Featured Image Credit: ally.smelly / Instagram
German Schnauzers are interesting dogs that have inherited the best features of two popular breeds — the German Shepherd and the Schnauzer. Though quite rare, they have piqued the interest of many dog lovers.
Many people are attracted to this mix due to its beautiful, wiry coat and striking appearance. However, these dogs have many other qualities that make them excellent companions and pets.
This article will let you know everything if you are interested in raising a German Schnauzer. So, prepare to be hooked by this mixed breed!
What Is a German Schnauzer?
Image credit: ally.smelly / Instagram
The German Schnauzer is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Miniature, Standard, or Giant Schnauzer. This mix is protective, loyal, and affectionate. They can be trained to perform different tasks, such as hunting or guarding. Appearance-wise, they mostly look like Schnauzers than German Shepherds.
Although both parent breeds are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), it’s not possible to register a German Schnauzer in this organization as well as other major kennel clubs, due to its hybrid status.
Designer breed registries like the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) also don’t acknowledge this mix yet due to rarity and less demand.
German Schnauzer Origin and History
The fact that a German Schnauzer is a crossbreed makes it hard to know its background and origin. With this, it’s important to look into the history of the Schnauzer and the German Shepherd to know what kind of dog it’s like.
Schnauzers and German Shepherds are believed to have originated in Germany, where they were used as guard dogs for farms and homes.
The name Schnauzer comes from the German word “schnauze,” meaning snout.
The heavy beard and mustache are reminiscent of the dog’s muzzle, leading people to assume this is where their name came from. They were also used as ratters, hunting down rodents for their owners.
Meanwhile, German Shepherds were bred around 1899 by Captain Max von Stephanitz, who formed the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV), an organization dedicated to preserving this breed’s unique characteristics.
It wasn’t until after World War II that they became popular with Americans due to their use by various military branches.
Currently, German Schnauzers are bred as companions rather than for other specific purposes. Nonetheless, you can expect them to bear the traits and behavior of their parents.
German Schnauzer Appearance
Image credit: ally.smelly / Instagram
German Schnauzer mixes inherit the same characteristics as their parents. They can have a long, dense coat and come in any color, such as black or sable, which may change as they grow older.
Their body is rectangular, with a broad chest and stocky build, while their heads are wedge-shaped. They have “V” shaped beards on their face that they are known for.
They also have mustaches that hang down over their mouth and chin area. Their ears are also small and triangular and stand up straight on top of their head like little wings.
While it is very common for purebred Schnauzers to have their ear cropped by their owners for cosmetic reasons, this is not the case with German Schnauzers.
Their thick and wiry coat is one of the breed’s most notable characteristics. The top coat gives a harsher appearance when it’s unshed, while the undercoat is soft and dense, providing insulation during cold weather.
German Schnauzer Size and Weight
In general, Schnauzer German Shepherd mixes are large dogs that can weigh around 65 to 90 pounds and can grow between 22 and 26 inches.
If you’re considering getting a hybrid but are worried about size, consider getting a Mini Schnauzer German Shepherd mix instead of a Standard Schnauzer German Shepherd mix.
If you want an even larger dog, you can get a Giant Schnauzer German Shepherd mix.
When given proper nutrition and vitamins, they can reach their full-size potential within 12 to 18 months.
German Schnauzer Temperament and Personality
Image credit: ally.smelly / Instagram
German Schnauzers are typically loyal and loving toward their owners. They are very protective of their family and also like to interact with them as much as possible.
These dogs are energetic and outgoing and love being with people, especially children. They are playful and active but also make good watchdogs.
They bark when they hear strange noises or see strangers approaching their property.
They can also quickly learn new tricks and commands. However, training them properly requires patience, dedication, and consistency, as they are known for being stubborn sometimes.
In terms of aggression toward other pets and animals, it varies depending on how well-socialized they were during puppyhood.
Usually, however, Schnauzer German Shepherd mixes can get along with other pets as long as they’re introduced to them early on in life.
German Schnauzer Lifespan and Health Issues
The average lifespan of a Schnauzer German Shepherd mix is 10 to 12 years, similar to its parent breeds, the Schnauzer and German Shepherd.
However, like all dogs, they are susceptible to certain health problems they may inherit from their parents or develop later in life.
Some common health issues of the Schnauzer German Shepherd mix include:
Bloat: This can be a life-threatening condition for any dog, but it’s particularly dangerous in large breeds like German Schnauzers. Bloat is the result of the stomach filling with gas or fluid and twisting itself, cutting off blood flow to the rest of the body. This can lead to shock and death if not treated immediately.
Canine Hip Dysplasia: You may have noticed that your German Schnauzer has trouble getting up from lying down or walking. This could be a sign of canine hip dysplasia. It happens when the hip bones don’t fit together properly, leading to arthritis, lameness, and even early death.
Hemophilia: If your German Schnauzer dog is bleeding from its mouth or nose, it could signify hemophilia. Hemophilia is a condition that causes a dog’s blood to clot more slowly than normal. This means that if your dog gets cut or injured, the blood won’t clot as quickly as it should, and that can lead to severe bleeding.
While these health problems can be serious and life-threatening, it’s important to remember that most dogs won’t experience them. With proper care and nutrition, German Schnauzers can live long and healthy lives.
How to Take Care of Your Schnauzer German Shepherd Mix
Image credit: ally.smelly / Instagram
Taking care of a German Schnauzer is much like raising any puppy. It takes effort, dedication, and lots of care.
As with all breeds, the German Schnauzer has specific needs when it comes to feeding, training, grooming, and exercise that must be provided for them to stay healthy.
Food and Diet
German Schnauzers need to eat between 2 and 3 cups of food each day. They should be fed a high-quality, high-protein diet that contains a lot of protein and fat.
The amount of food they need depends on the dog’s size, so you’ll need to adjust their diet according to their weight.
Make sure to always provide them with plenty of water. It would also help to keep them in air-conditioned areas whenever possible because they cannot tolerate hot temperatures well.
Also, a little treat every now and then will go a long way toward making your dog happy. It can be a great way to reward your dog for good behavior, but it should only be given occasionally.
Some owners love to give their dogs crackers as a treat but if you’re looking for a much healthier option available in the market, check out our article for the best dog treats.
Cleaning and Grooming
German Schnauzers need grooming at least once a week or more often if you want to keep their coat looking good and their skin healthy.
The breed has a double coat consisting of fur on top of a layer of coarse hair and wiry hairs that must be brushed regularly to prevent mats and tangles.
You can try using a de-shedding tool instead of a normal brush for an extensive groom.
Bathing is another important part of grooming German Schnauzers. Do this once every two months unless they get messy.
Their nails should be trimmed every 4 to 6 weeks to keep them from becoming ingrown and infected. While their ears should be cleaned once or twice a week with a cotton ball or damp cloth, but only when they are dry.
It’s also important to brush their teeth regularly so they don’t develop tartar or plaque, which can lead to gum disease if left unchecked.
Training and Exercise
German Schnauzers are a very active breed. While they need exercise, they also need to be trained to become well-balanced dogs.
First and foremost, German Schnauzers should receive obedience training. This will help them learn the rules of your household and will make them easier to manage.
This will come in handy when you’re training them to socialize with other dogs so they don’t become overly protective or aggressive later in life. Potty training is also important, especially if you take them frequently outside.
German Schnauzers need about an hour of exercise per day. This amount of exercise will help them stay healthy and fit.
If you do not have time to take them out for a walk each day, you should consider getting a treadmill or even a dog pool so they can get their daily dose of exercise indoors.
Watch this video of a six-month-old German Schnauzer during training:
Bear | 6mo German Shepherd/Schnauzer Mix | Best Dog Trainers in Northern Arizona<a href="https://youtu.be/SSYV6lIb4nY" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FSSYV6lIb4nY%2F0.jpg" alt="Bear | 6mo German Shepherd/Schnauzer Mix | Best Dog Trainers in Northern Arizona" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
How Much Does a German Schnauzer Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The price of a German Schnauzer puppy can vary depending on the breeder and where you live. Expect to pay between $800 and $2,000 for a puppy from a reputable breeder.
In case you are out of budget, rescues and shelters often have them available for adoption with a fee ranging from $100 to $350.
The table below provides an estimate of the initial expenses that come with owning and raising a Schnauzer Shepherd mix:
Aside from the initial costs, you also need to prepare a budget for recurring expenses, which includes food and routine vet care. As your dog gets older, you should also consider getting pet insurance.
Our article on German Shepherd and Miniature Schnauzer costs will help you understand this mix’s possible annual and miscellaneous expenses.
Places to Find German Schnauzer Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Image credit: ally.smelly / Instagram
If you’re looking to buy a German Schnauzer puppy, the best place to start is with a breeder.
Here are some places where you can find Schnauzer German Shepherd mix puppies for sale:
Lancaster Puppies – This comprehensive online pet database provides information on all purebred dogs and mixed-breed dogs like Schnauzer German Shepherd mixes across the country. The site allows you to search by breed, sex, color, age, price, and more.
