Miniature Schnauzer vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison

Miniature Schnauzer vs American Mastiff - Breed ComparisonMiniature Schnauzer is originated from Germany but American Mastiff is originated from United States. Miniature Schnauzer may grow 55 cm / 21 inches shorter than American Mastiff. Miniature Schnauzer may weigh 80 kg / 176 pounds lesser than American Mastiff. Miniature Schnauzer may live 3 years more than American Mastiff. Miniature Schnauzer may have more litter size than American Mastiff. Miniature Schnauzer requires Moderate maintenance. But American Mastiff requires Low 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.

american mastiff - historyThe history of the American Mastiff is entirely tied to the old European Mastiffs but in particular the English Mastiff. The developers of the American Mastiff crossed the English Mastiff with the Anatolian Mastiff at the Ohio kennel, Flying W Farms. The founder of this breed is Fredricka Wagner. Because of this the English Mastiff and the American Mastiff look very much alike. The difference between the two is that the American Mastiff was bred to have less health concerns than the English Mastiff and without the drooling. In 2000 the CKC acknowledged that the American Mastiff and the English Mastiff were separate breeds.

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.

american mastiff puppy - descriptionThis crossing of the English Mastiff and the Anatolian Mastiff resulted in a Mastiff with a much drier, less drooling mouth than the other Mastiffs. This is a giant, massive dog – powerful and muscular. With a wide head that is rectangular rather than square. Their eyes are dark amber, and their ears are high on their head and rounded. With a medium size muzzle, black mask and heavy head, the American Mastiff is a handsome dog.

Their chest is broad, deep with ribs that extended backward. He has strong legs that are parallel and wide set. He also has a long tail. Puppies of the American Mastiff are born almost black and as they grow their coat color lightens. In addition, it is important that they have a wrinkled forehead as well and a scissors bite is preferred.

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.

american mastiff dog - characteristicsA love of children and devotion to his pack (family) is bred into the American Mastiff. He is non-aggressive unless you threaten his family or his children. Then he becomes courageous, protective and defensive. This is a gentle giant most of the time, however due to size and the need for strong leadership, the American Mastiff should be socialized and trained early. If they are socialized and trained they will be calm, gentle dogs. They will remain protective and alert, but they will be friendly with strangers. They love to please their people and being highly intelligent they learn fast.

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.

american mastiff puppies - health problemsAmerican Mastiffs seem to have fewer health issues than other larger giant breed dogs. However, they can experience allergies as many large, wrinkled dogs do. They also might have a tendency toward eye issues, hip dysplasia, cancer and heart disease. Bloat might be the most life-threatening issue many American Mastiffs experience.

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.

american mastiff dogs - caringGiant breeds like the American Mastiff are known for growing rapidly as a puppy and therefore proper feeding and nutrition is essential. The slower your American Mastiff grows, the better. Make sure your puppies get enough phosphorous and calcium in their high calorie diet. Free feeding is not recommended. Feed puppies up to 4 small meals per day and feed adults twice a day.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this breed is a fairly healthy one, There, are however, certain evaluations you should do with your American Mastiff puppy to be sure she is in good health. These tests would include an elbow and hip evaluation to check for dysplasia. He should have an ophthalmologist and cardiologist examine him as well. Most American Mastiffs will not have any problems, but these evaluations will help to prepare you if they do. The wrinkles in your dogs; face, around the eyes and muzzle must be kept clean as they can become infected if you don’t.

Exercise and games

Unlike the way he looks, the American Mastiff is not a couch potato, but neither are they a high energy, exercise machine. They do well living in apartments or homes, with or without a fenced in yard. They need a long walk every day. They need mental stimulation through exercise and games. Make sure they learn to love to play so that they don’t become lazy as they age.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
Germany
United States
Height Male:
30 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
65 - 91 cm
25 - 36 inches
Height Female:
30 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
65 - 89 cm
25 - 36 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
72 - 90 kg
158 - 199 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
63 - 81 kg
138 - 179 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
2 - 5
Size:
Small dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Zwergschnauzer (Dwarf Schnauzer)
AM Mastiff
Colors Available:
salt-and-pepper coat – mix of black and white. , Black and silver
Fawn, Apricot, Brindle
Coat:
Double, wiry medium-length coat
Smooth, shorthair
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Detached, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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. English Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  27. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  28. American Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  29. Gaddi Kutta vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  30. Nebolish Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  31. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  32. Broholmer vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  33. Great Dane vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  34. Bernese Mountain Dog vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  35. Newfoundland Dog vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  36. Anatolian Shepherd vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  37. Leonberger vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  38. Alaunt vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  39. Bully Kutta vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  40. Irish Wolfhound vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  41. Alangu Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  42. Francais Blanc et Orange vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  43. Mountain Burmese vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  44. Billy vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  45. Pyrenean Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  46. Bisben vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds