Whippet vs Miniature Schnauzer
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Whippet
Hound Group
Miniature Schnauzer
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Whippet Overview
Graceful and athletic, Whippets possess a distinctive silhouette with their deep chest, curved back, and long, slender legs. Their short, smooth coat comes in various colors and patterns. Known for combining remarkable speed with gentle companionship, these sight hounds display an elegant blend of muscular strength and refined features, embodying both power and grace in their streamlined build.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Whippets are less energetic than Miniature Schnauzers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Whippets require less grooming attention compared to Miniature Schnauzers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Whippets tend to be more reserved with strangers than Miniature Schnauzers.
- Trainability: Whippets may be slightly easier to train due to their Whippet's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Miniature Schnauzers adapt better to apartment living, while Whippets typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Whippet and Miniature Schnauzer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Whippet | Miniature Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Whippet | Miniature Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 18-22 inches 46-56 cm | 12-14 inches 30-36 cm |
| Weight | 25-40 lbs 11-18 kg | 11-20 lbs 5-9 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Whippet | Miniature Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Playful, Calm | Friendly, Smart, Obedient |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Whippet | Miniature Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Whippet Temperament
The Whippet is known for being affectionate, playful, calm, 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.
Miniature Schnauzer Temperament
The Miniature Schnauzer is characterized by being friendly, smart, obedient, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Whippet and Miniature Schnauzer, 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
Whippet
Rating: 5/5
Miniature Schnauzer
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Whippet
Rating: 5/5
Miniature Schnauzer
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Whippet
Rating: 3/5
Miniature Schnauzer
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Whippet
Rating: 2/5
Miniature Schnauzer
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Whippet
Rating: 2/5
Miniature Schnauzer
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Whippet Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Whippets 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, Whippets require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Miniature Schnauzer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Miniature Schnauzers 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, Miniature Schnauzers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Whippet Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart disease
- Eye problems
- Anesthesia sensitivity
- Dental issues
- Joint problems
Miniature Schnauzer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Pancreatitis
- Cataracts
- Urolithiasis
- Myotonia
- Entropion
Pros & Cons
Whippet
Pros
- Gentle and affectionate
- Low grooming needs
- Quiet and clean
- Good with children
- Athletic and graceful
Cons
- High prey drive
- Cannot be off-leash in unsecured areas
- Sensitive to cold
- Needs regular exercise
- Can be stubborn
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Whippet and Miniature Schnauzer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.