The Snorkie – Your Ultimate Breed Review 

Fans of small dogs unite! The Snorkie is here to steal hearts worldwide with his adorable appearance, friendly temperament, and unique origin.

This cute crossbreed is quickly becoming a family-favorite thanks to his hypoallergenic coat and gentle but robust nature.

Are you a family in need of a new canine companion? You may have just found it in the sweet Snorkie dog!

Join us today as we cover all things Snorkie and find out if this darling designer dog is the right addition to your home or family.

Meet The Snorkie!

The Snorkie is an adorable cross between the purebred Yorkie and the purebred miniature Schnauzer.

Type: Crossbreed, Mixed Breed, Designer Dog, Hybrid

Parent Breeds: The Miniature Schnauzer and the Yorkshire Terrier

Average Cost: $500 to $600

Height: 11 to 12 Inches

Weight: 11 to 12 Pounds

Coat Type: Hypoallergenic

Health Issues: Cataracts, Bronchitis, Portosystemic Shunt, Dental Disease, Digestive Issues, Lymphangiectasia, Keratitis sicca, Pancreatitis, Diabetes, Allergies, Bladder issues, and Tracheal Collapse

Lifespan: 12 to 15 Years

Temperament: Sensitive, Playful, Friendly, Social, Comedic, Affectionate, People-Oriented

Best Suited For: Families With Older Children, Singles, Seniors, Retirees, First Time Dog Owners, Those With Allergies, Those Living In Small Spaces

The Snorkie Overview:

With a name like Snorkie, it’s no wonder this little dog is turning heads. A mix between the sassy Yorkshire Terrier and the intelligent Miniature Schnauzer, Snorkie dogs have become popular for laid back families with older, more gentle children.

Snorkie dogs are excellent additions and companions to families or adults who have a flexible schedule. They are quite clever and will enjoy someone who can commit to training and mental stimulation, and they don’t require too much in the way of physical exercise.

These dogs are not the ideal companion for everyone, however. They are very people oriented and can be prone to suffering from separation anxiety and stress if left alone for too long.

Bred primarily for companionship, the Snorkie is the ideal lap dog, though he can make a playful companion to gentle youngsters and other dogs of his same size.

Are you considering a Snorkie dog? Then you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading for your comprehensive Snorkie dog breed review!

What On Earth Is A Snorkie?! What You Should Know About The Designer Dog Debate

Crossbreed dogs, though not new, are somewhat controversial.

You may not have heard of a Snorkie until recently, and this is likely because this type of dog is a newer generation crossbreed that has only recently become popular in the last two decades.

Dogs like Snorkies fall into a category all their own and are not considered purebreds or mutts. Sometimes referred to as designer dogs, crossbreed dogs, mixed breeds, or hybrids, dogs like the Snorkie are defined as the offspring of two specifically chosen purebred parent breeds.

This makes them essentially “designed” by breeders in an effort to combine the unique characteristics of both parent breeds.

Although crossbreeding is an age-old practice, it has recently come under controversy after growing in popularity amongst breeders over the last twenty years.

Originally, crossbreeding dogs was primarily done for the purpose of breeding and perfecting dogs to develop specific characteristics for working or companionship purposes. Breeding these dogs took time and often it took generations of careful crossbreeding before hybrid dogs were considered purebreds.

Today, the perfecting part of the crossbreed practice has gone out the window with some breeders, and many are breeding and selling first and second generation crossbreed dogs to families for as much and sometimes more than their purebred counterparts.

You should know if you are considering investing in a Snorkie dog that there are pros and cons that come with investing in a hybrid.

One of the pros to crossbreed dogs like the Snorkie has to do with what is known as hybrid vigor. Hybrid vigor is the idea that crossbreed dogs may be healthier than their purebred counterparts due to their widened gene pool.

There could be something to this theory, though it is not widely accepted by everyone. Still, the theory suggests that crossbreed dogs have a wider genepool than their overbred purebred counterparts, thus making them less likely to inherit specific genetic health issues.

With all that said, we should note that genetics are genetics and it can be difficult to predict what your Snorkie will be predisposed to. In fact, many people point out that crossbreed dogs may still be at risk for any of the same health issues as their purebred parent breeds.

For this reason, it’s important to have a good understanding of your Snorkie dog’s lineage and what his parent breeds are most at risk for when it comes to their health.

Another aspect of crossbreeding has to do with temperament and physical appearance. Depending on your Snorkie dog’s generation of crossbreed, you may not be able to predict which coat type he will inherit, or how big he will grow. He may not only look more like one parent breed over the other, but your Snorkie may also behave more like one parent breed over the other as well.

This is why it’s so important to understand both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Yorkshire Terrier when considering their crossbreed offspring.

And on that note, let’s take a moment to meet the purebred parent breeds of the adorable Snorkie, starting with the Miniature Schnauzer.

Meet The Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small breed dog bred for ratting in Germany.

The Miniature Schnauzer is, as his name suggests, a miniature version of the Giant Schnauzer dog bred and perfected in Germany. Of course, to get the Miniature Schnauzer bred down in size, he was crossed with other breeds.

It is believed that the Miniature Schnauzer is a mix of small breeds like Miniature Poodles, Affenpinschers, and maybe even Pomeranians.

Unlike their Giant Schnauzer counterparts, the Miniature Schnauzer has less guarding instincts and is more laid back and playful. He was a bred ratting dog, however, which gives this little guy some natural hunting instinct.

As companions, Miniature Schnauzers are active, intelligent, athletic, and friendly. They do well in families with children and other pets, though they can be prone to taking off after smaller animals in the yard or on walks. For this reason, the Miniature Schnauzer should always be walked on a leash.

Meet The Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are small terrier type dogs with bright personalities.

Like the Miniature Schnauzer, the Yorkshire Terrier is a bred ratting dog perfected to help remove rats from ships and warehouses in Yorkshire, Scotland.

Yorkies, as they are sometimes called, are true Terriers in that they are full of spunk. These are big dogs in small bodies, and they are brazen and comedic, with tons of personality and spark. They enjoy being around people but can be prone to bossy temperaments, and owners who are not fans of vocal dogs may not appreciate the Yorkshire Terrier’s propensity for barking.

However, this is also a dog that is intelligent, active, eager to please, and simple to train. He is a family-oriented dog that is not as clingy as many other smaller dog breeds, though he is certainly not one to be left behind or ignored either.

Independent, cheeky, and sensitive, the Yorkshire Terrier is best suited for families with older, more respectful children. He also does well with single adults, singles, seniors, and retirees.

What To Expect With A Snorkie Mix – Let’s Talk Temperament!

Snorkies are devoted, playful, affectionate, and friendly.

Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Miniature Schnauzer have similarities, but they are also quite different. When it comes to your Snorkie, it’s important to remember that you could be getting a dog that behaves more like one parent breed over the other.

Luckily, when it comes to the Snorkie, both his parent breeds were bred for similar tasks. This small breed dog is likely to have a high prey drive when it comes to chasing after animals that are smaller than him. This would mostly include animals like rodents, reptiles, and birds.

Outside of having a potential prey drive for small animals, the Snorkie can get along well with other dogs and cats and will even enjoy having other furry siblings to romp with.

These dogs are also robust and playful, and they are excellent additions to homes with older children looking for a cuddly yet energetic companion. However, be aware that the Snorkie can be prone to easy injury if handled too roughly.

This is also a dog that could be sensitive to children and may even learn to become skittish around youngsters if not properly trained and socialized around them.

If you are planning on raising a Snorkie dog with children, we recommend working with youngsters on how to respectfully interact with the family dog. Teach children the proper way to hold and play with the Snorkie, and work with children on understanding basic canine body language.

Remember, all dogs can nip or bite, and this is especially true for dogs who feel fearful or threatened.

Iti’s important to not leave very small children alone with your Snorkie to ensure everyone is getting along safely and happily.

How To Keep A Snorkie Properly Exercised And Mentally Stimulated

Snorkies may be small, but they are active and need routine exercise.

While the Snorkie does do well in apartments and with less active dog owners, this is still a dog that requires routine exercise both mentally and physically each and every day.

The good news is that a dog of the Snorkie’s size can often have his exercise needs met in about a half an hour simply by going on a brisk walk or even through interactive games like fetch inside the home or in the backyard.

When you do walk your Snorkie dog outside of the house, be sure to use the proper walking equipment to help keep him safe and comfortable. Remember, Snorkies can be prone to chasing after small ernaimals, and this can put him in danger if you live near busy streets or roads.

We should also remind you that this is a small breed dog who can be more prone than larger breeds to suffer from tracheal collapse. This is especially true if pressure is put on your Snorkie dog’s sensitive throat, so it’s best not to walk your dog on his leash and collar only.

In fact, we recommend step-in no-choke harnesses for dogs like the Snorkie, and have listed one we like below.

Puppytie No Pull Dog Harness

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The No-Pull dog harness above by the Puppytie store comes in a wide range of colors, but the most important thing to note here is that this harness is ideal for small breed dogs as it helps reduce pulling and pressure on your dog’s chest and throat.

This harness is a step-in harness as well, which many dogs appreciate because it does not go over their head and ears.

The harness is made with high quality material that is breathable and will not cause irritation to your dog’s underarms or body. We also like that it comes with an adjustable leash that can be made into different sizes depending on your needs.

While it may not take much to exercise your Snorkie, it could take more to keep him mentally stimulated.

The Snorkie is a very clever dog with working origins, and he will be looking for things to keep him busy. This is especially true when your Snorkie is young, and a bored Snorkie could be prone to undesirable behaviors like barking, marking, or chewing.

Bored Snorkie dogs are also more prone to suffering from depression, stress, and anxiety, so it will be important to keep your dog mentally engaged throughout the day, especially when you are not at home to keep your Snorkie company.

Penerl Dog Puzzle Toy

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Dogs of all sizes can benefit from puzzle toys like the above Penerl Dog Puzzle Toy. This toy uses treats to help keep your dog’s attention and hides these treats in small cubbies so the dog uses his sense of smell and problem solving skills to get to them.

These types of toys are great for dogs who need a bit more mental stimulation or who need to stay busy and active and keep their mind going.

Another way to help keep your dog properly mentally stimulated is to provide him with chew toys like KONGS or toys that tie into his natural instincts to dig and hunt, like snuffle mats.

You can also set up obstacle courses for your dog both inside and outside of your house that utilize treats, or simply provide your dog with a treat ball before leaving the house that disperses treats and keeps him engaged and happy while you are away.

The Snorkie Behavior – Tips on Early Training And Socialization

Snorkie dogs are sweet natured and can do well with older, more gentle children.

All dogs require training and socialization at an early age in order to grow up happy, healthy, and well-rounded, and while many may think smaller dogs do not need it as consistently as large breed dogs, this is simply not the case.

Smaller dogs are sometimes coined as being yappy or less trainable than their larger breed counterparts when the truth is they can be just as eager to please and quick to learn.

Remember, the Snorkie is a highly intelligent dog who will enjoy learning and will do best with positive reinforcement training techniques like treats and praise. Avoid using aversive training techniques like punishment, scolding, or fear, as these types of methods can actually hinder your dog’s ability to pick up his cues quickly.

Punishment during training may also deteriorate the bond built between you and your dog. Instead, use treats, praise, and patience when it comes to training.

Quality training treats will also help to hold your dog’s attention. We recommend using high-value training treats like treats that are smally, palatable, and smelly.

Buddy Biscuits Training Bites

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Buddy Biscuits Training Bites are made with high quality ingredients and are free of additives, by-products, corn, soy, wheat, or gluten. They are also small and chewy, which are qualities that help to make training treats high-value to dogs, as we mentioned above.

We also like that these treats are low in calories and are safe for breeds of all ages and sizes. They are made from pork liver base, which is even safe for puppies. You can order these treats in different flavors including chicken liver, chicken, and bacon.

Training treats are not only great for using when it comes to training dogs, but also when it comes to socialization.

Like training, properly socializing your Snorkie is incredibly important to your dog’s overall development. Proper socialization not only helps ensure your Snorkie will have good behaviors as he grows up, but it can also help to reduce anxiety and fear-based aggression.

To socialize a Snorkie, you should ideally begin during puppyhood. Work with your dog to introduce him to as many new experiences, people, places, sounds, and environments as possible, and do your best to ensure these experiences are positive for your dog.

Avoid forcing your Snorkie into a situation, especially if you can see he is clearly nervous about it. This will only make the fear worse and can lead to worsened behavioral issues over time.

Grooming Your Snorkie – Expert Advice

Many people opt to keep their Snorkie’s fur in a puppy cut, as this is easiest to manage.

The Snorkie is a great dog for anyone who suffers from allergies, although his hypoallergenic coat does not necessarily mean he is easier to groom.

In fact, the Snorkie comes from two parent breeds with coats that have the potential to grow out long and flowy. This means the Snorkie can be prone to tangles and mats, especially if his hair is allowed to grow out without proper care.

Snorkie dogs are not eligible for show, so you may prefer to keep his coat in a puppy cut. Puppy cuts are much easier to manage for dogs like Snorkies, and they require less brushing and detangling.

With a puppy cut, the Snorkie will need to be brushed at least once a week using a dematting comb. If your dog has longer fur, you’ll need to brush him out routinely using a detangling comb and other types of grooming tools. You may also consider investing in some detangler that is safe for canine use, as well as hair ties to help keep your dog’s long fur out of his face.

