Standard Schnauzer vs Scottish Deerhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Standard Schnauzer
Working Group
Scottish Deerhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Standard Schnauzer Overview
Standard Schnauzers embody a perfect blend of strength and elegance, featuring a distinctive beard and eyebrows that frame their alert, intelligent expression. Their robust, square-built body is covered in a wiry, salt-and-pepper or black double coat. Known for their fearless yet friendly demeanor, these medium-sized dogs combine the agility of a working breed with the devoted nature of a family companion.
Scottish Deerhound Overview
Majestic and noble, Scottish Deerhounds possess a commanding presence with their tall, lean build and rough coat. Standing up to 32 inches at the shoulder, these graceful giants combine strength with elegance. Their dignified bearing reflects their aristocratic heritage, while their gentle eyes and soft expression reveal their characteristically kind nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Standard Schnauzers are less energetic than Scottish Deerhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Standard Schnauzers require more grooming attention compared to Scottish Deerhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Standard Schnauzers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Scottish Deerhounds.
- Trainability: Scottish Deerhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Scottish Deerhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Scottish Deerhounds adapt better to apartment living, while Standard Schnauzers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Standard Schnauzer and Scottish Deerhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Standard Schnauzer | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 13-16 years | 8-11 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Standard Schnauzer | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 18-20 inches 44-50 cm | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm |
| Weight | 30-50 lbs 14-23 kg | 75-110 lbs 34-50 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Standard Schnauzer | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Fearless, Smart, Spirited | Gentle, Dignified, Polite |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Standard Schnauzer | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Standard Schnauzer Temperament
The Standard Schnauzer is known for being fearless, smart, spirited, 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.
Scottish Deerhound Temperament
The Scottish Deerhound is characterized by being gentle, dignified, polite, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. 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 Standard Schnauzer and Scottish Deerhound, 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
Standard Schnauzer
Rating: 5/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Standard Schnauzer
Rating: 3/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Standard Schnauzer
Rating: 3/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Standard Schnauzer
Rating: 2/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Standard Schnauzer
Rating: 4/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Standard Schnauzer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Standard 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, Standard 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.
Scottish Deerhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Scottish Deerhounds 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, Scottish Deerhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Standard Schnauzer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Heart Disease
- Kidney Stones
- Pancreatitis
Scottish Deerhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Liver shunt
Pros & Cons
Standard Schnauzer
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
- Minimal shedding
- Excellent watchdog
- Good with families
- Adaptable to different living situations
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Needs consistent exercise
- May be territorial
- Professional grooming costs
Scottish Deerhound
Pros
- Gentle and dignified temperament
- Low barking tendency
- Good with other dogs
- Minimal grooming needs
Cons
- Requires large living space
- High exercise needs
- Short lifespan
- Strong prey drive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Standard Schnauzer and Scottish Deerhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.