Snorkie

Canis lupus familiaris

Last updated: March 20, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© Kristin Chiasson/Shutterstock.com

Snorkies are known for their funny, attention-getting antics.


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Snorkie Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus familiaris

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Snorkie Conservation Status

Snorkie Locations

Snorkie Locations

Snorkie Facts

Prey
rodents
Main Prey
rats
Name Of Young
puppies
Group Behavior
  • Pack
Fun Fact
Snorkies are known for their funny, attention-getting antics.
Estimated Population Size
unknown
Biggest Threat
being crushed by larger animals or people
Gestation Period
60 days
Temperament
sweet and funny
Training
can be difficult
Age Of Independence
2 months
Average Spawn Size
1 pound
Litter Size
4 puppies
Habitat
domesticated
Diet
Omnivore
Average Litter Size
4
Lifestyle
  • Pack
  • Social
Favorite Food
meat
Type
Mammal
Common Name
Snorkie
Origin
hybrid designer breed
Number Of Species
1
Location
North America

Snorkie Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Grey
  • White
  • Silver
  • Multi-colored
Skin Type
Fur
Top Speed
10 mph
Lifespan
15 years
Weight
10 pounds
Height
12 inches
Length
14 inches
Age of Sexual Maturity
12 months
Age of Weaning
8 weeks

Snorkie as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Warm climate
Exercise Needs
Low
Friendly With Other Dogs
Moderate
Pure bred cost to own
$600
Dog group
Terrier
Male weight
7-11 lbs
Female weight
8-12 lbs

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Snorkies are known for their funny, attention-getting antics.

Introduction

A Snorkie, also sometimes referred to as the Schnerrier, is a result of breeding a Yorkshire Terrier and a Miniature Schnauzer. The history of the Snorkie is unknown but both of its parent breeds originate from Europe. The Yorkshire Terrier, by way of England, was bred by local mills at a ratter to hunt vermin and was introduced to the U.S. in 1872. The Miniature Schnauzer, by way of Germany, was also bred to be a ratter by farmers, as well as a guard dog, in the mid to late 19th century. However, there are photos dating back to the 15th century that portray dogs similar to the Schnauzer, which shows that they may have an older history than originally thought.

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Snorkies have a friendly, loyal temperament and greatly enjoy following their owner around the house and yard. Not surprisingly, they were bred to be companions. This crossbreed claims the most appealing characteristics of its purebred parents. This breed falls into the hybrid group of dogs.

Mix

There is one type of Snorkie mix. It’s called a Snorkie Poo. This is when Snorkies are bred with either miniature or toy poodles and produce adorable Snorkie Poo puppies.

3 Pros And Cons Of Owning A Snorkie

PROS!CONS!
Apartment-friendly
A Snorkie is a small dog making it an appropriate pet for someone living in an apartment.
Questionable with children
This canine can sometimes be sensitive to the loud, rough activities of young children. Because of their small size, they can feel threatened and may nip at kids.
A fun companion
This hybrid pooch loves to play fetch, chase, and other games with their family.
Some barking activity
A Snorkie that’s not properly socialized may bark excessively. Training can help a Snorkie learn to bark less.
A long life
The lifespan of a Snorkie is 12 to 15 years, so they are usually a part of the family for a long time.
May be difficult to train
This is an intelligent little dog but can be stubborn during obedience training.

Size And Weight

A Snorkie male can grow to be 12 inches tall from head to toe while a female grows to be 11 inches in height. Male Snorkies can weigh as much as 12 pounds full grown whereas females weigh up to 11 pounds. At 7 weeks old, a Snorkie weighs around 3 pounds. These dogs are fully grown at 12 months old.

Health and Entertainment for your Snorkie

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Height (Male)12 inches tall
Height (Female)11 inches tall
Weight (Male)12 lbs., full grown
Weight (Female)11 lbs., full grown

Common Health Issues

Snorkies have some common health issues, including cataracts. Cataracts take the form of cloudiness in one or both of the dog’s eyes. They can cause partial or even total blindness. Surgery is a treatment for cataracts in a Snorkie.

Another health issue of this hybrid is diabetes. A dog with diabetes has a high level of glucose in its blood. Diabetes can cause damage to the organs. Though there isn’t a cure for diabetes, the condition can be managed with a proper diet and medication. Some signs of diabetes include excessive thirst, weight loss, or an increase in appetite.

A third common health issue is allergies. These dogs can be allergic to environmental elements such as pollen or dust. They can also be allergic to foods. Fortunately, allergies can be managed with medication.

