In this article
View 8 More +The Chizer is a cross of a Chihuahua and a Miniature Schnauzer. These little dogs are very intelligent and energetic. Like their parents, Chizers have a reputation for being somewhat stubborn and difficult to train.
Breed Overview
Height:
6–14 inches
Weight:
4–15 pounds
Lifespan:
12–15 years
Colors:
Black, brown, white, tan, cream, golden
Suitable for:
Single people, older couples, families with older children
Temperament:
Energetic, playful, intelligent, alert, aggressive, shy, loyal
Chizers make good pets for single people, older couples, or families without young children. While They are sweet and affectionate toward older family members, young children can scare them and cause them to act out. Keep reading to learn more about whether a Chizer is right for you.
Chizer Characteristics
Chizer Puppies
Chizer puppies from a reputable breeder can be somewhat affordable. The costs are influenced by the breeder’s reputation, the pedigree of the puppy’s parents, and the location of the breeder. You will need to do your homework on the breeder and ask to see the parents’ health records.
However, you may also stumble across the energetic Chizer in a shelter. You’ll save money by adopting rather than purchasing a puppy from a breeder. Older dogs are also more likely to have developed personalities, making it easier to determine if they’ll be a good fit for your family and situation.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Chizer
Chizers are very smart dogs, but they can be stubborn. They are also prone to nervousness and aggression. It is very important that these dogs live in the right kind of home for their safety and happiness.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Chizers are not great dogs for families, at least not for families with small children. The Chizer is prone to aggression and does not generally like young kids. They might be fine in a home with respectful, older children. Chizers can get jealous and require plenty of attention. They get very attached to their people and will thrive with an attentive single person or a devoted couple.
Chizers also don’t usually like strangers. They will bark at and even bite them if they feel threatened. This is another reason early socialization is a must with Chizers. Training and socializing can help your Chizer overcome shyness and reduce aggressive tendencies.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽
Chizers can get along with other pets if they are socialized from an early age. However, their tendency to be aggressive and nippy might not be able to be eliminated, even with training. It is best that they are the only pets in your household.
Things to Know When Owning a Chizer:
Before bringing any pet into your home, you’ll need to do your homework. Every dog has special food, exercise, training, grooming, and health considerations. The Chizer requires the right person or small family to thrive. Meeting their other needs will help make your dog’s life happy and healthy.
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
Chizers are not very large, thus they don’t require a lot of food. In general, about 1 cup of high-quality food formulated for small dogs should be sufficient for a Chizer. They are prone to stomach problems, so be careful not to overfeed them. Dividing their food into two smaller meals is recommended. Some Chizers develop kidney problems and may require a low-phosphorus diet later in life.
Exercise 🐕
The Chizer is an active and energetic dog who needs about an hour of exercise daily. Two long walks and a few play sessions will help burn off their energy. If they are stressed or bored, Chizers are very prone to chewing and will gnaw on anything they can find.
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise to protect your home and possessions from their teeth.
Training 🎾
Even though they are really intelligent, Chizers are notoriously difficult to train. Their stubborn streak comes from their Chihuahua parentage. Because of that, they must be socialized from a young age and receive professional training if needed.
You’ll regret not training this spunky dog since they’re known for acting out if they aren’t properly trained. Training can also help curtail some of their aggression.
Grooming ✂️
Chizers are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Depending on their coat, your Chizer will be a low to moderate shedder. They should always be brushed several times per week.
If the hair around their eyes, nose, and ears gets too long, you may need to trim it. You should also check their ears frequently for any signs of infection. You’ll need to clip their nails about once per month. Finally, you should regularly brush your Chizer’s teeth to prevent dental problems.
Health and Conditions ❤️
Chizers are prone to a few severe health conditions and less serious problems. The best way to keep your dog healthy is to ensure they do not overeat and get plenty of exercise. Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch problems early.
- Cataracts: Dogs can suffer from degenerative eye diseases, just like people.
- Skin Diseases: Some Chizers have sensitive skin and are prone to infections or itching. Keeping their coat groomed and their skin clean will help prevent excessive itching or infections.
- Arthritis: Extra weight can put more pressure on your dog’s joints as they age. Helping your Chizer maintain a healthy weight can lessen the likelihood that they will develop arthritis as they get older.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease: This is an inherited blood-clotting disease caused by a lack of a protein that helps blood clot. Treatment can include avoiding certain medications and, in more serious cases, blood transfusions.
- Diabetes: Diabetes in dogs is often caused by the animal being overweight. Miniature Schnauzers are among the breeds most prone to diabetes, so it’s important to keep your Chizer at a healthy weight.
- Kidney and Liver Problems: Some dogs struggle to eliminate phosphorus, especially those with kidney problems. Diabetes can exacerbate liver problems in your dog. Both kidney and liver diseases can be fatal if not treated.
Male vs Female
There are no discernable differences between male and female Chizers. Both fall into the same size ranges and have similar temperaments. Genetic health conditions are also equally distributed between the sexes.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Chizer
1. Chizers Can Look Like Either of Their Parents.
Chizers can strongly resemble either of their parents, which is why there is such a wide range in size and weight possibilities for these dogs. Their coats can be short or medium, wiry or silky.
2. Another Name for the Chizer Is the Schnauchi.
Mixed-breed dogs often have fun and interesting nicknames, and the Schnauchi is definitely one of them!
3. Both Chihuahuas and Miniature Schnauzers Have Long Histories.
Although the Chizer wasn’t recognized as a breed until 2009, both of the parents have been around for centuries. Chihuahuas can be traced back to the 9th century, while Miniature Schnauzers first appeared in the 14th century.
- Another interesting read: Bowzer (Basset Hound & Miniature Schnauzer Mix)
Final Thoughts
Chizers can be challenging dogs to own if they aren’t in the right family situation. However, they make loving, loyal pets with the right person or couple. They just require a little more work than some other breeds. Proper training and socialization are the keys to a successful experience with a Chizer.
Monitoring their weight and ensuring they get plenty of exercise can help stave off some diseases this breed is prone to. This will also protect your home and belongings from destruction. If you have the time and energy to devote to the care of a Chizer, you’ll be rewarded with an affectionate and adorable companion.
Featured Image Credit: cynoclub, Shutterstock
10 Responses
We just lost our little buddy Levi after almost 8 years. We let him out and he was hit by a car (he had never in the 7+ years we had him, gone up to the road; driveway is over 200 yards long and he wouldn't even walk up there with one of us). He was the best dog ever. He would bark his head off when someone was on the other side of the door but once the door was opened he was jumping all over whoever it was at the door wanting to be petted. Yall rub your little one on the head and give them an extra treat tonight for me. I'm missing my little buddy like crazy and the tears are falling. Love you and miss you Levi
Hello Scott,
thank you for sharing your story with us. I am so incredibly sorry for the loss of Levi. Hearing about such a sudden and tragic accident is always heartbreaking. I am sure those seven years with Levi were beautiful for both of you. Thank you for the beautiful reminder to give our own pups an extra squeeze tonight in his honor.
Take all the time you need to grieve; the bond we share with our dogs is deep, and Levi clearly knew how much he was loved.
Best wishes!
we have a 5 yr old Chizer. weight is 17 lbs. He is a great little boy, good temperament. he get along well with our 3 big Pyrs.
I have questions though regarding his snoring and other little noises he makes throughout the day. Squeaks at times getting settled for sleep…other little snorting noises. Is this common?
He also at times, will sit and lick the air. And shiver. Normal? Thank in advance for any info.
Hello Kimberly,
Thank you for reaching out and sorry for a bit of a late reply! It sounds like you have a wonderful dog family, and it's great that your little boy gets along so well with your three Great Pyrenees.
While some small, brachycephalic-type dogs are prone to more respiratory sounds like snoring or reverse sneezing, only a veterinarian can determine if these are normal for your dog or if they might be signs of an underlying issue. The same goes for behaviors like air licking and shivering, which can have various causes from anxiety to medical concerns.
Since these questions are about your dog's specific health and well-being, we strongly recommend you book an appointment with one of the licensed veterinarians at PangoVet.com. They are best equipped to evaluate your dog's symptoms in context and provide you with personalized, professional advice. You can visit www.PangoVet.com to schedule a video call at your convenience.
We appreciate you being such a caring pet owner!
Hola tengo un chizer de un año y 2 meses aproximadamente lo tengo desde los 2 meses , este artículo describe ala perfección a esta raza , mi perrito es muy enérgico muy muy enérgico , cuando no lo saco a pasear es muy desastroso en casa y se pone agresivo , tengo un hijo de 8 años y aún que mi hijo es muy cariñoso con el mi perrito siempre está ala defensiva con el , aún así es muy cariñoso , super chiple y protector . algo que creo importante mencionar es que cuando se me ha salido e batallado mucho para atraparlo
I call my rescue dog a Chouzer.
She is adorable 3-4 years old. 12 pounds. Came from a home arrested for hoarding.
She barely barks only for necessity. She is potty trained and has a strong stay. great on and off leash and in car.
She does not shed!
She is very calm and shy around everyone,. But you can pet her
she tolerates kids well.
I brought her home so she is my velcro ankle bracelet.
She is still skittish about my husband (after 1 year) and gets very nervous in a new situation.
Routine is key for this dog!
very obedient unless there is a squirel sighting up north or an iguana sighting down south where all bets are off.
She needs daily exercise and I put her in agility training for confidence and bonding.
If I decide to have a down day. no problem. She naps with the best of them.
Feeding. Be careful with food and treats. Do not let this dog get fat as they have subluxated knees.
Very sensitive stomach. My dog chica has a designated vomiting area/pad.! and she uses it. careful with treats. she likes fruit and vegetables. must experiment. She doesnt play with toys because she never had one. She is happy with a teething bone or a piece of paper. She communicates well with her eyes , paws, and tail. She has no problem being home alone and doesnt need a crate. just cartoons.
I golf a which takes alot of time. So she now goes with me and sits in the cart without issue or distractions. many courses are pet friendly if they behave.
It seems like she spends her life looking for me, following me, and will cry if im not in immediate site.
I dont know what her previous issues are but she has brought so much joy to this household than I ever thought possible! Adopt! dont shop!
I have a female chizer, I adopted her she was a little over 5 yrs old she turned 6 in February. She is a flight risk, if you aren’t careful popping the door she likes to run. I live in senior housing, luckily it’s away from main roads. It’s not fenced so I’m always careful if anyone comes or goes. The first night I had her home she had a seizure. Scared me half to death, she continued to have them every so often. I took her to the vet, now she’s on medication they have finally under control.
Hi Dorene! That's great to hear that you have her seizures under control—not so great that she's always trying to run out the door. 🙂
We have a male chizer that is almost 5 and this article is spot on when it comes To his temperament , his pottying in the house problems and his aggression towards other animals. He is a loving little guy to his family and we have three teenage boys who give him heck. All in all he is our best little boy
And so lovable.
How can you find one. We lost our precious boy a few months ago. Almost impossible to find this mixed breed.