Miniature Schnauzer vs West Highland White Terrier: cost, health and care compared
The Miniature Schnauzer and the West Highland White Terrier side by side: size, care needs, health issues and what each costs to keep.
Last updated: October 2026 · 6 sources · see sources
Side by side
| Miniature Schnauzer | West Highland White Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| AKC group | Terrier Group [2] | Terrier Group [3] |
| Weight | 11-20 pounds [2] | 15-20 pounds [3] |
| Height | 12-14 inches [2] | 11 inches (male), 10 inches (female) [3] |
| Life expectancy | 12–15+ years [2] | 13–15+ years [3] |
| Energy (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 4 of 5 [3] |
| Shedding (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Grooming needs (AKC rating) | 4 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Good with young kids (AKC rating) | 5 of 5 [2] | 5 of 5 [3] |
| Barking (AKC rating) | 5 of 5 [2] | 5 of 5 [3] |
| AKC popularity, 2025 | No. 17 [4] | No. 45 [4] |
| Health issues to know | Cataracts, Heart disease, Bladder stones, Liver shunt… See health costs | Hip dysplasia, Luxating patella, Inherited eye disease, Heart disease See health costs |
| Typical vet bill | $273 – $1,110 (small dogs, median $508) [5] | $273 – $1,110 (small dogs, median $508) [5] |
| Yearly cost estimate | $880–$1,400 [1] | $880–$1,400 [1] |
| Rough lifetime cost | $10,500–$20,700 | $11,400–$20,700 |
About the cost numbers
The yearly estimate starts with the ASPCA's yearly cost of care and, at the high end, adds one typical vet bill for the breed's size. [1] The lifetime figure is that yearly range times the life expectancy. It is simple math on sourced numbers, before inflation and before any major illness, not a quote.
For each breed's health risks and what they cost to treat, see Miniature Schnauzer health problems and costs and West Highland White Terrier health problems and costs.
Insurance and savings
Breed matters less than timing for insurance. The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in 2025. [6] Conditions found before you enroll are usually excluded, so many owners sign up while their pet is young. Some prefer a savings fund instead; see insurance vs savings.
Common questions
Which costs more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the West Highland White Terrier?
Our yearly cost estimate is the same for both: $880–$1,400.
Which lives longer, the Miniature Schnauzer or the West Highland White Terrier?
The AKC gives the Miniature Schnauzer a life expectancy of 12–15+ years and the West Highland White Terrier 13–15+ years. Individual pets vary a lot.
What health problems do the Miniature Schnauzer and West Highland White Terrier have?
Miniature Schnauzer: Cataracts, Heart disease, Bladder stones and Liver shunt. West Highland White Terrier: Hip dysplasia, Luxating patella, Inherited eye disease and Heart disease.
Which is better with kids, the Miniature Schnauzer or the West Highland White Terrier?
The AKC rates the Miniature Schnauzer 5 of 5 and the West Highland White Terrier 5 of 5 for being good with young children. Training, supervision and the individual dog matter more than the breed average.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.