Keystone Puppies – This is a family-centered, small-scale operation that has been working with breeders by offering them health incentives for their pets, including German Shepherds mixes. You can easily find any dog breed on their site.
Greenfield Puppies – Their website allows users to filter available dogs based on location, price, and specific traits, which is perfect if you’re looking for German Schnauzers puppies. All registered breeders are expected to follow ethical breeding practices to guarantee the health of their puppies.
In case these websites don’t offer German Schnauzer puppies, you can check our list of German Shepherd breeders to know if some of them breed this mix occasionally.
Our puppy buying guide can also provide you with some tips to have safe transactions online.
However, if you’re looking for a dog that needs a new home, these organizations exist to help Schnauzer German Shepherd mix dogs find loving homes:
Adopt-A-Pet – This organization, formerly known as 1-800-Save-A-Pet.com, has helped over 21,000 pet rescue groups, shelters, SPCAs, humane societies, and pet adoption agencies all over the USA. Adopters must first register on the site to find an adoptable German Schnauzer.
Petfinder – This is an online database of pets that need permanent homes. With a directory of 11,000 animal adoption organizations and shelters from North America, you can find the perfect German Schnauzer through this site.
German Shepherd Dog Rescue Group of GA – This rescue was founded in 2004 and has since helped hundreds of German Shepherds find their forever homes around Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. All of their rescued dogs are kept in foster homes until they are adopted.
Similarly, you can check our list of German Shepherd rescues for more options. Make sure to read our ultimate adoption guide to land a successful application.
Pros and Cons of Owning a German Shepherd Schnauzer Mix
There are many benefits to owning a German Shepherd Schnauzer mix. But at the same time, you should also consider the drawbacks of owning one.
This section puts together a list of the pros and cons of having this mix, so you can see if they’re right for you.
The advantages of owning a German Shepherd Schnauzer mix are listed below:
Great temperament: A German Schnauzer is a great dog to have around the house. It combines the best of both its parent breeds, which means it has the loyalty of a German Shepherd and the affectionate nature of a Schnauzer.
Easy to train: Because German Schnauzers are so intelligent, it is easy to train them to be obedient dogs. They can also be trained as working dogs that can perform household tasks.
Great family dogs: German Schnauzers are very playful, and they love to be around children of all ages. Socializing them early will help bring about this natural trait.
Despite their charm, German Schnauzer mixes do have some disadvantages. Some of them are listed below:
High-energy levels: German Shepherd Schnauzer mixes are energetic, which means they need plenty of exercise each day. They require an owner that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
Overprotective: German Shepherd Schnauzers can be very protective and territorial, which can make them difficult to socialize with other animals and people.
Heavy shedders: These hybrid dogs shed year-round, but it’s worse during the warmer months when the weather is more humid. Be prepared to vacuum once or twice a day when dry weather hits.
By knowing the pros and cons of having a German Shepherd Schnauzer mix as a pet, you can evaluate your current lifestyle and preferences to see if this dog is the right fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Image credit: ally.smelly / Instagram
Are German Schnauzers Good Dogs?
German Schnauzers are good dogs. They’re loyal, affectionate, courageous, and playful.
Their eagerness to please and ability to adapt to different environments makes them excellent companion pets for many families.
Do German Schnauzers Shed?
German Schnauzers are moderate shedders. And while it’s true that many Schnauzers don’t shed much, those that have coats resembling more of the German Shepherd parent shed more.
Are Schnauzer German Shepherd Mixes Hypoallergenic?
A Schnauzer German Shepherd mix can result in a hypoallergenic dog, but it’s not always the case. This is because the two parent breeds differ in one key aspect: shedding.
Schnauzers are considered non-shedding dogs, which means they don’t lose their hair and release dander. In contrast, German Shepherd dogs are considered moderate shedders.
Do Schnauzer German Shepherd Mixes Bark a Lot?
German Shepherd only barks when they feel threatened and if there are strangers.
Like their purebred parents, Schnauzer German Shepherd mixes tend to be naturally protective of their homes and families. You’ll probably find that they bark to alert you of strangers, which is typical for working dogs.
Final Thoughts: Is a German Schnauzer the Right Dog for You?
German Schnauzers are not for everyone. If you like to spend time in your house, this may not be the right dog for you.
This dog is great for families that like to go on long walks or other outdoor activities. They make wonderful companions for children and happily play with them for hours.
Ultimately, if you’re interested in German Schnauzers, do your research. Their adaptability makes them good companions in any setting, including that of a family pet or watchdog.
Are you convinced to get a German Schnauzer as your next pet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Comments