The Snorkie is a wonderful and attractive breed that you get from mixing a Yorkie with a Miniature Schnauzer. They are small and playful dogs that are a good choice for apartments and small homes. If you have been thinking about getting one but want to know more about them first, read on for information about their temperament, overall health, and exercise needs!

Breed Overview

The Miniature Schnauzer and a Yorkshire Terrier mix—or Snorkie, as many owners like to call them—is an intelligent, loyal, and adaptable breed that makes a great companion in almost any living situation. They form strong bonds with family members and are always in a friendly, playful mood. They have a moderate amount of energy, so it’s not too hard to keep up with their exercise needs. You can find them in several colors, and their fur can be smooth or wiry. Their faces are expressive, with dark button eyes that reflect their curious nature.

Snorkie Characteristics

Snorkie Puppies

Snorkie puppies are energetic and full of life. They can also be bold and fearless, which can cause them to test boundaries earlier than many other breeds, and you will need to puppy-proof the house to keep them out of trouble. You will also want to socialize your Snorkie with as many other animals, people, and places as possible to help them feel more comfortable around those things as adults.

Finding a breeder can be difficult, as they will need to be experts in both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Yorkshire Terrier. You can contact your local pet stores and animal shelters to see if they know of any breeders in your area. You might also be able to find one for sale on the internet, but just be sure to look into the breeder to ensure that they are producing healthy dogs and not operating a puppy mill.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Snorkie

The Snorkie is an affectionate and friendly dog that will always be looking for someone to play with. They love being near their owner and will often sit on your lap and cuddle up any time you are taking a rest. They will also want to be involved in any family activities and will frequently try to steal the spotlight with their comical actions. They are alert and make great watchdogs that don’t bark much but will let you know when someone is at the door.

The Snorkie has a high intelligence, inherited from both their smart and trainable parent breeds, which means they’re capable of learning a wide variety of commands—as long as you can keep them focused on the session. Their terrier roots can cause them to chase after smaller animals and can also make them stubborn in certain cases.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Snorkies make excellent family pets for several reasons. They are affectionate and playful, so they are a great choice for children. They form strong bonds with family members and are highly trainable. They also have a moderate energy level, which means you won’t need to put as much time aside each day to help them get the exercise that they need to stay healthy.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?🐶 😽

Snorkies have a friendly nature that extends to other pets. They will often get along with other dogs and even cats, especially if they spend a great deal of time with them when they are still puppies. The only risk is that their eager-to-play personality might get them hurt when they play with larger dogs. Individual personality might also affect how they behave around other animals.

Things to Know When Owning a Snorkie

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Your Snorkie will need high-quality food that is appropriate for their age and health. Puppy food has more nutrients that will help them grow and develop, but those extra calories can lead to weight gain once your pet becomes an adult. If you are not sure what food is best, consult your vet for guidance specific to your pet. Follow the portioning guide on the package to avoid overfeeding, and limit treats to no more than 10% of their total daily calories. Always try to choose foods that use real meat like chicken or beef, and avoid those that use artificial colors or chemical preservatives like BHA and BHT.

Exercise 🐕

While your small Snorkie will get plenty of exercise running around your home, it’s still a good idea to take them for several small walks each day. Toys that stimulate their mind and encourage physical activity can also be a good way to help them get the activity that they need. Puzzle feeders and training sessions can be mentally stimulating and strengthen your bond.

Training 🎾

The Snorkie is an incredibly intelligent dog that can learn a wide variety of commands. However, the terrier in them can cause them to be stubborn at times, especially when they want to do something else or see a strange animal in their territory. Getting them into a routine by holding short sessions consistently each day, starting when they are still a puppy, can help keep them focused, as it will be a regular part of their day. Keeping the sessions fun by providing plenty of positive reinforcement in the form of petting, treats, and praise will also help, as will holding your sessions after playtime, when they will be more tired out and less likely to wander off.

Grooming ✂️

The Snorkie can have a wide variety of coats, so the amount of brushing that you need to do will vary, with longer or wiry fur requiring more maintenance than a shorter coat. Bathe your Snorkie as needed, typically every 4–6 weeks or when they get dirty, with a high-quality shampoo that won’t strip their coats of important oils. You will also want to check their ears frequently for signs of wax buildup and trim their nails when you hear them clicking on the floor. Finally, you will want to brush their teeth as frequently as possible with a dog-safe toothpaste to help slow the progression of dental disease.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Male vs. Female

Unfortunately, it can be hard to determine the exact difference between male and female Snorkies. The parent that your dog takes after more will have a bigger influence on their appearance, size, and temperament than their sex will.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Snorkie

1. Due to their parent breeds, Snorkies are going to be healthy dogs.

As a crossbreed between the Miniature Schnauzer and Yorkshire Terrier, the Snorkie can exhibit hybrid vigor, which means they can be healthier than the parent breeds due to selective breeding.

2. You will rarely see two Snorkies that look the same.

Snorkies can inherit a wide range of coat colors and textures from their parent breeds, making each one unique.

3. A Snokie will most likely be long-lived.

Both of the Snorkie’s parents have long lifespans, with many living well into their teens, so it’s likely that your Snorkie will have a long life. too.

Final Thoughts

The Snorkie is a wonderful dog that is well suited to apartment life due to their small size and adaptable nature. They are a good choice for a pet for almost any family, as they get along well with children and pets, especially if they spend time with them while they are still a puppy. Mixing the Yorkie and Miniature Schnauzer can lead to a great deal of variation among puppies, and there can be considerable variation in coat texture and color, so your dog will likely have a unique appearance. This breed is intelligent and easy to train and enjoys being around family members. You will often find them only a few feet away from you at all times, and they will want to cuddle when you are resting.

Featured Image Credit: Left: Yorkie (shymar27, Shutterstock) Right: Mini Schnauzer (Bailey0ne, Shutterstock)