The Dog Codex

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Side by side

Choose two breeds. You’ll see the same strip of citeable traits — not a winner, and not kids / apartment / shedding scorecards.

Temperament lines are short plate excerpts, not a verdict. Open each plate for the full entry.

Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer

Terrier · Germany

  • AKC group

    Terrier

  • Size

    Small

  • Height

    30–36 cm (AKC)

  • Weight

    ~4–8 kg (FCI)

  • Energy

    Moderate

  • Energy notes

    Moderate. The AKC describes an alert, lively dog with a medium energy level that needs regular daily exercise and loves doing things with its family.

  • Trainability

    High

  • Coat

    The coat is double: a hard, wiry outer coat over a close undercoat, with fairly thick but not silky furnishings, the typical beard and bushy eyebrows.

  • Origin

    Germany

  • Temperament

    The AKC standard describes the typical Miniature Schnauzer as alert and spirited, yet obedient to command; friendly, intelligent and willing to please; and never overaggressive or timid. The FCI credits it with the intelligence, fearlessness, endurance and alertness of its larger relative, which make it an agreeable house dog and a good watch and companion dog, one that can live happily even in a small apartment.

West Highland White Terrier

West Highland White Terrier

Terrier · Scotland

  • AKC group

    Terrier

  • Size

    Small

  • Height

    25–28 cm

  • Weight

    6–10 kg

  • Energy

    High

  • Energy notes

    High for their size. Walks, play, and earthdog-style games are better than being carried as a handbag.

  • Trainability

    Moderate

  • Coat

    A harsh, straight white outer coat about five centimeters long and a shorter, soft undercoat.

  • Origin

    Scotland

  • Temperament

    Friendly for a terrier, but still independent, vocal, and sure it is in charge of the garden. Westies usually enjoy people and can live with other dogs if raised together.