Mini Schanuzer v Border Terrier

[Hawknotdove]

Hello,

We’re looking for a family dog and I’ve narrowed it down to a Mini Schnauzer or a Border. Will get a pup as I have three kids incl an 5-year old so I’m not confident about a rescue.

Im looking for a small-ish dog that’s tolerant with kids, has plenty of energy and personality (but no so much that they’re unmanageable), low or non-shedding coat, easy-ish to keep clean.

I grew up with dogs, am confident with them and used to terrier-type traits. However, this will be my first time training a pup myself.

After lots of research, I’m pretty confident that both Borders and Mini Schnauzers fit this bill (though feel free to tell me otherwise). But how do I decide between them?! Anyone out there with experience of both breeds who can compare?

Advice from those in the know much appreciated. I’m probably over-thinking but want to make a good decision!

ps goes without saying that behaviour will depend on the individual dog, socialisation etc. Just trying to get a general sense of breed traits and others’ experiences.

There are 3 mini shnauzers in my local park, they're all lovely, very well behaved, super friendly and not yappy at all.

This said, there are also something like 5 border terriers and all of them are just as lovely.

(Newpeep you just made my day by saying that terriers were slow to mature, I didn't know that and now I understand my 20 month old terrier better!)

Border terrier household here, best dogs in the world

It is a common issue but not one which is inevitable. Ours is quite unsure of other dogs and can be reactive in very limited situations but we've worked quite hard to teach her she doesn't need to react. It's not hard to do and best done when they are younger. That said some are and it is something that you need to be mindful of.

Most terriers are lone workers so not natural social butterflies but they can learn to tolerate other dogs.

I regularly walk with both as different friends have them. Both are lovely. Boarders physically more wiry coat so not as soft.

I don't think there's much in it really, both very sweet, slightly yappy - boarder slightly more so possibly due to terrier? - lots of personality. Would say the schnauzer probably needs more grooming - dirty beard is the main culprit.

I think you need to be careful if you get a schnauzer. As someone mentioned up thread, once you get one, you are a schnauzer family for life.

I've had schnauzers since 6 years old. They are very protective, loving and you are their pack.

Only one I know that is barky is my current one, and that's anxiety/protection (Covid dog). Although some do like a good bark at passers by when watching from the living room window, if memory serves.

It really is about the training. But I would never have a different breed, I love my little bearded buddy.

Border every time. Brilliant little dogs.But hand stripping is expensive.....

I agree with @CurlewKate Border every time but if you want no dog hairs at all , you can learn to hand strip yourself but if not you need to factor in dog grooming prices .

This may entertain some Border owners or @Hawknotdove and others deciding ( BTW I think Borders are doves not hawks :) )

https://www.countrylife.co.uk/out-and-about/dogs/the-joys-of-the-border-terrier-11524

We have a 3yo mini schnauzer and the only time he barks is in his sleep!
Chilled at home with 3 short walks a day, he’s (too) sociable with all dogs and easy to house and lead train.

Downsides are he hates being left alone and will howl after 40 minutes. Small children have to be introduced slowly. He will also take whatever on the floor as his, like pencils and socks. The idea of dropped coins or sewing pins is a worry for me.
I know one Border Terrier puppy who’s a wriggling escape artist but looks like he’ll grow up into a good pet for his experienced owner.

Border!!!
First time Border owner, he came to live with us as a pup when my son was 4. They were like partners in crime! He did got through a land shark stage where ankles were fair game to his little needle teeth but overall he doesn't have a bad bone in his body. He is a delightful little dog. He makes me laugh every day. Will happily walk for miles but is just as happy being a couch potato. He can also be a stubborn little ass 😂
Go for a BT. You won't regret it.

Schnauzer (and schnoodle as well) owner here. Schnauzers don't bark, they talk incessantly. Honestly you just need to acknowledge ours as though you are talking to him and off he goes, chatting away. Its not high pitched and its not aggressive. Its just his way of communicating and boy does he love it.

Zero moulting fur. NEVER found so much as a hair. Lots of character. Capable of being a lap dog, a fun dog with your children and even a hill walking dog. Mine once jumped from a 8ft wall (His brother had come down from a lower section) and survived with a winded chest. Ours is 100% barmpot but he is also 100% love in everything he does.

I haven't had much experience with border terriers but i have been told (by an old colleague who bred them) that they are very intelligent and headstrong. He kind of hinted that they were not an easy dog unless you knew about dogs.

@Coffeeandacatchup having had 3 border puppies at various stages we went through the sharp teeth phase ( I think this is true of all puppies) , but ours grew out of it . I don't think any of ours meant to hurt just puppies have sharp teeth and after a while it stops being so. But I would agree they are so gentle with very young children. Our middle one used to let my 7 year old neice at the time pick him up & carry him around.

I have a Miniature Schnauzer now and she never ever barks. Neither did her Mum so maybe that’s why. I know lots and some do, some don’t, but I know they have a reputation. She’s very cuddly and family orientated. Can be wary (not aggressive, just keeps her distance) of anyone she doesn’t know but I consider that a good thing. As soon as she knows you’re in her gang she gives the best welcomes and she is the only dog I’ve had that properly hugs you - paws round your neck and really leans into you 😂 Never chewed anything she shouldn’t and likes to stay close when out on a walk. Doesn’t moult, just goes to the groomer every 8 weeks. She has the softest coat which personally I prefer to a wiry one.

I’ve known a lot of borders over the years with mixed experiences - some lovely, some aloof and some unfriendly. Like most dogs (schnauzers included), they all have their individual personalities so all you can do is choose the basic breed characteristics, get the training right and hope for the best. There’s not a lot that’s can’t be trained right or worked around.

They are extremely intelligent and great problem solvers. They won’t do something unless it’s worth their while. They respond amazingly well to choice based training and games and cannot be bullied into doing what you want. It’s a team relationship rather than a traditional servant master relationship you have with more handler focused breeds but if you know what you are doing they are a dream to train.

You will never see a successful terrier trained with force and fear. All reward based.

We have a schnauzer. She is fabulous. Barks at the doorbell and if someone is near the back door. She is actually a bit aloof. Won't sit on our laps,/ turns her back to you etc. very clever! We are trying to train her to bring a ball back and she just looks at us as if to say you threw you pick it up! They are very funny little dogs.

We have a mini schnauzer. She is a very vocal dog. So she does bark if someone knocks, if she sees our resident pigeon pair in the back garden and if other dogs get too close outside. But she also “talks” to us by rooing and she “purrs” when we stroke her. She is the most loving and affectionate lap dog. She worships dh and me but has taken a long time to warm up to our kids ( they have always been very respectful of her, this is just her personality). She’s generally a bit timid and mistrustful by nature, apart from me and dh. She doesn’t shed at all and has never caused any damage to our house.

I have a mini schnauzer and he only barks if someone rings the bell but will stop when told.
He's the best boy. Smart, independent but will come for snuggles and amazing with my dc.
He doesn't smell or shed either which is great.
My Sil has a Border and he's a grumpy little shit! Sits at the window and goes off his head if he sees anything move.

At 4 oclk Bella will roo roo roo for her dinner. She can definitely communicate want she wants!

We don’t have ours stripped. My husband died it himself with a clipper and he looks lovely!

I strip mine every couple of weeks lightly to keep her in a show length coat. It’s really easy. There are good videos online. You can either tidy up every few weeks or fully strip every few months. Personal choice.