The most common health issues of a Snorkie include:

  • Cataracts
  • Diabetes
  • Allergies

Temperament And Behavior

A regal Snorkie in black and white

Snorkies are extremely loyal and playful companions.

©KkirbyRB / pixabay – License

Loyalty is one of the most significant traits of a Snorkie. This companion dog likes to monitor the whereabouts of its owner at all times. Snorkies have a playful personality. They enjoy running around and playing with family members as well as with other dogs in the household.

A socialized Snorkie is likely to have appropriate behavior with kids. However, this dog is small and has a reputation for being sensitive around children. A Snorkie is tiny in size and is always worried about being stepped on or otherwise injured by young children who may be unsteady on their feet.

How To Take Care Of A Snorkie

Learning about the dietary, grooming, exercise, and healthcare needs of a Snorkie allows an owner to take stellar care of this pet. Not surprisingly, a Snorkie puppy and an adult dog need different diets. Snorkies need to be brushed and clipped on a regular schedule. They can be hard to train, so you need to be patient and persistent.

The Best Dog Food For Snorkies

Snorkies love to play with toys

Snorkies may suffer from food allergies so a limited-ingredient food diet may be the best choice.

©Kristin Chiasson/Shutterstock.com

The diet an owner feeds to a Snorkie puppy or adult dog can help to prevent various health issues. Look at the different considerations in choosing food for puppies and adult dogs:

Snorkie puppy food: DHA in the form of high-quality fish oil supports a puppy’s eye and brain development. This nutrient can contribute to fending off cataracts in this hybrid dog. Protein helps muscle and joint development. Vitamins C and E contribute to a healthy immune system which can fend off allergies. Fat gives a puppy energy to explore and play. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids support the growth of a healthy coat.

Snorkie adult dog food: Adult Snorkies need protein such as lean chicken or pork to maintain strong muscles, joints, and cartilage. Prebiotic fiber helps with proper digestion for this small dog. Vitamin A is valuable for maintaining the eye health of this dog prone to cataracts. Omega 6 supports a healthy coat and calcium contributes to strong teeth and bones. Feeding an adult Snorkie a diet containing limited fat gives it the energy it needs without adding excess weight to its tiny frame.

For dogs like Snorkies that suffer from food allergies, check out the limited-ingredient foods available that use less common ingredients as a workaround for dogs with allergies.

At A-Z Animals, our recommendation for Snorkies is Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain Free Natural Adult Small Breed Wet Dog Food Cups.

It’s conveniently portioned for your petite Snorkie, to help maintain a healthy weight and prevent complications like diabetes. Plus, there are no wheat, corn, soy, dairy, eggs, artificial preservatives, or flavors that could cause frustrating allergic reactions. Instead, there’s a great balance of omegas, vitamins, and minerals to keep your Snorkie happy and playful.

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Blue Buffalo Basics Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food
  • This grain-free recipe features a single animal protein source, lamb, along with potatoes, peas and pumpkin to support gentle digestion.
  • Blue Buffalo Basics is a limited ingredient, grain-free dog food that doesn’t contain any chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy or eggs—making it a good option for dogs with food sensitivities.
  • Features a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected to support your pal’s immune system, life stage needs and a healthy oxidative balance.
  • Made with all-natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals.
  • Blue Buffalo contains no chicken or poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.


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Maintenance And Grooming

Snorkies shed a low amount of hair. Though sometimes Yorkshire Terriers and Miniature Schnauzers are categorized as hypoallergenic, they do shed some hair just like their hybrid puppies. None of the three dog breeds meet the strict definition of hypoallergenic.

Though Snorkies are low shedders, they do require some grooming. They need daily brushing to remove mats and tangles from their silky gray, black, tan, white, or silver coat. A slicker brush is an excellent grooming tool for this dog.

They also need to have the underside of their ears cleaned once each week. This can be done with a soft cloth and some warm water. A Snorkie Poo is another example of a hybrid with a similar grooming routine.

There are professional groomers that specialize in giving haircuts to Snorkies to keep their hair short and more manageable for an owner. These haircuts should be given about once every two or three months.

The allergies this hybrid is prone to often show up in the form of red or dry patches on its skin. A veterinarian can help an owner to pin down the type of allergies their dog has and advise treatment.

Training

A Snorkie is a product of breeding two intelligent dogs. However, sometimes Snorkies can be stubborn during training. Keeping training sessions short and using desirable treats can help this unique dog better absorb the day’s lesson.

A Schnoodle is another crossbreed dog parented by a Miniature Schnauzer that can be stubborn during training.

