Miniature Schnauzer vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi
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
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Herding 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.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Overview
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are compact, sturdy herding dogs with distinctive fox-like faces and short legs. Their double coat comes in red, sable, fawn, or black and tan, often with white markings. Despite their small stature, they possess remarkable strength and agility, featuring a long body, erect ears, and their signature stubby tail. Their alert expression and confident bearing reflect their heritage as capable herding dogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Miniature Schnauzers are less energetic than Pembroke Welsh Corgis, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Miniature Schnauzers require more grooming attention compared to Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Miniature Schnauzers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
- Trainability: Pembroke Welsh Corgis may be slightly easier to train due to their Pembroke Welsh Corgi's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pembroke Welsh Corgis adapt better to apartment living, while Miniature Schnauzers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Miniature Schnauzer | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Miniature Schnauzer | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-14 inches 30-36 cm | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm |
| Weight | 11-20 lbs 5-9 kg | 28-30 lbs 13-14 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Miniature Schnauzer | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Smart, Obedient | Affectionate, Smart, Alert |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Miniature Schnauzer | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Temperament
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is characterized by being affectionate, smart, alert, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Miniature Schnauzer and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, 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
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Miniature Schnauzer
Rating: 3/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Miniature Schnauzer
Rating: 3/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Miniature Schnauzer
Rating: 1/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Miniature Schnauzer
Rating: 5/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
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.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pembroke Welsh Corgis need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Pembroke Welsh Corgis 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
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand's
- Eye Problems
- DM
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
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
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
- Affectionate with family
- Good watchdog
- Compact size
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Heavy shedder
- Can be vocal
- Prone to back problems
- Strong herding instinct
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Miniature Schnauzer and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.