The Schnauzer Husky Mix is an adorable pooch that’s easily recognizable thanks to their schnauzer coat and husky features. They are known for being energetic and friendly.
They do best in homes with a large yard, or with active individuals. They make great family pets, but they do need plenty of exercise and attention.
Contents
Quick Profile
Before we dive into the specifics of the Schnauzer Husky, let’s take a look at the basics.
Be sure to keep reading to learn the details of the breed, but you’ll find the quick facts right here.
- Other Names: Siberian Schnauzer, Snausky, Snusky, Schnausky
- Average Lifespan: 11-15 years
- Average Height: 12-25 inches
- Average Weight: 30-80 pounds
- Coat appearance: Thick, wiry, typically bicolor, with black, gray, white, silver, brown
- Eye Colour: Blue, brown, hazel, or green, can be bi-color
- Activity Level: Medium to high
- Grooming Frequency: Once a week, daily when shedding
- Typical Temperament: Energetic, playful, friendly, attention-seeking, alert
- Daily Food Consumption: 2-3 cups daily
- New Owner Friendly: Difficult for new owners
- Suitable to live with children? Yes
- Suitable to live with other dogs? Yes
- Suitable to live with cats? Yes, as long as they are socialized early
Appearance
When it comes to mixed breeds, there’s quite a bit of unpredictability in their appearance.
They will naturally inherit traits from both parent breeds, but which traits they inherit from which parent is a bit of a toss-up.
The schnauzer husky above clearly takes more traits from the husky, for example.
However, the schnauzer husky below has more a much more schnauzer-type look.
Since they inherit traits from both parents, it’s helpful to take a closer look at the parent breeds.
Husky Appearance
The Siberian husky is slightly longer than they are tall.
They have graceful lines and a powerful muscular body. They have erect ears and a long bushy tail.
Their muzzle is medium in length.
Huskies can come in a range of colors, including:
- White
- Gray
- Black
- Tan
- Sable
- Agouti
- Tan
They are typically bi-color or tri-color. They can have a solid colored coat, but this is rare.
Schnauzer Appearance
The schnauzer is as long as it is tall, giving them a square body shape.
They have heavy bones and a stocky stance. They have a rectangular-shaped head, with a long muzzle.
Their ears are erect if clipped. If they are unclipped, the bottom portion will stand up, and the top folds over in a triangle shape.
They have a double coat. The topcoat is very thick and wiry. Their face features long soft hair.
Their coat is typically salt and pepper, which means they have black and white hairs. They can also be solid black.
Average Size
The size of the schnauzer husky mix will depend on the size of their parents.
A standard schnauzer is 17-20 inches tall and weighs 35 to 45 pounds. A husky reaches 20-23 inches in height, and weighs 35 to 60 pounds.
These two pooches will produce offspring that grow to 18-22 inches tall, and weighs 35 to 50 pounds.
However, miniature schnauzers are smaller, and only reach 12-14 inches in height and weigh 10 to 18 pounds.
If a mini schnauzer is bred with a husky, their offspring can be 14-20 inches tall, and will weigh 20-30 pounds.
In the rare case of giant schnauzers bred with huskies, they can weigh anywhere from 65 to 90 pounds and be up to 27 inches tall the offspring can be even larger.
Coat Appearance
Both parent breeds have a double coat, so you can expect your schnauzer husky mix to have a double coat as well.
The coat is typically medium in length.
They typically inherit the wiry coat of the schnauzer, and the coloring of a husky.
Gray and white are the most common coat colors. However, they can be black or brown as well.
Physical Features
Your pup will resemble one parent more than the other, and which one they will take after is impossible to predict.
Some schnauzer huskies have the face and body shape of a schnauzer, while others have the expressive face of a husky.
You’ll see plenty of signature husky blue eyes in this mix.
However, their eyes can also be brown, green, hazel, or bi-color, which means each eye is a different color.
Grooming Guide
The schnauzer husky mix requires regular gooming. It’s best to brush them at least twice a week.
It’s worth noting that this is less than the husky, and this mix is a good choice if you want a lower maintenance option.
They also require regular nail trimming, coat trimming, and ear cleaning.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s required to groom this adorable mix.
