Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Schnauzer vs Rat Terrier - Breed ComparisonSchnauzer is originated from Germany but Rat Terrier is originated from United States. Schnauzer may grow 15 cm / 6 inches higher than Rat Terrier. Schnauzer may weigh 16 kg / 36 pounds more than Rat Terrier. Both Schnauzer and Rat Terrier has almost same life span. Both Schnauzer and Rat Terrier has almost same litter size. Schnauzer requires Moderate maintenance. But Rat Terrier requires Low maintenance

History

schnauzer - historyThese 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.

rat terrier - historyKnown also as the American Rat Terrier or even as the Rattie, this American dog breed is a farm dog, common on family farms during the 1920's and 1930's.

Miniatures or Standards, these dogs are also recognized by the American Kennel Clubs and thought of today as a multi-purpose companion dog.

He is an American dog breed, having come about from Fox Terriers, Old English White Terriers, Bull Terriers, Manchester Terriers and others. Whippets and Italian Greyhounds have also come into the mix to add speed as a characteristic.

The Rat Terrier started to decline in numbers, and by the 1950's the numbers of the dog were so low that breeders stepped in to restore numbers.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
Germany
United States
Height Male:
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
Height Female:
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
15 - 18 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
5 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Mittelschnauzer, Schnauzer, Schnauzie
Rattie, American Rat Terrier
Colors Available:
black and silver, Black, a greyish color and white.
Mix of colors - mostly tri-colored - white, tan, black
Coat:
Wiry, medium length
Single coat, short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

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.

rat terrier puppy - descriptionThere are different sized Rat Terriers, but the mid-sized one stands roughly between 20 and 36cm in height and weighs between 3 and 4kg.

The single coat is short and smooth and comes in colors such as tan, grey, chocolate, black and in solid colors too such as white. They are mostly in tri-colors - white, tan, black. Ticking is also seen.

With his short coat he is seen as a low maintenance dog even though he is still a shedder, with heavier seasonal shedding.

The ears can sometimes be erect, otherwise they are half-erect, half floppy. The tail has always been traditionally docked, giving him a nice, distinctive look, but today the tail is often just left un-docked. It isn't unusual for a puppy to be born with a short or long tail.

Temperament:

Intelligent, wary, loyal, loving, playful but stubborn, your Rat Terrier is a little bit wary around strangers. Training and socialization can be good for this dog and help him t be obedient and well mannered in all situations. These dogs also want to please. He is an active dog too and makes a great playmate for children, getting on well with kids and other pets in the home.

Characteristics

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.

rat terrier dog - characteristicsThe Rat Terrier is such a clever, bright dog. These characteristics make him an excellent watchdog with strong jaws for his role of getting rid of rats on farms.

Even though he is a small dog, he isn’t particularly suited to life in the city on a small property as he has quite a shrill bark.

Because of him being small to medium in size, he is well suited to many homes, but you just have to watch out in the city if you live close to your neighbors as he is fairly noisy and active.

He would love a large property where he can just be himself. Provide him with the right home, and you’l have a friend for life.

Health Problems

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.

rat terrier puppies - health problemsRat Terriers are generally feisty, healthy dogs who, with good care, can live to the ripe old age of 16, 17 or 18 years of age.

Just like with many other dogs, he can develop some of the more common dog illnesses there are. If you're opting for a puppy, find a good, reputable breeder.

Allergies:

It can be tricky trying to decide what kind of allergies are causing such problems with your pet. A skin allergy can cause a lot of itchiness and pain for your canine friend and he will bite and lick on the affected spots and make the situation worse. You will need to get him to the vet for some kind of treatment, as such an ailment can drive him mad.

Patellar Luxation:

This is a common problem in dogs, with the kneecap or patella being dislocated. It can cause a lot of pain and can be crippling for your dog.

Caring The Pet

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.

Diet:

rat terrier dogs - caringYour Rat Terrier can easily reach 16, 17 or 18 years of age with good food. While you do get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods, you want to add variety by including some nutritious home-made food too.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet. Chop it up and add it into the dry kibble a couple of times a week.No complications - just plain and simple - the way dogs love it.

Some raw meat added in from time to time will help his skin and coat remain healthy. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

The Rat Terrier is an active dog. He just loves to dig too, so if you live close to a beach, he will love running and digging in the sand. If this isn’t possible, he will be happy to be taken on walks with you and maybe for a run in the park.

He loves all ball games and running after a frisbee, and he’s so clever, maybe you can even teach him to fetch the frisbee for you.

Grooming:

The Rat Terrier is a low-maintenance dog and only requires having his coat brushed twice a week.

Check inside his mouth for bad teeth. You can even brush his teeth with special canine toothpaste and brush to remove tartar buildup.

Keep his nails trimmed too if he doesn’t wear them down naturally so as to prevent them hooking on things and ripping into the flesh.

Check inside your dog’s ears too. If you’re not experienced with trimming dog nails or cleaning inside dog’s ears, your vet or professional groomer will do it for you.

During these grooming sessions with your Rat Terrier, check for fleas and ticks as well as for any sores or new lumps. Also, his eyes should be clear and bright with no discharge or redness.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Schnauzer vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Schnauzer vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Schnauzer vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Schnauzer vs Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Schnauzer vs Bull and Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Schnauzer vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Schnauzer vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Schnauzer vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  9. Schnauzer vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Schnauzer vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  11. Schnauzer vs Lakeland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Schnauzer vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Schnauzer vs Jagdterrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Schnauzer vs Blue Paul Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Schnauzer vs Indian Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Schnauzer vs Irish Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Schnauzer vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Schnauzer vs Brazilian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Schnauzer vs Old English Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Schnauzer vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Scoland Terrier vs Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  22. Skye Terrier vs Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  23. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  24. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  25. Welsh Terrier vs Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  26. Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Rat Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  30. Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Rat Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Rat Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Rat Terrier vs Patterdale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Rat Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Rat Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  36. Rat Terrier vs Norwich Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Rat Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Rat Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Rat Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  41. Rat Terrier vs Manchester Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Rat Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Rat Terrier vs Miniature Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Rat Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Rat Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Rat Terrier vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Rat Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Rat Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Rat Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Rat Terrier vs Lucas Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds