Yorkshire TerrierVSMiniature Schnauzer
The Yorkshire Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer are both popular, low-shedding small dogs with big personalities. The Yorkie is delicate and devoted; the Schnauzer is robust, sociable, and more adaptable to family life.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Yorkshire Terrier | Miniature Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 4–7 lbs, 7–8 in | 11–20 lbs, 12–14 in |
| Energy Level | High | High |
| Shedding | Very Low | Very Low |
| Trainability | Good (terrier stubborn) | ✓Very Good |
| Good With Kids | Moderate (fragile) | ✓Very Good |
| Apartment Friendly | ✓Excellent | Good |
| Average Lifespan | ✓13–16 years | 12–15 years |
| Monthly Cost (est.) | ✓$70–$150 | $100–$200 |
✓ indicates advantage in this category. Tie = comparable.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose a Yorkshire Terrier if…
Singles or couples who want a fiercely devoted, low-cost, tiny companion in a very small space.
Choose a Miniature Schnauzer if…
Families or active owners who want a sturdier, more adaptable, family-friendly small dog.
Grooming & Shedding: Yorkshire Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer
Both the Yorkshire Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer are celebrated as low-shedding breeds, making them popular for allergy-sensitive owners. Yorkshire Terriers have a straight, silky, single-layer coat that resembles human hair and sheds minimally. Show Yorkies grow floor-length coats requiring daily brushing, but most pet owners maintain a shorter "puppy cut" with professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Miniature Schnauzers have a wiry double coat that is also low-shedding. Their distinctive beard, eyebrows, and leg furnishings are hallmarks of the breed. Professional grooming or hand-stripping every 6–8 weeks maintains the correct coat texture and shape. Brushing two to three times per week prevents tangles in the furnishings. Grooming costs are similar for both breeds. Neither produces significant shedding in the home, though Schnauzer furnishings can trap dirt more than the Yorkie's smoother coat.
Temperament & Family Compatibility
Yorkshire Terriers are bold, feisty, and devoted — typical of terrier breeds, they have a big-dog personality in a tiny frame. They are fiercely loyal to their person and can be territorial and vocal. Their small size (4–7 lbs) makes them fragile and unsuitable for households with very young children who might inadvertently hurt them. They can be stubborn in training, especially housebreaking. Miniature Schnauzers are sturdier (11–20 lbs), more outgoing, and more consistently family-friendly. They are spirited and playful but more reliably obedient and adaptable than Yorkies. They are good with children, more sociable with strangers, and generally easier to train. Both breeds are excellent apartment dogs. For family households or those wanting a more predictable, trainable small dog, the Miniature Schnauzer is the stronger choice.
Compare pet insurance for Yorkshire Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer
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Compare Pet Insurance QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better with children?
Miniature Schnauzers are better with children. They are sturdier, more patient, and sociable with everyone. Yorkshire Terriers are fragile and can snap when startled or handled roughly — they are better suited to households with older, gentle children.
Which is easier to train?
Miniature Schnauzers are easier to train. They are eager to please and more responsive. Yorkshire Terriers have a typical terrier independence — they are smart but may choose when to listen. Both benefit from short, positive training sessions.
Which barks more?
Yorkshire Terriers tend to be more vocal and alert barkers — they are territorial and will announce every visitor. Miniature Schnauzers also bark but are generally more manageable with training. Both benefit from early bark-training in apartment settings.
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