Miniature Schnauzer vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison

Miniature Schnauzer vs Estonian Hound - Breed ComparisonMiniature Schnauzer is originated from Germany but Estonian Hound is originated from Estonia. Miniature Schnauzer may grow 16 cm / 6 inches shorter than Estonian Hound. Miniature Schnauzer may weigh 10 kg / 22 pounds lesser than Estonian Hound. Both Miniature Schnauzer and Estonian Hound has same life span. Both Miniature Schnauzer and Estonian Hound has same litter size. Both Miniature Schnauzer and Estonian Hound requires Moderate maintenance.

History

miniature schnauzer - historyMiniature Schnauzers were first bred in Germany in the 19th century being bred from Affenpinschers and Standard Schnauzers.

This dog was always used to control rats on farms, but these days he is more a companion. It is believed that the start of the modern Miniature Schnauzer in the United States was around 1924 when dogs were imported from Germany.

It was in 1933 that the Miniature Schnauzer was recognized by the AKC as a separate breed from the Standard Schnauzer.

estonian hound - historyIn 1947, the Estonian Hound was developed and remains today the only pure breed ever developed in Estonia. At that time the national economic minister of the Soviet Union declared that every country in the USSR must have a national dog breed. Thus, the Estonian Hound and the Estonian Kennel Union were born. The Kennel Union is currently seeking breed recognition from the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale.

The Estonian Hound came from breeding local Estonian hunting dogs with several different breeds of foreign dogs. The Soviet decree also established that hunting dogs had to be no more than 17 inches high. This result in a hunting dog with great agility and drive that is extremely popular in now inependent Estonia. It is the national dog.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Hound dog
Origin:
Germany
Estonia
Height Male:
30 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
42 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
30 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
13 - 19 kg
28 - 42 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
4 - 8
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Zwergschnauzer (Dwarf Schnauzer)
Estonian Scenthound, Gontchaja Estonskaja
Colors Available:
salt-and-pepper coat – mix of black and white. , Black and silver
tan with black patches or blackish brown with red patches
Coat:
Double, wiry medium-length coat
short, rough coat
Shedding:
Minimal
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Detached, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

miniature schnauzer puppy - descriptionThe Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog breed that stands between 30 to 36cm in height and weighs between 5 and 10kg.

He has a sturdy body with a dense, wiry coat which most people prefer to have stripped. Because stripping is quite tedious, many of these dog owners prefer to have the coat clipped which actually gives the coat a greyish look to it.

The coat is usually a mix of black and silver. Some people refer to the Miniature Schnauzer as having a salt-and-pepper coat – hairs that are a mix of black and white. The dog has a double coat with the outer coat being wiry and the undercoat being a lot softer.

This is a dog that will need to be groomed frequently to prevent matting. A noticeable feature with these dogs is the rectangular shaped head with alert slanted eyes and bushy eyebrows, mustache and beard. In fact the word ‘Schnauzer’ means beard or muzzle.

The ears have been traditionally cropped but these days they are left and then they tend to be half-erect, half-floppy.

Temperament:

This is a tough little dog, fearless, cheeky, arrogant, alert and also friendly. A draw-card with him is that he is considered as a low-shedder and being hypoallergenic.

They’re very intelligent dogs too and will learn quickly when you give him training and socialization. This is important for a dog like this as he can quickly show you that he is strong willed and independent. Training and socialization makes him much nicer as he becomes more balanced and obedient.

He is full of life and extroverted and you can count on him to join you wherever you are and whatever you’re doing. Whether watching TV, swimming or hiking, he’ll be there and turn every occasion into a festive event. He is a loving, loyal dog, making a splendid pet.

He's protective of his human family and tends to be suspicious of strangers, and this is what makes him such a great watchdog.

estonian hound puppy - descriptionThe Estonian Hound is a strong, muscular body of medium size, with well-developed muscles and strong bones. It has a straight muzzle and skull with defined eyebrows and long drop ears. They have black noses and dark eyes. Their back is wide and straight, and their chest is deep and wide. They have skin that is tight with no wrinkles or folds anywhere.

The Estonian Hound is double coated, but the undercoat is not well developed. The top coat is rough, short and shiny. The tail has a thick covering of hair. The color is usually white with red patches, black or brown patches or yellow patches.

Characteristics

miniature schnauzer dog - characteristicsMiniature Schnauzers are such adaptable little dogs, quite happy to make a home with you in the city or in the countryside.

They’re sociable dogs, so just being with his human family wherever they are will suit him well. If he lives in the city however, he will need to have a walk everyday or taken to the park for a run.

He is also a dog that scarcely sheds, so he suits people battling with allergies. With an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, if you nurture your Mini Schnauzer and give him the best food and exercise there is, as well as loving him, you’re going to have a loyal and devoted pet.

Children friendliness

estonian hound dog - characteristicsThe Estonian Hound is a happy dog and loves to play with children. He was bred to hunt though and he can get fixated on a scent and knock over a small child.

Special talents

He is a hunting dog with great agility and drive.

Adaptability

He has had to be adaptable through his short history and is now more a companion than a hunting dog. He can live in the city or country.

Learning ability

He is intelligent and trainable. He is lively and energetic and the challenge might be keeping his attention long enough to train.

Health Problems

miniature schnauzer puppies - health problemsYour Miniature Schnauzer is pretty healthy and he isn’t likely to cost you much in terms of vet fees. There are however some common dog problems that you want to be aware of such as cataracts of the eye and hypothyroidism.

Cataract:

This a a problem in the lens of the eye. The lens should be clear, and when a dog has a cataract, it obscures the vision. The size of the cataract can lead to blindness.

Diabetes in a dog can bring on cataracts as can genetics or damage to the eye from exposure to ultraviolet light. Fortunately, dogs with cataracts can still see. Dogs with old cataracts can have surgery to remove them.

When a dog owner suspects a cataract in their pet’s eye it is best to treat it immediately with anti-inflammatory dog cataract eye drops. Cataracts never go away however without surgery.

Hypothyroidism:

The thyroid gland in the neck produces a hormone called thyroxine. It controls metabolism, but with hypothyroidism, enough of the hormone isn’t made. Its a common disease which affects all dog breeds.

Signs of hypothyroidism include hair loss, weight gain, intolerance to cold and a troublesome skin. To have the disease diagnosed, the vet will do a series of blood tests.

estonian hound puppies - health problemsWith such a young breed there have not been any studies done on their health or genetic issues. It seems the breed is fairly healthy but there is too little information to really say. Being confined to Estonia there has been little commercial or backyard breeding. He is less likely than most pure breeds to have genetic issues.

It is likely that dogs of his type are at risk for:

Bloat – distended or twisted stomach

Caused by excessive exercise before or after having eaten a large meal. It is suggested that you feed your English Setter twice a day, smaller meals and not right before or after strenuous exercise.

  1. Luxating Patella
  2. Leads to lameness and arthritis
  3. Allergies skin/food
  4. See vet if issues arise
  5. Respiratory allergies - It would be very important to see vet if any breathing issues arise
  6. Joint dysplasia - This could be elbow or hip and can lead to lameness or arthritis

Caring The Pet

miniature schnauzer dogs - caringLet’s look at several ways you need to care for your Miniature Schnauzer -

Make sure you have his puppy injections on time. This means knowing which veterinarian you’ll use. Later on if you don’t want to go in for breeding, you will need to have your pet spayed or neutered.

Make sure you have a nice warm, dry spot for your dog to sleep. It can be a cardboard box, or you can buy a dog basket or sleeping platform. Make sure your pet loves it and knows he can retreat to it anytime he wants.

If he goes outside for a few hours, make sure that he has a place to lie in the shade and away from the elements.

Good food promotes good health and longevity. You can feed your pet one of the top quality commercially manufactured foods and give your pet some variety by adding in some boiled chicken, vegetables and brown rice. Some raw meat occasionally can also be excellent for your pet.

Feeding the puppy

estonian hound dogs - caringFeed a high quality dry food made for puppies. Feed ¼ to ½ cup per day in 2-3 meals for the first six months.

Feed 1 to 2 cups in two meals from 6 months to a year or so.

Feeding the adult.

Feed about 2 to 3 cups in two meals.

Points for Good Health

As previously mentioned this seems to be a fairly healthy breed.

Be careful not to feed a large meal before or after exercise due to possibility of bloat.

Check their ears and clean them periodically.

Games and Exercises

The Estonian Hound is a hunting dog and needs a good deal of exercise – at least an hour and a half every day or a long walk if not used for hunting. He is a working dog with a lot of energy and stamina. Don’t let him off leash though or he will follow his nose and take off. He is usually calm and quiet indoors if he gets enough physical and mental stimulation outdoors. He can be destructive and loud, nervous and hyper if he doesn’t. They enjoy Frisbee, agility, tracking and of course hunting.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Miniature Schnauzer vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Miniature Schnauzer vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Miniature Schnauzer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Miniature Schnauzer vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Miniature Schnauzer vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Miniature Schnauzer vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Miniature Schnauzer vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  9. Miniature Schnauzer vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Miniature Schnauzer vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  11. Miniature Schnauzer vs Manchester Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Miniature Schnauzer vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Miniature Schnauzer vs Miniature Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Miniature Schnauzer vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Miniature Schnauzer vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Miniature Schnauzer vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Miniature Schnauzer vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Miniature Schnauzer vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Miniature Schnauzer vs Lucas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Miniature Schnauzer vs Kaikadi - Breed Comparison
  22. Rat Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  23. Scottish Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  24. Patterdale Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  25. Norwich Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  26. Pharaoh Hound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  27. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  28. Hungarian Vizsla vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  29. Redbone Coonhound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  30. Norwegian Elkhound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  31. Santal Hound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  32. Podenco Canario vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  33. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  34. Podenco Andaluz vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  35. Podenco Galego vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  36. Estonian Hound vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  37. Estonian Hound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  38. Estonian Hound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  39. Estonian Hound vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  40. Estonian Hound vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  41. Estonian Hound vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  42. Estonian Hound vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  43. Estonian Hound vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Estonian Hound vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  45. Estonian Hound vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  46. Estonian Hound vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  47. Estonian Hound vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  48. Estonian Hound vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  49. Estonian Hound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  50. Estonian Hound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds