Your Guide to the Schnauzer Chihuahua Mix

If you love Schnauzers, but also value the benefits of other breeds, you may be interested in a Schnauzer mix. The ever-popular Schnauzer with its many endearing qualities has been crossbred with over 50 other canine breeds. Combining breeds can result in interesting varieties with unique strengths and traits, and one of the mixes might just be the right fit for you.

Let’s cover some basics first, and then dive into the specifics of the Schnauzer Terrier mix.

Schnauzer Mix Basics

All Schnauzer mixes will inherit traits from each of her purebred parent breeds. The combination of traits will vary and are somewhat unpredictable, just as with human kids.

For example, the size of the Schnauzer parent, whether it is a Miniature, Standard, or Giant, will clearly influence the resulting size of your mix, but is a challenge to know precisely.

Overall intelligence, temperament, and personality will also vary. And finally, potential health problems will be a combination of potential health problem in each breed, but mixes are generally healthier overall.

This guide covers what is generally known about this Schnauzer mix from breeders, veterinarians, and pet parents.

As you consider a Schnauzer mix, you may also want to read my article How to Choose a Reputable Schnauzer Breeder.

Schnauzer Chihuahua Overview

Schnauzer Chihuahuas are the result of breeding a Miniature Schnauzer with a Chihuahua. They are also known as Chizers, Schnauchis, or a Miniature Schnauzer/Chihuahua mix.

Most Schnauzer Chihuahuas are about 5 to 15 inches tall. Adults typically weigh anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds.

Schnauzer Chihuahua History

Schnauzers have been in existence since at least the mid-nineteenth century, if not thousands of years. They were originally used as guard dogs and to chase away mice on family farms. They were later bred with Doberman Pinschers, Poodles, Pomeranians, Terriers and other popular breeds.

Chihuahuas seem to have originated in Mexico, descending from the Techichi, a companion dog revered by the Toltec civilization.

The Schnauzer Chihuahuas mix has been around for over a decade. They were believed to have originated in the United States. Schnauzer Chihuahuas were officially recognized as a distinct breed by the Designer Canine Registry in 2009. The hybrid was often bred for companionship.

Schnauzer Chihuahua Appearance

Their appearance will greatly depend on the traits they pick up from their parent breeds.

For example, even within a general overall look, they may have long, floppy ears or they may have larger, pointed ears. Your Schnauzer Chihuahua may have a head that’s round or long. Their muzzle may be square or pointed. Their legs could be long or short.

Schnauzer Chihuahuas are the result of breeding a Miniature Schnauzer with a Chihuahua. They are also known as Chizers, Schnauchis, or a Miniature Schnauzer/Chihuahua mix.

THE SCHNAUZER COLLECTIVE

Their coat may be short in general, with thicker amounts of hair on their head and coarser fur across their body. Schnauzer Chihuahuas can be brown, white, gray, black, tan or a combination of different colors.

Most Schnauzer Chihuahuas have round eyes, a well-developed nose, a shorter neck and a thin body.

Schnauzer Chihuahua Intelligence and Temperament

Intelligence

Schnauzers and Chihuahuas are both naturally intelligent breeds, so the combination produces a very intelligent pup.

Schnauzer Chihuahua mixes are eager to learn and will do best with solid training and socialization. Early puppy training, and ongoing play and enrichment, will keep this mix happy.

Read my article Are Schnauzers Smart? (How to Tell and 5 At-Home Tests) for more information along with tests and games to play.

Temperament

Schnauzer Chihuahuas will usually have the temperament of one or both of their parent breeds.

They may be friendly, playful, intelligent and assertive. They may need a little time getting to know other people and animals. Schnauzer Chihuahuas may seem rather timid or shy at first, and are quite sweet.

It’s important to start socializing your Schnauzer Chihuahua as soon as you bring them home. They can be trained at a very early age to be comfortable with other animals, young children and adults.

Even though your Schnauzer Chihuahua may be shy around strangers at first, repeated exposure to family members, friends, neighbors and different pets can help them become acquainted and start forming lifelong bonds.

They are usually very aware of their surroundings, and may sometimes be startled by sudden changes to their environment. You may want to introduce any changes gradually so that they have time to adapt and adjust to them.

One thing to keep in mind is the fact that most Schnauzer Chihuahuas are barkers. This can a problem if you live in an apartment, townhome or condominium complex or in an area where noise regulations are in effect. Proper training can help reduce their need to bark and make for a quieter, less stressful co-existence with your Schnauzer Chihuahua mix.

Schnauzer Chihuahua Lifespan

Schnauzer Chihuahuas typically live for between 10-15 years.

Their lifespan can vary, depending on the pup’s health condition, the average lifespan of the parents, and of the original breeds.

A good diet and regular exercise can play an important role in helping your Schnauzer Chihuahua live longer.

Schnauzer Chihuahua Potential Health Issues

Schnauzer Chihuahuas can experience arthritis, pancreatitis, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) like similar breeds.

Additional potential health concerns include:

Diabetes

Diabetes is a common disease in both people and animals. Schnauzers, specifically, have greater chances of developing diabetes than other breeds. Diabetic Schnauzer Chihuahuas are unable to properly regulate the production of insulin in their bodies. Insulin helps them convert glucose into energy. Diabetes can be treated with regular injections of insulin.

Liver Problems

Schnauzer Chihuahuas may develop liver disease and other liver-related issues.

Common symptoms include weight loss, a loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. They may also experience sudden changes in behavior, such as depression or irritability

Blood tests are often scheduled by veterinarians to determine protein and enzyme levels. A urinalysis may also be requested to determine the overall health of the Schnauzer Chihuahua’s liver and kidneys. An ultrasound and/or X-ray can reveal cysts, gallstones, enlargement of the liver or possible cancerous growths.

Different treatments may be called for depending on the severity of the liver problem. A liver biopsy may be called for to determine the root cause of the issue. Surgery may be necessary to remove gallstones, cysts or cancer. The veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to prevent a viral infection, additional fluids to eliminate dehydration or other medications to heal or reduce inflammation, diarrhea, vomiting or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Kidney Issues

Kidney disease is more common as Schnauzer Chihuahuas get older. There’s typically a 10% chance or less that this mix will develop chronic kidney disease, but it doesn’t hurt to have your Schnauzer Chihuahua checked by your veterinarian regularly.

There are many causes for kidney issues and kidney disease. Some of the most common symptoms that you may witness include increased thirst and urination. They may also seem lethargic or have bad breath with a noticeable chemical type of odor.

Physical and rectal examinations may provide additional details about the specific ailment. Kidney sampling, urinalysis, a blood count and diagnostic imaging are just some of the methods your veterinarian may use to diagnose and pinpoint the problem. Treatment methods will vary depending on the specific situation. Pay close attention to your Schnauzer Chihuahua’s behavior and take them in for an appointment before things get worse.

Von Willebrand’s Disease

Von Willebrand’s Disease is an internal bleeding disorder. It is a hereditary condition in humans and animals. Von Willebrand’s Disease is due to a lack of platelets in the body that clot to repair broken blood vessels.

Continued bleeding after trauma or surgery or spontaneous hemorrhages are common symptoms of this disease. Your veterinarian may perform a buccal mucosal screening time to determine whether or not your Schnauzer Chihuahua is experiencing Von Willebrand’s Disease.

Plasma or blood transfusions are often used to help in this situation. The veterinarian may recommend that the use of certain sulfa-based antibiotics, heparin, ampicillin, antacids, amoxicillin, theophylline and other drugs that could prevent platelet formation be discontinued immediately. Continued bleeding and even death may occur if these drugs are still used and/or the disease is not properly diagnosed and treated.

Gastric Dilation and Volvulus

Gastric Dilation and Volvulus (GDV) is another potentially life-threatening condition. It begins when the Schnauzer Chihuahua’s stomach fills with gas. This causes a gastric dilation, or bloat. In most cases, the situation doesn’t worsen. When it does, the bloat becomes a volvulus, or a twisting of an intestinal loop and the surrounding mesentery. This typically results in a bowel obstruction.

Common symptoms include constipation, vomiting, bloody stool and abdominal pain or bloating. Schnauzer Chihuahuas who either eat too much or don’t eat enough, are overly aggressive, are underweight or have a family history of this condition are more likely to contract it.

Maintaining an even temperament, eating at least two meals per day, and adding canned food to your Schnauzer Chihuahua’s diet can reduce their risks of developing gastric dilation and/or volvulus. If they exhibit any of the symptoms above or generally look or feel a bit out of the ordinary, take them to your veterinarian right away.

Additional Health Concerns

Schnauzer Chihuahuas may also develop arthritis, pancreatitis, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy as they get older.

They may also inherit other ailments such as hydrocephalus, heart issues, hypoglycemia, myotonia congenita, a collapsed trachea and urinary stones from one or both of their parents.

It’s a good idea to get a copy of parental health clearances if you’re going to purchase a Schnauzer Chihuahua from a breeder. Your veterinarian should also be able to screen your fur friend for many of these and other potential health concerns.

Schnauzer Chihuahua Dietary Needs

Schnauzer Chihuahuas should have a good diet. They’ll need plenty of fuel for their energetic lifestyle.

Puppies are generally weaned off of their mother’s milk after they are about six to eight weeks old. From there, they can start eating dry kibble or your chosen dog food up to three times per day. Once they are three months old, you can reduce that to two daily servings of dry food.

The right amount of food will depend on their age, size, weight, metabolism and energy level.

Read my article How Much and How Often Should A Schnauzer Eat (With Tables) for specific details.

Don’t offer too many treats, no matter how much they may beg at times. Make sure that there is plenty of water to drink, especially during the hot, humid summer months.

Schnauzer Chihuahua Training Needs

Schnauzer Chihuahuas are extremely intelligent. However, they can also be extremely stubborn at times. Their training should help them follow your commands as well as to socialize with other people and animals. It should also prevent their tendencies to nip at others and become aggressive.

Positive reinforcement is the key to success. Use words of encouragement, and be sure to praise your Schnauzer Chihuahua when they perform actions correctly. You can reward them with a treat or toy if you’d like.

They’re bound to make mistakes from time to time, just like any other animal. If you catch your Schnauzer Chihuahua in the act of misbehaving or performing an action incorrectly, use a calm, even tone when speaking and correcting.

Be consistent with your training. Don’t let the Schnauzer Chihuahua feel like they can boss you around. Keep them on the right path for avoiding distractions and learning good habits that will stay with them for life.

You may want to read more articles in my Training & Sports category.

Schnauzer Chihuahua Exercise Needs

Schnauzer Chihuahuas can be very active for long periods of time. It takes a lot for them to tire out and they are known for having a lot of energy. They don’t need a lot of space to roam around in. They are just as comfortable living in an apartment as they are in a house that has a spacious backyard.

They will need plenty of time for both indoor and outdoor play.

Indoor play will help keep your Schnauzer Chihuahua physically and mentally stimulated. Going for a walk outside is good exercise and a good way for them to socialize with other animals. Bringing your Schnauzer Chihuahua to a local dog park or playing fetch with them outside for an hour or two should be all the daily exercise that they’ll need.

Schnauzer Chihuahua Grooming Needs

Schnauzer Chihuahuas require regular grooming. Their coats will need to be brushed several times a week to prevent tangles and matted fur from forming. Fortunately, they don’t shed very much.

Give your Schnauzer Chihuahua a bath when they need it. Just don’t bathe them too often, as that can hamper the effectiveness of their skin’s natural oils. You may want to take them to a professional groomer to have their nails trimmed and their facial hair properly groomed and trimmed every 4-6 weeks.

Brush your Schnauzer Chihuahua’s teeth daily, if possible, but at least 3 times per week. You should also wash their face daily. Carefully inspect their ears at least once a week for any possible signs of infection. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, call your veterinarian to schedule a check-up.

You may want to read more articles in my Health & Grooming category.

Are Schnauzer Chihuahuas Hypoallergenic?

Schnauzer Chihuahuas are hypoallergenic. You and anyone among your family and friends with pet allergies shouldn’t have to worry being around them. There’s little concern about pet dander because they don’t shed very often.

They also make regular cleaning easier. Depending on the specific Schnauzer Chihuahua mix, your fur friend should leave very little hair behind in your home. You should only need to clean their crate, bedding and other belongings a few times a month at most. Just be sure to wash them gently with products that don’t leave harsh irritants or chemical residue behind.

You may want to read my article Are Schnauzers Hypoallergenic (and do they Molt or Shed?) for more details.

Are Schnauzer Chihuahuas Good Family Pets?

Schnauzer Chihuahuas are great pets for individuals and families.

They eventually become very close to the people and animals in their lives. Regular socialization will help them acclimate to new people and overcome their initial shyness and anxiety.

They may need to be watched carefully when they are first introduced to young children. Schnauzer Chihuahas may seem impatient with toddlers who don’t understand how to play or interact with them yet. Pay attention to ensure that the Schnauzer Chihuahua doesn’t nip at or attack a child, and that children don’t unintentionally harm the animal.

Schnauzer Chihuahuas eventually develop very close bonds with their family. They may tend to be a bit over-affectionate at times or seem like they need to be the center of attention.

Schnauzer Chihuahuas can often be very good protectors. They will vigorously defend the people and animals in their lives.

Their affection, energy and vibrant personality can be a highlight of your day. They’re a very kind, loving breed that can fit in quite well with families.

Keep in mind that each Schnauzer Chihuahua mix is unique, even if some of them have the same parents. You may want to read my articles Are Schnauzers Good for First-Time Pet Parents?, Are Schnauzers Good Family Dogs?, and Are Schnauzers Affectionate?

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