About Snorkie Cross Breeds

Snorkies are dogs that result from the crossing of Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers. These dogs can reflect the breed characteristics of both the Miniature Schnauzers and the Yorkies, and an accurate breed description is difficult to determine. Snorkies can have several characteristics that are common to both breeds. A standard breed characteristic list for this crossbreed dog does not exist and won't until many multi-generational crossbreedings take place. Estimations of their characteristics can be made by comparing the two parent breeds.

  1. Temperament

    • Both Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers are terriers (although by AKC standards the Yorkie is a toy dog because of its size) in nature. Both breeds were created to hunt rodents -- the Yorkie in English clothing mills and the Miniature Schnauzer on farms in Germany -- and still exhibit these hunting characteristics today. These animals are lively and tenacious and can prove to be stubborn and often intractable. Careful training will be required to prevent Snorkies from forming bad habits. Because they are hybrid dogs, they can inherit temperaments from both parent breeds.

    Size

    • Miniature Schnauzers can grow to be around 14 inches at the shoulders. Yorkies can top out at around 7 inches, though most are considerably smaller than that. Snorkies can range anywhere between these heights. They should be larger than a typical Yorkie but smaller than a Miniature Schnauzer. Yorkies' weights average around 5 pounds, but can reach 8. A Miniature Schnauzer can top out at 20 pounds. A Snorkie should be within the 5- to 15-pound range.

    Coat

    • Both Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers have coats that require a large amount of maintenance. Both breeds have long hair, though the Yorkie's is softer and silkier than a Miniature Schnauzer's. Miniature Schnauzers have undercoats; Yorkies do not. A Snorkie may have a coat that is more complex, with both an undercoat and thicker topcoat. Snorkies require routine, frequent coat maintenance.

    Color

    • Miniature Schnauzers come in three colors: black, black and silver, and salt and pepper. Yorkies are generally black and tan at birth, which becomes blue and tan in adulthood. White Yorkies do exist, but they are disqualified by the American Kennel Club. Snorkie hair coloring can be any combination of blue, black, tan, silver, or white. There is no accurate way to predict the coloring of these crossbreed dogs.