The Schnauzer Chihuahua mix breeds together two exciting and excitable dogs, with a reputation for being “small, yappy-type” dogs, both the Schnauzer and Chihuahua are often feisty, protective animals with shrill bark. You can expect your Schnauzer Chihuahua mix to be quite similar, though Schnauzer a little less hyperactive – the ‘grandfather’ archetype, if you will.
Image credit: mikeyb358
These two breeds have somewhat different temperaments in a variety of ways that complement each other well when you combine them. People have often the Schnauzer and Chihuahua to achieve a smaller dog than a Schnauzer while maintaining some of the Schnauzer’s distinguished physical characteristics.
Schnauzer Chihuahua Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 4–15 pounds |
| Height: | 6–14 inches |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Coat colours: | Black, brown, white, tan, cream, golden. |
| Temperament: | Energetic, playful, intelligent, alert, loyal, shy. |
| Suitable for: | Older couples, single individuals, couples with children. |
What Does a Schnauzer Chihuahua Mix Look Like?
The Schnauzer Chihuahua mix is a dog partially bred for complimentary temperamental characteristics, and partially bred for their looks! This mix will likely inherit a balancing amount of the physical characteristics of both parent breeds. It will likely be smaller than your regular Schnauzer, with a shorter tail and almond-shaped eyes. It will have thinner legs, like the Chihuahua, but bear much facial resemblance to the Schnauzer.
Photos credit: remy.minischnauzer
You can expect it to have a triangular-shaped face and triangular ears that droop forward, with a small button-type nose and a longer body with shorter legs.
The History of the Schnauzer Chihuahua Mix
We don’t know much about the history of the Schnauzer Chihuahua mix – this is common with most ‘designer’ dogs. Though many sources have stated that it was developed pre-2009, as this is when the crossbreed was officially recognized by the Designer Canine Registry.
Given that the breed was only recognized in 2009 by a designer dog registry, we can gather that it was designed at some point during the designer dog craze that took the American dog breed industry by storm in the 1990s and early 2000s. Beginning in the 1960s, interest in designer dogs piqued during this time period and many of your favourite mixes were created as a result!
The History of the Schnauzer
Schnauzers are a medium-sized dog of German origin. Though there is some dispute as to when they originally came about – some say the 14th century, others say the 16th century, but what’s 200 years? Standard Schnauzers were originally bred as hunting companions and cattle-driving dogs. Though they later became guardians and were used extensively in policing in Germany since the late 19th century.
There are three types of Schnauzers – Standard Schnauzers (think of them as the OG of Schnauzers), Giant Schnauzers and Miniature Schnauzers.
How Popular Are Schnauzers?
Despite their history as a working dog, Schnauzers are now simply companion pets. Schnauzer popularity in the United States varies greatly by what type of Schnauzer we’re measuring. In recent American Kennel Club rankings, Miniature Schnauzers tend to be the most popular (18th), followed by Giant Schnauzers (65th) and then Standard Schnauzers (96th).
Who Are Schnauzers a Good Dog For?
Depending on what breed you get, Schnauzers can be fantastic dogs for just about anyone! Though beware that the smaller the Schnauzer, the more excitable they’re likely to be. They’re generally very good with other pets and children and are mild-mannered enough for an elderly couple to handle too.
How Did The Schnauzer Come About?
While there is some dispute about when Schnauzers were first bred, we do know that they were bred in Germany sometime between the 14th and 16 centuries. The Schnauzer was originally bred as a working dog in a variety of settings, from butcher shops to cattle herding and even police work.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Schnauzer?
Given the history of the Schnauzer, it was likely crossbred from an early stage of its breed history, though these were undocumented crosses. However, the Miniature Schnauzer is the result of crossing the Standard Schnauzer with breeds like the Affenpinscher and Miniature Pinscher.
The History of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog breed, standing only about five inches tall. Chihuahuas hail from Mexico and have ancient ancestry dating back to the 9th century when the Aztecs ruled Mexico. Their probable ancestor is the Techichi, a small dog that was revered by the Toltec Peoples of the day.
The Chihuahua’s history in the United States begins in 1904, when they were first recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club, however, little information exists on when the first Chihuahuas would have arrived in the US.
How Popular Are Chihuahuas?
Given their long history in the country, it’s no surprise that Chihuahuas maintain a decent level of popularity in the country. They’re almost exclusively a family/companion pet. In 2021, the Chihuahua ranked 37th on the AKC’s most-popular dog rankings.
Who Are Chihuahuas a Good Dog For?
Given their small nature, you might think that Chihuahuas are great dogs for almost anyone – and while their small size does make them favourable companions for the elderly, sometimes their energetic nature can be a little too much. If you are looking for a dog for an elderly relative, then a Chihuahua is certainly worthy of consideration, though bear in mind that they can be a handful.
How Did The Chihuahua Come About?
The Chihuahua’s exact breed history is uncertain, but we do know that they’re descended from the Techichi dog – a well-respected and revered dog by the Toltec Peoples that inhabited Azteca during the 9th century. They have a long lineage and were likely the result of crossbreeding between the Techichi and other small, native dogs.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Chihuahua?
The history of crossbreeding of the Chihuahua is largely undocumented. However, we do know that modern-day crossbreeding of the Chihuahua often occurs with much smaller dogs (naturally), and that other crosses, where larger breeds are concerned and often done via IVF due to, well, obvious physical limitations.
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
Before you adopt or purchase any dog from any source, you should thoroughly research their temperamental potential before you introduce them into your home.
Ideally, you should aim to adopt or purchase a dog that is either already a temperamental match to you and your family, or can be trained to be so. Temperamental differences can sometimes cause behavioral issues that can lead to a breakdown between the dog and its new family.
What is the Temperament of the Schnauzer Chihuahua Mix?
The Schnauzer Chihuahua mix will bring an air of (confusingly) ‘excitable calm’ to the family. It can be energetic and exciting when it gets what it wants, then lazy and aloof when resting. The Schnauzer is also a fiercely loyal and trained guard dog, so you may encounter some barking if you have houseguests, this can be trained out of your dog, but it might be helpful to keep it and ensure that it stops within a reasonable timeframe.
Is The Schnauzer Chihuahua Mix Friendly?
The Schnauzer Chihuahua mix is quite a friendly dog, though it may be standoffish and alert around strangers and strange pets.
Is The Schnauzer Chihuahua Mix Easy to Train?
The Schnauzer Chihuahua mix can sometimes be a stubborn dog to train. This primarily stems from their fiercely independent Chihuahua genetics. Though with a bit of time and patience, you’ll get there.
How Much Can The Schnauzer Chihuahua Mix Weigh?
The Schnauzer Chihuahua mix can weigh anywhere from 4 – 15 pounds.
How Tall Can The Schnauzer Chihuahua Get?
The Schnauzer Chihuahua mix usually reaches between 6 and 14 inches tall.
Similar Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Schnauzer Chihuahua. These include the Miniature Pinscher, the King Charles Spaniel, the Bichon Frise, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and the Schipperke.
Does the Schnauzer Chihuahua Mix Shed?
Despite their single coat and short fur, the Schnauzer Chihuahua mix can be a moderate shedder, that may require a light brush, several times per week.
How Much Exercise Does A Schnauzer Chihuahua Mix Require?
The Schnauzer Chihuahua mix will require moderate exercise, at least 30-45 minutes per day of walks! They’re pretty energetic, but not enthusiastically so, but they will still benefit from a free-roaming run in the dog park!
How Long Can a Schnauzer Chihuahua Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Schnauzer Chihuahua mix is between 12 and 15 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Schnauzer Chihuahua Mix Have?
How Can You Find a Schnauzer Chihuahua Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before you go down the route of attempting to find a Schnauzer Chihuahua mixed puppy for sale, we first suggest that you look to see if anyone has dropped off a Schnauzer Chihuahua mix to be adopted. Your local veterinary clinic or animal shelter may be a good place to start.
Online, you can search https://www.petfinder.com/ to find local mixes in your area that might be up for adoption.
How Much Does a Schnauzer Chihuahua Mix Puppy Cost?
On average, you can expect to spend between $300 and $500 for a Schnauzer Chihuahua mix puppy. While that’s not as expensive as other breeds, on the upper scale, its still a fraction of the cost of what you would pay to adopt a Schnauzer Chihuahua.
If you’re going down the route of buying from a breeder, we highly recommend that you read and follow the American Kennel Club’s guidelines on buying from reputable breeders.
Is the Schnauzer Chihuahua Mix the Right Breed For You?
The Schnauzer Chihuahua mix is a wonderful companion pet for many different types of owners. Their spunky, excitable Chihuahua nature is somewhat by the genes of the Schnauzer, making them a relatively easy dog to handle and train. If you’re looking for a dedicated and loyal companion pet, then the Schnauzer Chihuahua mix may be the right breed for you!