Schnauzer vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Schnauzer vs Chihuahua - Breed ComparisonChihuahua is originated from Mexico but Schnauzer is originated from Germany. Chihuahua may grow 28 cm / 11 inches shorter than Schnauzer. Chihuahua may weigh 16 kg / 35 pounds lesser than Schnauzer. Chihuahua may live 4 years more than Schnauzer. Chihuahua may have less litter size than Schnauzer. Chihuahua requires Low Maintenance. But Schnauzer requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Terrier dog
undefined
Mexico
Germany
Height Male:
15 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
15 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
2 - 4 kg
4 - 9 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 4 kg
4 - 9 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 20 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 5
4 - 8
Size:
Toy
Medium
Other Names:
None
Mittelschnauzer, Schnauzer, Schnauzie
Colors Available:
Fawn, white and black, tan
black and silver, Black, a greyish color and white.
Coat:
Short- and long haired
Wiry, medium length
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

chihuahuaQuite a bit of the Chihuahua’s history is shrouded in mystery, and there are different versions about its origins.

While historians speculate, most will agree that the tiny dog hails from Mexico. The UK Kennel Club considers the smooth- and long coat Chihuahuas as 2 distinct breeds.It was in 1904 that the Chihuahua became a registered breed by the American Kennel Club.

Chihuahua is actually the name of a state in Mexico, and it is amazing that Chihuahua specimens were found way back in the 1800's already. Today the Chihuahua is a very popular dog breed in several countries.

schnauzerThese dogs hail from Germany and are particularly well known for their stern faces and their facial hair - the mustache and eyebrows. You get 3 types of Schnauzer – the Miniature, Standard and Giant.

These dogs have always been used for their rat catching skills. The Standard Schnauzer is also known as Mittelschnauzer and they have been categorized as working dogs but also as Terriers.

They've always been good herders of livestock and have been regarded as a good all-round farm dog. Most Standard Schnauzers have earned American Kennel Club (AKC) herding titles. They also make excellent watchdogs.

A breed standard for this dog was written in 1880. Also, the Bavarian Schnauzer Klub was formed in Munich in 1907.

Description

chihuahua puppy - descriptionThe small Chihuahua stands at about 15 – 23 cm and he weighs about 1,5 – 4kg.

You’ll notice that he shivers when he is excited or when he is cold or frightened. Some people buy him a jersey to don on cooler days. With this tiny toy dog, you get a short- and a long coated Chihuahua.

This is the smallest dog breed and his coat is available in a number of colors such as fawn, tan, white and black. It is the dog’s round apple-shaped head which is a distinctive feature. He has erect ears and huge fruit-bat type eyes.

Temperament:

The Chihuahua is such an alert, fun-loving, feisty little dog, and though he may appear to be an ideal pet for children, he actually isn’t. He is too dainty and frail, and a child, during play, could accidentally crush him.

It’s a pity though because he just loves being around his human family. He is also a highly strung dog, and given the chance, he’ll nip and even bite during games. It is why socialization and training are considered important for the Chihuahua.

Just like with children, how you raise and treat your Chihuahua will determine how he turns out. He is such a sweet little dog that training and socialization can remove these unwanted characteristics. He is very intelligent and responds well to training.

schnauzer puppy - descriptionYou get the miniature and giant Schnauzer as well as the Standard. The Standard Schnauzer stands at between 43 to 51cm and weighs between 14 and 20kg. The dog comes in different color variants - black, black and silver and a greyish color.They have wiry coats that don’t shed much.

They are squarely and robustly built and a typical feature is the mustache, beard and significant eyebrows of the dog. The ears are set high and were once clipped but they are left floppy these days.

The tail has always been traditionally cropped to around three vertebrae,giving the dog a distinctive look, but now it is often left as is and is medium length and curls over the dog’s back.

Temperament:

The Schnauzie is a seriously intelligent dog and this makes them highly trainable so that he can obey quite a few commands. These dogs get bored easily and will require exercise and games that will stimulate him mentally and physically.

They’re alert too, and will bark in warning at any intruders, making them excellent watchdogs. Other notable characteristics are courage and stamina and they have been used for search and rescue work.

These dogs have strong personalities, and are inclined to be stubborn so you want to be sure that they are trained and socialized. This makes them more amicable to be around – they’re obedient and know their place.

Characteristics

chihuahua dog - characteristicsSmall and feisty, the Chihuahua’s personality isn’t set in stone, and the tiny dog can be either shy and timid or he can be social, confident and jaunty.

They're always loyal and affectionate to their human owners, but they don’t get on too well with- and are wary of small children who aren’t disciplined and who could hurt them.

With his big eyes and big ears together with his comical antics, they can be a source of entertainment for their human owners. He is easy to train too and even though he is small, he doesn’t think he is, and he is willing to use his big personality to make you a loving, loyal and devoted companion.

schnauzer dog - characteristicsEnergetic, strong-willed and loyal, the Schnauzer can be an affectionate friend for children in the home as well as adults.

He is cool towards strangers and he is also a bit snooty and aggressive with other dogs, but if he is brought up with them, he will show some loyalty and friendship towards them too.

Health Problems

chihuahua puppies - health problemsThe Chihuahua doesn't have any particular health issues, more so when you get him from a reputable breeder. With good care he can reach 20 years of age.

Hypoglycemia:

Known as low blood sugar, hypoglycemia is easily treatable, but if it isn’t caught early it can be fatal.Hypoglycemia makes a dog lethargic and he’ll shiver and could go into a coma. Get him to the vet immediately.

Bloat:

Gastric Dilatation or bloat is when the stomach twists, it becomes enlarged and blood supply is cut off to the stomach. Left untreated, it can be fatal.

Dental Disease:

Chihuahuas are susceptible to dental problems, so you will need to brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week to prevent tartar build-up, gum disease, loss of teeth and other diseases.

schnauzer puppies - health problemsSchnauzers are very healthy dogs. Nonetheless even these dogs can succumb to some of the many dog illnesses there are.

Hip dysplasia is a common dog ailment and the Schnauzer isn’t immune to it. Hip dysplasia can be very sad in dogs as it can cripple a dog, with painful arthritis being his lot as well. It is no comfort for dog owners to know that hip dysplasia is common in most dog breeds – they are devastated when their once playful dog is brought down by hip dysplasia and exhibits signs of stiffness and pain.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

chihuahua dogs - caringAlways make sure to choose a high-quality dog food for your Chihuahua as this will keep him in tip-top health. A healthy Chihuahua can live to be 20 years of age. Speak to a veterinarian for recommendations on the best type of food to feed your tiny pet.

Giving him some home-made food such as brown rice, vegetables and cooked chicken for instance will be a welcome treat for him. Make sure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water close by.

Exercise:

The Chihuahua may well be the smallest toy sized dog breed, but don’t be mistaken – he has plenty of energy and is constantly prancing around. He is more than capable of living in a small apartment, but even so he needs to be taken outside every now and then for a game or a walk.

Be careful with your small pet though, as too much exercise can lead to elbow- and hip dysplasia.

Grooming:

The Chihuahua is a moderate shedder with Spring being their heavier shedding period. Because of his small size, you won’t be bothered by too much hair. The short haired Chihuahua is easy to maintain and with a rubber brush, you can brush him gently twice a week.

You’ll also need to clip his nails and if you can’t manage this your vet can also help you.

schnauzer dogs - caringYour Schnauzer will need to have his hair brushed twice a week as well as being professionally groomed. This is by hand-stripping or by clipping.

Standard Schnauzers have lots of energy and will require adequate exercise every day – walks, ball games and runs off the leash.

Check his eyes and make sure there is no discharge. Check inside the ears and make sure there is no sign of redness and discharge. Look inside his mouth for rotting teeth. Bad teeth can cause lots of health problems with a dog, not just in terms of the teeth, but bad teeth can negatively affect other parts of the body too.

You want your Schnauzer to benefit from good food, after all nourishing food contributes to good health and longevity. If you choose to give your Schnauzer one of the commercially manufactured dog foods there are, make sure it is one of the better brands with more natural ingredients, The cheaper ones are filled with toxic ingredients.

Choose food according to his age, size and activity levels. To add some variety, feed him some home made food twice a week which can be added to his dry kibble. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet. Try and include some raw meat into the diet. Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water for him.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Schnauzer vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Schnauzer vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Schnauzer vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Schnauzer vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Schnauzer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Schnauzer vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Schnauzer vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Schnauzer vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Schnauzer vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Schnauzer vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Schnauzer vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Schnauzer vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Schnauzer vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Schnauzer vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Schnauzer vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Schnauzer vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Schnauzer vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Schnauzer vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Schnauzer vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Schnauzer vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Schnauzer vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Schnauzer vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Schnauzer vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Schnauzer vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Chihuahua vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Chihuahua vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Chihuahua vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Chihuahua vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Chihuahua vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Chihuahua vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Chihuahua vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Chihuahua vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Chihuahua vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Chihuahua vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Chihuahua vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Chihuahua vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Chihuahua vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Chihuahua vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Chihuahua vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Chihuahua vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Chihuahua vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Chihuahua vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Chihuahua vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Chihuahua vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Chihuahua vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Chihuahua vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Chihuahua vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison