Your Guide to the Schnauzer Terrier 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 Terrier Overview

There are multiple Schnauzer Terrier mixes. They depend on the respective breed combinations.

A Schnauzer bred with an Airedale terrier results in what is referred to as a Schnairedale. A Schnauzer bred with a Cairn terrier produces a breed commonly known as a Carnauzer.

Breed sizes can vary just as much as terrier sizes do.

Schnauzer Terrier History

There is no definitive, well-documented history of the Schnauzer Terrier mix. Schnauzer Terriers have been in existence for at least a decade. However, their parent breeds have been around for hundreds of years, or more.

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.

Terriers have been pets and personal companions for about 300 years. The word “terrier” is derived from the Middle French chien terrier. Their name has been roughly translated as “dog of the earth.” Terriers were first used to kill rats and other vermin in farms and family households. They rose in popularity in later years, due in part to the breed’s participation in Westminster dog shows and other public exhibitions. Terriers were also bred with other popular dog breeds, including Maltese, Jack Russell, Shih Tzu, Chihuahuas and Schnauzers.

Schnauzer Terrier Appearance

Because Schnauzers have been cross-bred with Terriers for centuries, the current Schnauzer Terrier mix tends to retain much of the overall Schnauzer look.

For example, this mix tends to have the distinctive Schnauzer beard and a medium-length coat.

Depending on the parents, the coat color can vary but the eyes are most often brown.

A Schnauzer bred with an Airedale terrier results in what is referred to as a Schnairedale. A Schnauzer bred with a Cairn terrier produces a breed commonly known as a Carnauzer.

THE SCHNAUZER COLLECTIVE

Schnauzer Terrier Intelligence and Temperament

Intelligence

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

Schnauzer Terrier 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 Terrier temperaments can definitely vary depending on the temperament of the breeding pair.

Smaller Schnauzer Terriers tend to be very playful and energetic. Medium-sized Schnauzer Terriers are often quite intelligent and active. Giant Schnauzer Terriers are typically loyal and peaceful. However, these temperaments can vary from one Schnauzer Terrier to the next.

Giant Schnauzer Terriers are large but loyal animals. Miniature Schnauzer Terriers tend to be more energetic playful. Standard Schnauzer Terriers are often somewhere in between. They are rather intelligent and like to play, even though they may not always have the energy and endurance of their smaller counterparts. All Schnauzer Terrier breeds typically enjoy playing and interacting with other people and other animals.

Schnauzer Terriers may bark a lot, depending on the tendencies of their parent breeds. Keep this in mind if you’re thinking about adopting a Schnauzer Terrier and you live in an apartment, condo, townhome or other area with a relatively larger neighborhood population.

Miniature Schnauzer Terriers are typically better in smaller settings, but they may still be quite noisy from time to time. Standard and Giant Schnauzer Terriers can be very active, but they might not be as vocal as smaller breeds.

Some of the larger Schnauzer Terrier breeds can become very protective of their owners and other members of the family.

All Schnauzer Terrier mixes need room to move and will want to be heard at times.

Schnauzer Terrier Lifespan

Overall lifespan will usually be based on the size and the average lifespan of their parent breeds.

Most terriers live anywhere from around 10 to 20 years or more. Smaller terriers typically live longer than the larger terriers.

Miniature, Standard, and Giant Schnauzers tend to live between 12 to 15 years.

Generally speaking, Schnauzer Terriers to tend to live longer lives than many other breeds.

Schnauzer Terrier Health

Combining breeds can strengthen health, but it can also create issues that are common in both breeds.

Smaller Schnauzer Terriers may develop eye problems. Medium-sized breeds sometimes have heart and eye issues. Giant Schnauzer Terriers can experience anemia and joint pain. Talking to your veterinarian and your breeder about the typical genetic health concerns of the parent breeds can help you to anticipate future problems.

Some common health concerns that many Schnauzer Terrier breeds experience are:

Myotonia Congenita

This is a congenital condition that’s more common in Miniature Schnauzer Terriers. Their muscle cells become overcontracted after regular activity and exercise. Because of this, they may develop muscles that bulge and are unable to move like they should. They can also experience an unusual gait, difficulties in balancing properly and a swollen tongue.

Moytonia Congenita can affect their ability to exercise and move around regularly. Your veterinarian may prescribe a regular diet and pain medications to reduce swelling and other symptoms. You may want to ask for a health history of the parent breeds if you’re considering purchasing a Miniature Schnauzer Terrier to determine the likelihood of them contracting this disorder.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is more common with Standard and Giant Schnauzer Terriers. It’s an inherited polygenic trait that has been reduced somewhat in recent years because of selective breeding. Schnauzer Terriers with hip dysplasia will either experience sublaxation on the top of the femur bone or osteoarthritis and chronic cartilage deterioration.

Common symptoms of hip dysplasia are a lack of balance, fatigue, gait, a lack of energy, reduced mobility, stiffness and pain.

Schnauzer Terriers with this condition will often need hip replacement surgery, a femoral head ostectomy or a double or triple pelvic ostectomy.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis occurs when the enzymes that help Schnauzer Terriers properly digest their food are released too early. This can cause the pancreas to become inflamed and damaged over time. If pancreatitis isn’t treated, it could lead to some potentially serious digestive and other health issues.

There are many causes of pancreatitis. Diabetes, genetics, obesity, trauma and dietary habits are often to blame. Common symptoms are a lack of appetite, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, a distended abdomen, a lack of energy and fever.

Your veterinarian will most likely recommend treating this condition with a low-fat diet with fewer daily meals, proper rest and antiemetic medication.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is something that can occur in adult and senior Schnauzer Terriers. This hormonal disease causes inflammation or shrinkage of the thyroid glands, causing a reduction of the thyroid hormone.

Common symptoms include a lack of energy or general lethargy, ear infections, decreased metabolism, dry or itchy skin, hair loss and a lower tolerance for colder temperatures.

Medical treatments such as synthetic levothyroxine have been proven to reduce or counteract these and other symptoms. Your Schnauzer Terrier should start feeling like her healthy self in a couple of months or less.

If your Schnauzer Terrier exhibits any of the symptoms listed above or any behavior that you wouldn’t consider normal, schedule a veterinary examination for her as soon as possible. The sooner an ailment is diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated.

Follicular Dermatitis

This condition isn’t nearly as serious as others. However, it can still be quite annoying and irritating for your Schnauzer Terrier. It’s caused by bacteria that infect and irritate the hair follicles.

Schnauzer Terriers with follicular dermatitis may start to whine, itch and experience pain in different areas of their body.

Thankfully, this is a condition that can be very easily remedied. A few baths using medicated shampoo should be all that you need. The condition could disappear in a matter of weeks.

Schnauzer Terrier Dietary Needs

Schnauzer Terrier puppies should have about three to four meals per day after they’ve been weaned at between eight to twelve weeks old. After they’re more than three months old, you can reduce their meals to two to three daily servings. Older Schnauzer Terriers (6 months old or more) should only need two meals each day. 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 Terrier Training

Your Schnauzer Terrier mix can be trained as soon you bring it home. Puppies absorb commands and information quickly when they are young, so the sooner you can teach them good habits the better. Be consistent and stick to a regular training schedule.

In addition to basic puppy training and socialization, the types of activities and commands that you teach your Schnauzer Terrier will depend on her individual temperament.

For example, if she is shy or anxious around new people or animals, you can start socializing her so that she becomes more familiar and friendly with others. If your Schnauzer Terrier mix has natural instincts for hunting prey from one or more of their parents, you may want to start working on recall or earthdog trials with them.

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

Schnauzer Terrier Exercise

All Schnauzer Terrier breeds need at least 30-60 minutes of daily exercise.

You can take them for a walk in the morning or evening, or play catch with them when you can. You may want to take them to a local dog park. This will help them get the exercise they need. They can also socialize with other people and other animals while they’re there.

Whatever you decide, choose an exercise routine for your Schnauzer Terrier and stick to it as closely as possible. They like routines, so taking them outside for a long walk and/or other forms of exercise will only benefit them in the long run. It can also be a nice break in your busy day.

Schnauzer Terrier Grooming

Schnauzer Terriers should be groomed regularly. With the combination of the wiry Schnauzer coat and the Terrier coat, you should brush their hair each week. This will remove loose fur and prevent matting and tangling.

Their nails should be clipped every few weeks, depending on how much walking they do. If you can hear the nails tapping on the floor, they need to be trimmed.

Check your Schnauzer Terrier’s ears for dirt, bugs and other debris a few times a week. You should brush their teeth daily, if possible, but at least 3 times per week. You should also wash their face regularly. Use warm to cool water as you gently wash their face, especially cleaning the eyes and beard.

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

Are Schnauzer Terriers Hypoallergenic?

Schnauzer Terriers are hypoallergenic. They tend to shed less frequently than other popular dog breeds. You shouldn’t have to worry about dander or other pet allergies when you’re around them.

They also make regular cleaning easier. Depending on the specific Schnauzer Terrier 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 Terriers Good Family Pets?

Schnauzer Terriers make great pets for families and individuals.

Individual variations within the mix will result in some differences, different energy levels, and personalities. Some Schnauzer Terriers may be very friendly and playful, while others can be a bit more stubborn and independent.

Acclimating your Schnauzer Terrier to other people and animals in your home can help to establish trust. They will learn to trust and even protect the ones that they care for over time.

Once they’ve learned to trust others, Schnauzer Terriers can be great companions. They may be rather independent and strong willed at times, but you never have to worry about them intentionally hurting you or other people or animals in your family. Every Schnauzer Terrier is different, and it may take a little time to understand their particular personality.

Spending time with your Schnauzer Terrier and helping them socialize with others is essential to their success. It may takes several weeks or even months to help them learn proper behaviors and become accustomed to those that you regularly come into contact with. Once that happens, you’re bound to have plenty of special memories with this beloved breed.

Schnauzer Terriers are gentle, kind, and intelligent. They want to be involved in what’s going on, and they frequently enjoy being the center of attention. Schnauzer Terriers are a joy to be around, because they add energy and enthusiasm to every day.

Keep in mind that each Schnauzer Terrier 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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