Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Chonzer (Bichon Frise & Miniature Schnauzer Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

Chonzer_mariann72, Pixabay

The Chonzer is a hybrid breed that results from breeding a Bichon Frise and a Miniature Schnauzer. They can inherit desirable traits from both breeds. The Chonzer is a small pup that ranges from 10 to 16 inches in height and weighs anywhere from 25 to 35 pounds.

Hybrid breeds can take on the coat colors of either parent. Chonzers can be black, white, gray, or brown and tend to have several tones in their coat. The coat can be wiry and/or curly and their bodies are more on the stocky side.

Breed Overview

Height:

10–16 inches

Weight:

25–35 pounds

Lifespan:

10–13 years

Colors:

Black, white, gray, brown

Suitable for:

Families with children, allergy sufferers, those seeking companionship

Temperament:

Affectionate, gentle, loyal, loving

Chonzers are low maintenance when it comes to grooming and exercise and will do great in smaller living spaces such as apartments. The Bichon Frise and the Miniature Schnauzer are hypoallergenic, making Chonzers great pets for allergy sufferers.

Hybrid dogs have been a welcome addition to the canine community, offering benefits from the combination of two breeds. Both the Bichon Frise and the Miniature Schnauzer are loyal and loving breeds, making the Chonzer a wonderful companion with a lifespan of 10 to 13 years.

Chonzer Characteristics

Energy
+
High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
+
Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
+
Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
+
Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
+
Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

divider single dog paw oct 2024

Chonzer Puppies

The Chonzer can experience separation anxiety when left alone. This can be very difficult to resolve, and anyone looking to own a Chonzer should immediately begin working on the dog’s confidence when left alone for long periods.

Proper crate training is a possible strategy that may help with separation anxiety if started as soon as the Chonzer is brought home. Separation anxiety will cause your dog a great deal of stress, and you will want to consult your veterinarian if you feel Chonzer is showing signs.

The Chonzer can become destructive and wary of strangers if they are not properly socialized.  They tend to bark frequently, which can be a nuisance. Therefore, you must begin training at an early age to ensure you have a well-mannered dog.

Parent Breeds of the Chonzer
Image Credit: Left- OlgaOvcharenko, Shutterstock | Right – Ira Demydenko, Shutterstock

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

Temperament & Intelligence of the Chonzer

Chonzers are very intelligent and bond very closely with their family. They are gentle, loving, and very loyal. They can get a bit of a fearless attitude from the Miniature Schnauzer side and a playful, calm side from the Bichon Frise.

The Bichon Frise and the Miniature Schnauzer are affectionate breeds that require abundant human attention. The Chonzer will exhibit a decent amount of energy and will need a daily outlet for it. They are clever, intelligent dogs eager to please their human companion. They are reasonably easy to train and make great family pets since they get along well with children and other animals if correctly socialized.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The Chonzer is an excellent pet for families. They get along great with children and people of all ages. You will want to start socializing your Chonzer at a young age so that they are a more well-rounded member of your household. Young children should always be supervised around pets to prevent harm to both parties.

The Chonzer thrives on attention and thoroughly enjoys spending time with the family. They are perfect for backyard playtime, walks around the neighborhood, or cuddle time on the couch.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

With an early introduction and proper training, your Chonzer will likely get along great with other household pets. The Miniature Schnauzer has a higher prey drive and loves to chase other pets, so you will want to keep that in mind when introducing the Chonzer to cats and other smaller pets.

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

Things to Know When Owning a Chonzer:

Food & Diet Requirements

A Chonzer will need high-quality dog food. The quantity and frequency of feedings should be discussed with a veterinarian but most need at least 1½ cups of dry food daily. Chonzers can be prone to obesity, so it is important not to overfeed your dog. Obesity can lead to a variety of other health issues and premature death.

Exercise

The Chonzer has an average amount of energy and requires normal daily exercise. They enjoy playing games like fetch and going on daily walks. The higher energy levels stem from the traits of the Miniature Schnauzer, which was initially bred for herding and ratting.

If the Chonzer’s daily exercise requirements are met, you’ll have a laid-back lap dog. The Bichon Frise was bred as a companion animal with a gentle nature. Chonzers make a great choice for urban living situations since they have relatively moderate exercise requirements.

Training

The Chonzer is a combination of two very clever breeds. Both the Bichon Frise and the Miniature Schnauzer are eager to please and relatively easy to train. Chonzers are not as difficult to housetrain as other small breeds.

Chonzers can be easily distracted, and it’s best to retreat to a quiet area where your training will go uninterrupted. You will want to keep your training sessions interesting and short to avoid boredom. Consistent, reward-based training with positive reinforcement will go a long way with your Chonzer. You should begin training as early as possible to prevent any unwanted behaviors.

Grooming ✂️

The Chonzer hybrid is relatively low maintenance in terms of grooming. However, you must clean their ears regularly to prevent ear infections. Frequent wiping around the eyes will help to prevent buildup, eye infections, and matting of the surrounding hair.

It’s a good idea to begin brushing your Chonzer’s teeth early. They can be prone to periodontal disease, and prevention is key. You should set aside time for tooth brushing two to three times weekly.

The Chonzer’s outer coat is wiry and wavy, and the undercoat is baby-soft. They are not heavy shedders and typically only require once to twice weekly brushing. You will need to provide occasional baths and nail trimmings.

