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Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier

Both are small, low-shedding terriers that bark; the Miniature Schnauzer is bigger, much more trainable and better with children, the Yorkie tinier.

Miniature Schnauzer profileYorkshire Terrier profile

Verdict

The Miniature Schnauzer and the Yorkshire Terrier are small terriers that shed very little, need regular grooming and bark readily. Both are described as spirited, and both fit apartments when someone is home to keep them company.

The Miniature Schnauzer is the larger at 11 to 20 pounds, the more trainable, and the better match for families with older children, with a profile that calls it a small, trainable watchdog. It asks for 45 to 60 minutes a day. The Yorkie weighs only 4 to 7 pounds, is content with 20 to 30 minutes, has the more demanding coat, and its profile calls it a poor match for houses with toddlers.

Choose the Miniature Schnauzer if

  • You want a trainable watchdog that fits a family with older children
  • You can walk daily for 45 to 60 minutes
  • You are a first-time owner who wants a quick learner
  • You accept a coat that needs professional grooming

Choose the Yorkshire Terrier if

  • You want a very small, feisty companion for an apartment
  • Your household is adults, or older people
  • You prefer a shorter daily outing
  • You enjoy brushing and arranging regular trims

Side by side

Miniature Schnauzer Yorkshire Terrier
AKC group Terrier Group Toy Group
Size class Small Small
Typical weight 11 to 20 lb 4 to 7 lb
Height 12 to 14 in at the shoulder 7 to 8 in at the shoulder
Typical lifespan 12 to 15 years 13 to 16 years
AKC popularity, 2025 17 of 202 13 of 202
Shedding Minimal Minimal
Grooming needs High Very high
Energy Moderate Moderate
Trainability Very easy Average
Barking Barks often Barks often
With children Very good Fair
Apartment living Good Excellent
First-time owners Good Manageable
Heat tolerance Average Average
Cold tolerance Average Below average
Temperament
  • alert
  • friendly
  • spirited
  • intelligent
  • bold
  • spirited
  • affectionate
  • confident
  • vocal
Health concerns to know about
  • pancreatitis
  • urinary stones
  • diabetes
  • eye conditions
  • high blood fat levels
  • patellar luxation
  • tracheal collapse
  • portosystemic shunt
  • dental disease
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Suits
  • families with older children
  • apartment dwellers who can walk daily
  • owners who want a small and trainable watchdog
  • apartment dwellers
  • adults and older families
  • people who enjoy daily grooming

Facts and ratings come from each breed's profile. They describe a breed as a whole, and individual dogs vary, so meet the dog before you choose.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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