10 Things You Didn’t Know about The Schnoxie
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A hybrid cross of the Minature Schnauzer and the Daschund, the Schnoxie is an affectionate, loving dog who’s certain to charm its way into your heart. They’re not the easiest dog in the world to train, but those owners prepared to put the work and time into them will find themselves rewarded with an incredibly endearing companion. To find out more, here are 10 things you didn’t know about the Schnoxie.
1. They’re susceptible to hypothyroidism
Crossbreeds tend to be healthier than pedigrees, but it’s not guaranteed. To nip any problems in the bud, regulars screening and checks ups will be needed. It also pays to keep an eye out for any conditions they may have inherited from their parent breeds, which can include Hypothyroidism, Idiopathic Epilepsy, Canine Glaucoma, IVDD, Bloat, Cushing’s, Diabetes, Deafness, Von Willebrands, Urinary Stones, Myotonia Congenita, and Congenital Megaesophagus.
2. They’re a designer breed
Crossbreeds used to happen more by accident than design, Then, an Australian breeder decided to combine the Poodle with the Labrador to create the ultimate hypoallergenic seeing-eye dog. After the Labradoodle’s popularity took off, more and more breeders began creating their own designer dog breeds. Most are a little mysterious, at least in terms of their origins, and the Schnoxie is no exception. The most anyone knows is that they were probably developed in the late 1990s in the US… beyond that, it’s all a little vague.
3. They’re a mix of Dachshund and Miniature Schnauzer
We might not know very much about the Schnoxie’s origins, but we do at least know about its parent breeds, the Dachshund and Miniature Schnauzer. As Wag Walking outlines, the Miniature Schnauzer was developed in Germany during the 19th century by crossing the Standard Schnauzer with various small breed dogs such as the Affenpinscher, Miniature Pinscher, and possibly the Poodle. A spunky, spirited little dog, their original purpose was as ratters. Eventually, their winning personalities and cute good looks meant they outgrew their original function to become pampered lapdogs. The Dachshund was also developed in Germany, albeit much earlier. They began life in the 1500s as a versatile working dog, designed to flush out badgers and hunt small game. It’s believed the smooth-haired variety of Dachshund was achieved by crossing the Braque, the Pinscher, and the French Basset Hound, while the wiry-coated variety was developed by crossing the smooth-coated Dachshunds with various Spaniel and Terrier breeds.
4. They’ve been recognized by the Designer Breed Registry
While they’ve not been recognized by the United Kennel Club or American Kennel Club, some canine clubs have been more welcoming. According to Dog Breed Info, the Schnoxie has so far been recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Breed Registry (DBR), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR)
5. Each Schnoxie is different
The one thing you can always guarantee with a crossbreed is that no two dogs will look the same. The Schnoxie is no exception. Some will resemble the Dachshund, others will take after the Miniature Schnauzer, and some will look like a combination of both. As a general guide, you can expect most Schnoxies to stand 10 to 14 inches in height and weigh around 30 pounds. Although they’re relatively small, they’ve got sturdy, muscular bodies, with deep, broad chests and short but powerful legs. Like the Dachshund, their coats may either be straight or smooth or wiry and rough.
6. They rarely shed
The Schnoxie doesn’t need a huge amount of grooming to stay sleek and neat, but will benefit from a brush once every few weeks to keep their coats glossy. As they tend to develop a noticeable doggy odor now and again, a once-monthly bath with a gentle shampoo will keep them sweet-smelling. The good news is that they rarely shed, and can even be hypoallergenic if they take after the Schnauzer. As such, they make a good choice both for people with allergies and people who don’t want to spend time picking wads of hair off their furniture. They are, however, prone to dental disease, so it’s vital to give their teeth a good clean every couple of days. As their floppy ears are susceptible to infections, it’s also wise to clean and check them regularly for signs of wax build-up or debris.
7. They don’t need a huge amount of exercise
The Schnoxie isn’t an exceptionally active dog and will usually prefer lazing around the sofa to going on long hikes. Even so, they still need regular activity throughout the day to keep them healthy and happy – a walk 2 to 3 times a day for a minimum of 30 to 40 minutes is ideal. As they love making friends, they’ll rarely say no to a trip to the dog park and will jump at the chance to show off their social skills at obedience and agility classes.
8. They’re great family dogs
Schnoxies are loyal, loving little dogs who dote on their owners and make great companions for families. Like all dogs, they should be supervised around children, but they’re unlikely to give you any problems. Providing they’re trained and socialized from a young age, they’ll also make easy-going buddies to other dogs and pets. They don’t, however, much care for strangers, and although they’re rarely aggressive, they won’t hesitate to greet a new face with a flurry of warning barks. As a result, they’re not necessarily the best of choice for people who live in apartments or in close proximity to their neighbors.
9. They’re not easy to train
If you’re a newbie dog owner looking for a dog that’s easy to train, you might want to think twice before opening your home to a Schnoxie. As Pet Keen explains, the Schnoxies willfulness can make them challenging students. As a result, they’re not usually recommended for first-time owners. Obedience classes can be helpful, but regardless of whether you choose to do their training alone or with assistance, you’ll need plenty of patience, consistency, and positivity.
10. They can cost up to $650
They might not be pedigrees, but Schnoxies are still relatively expensive. While the actual cost will vary depending on factors such as breeder, location, health, and lineage, you can expect to part with around $650 for a pup. If you want to reduce the cost, consider giving a dog a second chance at a forever home by adopting instead.
