Golden Retriever
Friendly, reliable, and devoted, the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular family dogs in the world. They are eager to please and excel in obedience, agility, and as therapy dogs.
VS
Miniature Schnauzer
A spirited, obedient little dog with a distinctive beard and bushy eyebrows. Miniature Schnauzers are alert, spunky companions that adapt well to both city and country life.
Quick Answer
Choose Golden Retriever if you want easier to train and better with kids. Choose Miniature Schnauzer if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding.
Quick Comparison
Golden Retriever
Attribute
Miniature Schnauzer
large
Size
small
25–34 kg (55–75 lbs)
Weight
5–9 kg (11–20 lbs)
51–61 cm (20–24 in)
Height
30–36 cm (12–14 in)
10–12 yrs
Lifespan
12–15 yrsBetter
Better5/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Energy
4/5
Better5/5
Good with Kids
4/5
5/5
Shedding
1/5Better
4/5
Grooming
4/5
2/5
Apartment
4/5Better
3/5
Health
4/5Better
$800–$2,500
Price
$600–$2,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Family & Social Life
Golden Retriever is better suited for families with children.
Golden Retriever
Miniature Schnauzer
Good with Kids
Better5/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
Better5/5
vs3/5
Strangers
Better5/5
vs3/5
The Golden Retriever has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Golden Retriever's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Size & Appearance
Golden Retriever is the larger breed; Miniature Schnauzer is more compact.
Golden Retriever
Miniature Schnauzer
Weight (kg)
25–34
vs5–9
Height (cm)
51–61
vs30–36
You'll notice the size difference immediately. The Golden Retriever stands 51–61 cm (20–24 in) tall and weighs 25–34 kg (55–75 lbs), making it considerably larger than the Miniature Schnauzer at 30–36 cm (12–14 in) and 5–9 kg (11–20 lbs).
Health & Lifespan
Miniature Schnauzer tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Golden Retriever
Miniature Schnauzer
Lifespan (years)
10–12
vs12–15Better
Health Robustness
3/5
vs4/5Better
Life expectancy favors the Miniature Schnauzer: 12–15 years versus the Golden Retriever's 10–12 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Miniature Schnauzer.
Grooming & Shedding
Golden Retriever sheds more; Miniature Schnauzer is easier to maintain.
Golden Retriever
Miniature Schnauzer
Shedding
5/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
4/5
vs4/5
If you hate vacuuming, this matters. The Golden Retriever's 5/5 shedding level means daily fur management is part of life.
Exercise & Activity
Golden Retriever needs more exercise; Miniature Schnauzer is lower-maintenance.
Golden Retriever
Miniature Schnauzer
Energy Level
4/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
4/5
vs3/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs4/5Better
The Golden Retriever needs slightly more exercise (4/5) than the Miniature Schnauzer (3/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have high to high energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Golden Retriever.
Temperament & Personality
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Golden Retriever
Miniature Schnauzer
Playfulness
Better5/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
Better3/5
vs4/5
Energy
4/5
vs4/5
Personality is where these two breeds diverge most visibly. The Golden Retriever — originally from Scotland — has a friendly, intelligent and devoted disposition.
Training & Intelligence
Golden Retriever is generally easier to train.
Golden Retriever
Miniature Schnauzer
Trainability
Better5/5
vs4/5
Intelligence
Better5/5
vs4/5
The Golden Retriever has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Golden Retriever tends to catch on a bit faster.
Cost of Ownership
Miniature Schnauzer is less expensive to own annually.
Golden Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,650
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,420
Miniature Schnauzer
Avg. Purchase$1,300
Annual Food$420
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$400
Annual Total$1,220 ✓
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $800–$2,500 for a Golden Retriever and $600–$2,000 for a Miniature Schnauzer. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
On balance, the Miniature Schnauzer has the edge — it's more apartment-friendly (4/5), lower exercise needs (3/5), less shedding (1/5). For most families, the Miniature Schnauzer is the more practical choice, particularly if you value low-maintenance ownership.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Golden Retriever and Miniature Schnauzer are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Golden Retriever sheds considerably more, Miniature Schnauzer is considerably better suited to apartment living. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Miniature Schnauzer by roughly $200/year.
Choose Golden Retriever if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Golden Retrievers tend to get along well with other dogs (5/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose Miniature Schnauzer if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Miniature Schnauzers adapt much better to smaller spaces (4/5 vs 2/5 apartment rating).
- ✓You hate vacuuming or have allergies — Miniature Schnauzers shed dramatically less (1/5 vs 5/5 shedding score).
Neither may be right if...
Both the Golden Retriever and Miniature Schnauzer have high energy needs (4/5 and 4/5 respectively). If you live in a small apartment without park access or can't commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, consider a lower-energy breed like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu instead.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Golden Retriever or Miniature Schnauzer?
The Golden Retriever scores 5/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Miniature Schnauzer's 4/5. The Golden Retriever is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Golden Retriever or Miniature Schnauzer easier to train?
The Golden Retriever is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the Miniature Schnauzer's 4/5. The Golden Retriever is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Golden Retriever or Miniature Schnauzer?
A Golden Retriever puppy costs $800–$2,500 while a Miniature Schnauzer costs $600–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,420 for the Golden Retriever and $1,220 for the Miniature Schnauzer. The Golden Retriever is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Golden Retrievers or Miniature Schnauzers live longer?
The Golden Retriever lives 10–12 years on average, while the Miniature Schnauzer lives 12–15 years. The Miniature Schnauzer tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Golden Retriever or Miniature Schnauzer live in an apartment?
The Miniature Schnauzer adapts better to apartment living (4/5) than the Golden Retriever (2/5). The Miniature Schnauzer ranks among our best apartment breeds.