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View 8 More +Combining the hunting prowess of the Miniature Schnauzer and Welsh Terrier, the Wowauzer is an adorable designer dog that’s known for being charming, affectionate, and loyal. Both parent breeds are energetic and intelligent, so the Wowauzer can be a handful for some owners.
Breed Overview
Height:
12-15 inches
Weight:
10-25 pounds
Lifespan:
12-15 years
Colors:
White, blue, silver, red, brown, gray, black
Suitable for:
Active families, those looking for a low-shedding dog
Temperament:
Loyal, friendly, and playful, good for families with children
The small to medium dog is an excellent choice for active apartment dwellers and families with children and other pets. The highly social breed loves family but is also a capable guard dog. This alert breed will always let you know if there’s an intruder.
Is the Wowauzer right for you? While this dog has many perks, there are some things to keep in mind. Read more about this fascinating mix of the Miniature Schnauzer and Welsh Terrier to see if it’s the right choice for your family.
Wowauzer Characteristics
Wowauzer Puppies
The Wowauzer is recognized by many breed registries, including the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Breed Registry, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the Dog Registry of America, Inc., and the International Designer Canine Registry. It’s always known as a Wowauzer or a Wowzer. Because of its recognition, you can find many Wowauzer breeders across the US.
Wowauzer are great for families with children. They are loyal, friendly and guaranteed to enjoy playtime with you and the kids. Training them won’t be a problem either!
Temperament & Intelligence of the Wowauzer
Wowauzers are sociable, loyal, and friendly dogs, but they have high intelligence and activity levels that may not be ideal for some owners. Take a look at the temperament and intelligence of the Wowauzer to determine if it’s the right breed for your needs.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
Like its parent breeds, the Wowauzer is an excellent family dog. These dogs get along well with children, even young and boisterous ones, and are gentle and loving. Of course, it’s important to socialize them appropriately with people, not just the people in your family, and teach children how to pet and play with dogs gently. No tail or ear pulling!
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Wowauzers are sociable dogs that enjoy the company of other dogs and cats. If socialized properly, your Wowauzer will likely get along with strange dogs and enjoy playdates with your friends’ pooches. It’s always best to introduce dogs to each other slowly, however, to make sure they aren’t showing signs of fear, anxiety, or aggression.
Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Welsh Terrier were used for hunting small game in England and Wales. As a hybrid of the two, the Wowauzer is likely to have a high prey drive and instinct to hunt and chase small animals. If you have small pets, such as ferrets, rats, mice, hamsters, or guinea pigs, be careful allowing them to play with Wowauzer. Your dog may come to view the small pet as a member of the family, but it’s better to err on the side of caution at first.
Things to Know When Owning a Wowauzer:
Food & Diet Requirements
Wowauzers are not high-maintenance eaters. While they enjoy food, they’re not a breed that’s prone to obesity. Their high energy level helps with weight control, but that also means you need to provide high-quality food with good portions of fat, protein, and carbohydrates for energy and healthy development. Focus on foods with real animal protein as the first ingredient, plenty of whole, natural sources of carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals for overall health.
Exercise
Wowauzers are energetic and active dogs. They require a decent amount of exercise to release pent-up energy, which can be achieved with brisk walks a few times a day. If you have a fenced-in yard, you can get exercise in with a game of fetch or chase. Wowauzers are highly intelligent and may enjoy puzzle toys or other challenging games for mental stimulation.
Whichever way you choose to exercise your Wowauzer, be sure you can devote the time and space to its needs with your other responsibilities. If you don’t exercise your Wowauzer, it could end up bored and destructive to release energy and entertain itself.
Training
Wowauzers are intelligent and obedient, making them an easy breed to train. That intelligence can become stubborn, however, so you must be consistent and firm in your commands to reinforce good behaviors. Training can be incorporated into your exercise routines, such as games of recall and commands like heeling and sitting on walks. If needed, you can sign your Wowauzer up for obedience classes or bring a professional behaviorist to your home to guide you.
Grooming ✂️
Wowauzers are easy to groom and rarely shed. While you won’t have to brush loose hair out on a regular basis, they are prone to tangles and daily brushing is necessary. This is especially true of the wiry coats. You can take your Wowauzer to the groomer to get a bath and coat trim. Nails should be trimmed a few times a month, as needed, and ears should be cleaned each week with a damp cotton ball – never a cotton swab! If possible, brush your Wowauzer’s teeth each day with a specially formulated dog toothpaste and toothbrush.
Health and Conditions
Wowauzers are generally healthy dogs but may be prone to conditions that are common in the parent breeds. When you choose a Wowauzer puppy, be sure to check for genetic conditions in the parents, such as myotonia congenita, Von Willebrand’s, congenital megaesophagus, and epilepsy.
- Eye conditions
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergies
- Glaucoma
- Megaesophagus
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Urinary stones
- Epilepsy
- Myotonia
Male vs. Female
Like most dog breeds, the Wowauzer has little noticeable difference between the male and female. Many unpleasant behaviors, such as excessive aggression and marking, are related to hormones. This can be corrected by spaying or neutering your dog as soon as the vet recommends. This not only helps to prevent these behaviors but also may prevent health conditions like uterine infections and reproductive cancers.
In some breeds, the size difference between males and females can increase the costs of food and weight-based medications, and anesthesia, but that’s of little consequence in a small to medium breed like the Wowauzer. Ultimately, choosing a male or female comes down to personal preference.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Wowauzer
1. Wowauzers have cultured ancestors.
Miniature Schnauzers were a popular breed for the Old Masters – many dogs were depicted by Rembrandt and Durer during the Renaissance. You could even find tapestry with Miniature Schnauzers dating back to the 1500s.
2. The Wowauzer’s terrier parent is one of the first of its kind.
The Welsh Terrier has an unclear history, but it’s believed to be one of the first terriers to ever exist. Like the Miniature Schnauzer, the Welsh Terrier appears in antique paintings and tapestries and is sometimes known as the Old English Terrier.
3. Wowauzers come in numerous colors and coat patterns.
With wavy or wiry coats and solid black, brown, white, brindle, or combination colors, the Wowauzer is an incredibly diverse breed.
Conclusion
Like the adorable, wire-haired Welsh Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer, the Wowauzer is a charming little dog that’s ideal for families and active individuals. These dogs are highly intelligent and active, thriving in environments with a ton of exercise, stimulation, and affection. If you want a loyal companion that will cuddle with you and the kids while alerting you to intruders large and small, the Wowauzer may be the best fit for you.
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