Snorkie (Miniature Schnauzer & Yorkie Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

The Snorkie is a hybrid dog that comes in a little package but shines with a big personality. As the offspring of a Miniature Schnauzer and a Yorkshire Terrier, the Snorkie loves company and tends to form a close bond with its owner. Standing at no more than 12 inches tall and weighing in at less than 12 pounds, this is an energetic mixed breed that is sure to liven up any household.

Some Snorkies are good ratters, just like cats, thanks to their Yorkshire heritage. These dogs feature lean, athletic bodies that are ready for a good game of fetch at any time of the day. This mixed breed looks more like the Yorkie than it does its other parent, the Schnauzer. Snorkies tend to have perky ears that make them look alert and on the hunt for fun at any given time, which lends to their perky personality and occasional moody attitude.

The Snorkie is a fairly active mixed breed that benefits from short daily walks and plenty of time playing with their human and animal family members. But if these little pooches get too pooped, they tend to get a little grumpy and moody. Keep reading on to learn more about this interesting hybrid breed.

Snorkie Puppies

Whenever you’re looking for your dog it’s essential to take your time to find a reputable breeder. When you do find one, it’s important to check out the breeding facilities before deciding whether to adopt. Many breeding facilities are considered “puppy mills” because they put profit before the well-being of the animals they breed.

Make sure the facility has an open-door policy and that all the animals they care for have clean living quarters and access to healthy food and clean water. The puppy you adopt should come with a health certificate that certifies it has been vaccinated and screened for health problems. Don’t forget to check your local animal shelters to find a Snorkie puppy in need of adoption.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Snorkie

1. They Need Their Downtime

The Snorkie has plenty of energy, but their tiny stature makes it hard for them to keep up with multi-hour hikes and full days of running in the park. This little dog needs its downtime to avoid getting moody and impatient.

---

2. They Can Be Tough to Train

Snorkies are bright, so owners may think that training will be easy. But the truth is that these furry fellas can be stubborn and make training a bit of a challenge for their human counterparts. This isn’t to say that training shouldn’t be done. Training is a necessity to ensure a well-balanced and well-behaved dog.

---

3. They’re Low Shedding

Although the Snorkie has a long, thick coat, they tend to shed little fur, if any at all. This helps to keep the household tidy, which is a good thing because owners will already be spending plenty of time on grooming tasks.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Snorkie 🧠

This hybrid dog is a fireball of fun. They love nothing more than to spend their time playing, chasing balls, and practicing the art of fetch with Frisbees. Short walks are always appreciated, but so are long naps on the couch with or without family members. The Snorkie typically bonds closely with their human pack leader and won’t leave their side when the choice is left to them.

Owners shouldn’t mind barking, because this small canine loves to communicate with anyone who will listen—including other animals. And their type of communication comes in the form of lots of barking. Snorkies like to be held and snuggled, so don’t expect much alone time on the couch or in bed.

Snorkies can become territorial if they aren’t socialized regularly, so it’s best not to keep them cooped up in the house without human and animal visitors to engage with from time to time. Overall, this breed is a happy dog that can fit in well with homebodies and busy families alike.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

When this mixed breed gets moody, it can start to snap at humans and animals. But as long as they have an opportunity to relax throughout the day, these dogs do really well with children. In fact, this dog will quickly become a playmate for kids when given an opportunity. The Snorkie doesn’t need a large yard to play in and they generally do well when left alone at home.

But due to their daily barking habits, neighbors may have a problem with a Snorkie that is left to its own devices all day long. If owners work every day away from home, hiring a pet sitter or dog walker to visit the pooch during the day should be considered to help keep neighbors happy. The bottom line is that while Snorkies will accept some independence, owners must make it a point to shower their pups with attention each and every day.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Snorkies get along well with other animals, which makes them an ideal adoption option for multi-pet households. This hybrid breed would be just as happy to play with another dog as it would cuddle up with a household cat. Playtime at the dog park can quickly become a favorite pastime for the average Snorkie. And they tend to jump at every opportunity to meet a new dog on walks or when visiting friends with their human companions.

Things to Know When Owning a Snorkie:

Every prospective owner should know that bringing a Snorkie puppy home means falling in love. Nobody can resist their adorable round faces and stout little bodies. But don’t let their enchanting looks fool you. Snorkies are sneaky, they like to chew on stuff, and they’ll do whatever they can to make sure that they are always the center of attention.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The typical Snorkie should eat a high-quality dry dog food without grain fillers. Grown dogs can eat anywhere from a cup to a cup and a half of food each day, while puppies may require a little more as their bodies grow. Owners should split the food up into two separate meals each day.

Things like carrots and eggs can be added to increase the nutritional profile of the adult Snorkie’s diet. This is a picky breed that is known to pass up any food that doesn’t agree with their palette. So, owners may need to try multiple types of food before finding one their pooch will particularly enjoy.

Exercise 🐕

Snorkies wake up with a lot of energy to burn, but luckily a short walk around the block or a few minutes of playing catch in the yard will help calm their excitement. This breed yearns to play, so they can take care of most of the day’s exercise requirements on their own indoors. Therefore, these little dogs make great companions for the elderly and those with physical limitations.

Training 🦮

Although Snorkies should be trained at a young age to ensure a happy, healthy, and obedient life, this breed isn’t the easiest to teach tricks and skills to. It’s not because they aren’t smart enough to learn how to sit and stay.

It’s all about being stubborn and challenging. Snorkies need a firm yet loving hand during training sessions. Some owners find that working with an obedience trainer makes the task of training a lot easier and more enjoyable overall.

Grooming ✂️

The coat on a Snorkie can be cut short or left long, but either way, it needs to be brushed or combed daily (preferably both) to keep tangles and mats from developing. Snorkies have a double coat that can be tough to manage without the proper tools. Slicker brushes work wonders and make the job of untangling a breeze. And a wide-toothed comb will glide through the coat freely.

This dog’s nails may or may not need to be clipped depending on how much time they spend outside. It’s a good idea to keep a pair of hair clippers around the house in case a mat does develop so it can easily be cut out.

Health and Conditions ❤️

There are only a few health conditions that Snorkies are prone to, but these conditions can be caught early and effectively managed by seeing the veterinarian for regular check-ups.

Male vs Female

Both male and female Snorkies are loving and attention-seeking. Males tend to be less moody than fixed females. However un-spayed girls generally get moody as their heat cycle changes, and that moodiness will rival any sassy attitude a male might have. Females seem to be more forceful when it comes to getting and giving attention. Males may try to establish themselves as a pack leader. But both genders share the same traits overall. The difference is the extent that some of these traits may be exhibited.

Final Thoughts

The Snorkie is a massive dog in a tiny package that will keep the typical family active when everyone is spending time at home. Prospective owners should be prepared to share their beds and hide their slippers before bringing one of these loveable puppies home. This breed is suitable for households of all types, especially singles and elderly individuals.

---

Featured Image Credit: mariann72, Pixabay