ancestral ratting abilities.
Otterhound Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Otterhound stands out with its rough double coat and impressive webbed feet. Their large, athletic build features a broad head, substantial bone structure, and loose-hanging skin that creates distinctive facial expressions. Possessing keen swimming abilities and an exceptional nose, these hounds combine strength with agility, while their waterproof coat protects them in various weather conditions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Miniature Schnauzers are less energetic than Otterhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Miniature Schnauzers require more grooming attention compared to Otterhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Miniature Schnauzers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Otterhounds.
- Trainability: Otterhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Otterhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Miniature Schnauzers adapt better to apartment living, while Otterhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer and Otterhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Miniature Schnauzer | Otterhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Miniature Schnauzer | Otterhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-14 inches 30-36 cm | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm |
| Weight | 11-20 lbs 5-9 kg | 80-115 lbs 36-52 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Miniature Schnauzer | Otterhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Smart, Obedient | Even-Tempered, Amiable, Boisterous |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Miniature Schnauzer | Otterhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Miniature Schnauzer Temperament
The Miniature Schnauzer is known for being friendly, smart, obedient, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Otterhound Temperament
The Otterhound is characterized by being even-tempered, amiable, boisterous, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Miniature Schnauzer and Otterhound, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Miniature Schnauzer
Rating: 5/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Miniature Schnauzer
Rating: 3/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Miniature Schnauzer
Rating: 3/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Miniature Schnauzer
Rating: 1/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Miniature Schnauzer
Rating: 5/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Miniature Schnauzer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Miniature Schnauzers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Miniature Schnauzers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Otterhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Otterhounds need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Otterhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Miniature Schnauzer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Pancreatitis
- Cataracts
- Urolithiasis
- Myotonia
- Entropion
Otterhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
Pros & Cons
Miniature Schnauzer
Pros
- Intelligent and easily trainable
- Good with families
- Minimal shedding
- Alert watchdog
- Adaptable to various living situations
Cons
- Regular professional grooming needed
- Can be vocal
- May chase small animals
- Stubborn streak
- Requires consistent training
Otterhound
Pros
- Excellent swimming ability
- Friendly temperament
- Good with families
- Strong tracking abilities
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires lots of exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Rare and expensive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Miniature Schnauzer and Otterhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.