Along with brushing, the Snorkie will need to be bathed once every two weeks or so. His fur is more like human hair and it can become greasy, tangled, and collect debris. When you bathe your dog, be sure to use a quality shampoo specified for canine use. Avoid human shampoos or shampoos that contain dyes, parabens, or alcohols that can strip your dog’s coat of his natural oils he produces.

Instead, use a shampoo that is made with quality ingredients and a shampoo that can help ensure your dog’s coat and skin are nourished and kept hydrated.

Miniature Schnauzer dogs in particular are prone to suffering from skin allergies, so you might also consider a hypoallergenic shampoo.

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo

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The above dog Shampoo by the Veterinary Formula Store is a hypoallergenic dog shampoo made for dogs who struggle with skin issues and allergies. The shampoo is free of dyes or parabens, and it comes with a pleasant coconut scent.

We also like that it specifically targets sensitive skin and helps to nourish and heal skin, reducing itchiness and other irritations. You can also use this shampoo for both dogs and cats, making it ideal for the multi-pet household.

Outside of routine bathing and brushing, your Snorkie dog should have his nails trimmed or ground down routinely using a nail grinder or dog nail trimmer. His ears should be kept clean, dry, and free of waxy buildup or debris, and his teeth should be brushed daily using a quality dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste.

Because the Snorkie can be especially prone to dental disease and tooth loss, we suggest investing in some quality dental chews at an early age to help combat tartar and plaque buildup. We also suggest routine dental exams through a trusted veterinarian.

And speaking of your veterinarian and combating specific health issues, let’s take a look at some of the most common health issues for a Snorkie crossbreed.

What You Should Know About Snorkie Lifespan And Health

Snorkies are relatively healthy, though they can be prone to a few health issues.

The Snorkie is a clever and hardy little dog with a decent lifespan of between 12 and 15 years. While crossbreed dogs like the Snorkie can have the benefit of hybrid vigor, remember that it is not always guaranteed that your Snorkie will be healthier than his purebred parents.

Furthermore, the Snorkie could be prone to any number of the same health issues as his purebred parent breeds.

Though it can be difficult to predict which type of health issues your particular Snorkie may be predisposed to, you can get a leg up by having your dog health screened. A canine DNA kit is a great and affordable way to get a glimpse into any potential health issues your Snorkie may be susceptible to.

We also recommend looking into the health issues of the Snorkie dog’s parent breeds. These health issues include but may not be limited to:

• Cataracts
• Bronchitis
• Portosystemic Shunt
• Dental Disease
• Digestive Issues
• Lymphangiectasia
• Keratitis sicca
• Pancreatitis
• Diabetes
• Allergies
• Bladder issues
• And Tracheal Collapse

Along with having your dog health screened and being aware of the potential health issues of a Snorkie, we also suggest you have your dog seen at least once annually by a veterinarian. Older dogs should be seen twice yearly after the age of seven.

The Snorkie will also do well on a quality dog food specified for his age, weight, and activity level. This means that the Snorkie should eat dog food specified for small breed dogs.

Avoid dog foods that contain by-products, corn, soy, wheat, or gluten, and instead stick with dog foods that are made with real meat protein and contain a healthy amount of carbs, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and water.

We also recommend a hypoallergenic dog food that is geared towards boosting the health of your dog’s coat.

Blue Buffalo Perfect Coat

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Dogs that have coats like the Snorkie may need a bit of extra help keeping their hair healthy. A quality diet can play a large role in this, which is why we recommend a dog food loaded with DHA and specified for small breed dogs.

This dog food by Blue Buffalo is a quality dog food that is made with real meat animal protein and contains fish as the first ingredient. It comes in both dry dog food and wet dog food options, and is available in a salmon recipe or a whitefish recipe.

If you prefer to make your dog’s food at home, it’s important to speak with a canine nutritionist or your veterinarian to ensure you are providing your dog with the proper nutrients he needs in order to thrive.

How To Find A Healthy Snorkie Puppy or Rescue Dog

It’s important to go through reputable sources when looking for your puppy or rescue.

The Snorkie is becoming a popular crossbreed dog for families, singles, seniors, and retirees alike, and it’s no wonder when you learn more about this adorable dog.

If you’re looking to add a Snorkie to your family, it’s important to go through reputable sources you trust. Avoid going through backyard breeders, online sellers, or those looking to sell you a Snorkie puppy for much more or much less than their average cost.

As specified above during our breed overview, Snorkie dogs range in price currently from between $250 to $600. This price could vary, of course, and be dependent on your location and whether or not you are going through a breeder or a rescue.

If you have decided that the Snorkie is the dog of your dreams, we want to hear about it! Leave us your thoughts in the comment section below.