Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  Airedale Terrier |  Giant Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Developed in the 19th century in the Aire Valley of Yorkshire, England. It was bred by crossing the old English black and tan terrier with the Otterhound to create a versatile hunter capable of tackling both vermin on land and otters in the water. It later served with distinction as a messenger and guard dog in both World Wars. | The breed was developed in Bavaria and Wurttemberg in the nineteenth century, where farmers and innkeepers wanted a larger, more powerful version of the Standard Schnauzer to drive cattle to market and guard premises. Rough-coated driving dogs were crossed with working breeds including, most likely, black Great Danes and Bouvier des Flandres types. By the early twentieth century the breed had moved into police and military work in Germany, and it reached Britain and the United States in the interwar years, where it remains a respected working and protection breed. |
| Group | Terrier | Working |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Coat | Hard, wiry and dense topcoat with a soft undercoat; black and tan or dark grizzle and tan in colour. | Dense, harsh and wiry double coat with a soft undercoat, furnishing the characteristic beard and eyebrows; solid black or pepper and salt. |
| Weight | 18 to 29 kg | 25 to 48 kg |
| Height | 56 to 61 cm | 60 to 70 cm |
| Lifespan | 10 to 13 yrs | 10 to 14 yrs |
| Exercise need | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Affection | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Grooming needs | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Barking | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Good with children | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Good with other dogs | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Trainability | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Prey drive | 9/10 | 6/10 |
| Copes alone | 4/10 | 4/10 |
| Drool | 2/10 | 2/10 |
| Shedding | 3/10 | 3/10 |
| Flat fit | 3/10 | 3/10 |
| Running cost | €350 / month | €271 / month |
Airedale Terrier verdict
The King of Terriers: a courageous, versatile and large-hearted companion with a mind of its own.
Get one if
- · Active families who enjoy hiking, running and outdoor adventures
- · Owners with a large, securely fenced garden for play and exploration
- · Individuals prepared for the commitment of hand-stripping or regular professional grooming
Think again if
- · Flat or apartment dwellers without access to significant outdoor space
- · Sedentary households looking for a quiet lap dog
- · First-time owners who may struggle with terrier stubbornness and high energy
Giant Schnauzer verdict
The thinking person's guard dog: a working mind in a bearded, athletic frame
Get one if
- · Experienced owners who enjoy daily training and want a dog with real working drive
- · Active households that can offer ninety minutes or more of exercise and mental work
- · People who want a natural guardian and are prepared to manage that instinct responsibly
Think again if
- · First-time owners or anyone wanting an easy, biddable companion
- · Households out at work all day with no plan for exercise or company
- · Families with very young children and little time for training