Exercise

A Snorkie needs around 30 minutes of exercise each day. A walk in the neighborhood or a visit to the dog park are both good ways to give this dog some quality exercise. Playing games of fetch or chase in the backyard is another great way to get this little dog moving!

This breed is a good choice for someone who lives in an apartment. Its small size allows it to be comfortable living in an apartment setting.

Puppies

A Snorkie is a result of breeding a

Yorkshire Terrier

and a

Miniature Schnauzer

.

©Kristin Chiasson/Shutterstock.com

Snorkie adults only grow to be a maximum of 12 pounds so it’s no surprise that Snorkie puppies are very tiny. Furthermore, if someone has a teacup Snorkie puppy, it’s going to be even smaller than a standard Snorkie puppy. Teacup varieties of this dog usually weigh no more than 7 pounds. Some say they can fit into a teacup.

These small hybrid puppies need an enclosed place where they can explore and stretch their legs while remaining safe from cars, larger dogs, etc.

Snorkies And Children

Normally, socialized Snorkies are good with children. But it’s important for Snorkie owners to know these little dogs can be very sensitive to the rough or loud activities of kids. If this dog feels it’s in danger of being stepped on or hurt it may nip or bite as a way to protect itself. This is especially true with teacup Snorkies.

Dogs Similar To The Snorkie

Other breeds similar to the Snorkie include the Schnoodle, Yorkie Poo, and Silky Terrier.

  • Schnoodle – Schnoodles and Snorkies are both intelligent dogs with friendly temperaments. However, a Schnoodle is more energetic and needs more exercise than a Snorkie.
  • Yorkie Poo – Like a Snorkie, a Yorkie Poo has a coat that can be a combination of brown, black, white, gray, or tan. They are both intelligent dogs, but Yorkie Poos tend to bark more than Snorkies.
  • Silky Terrier – Silky Terriers and Snorkies share the same silky hair that can be any combination of black, gray, tan, or silver. One difference between the two is Silky Terriers are more energetic than Snorkies.

Popular names for Snorkies include:

  • Maddie
  • Oliver
  • Jake
  • Scout
  • Sophie
  • Teddy
  • Gizmo
  • Smokey
  • Barney

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What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

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Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes
No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
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How much chewing will allow?
About the Author

Melissa Bauernfeind was born in NYC and got her degree in Journalism from Boston University. She lived in San Diego for 10 years and is now back in NYC. She loves adventure and traveling the world with her husband but always misses her favorite little man, "P", half Chihuahua/half Jack Russell, all trouble. She got dive-certified so she could dive with the Great White Sharks someday and is hoping to swim with the Orcas as well.

Snorkie FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is a Snorkie?

A Snorkie is a crossbreed also known as a hybrid dog. It’s the result of breeding a Yorkshire Terrier and a Miniature Schnauzer. These are small dogs known for their affectionate, loyal temperament. They were bred to be companions and like nothing more than following their owner around all day long!

How much does a Snorkie cost to own?

Breeders charge around $600 for Snorkie puppies. These hybrid dogs are also available from Snorkie rescue organizations at a much lower cost.

The yearly veterinary costs for this dog range from $300 to $500 depending on the services.

The food budget for a Snorkie is $25 to $30 per month.

Is a Snorkie good with kids?

Socialized Snorkies are normally good with children. Because they are small in size, these dogs can be very sensitive to children moving around them in a rough and tumble way. The dog may nip or bite in an effort to protect itself against injury.

How long do Snorkies live?

The lifespan of a Snorkie is 12 to 15 years.

How much does a Snorkie cost?

Snorkies cost around $600 from a professional breeder. But they are less costly when obtained from a Snorkie rescue organization. Most dog rescue organizations charge an adoption fee that goes to maintaining the daily operations of the organization.

Do Snorkies bark a lot?

Socialized Snorkies don’t bark more than a moderate amount. However, a Snorkie that hasn’t been properly socialized may bark an excessive amount.

Do Yorkie Schnauzers shed?

Snorkies, aka Yorkie Schnauzers, are sometimes called hypoallergenic. However, they do shed a small amount of hair.

How do you groom a Snorkie?

A Snorkie’s grooming routine involves brushing it once a day. A slicker brush is effective for removing tangles and mats from its coat. A soft cloth moistened with warm water should be used to wipe the underside of this dog’s ears to remove dirt and debris.

Many Snorkies receive regular haircuts to keep their hair short and more manageable for an owner to brush each day.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. PetMD.com, Available here: https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/diabetes-dogs-what-you-need-know

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