Snorkie (Miniature Schnauzer Yorkie Mix): Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits

The Snorkie is a designer dog breed that results from crossing a Miniature Schnauzer with a Yorkshire Terrier. They are energetic, friendly, and affectionate companions that are well-suited to a variety of households. If you are thinking about getting one of these pets but would like to know more about them first, keep reading as we discuss their temperament, diet, exercise needs, health, and more to help you make an informed decision.

Breed Overview

The Snorkie is an intriguing blend of two popular breeds. This unique dog has a mix of attractive qualities. They typically possess the Miniature Schnauzer’s alertness, intelligence, and loyalty, and the Yorkshire Terrier’s playful and spirited nature. The Snorkie is an energetic and affectionate companion that is likely to win the heart of any dog lover. Their small to medium size, charming appearance, and potential hypoallergenic trait (inherited from the Miniature Schnauzer) make Snorkies even more appealing.

Snorkie Characteristics

Snorkie (Miniature Schnauzer Yorkie Mix) Puppies

As puppies, Snorkies tend to be full of energy and enjoy exploring their surroundings. Due to their Schnauzer and Yorkshire Terrier heritage, they can be intelligent, alert, and independent. However, since the Snorkie is a designer breed and not recognized by major kennel clubs, you will usually need to seek out private breeders or rescue organizations specializing in mixed breeds. The good news is that Snorkies are more popular than many other designer dogs, so your chances of finding one are pretty good.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Snorkie (Miniature Schnauzer Yorkie Mix)

The Snorkie is friendly, affectionate, and lively. They enjoy being around their human family members, including children, and can form strong bonds, especially when properly socialized from an early age. They are intelligent and curious, which makes them quick learners. However, they can also be independent or stubborn, which can make it harder to keep them focused during training sessions.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Yes, Snorkies can be good for families. They are small to medium-sized dogs, which can make them suitable for apartments or homes with limited space, and they often get along with children. However, they still require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them physically and mentally healthy and prevent them from misbehaving. It’s also important to remember that each dog is an individual, and their temperament can vary.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

The Snorkie can generally get along well with other pets when properly socialized and positively introduced. If they take after their Yorkshire Terrier parent more, they may have a stronger prey drive and be more assertive with other dogs, so they will need more socialization to get along with smaller animals.

Things to Know When Owning a Snorkie Miniature Schnauzer Yorkie Mix

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Choose a high-quality commercial dog food appropriate for your Snorkie’s age. Look for brands that use real meat as the first ingredient, and avoid foods with excessive fillers or artificial additives. Follow the feeding guidelines provided by the dog food manufacturer to prevent overfeeding, and break their daily food allowance into two or three meals to help prevent bloating or digestive issues. Your pet will also need plenty of fresh, clean water to stay hydrated.

Exercise 🐕

Your Snorkie will need 30–60 minutes of exercise daily to stay healthy. They enjoy walking, tug-of-war, and interactive games. These activities will help them enjoy themselves and burn off excess energy so they don’t misbehave or start to bark excessively.

Training 🎾

Begin training your Snorkie as early as possible to help get them into a routine that carries into adulthood. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise, treats, and rewards, to motivate and reward your Snorkie for good behavior, and be consistent with your training methods, cues, and expectations to reduce the risk of your pet getting confused. Start with simple commands and leash training before moving on to more difficult tasks. Remember that training takes time; even the smartest dogs can take several weeks to learn a new trick.

Grooming ✂️

Snorkies have a double coat with a soft undercoat and a wiry topcoat. Regular brushing helps prevent matting and removes loose hair. Brush your Snorkie’s coat at least two to three times a week using a slicker brush or a comb with medium-to-fine teeth. They may also require regular coat trimmings to keep a neat appearance. Their floppy ears can trap moisture and debris, leading to ear infections, so check them regularly for signs of redness, irritation, or excess wax and clean them if needed. You must also brush their teeth as frequently as possible with dog-safe toothpaste and clip their nails if you hear them clicking on the floor.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Serious Conditions

Dental disease is a serious issue for many dog breeds, including the Snorkie, with as many as 80% of dogs over 3 having some form of it. You can try to slow the progression by brushing their teeth as often as possible with a pet-safe toothpaste, scheduling frequent check-ups to monitor the teeth, and watching what items they are chewing on, as many items can wear down or break the small teeth of your Snorkie.

Both Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers are prone to various eye conditions, including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and dry eye. Regular eye examinations by a veterinarian can help detect any issues early, when there may be time to correct them.

Snorkies may also be at risk for patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place due to a loosening of the patellar ligament, which can cause lameness and discomfort. Regularly exercising them, helping them maintain a healthy weight, and monitoring their activity can help reduce the risk of this condition.

Minor Conditions

Thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), can occur in Snorkies. Signs may include weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and blood tests can help diagnose and manage thyroid-related issues. Medication can help your pet manage the disease and live a happy life.

Snorkies can also develop allergies, including food allergies and environmental allergies. Common signs include itching, skin irritations, and ear infections. Identifying and avoiding allergens and obtaining veterinary guidance can help manage these allergies.

Male vs. Female

There is no noticeable difference between male and female Snorkies, as the parent that they take after more will have a larger impact on their size and temperament.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Snorkie

1. The Snorkie has many coat colors

Due to their mixed heritage, Snorkies can exhibit a wide range of coat colors and patterns.

2. Snorkies are considered low-shedding dogs

Snorkies are a potentially ideal choice for individuals who are sensitive to allergens or prefer a cleaner living environment.

3. The Snorkie can benefit from what is known as hybrid vigor

Hybrid vigor is when a hybrid dog may inherit health and vitality advantages due to their parent breeds’ genetic diversity.

Final Thoughts

The Snorkie, or Miniature Schnauzer Yorkie Mix, is a wonderful breed that is a great choice for people living in small homes or apartments. They enjoy being part of the family and get along well with children. They usually get along with pets, but some might have a stronger prey drive that causes them to chase after smaller animals like cats, rabbits, and squirrels. They only require moderate exercise and regular grooming to stay healthy and happy for many years.

Featured Image Credit: Mark van Dam, Shutterstock