Health and Conditions

Hybrids can exhibit fewer inherited health issues than their purebred ancestors. The Chonzer has been known to exhibit some genetic health conditions from the Bichon Frise and the Miniature Schnauzer. Below is a list of some of the most common conditions that have been observed in the Chonzer:


Male vs Female

Hybrid dogs exhibit a variety of traits from their purebred parents. This makes it more difficult to distinguish differences between males and females, as you would with purebred dogs.

Generally, males are slightly larger but have similar temperaments as females.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

3 Little-Known Facts About the Chonzer

1. The Bichon Frise Entered the United States in 1955

The Bichon Frise was very popular in European countries but did not arrive in the United States until 1955. The first Bichon Frise litter was produced in the U.S. in 1956. The breed reached full recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1972.


2. Miniature Schnauzers Were Once Known as Wirehaired Pinchers

Miniature Schnauzers initially held the name Wirehaired Pincher. In the early 1900s, the name Schnauzer was implemented. “Schnauzer” comes from the German word, “schnauze,” meaning snout or muzzle.


3. The Chonzer is Registered by the DDKC

The Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC) is a registry for hybrid dogs that began in 2007. The American Kennel Club does not recognize designer hybrids, as they are not technically considered “breeds.”

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Conclusion

The Chonzer exhibits traits from the Bichon Frise and the Miniature Schnauzer. They can be great with children and pets and are loyal, loving, affectionate, and intelligent. This hybrid breed can make an ideal pet for most families. The Chonzer requires daily exercise, but they are relatively easy to groom.

Like their parents, Chonzers are hypoallergenic and can take on the appearance and personality traits of either one. They will form a lifelong bond with your family and be a loyal companion throughout their lifetime.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: mariann72, Pixabay

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Do Dogs Gain Weight in Winter? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Do your eyes deceive you, or has your dog gained weight over winter? Chances are, you’re not just seeing things. Like humans, it’s...

When Is the Best Time of Day to Walk Your Dog? Vet-Approved Safety Tips

Walking your dog is very good for them—not only does it allow them to get outside for a bathroom break, but it gives...

Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Tips

When it comes to Brussels sprouts, it seems that you either love ‘em or you hate them, there is no in-between. There are...

13 Pet Ownership Statistics In New York: 2025 Update

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website. New York is famed for its...

More related

Do Dachshunds Bark a Lot & How Much? 5 Vet-Approved Tips to Stop It

Dachshunds are beloved dogs, and many adore them for their cute bodies shaped like hotdogs and tiny legs. These little dogs have big...

18 Best Dog Tie-Outs & Stakes in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Indoor dogs often get anxious when they only go outside to use the bathroom, but homes without fenced-in yards are not suitable for...

6 Egyptian Dog Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Egypt is home to some of the world’s oldest dog breeds. The ancient Egyptians were one of the first civilizations to domesticate dogs....

How to Go Skiing & Snowshoeing With Dogs: 8 Simple Tips

Enjoying the outdoors with our dogs in the winter can be a bit complicated. Unlike humans, dogs can’t easily use snowshoes or skis....

Keep reading

Are Plastic Bowls or Containers Bad for Dog Food? Vet-Approved Guide

Plastic is in the limelight—raising many concerns. As the pet market grows, so does the controversy about using certain products. But with so many plastic dog food packaging and food bowls still dominating the market, are they really so bad?...

poodle dog eating

8 Best Dog Foods for Bladder Stones in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Bladder stones are not only painful and can leave your dog feeling miserable, but they can also lead to serious and dangerous health concerns. There are many options out there for food, and each food will do something different depending...

brown dog sniffing a dog food

Instinct Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Instinct Dog Food is made by Nature’s Variety, a brand that’s been in operation since 2002, specializing in holistic pet food. None of its formulas contains wheat, corn, by-product meals, or artificial colors or flavors. The Instinct Raw...

Dogster_Instinct Dog Food Review

Vital Essentials Dog Food Review 2025: An Expert’s Breakdown

More and more dog owners are learning about the benefits of a raw food diet for their furry family members. But feeding a raw diet is even harder than it sounds, especially when you consider what it takes to provide...

Vital Essentials Dog Food

How Much Canned Food to Feed a Dog: Vet Approved Nutrition Advice

Learning how much to feed your dog and what type of food to offer at various life stages is crucial when deciding on a dog’s diet. It is vital to check out proper measurements based on activity level, age, and...

wet dog food

Can Dogs Eat Loquats? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts

Loquats—also known as Japanese plums—are the fruits of Eriobotrya japonica trees. These sweet orange fruits offer a host of health benefits for humans, but are they safe for dogs? The ASPCA does not list loquats in its toxic plant roundup,1...

Can Dogs Eat Loquats

Whole Earth Farms Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary If you’re a pet parent, then you’ve probably already heard of Whole Earth Farms dog food just because of their tagline, “Goodness from the Earth.” Whole Earth Farms is dedicated to providing pets everywhere, whether they’re dogs or...

Dogster_Whole Earth Farms Dog Food Review

Can Dogs Eat Eggs With Cheese? Vet-Reviewed Health & Nutrition Guide

Feeding your dog tasty treats is one of the simple joys in life, and as many dog owners will attest, it’s even more fun when you and your pet can share the same meal. If you’ve just made a delicious...

Can Dogs Eat Eggs With Cheese