Grooming Tools
First, you’ll need the right tools for the job.
To groom your schnauzer husky mix, you’ll need:
- Slicker or pinner brush
- Comb
- Deshedding tool
- Dematting tool
- Clippers
- Scissors
- Stripping blade
- Dog shampoo
- Nail clippers
When it comes to grooming your husky schnauzer mix, some of these tools are optional.
You’ll absolutely need a slicker or pin brush, a comb, and a deshedding tool.
Your pooch may shed very little because schnauzers are very light shedders.
However, a deshedding tool will also help you manage their undercoat.
A demating tool can also be helpful, particularly if your pooch doesn’t get regular trims.
Some husky schnauzer mixes have a coat that will grow long, while others have a medium-length coat like a husky.
If you want to take care of all your pooch’s grooming needs, you may need clippers, scissors, and a stripping blade.
However, many owners find it easier to leave these grooming activities to professional groomers.
Brushing
You’ll need to brush your schnauzer husky at least twice a week.
This is a pretty straightforward process, and shouldn’t be particularly time-consuming.
If their hair grows long, you may need a dematting tool to remove mats.
When they shed, they should be brushed daily. You can use a deshedding tool, as well as a slicker or pin brush to remove any shed hair.
Bathing
Schnauzers need bathing once every 4 to 6 weeks. Huskies are meticulous self-groomers, and produce little oil, so they can be bathed once every 3 to 4 months.
Your schnauzer husky should be bathed once every 1-3 months, depending on their coat and lifestyle.
Don’t hesitate to bathe them if they get really dirty, but avoid frequent overbathing.
When bathing, be sure to use a shampoo designed for dogs. You may find a conditioner or detangler to be helpful as well.
Nail Trimming
Huskies typically don’t need their nails trimmed, because they get worn down through their daily exercise.
Many breeds, including schnauzers, do need regular trims, however.
If their nails are clicking on the floor when they walk, it’s time for a trim. You can trim their nails using a scissor-type clipper or a nail grinder.
You should check their nails every few weeks to see if they need to be trimmed.
Ear Cleaning
If your schnauzer husky has ears that aren’t fully erect, it’s a good idea to clean them regularly.
Start by inspecting their ears. If you see dirt or debris in the ear, it needs to be cleaned. You can read our full guide to ear cleaning here.
You’ll need an ear cleaner designed for dogs and cotton balls. You should check their ears every few weeks to see if they need cleaning.
If their ears stand up like a husky or a schnauzer with clipped ears, you probably won’t have to clean their ears.
However, you should still inspect them regularly.
Temperament
Both the schnauzer and husky are social and pack oriented. They form very close relationships with their family or pack.
The schnauzer husky needs lots of love and affection. They are great with children, but can be standoffish with strangers, thanks to their schnauzer parent.
Unlike huskies, these pooches make great watchdogs, because they are highly alert and protective of their family.
They love to play, which makes them a good choice for families with kids.
They are incredibly patient and tolerant with children, and will likely be very protective of them.
They get along well with other dogs, and can get along with cats if they are socialized well.
Both parent breeds are working dogs. Huskies were bred to pull sleds across the frozen arctic.
Schnauzers protected their owners when they traveled, looked after livestock, and hunted vermin like rats.
Because of their hardworking heritage, the schnauzer husky needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy. It’s important to give them a “job”.
This may be guarding the house, learning new tricks, or watching over children.
These pooches are very intelligent. However, they can be stubborn as well.
You’ll need to be a strong leader to manage a husky schnauzer. They require an alpha. This means staying calm but authoritative, and being consistent.
Use positive reinforcement when training them, and avoid punishing them.
They have an independent personality, but they don’t do well if they are left alone for long periods. It’s recommended that they spend no more than 4 hours alone at a time.
This can be problematic if you work for long periods of time. If this is the case, you may need a friend or dog sitter to stop by during your working hours.
A lonely pooch can become destructive, and develop obsessive behaviors like constant licking. They can also become depressed.
Health
Schnauzer huskies are considered to be a healthy breed, but they are prone to a few health issues.
Your pooch can inherit some of these conditions from either parent.
However, they are at a higher risk of developing conditions that are common in both breeds, so that will be our focus here.
Eye problems
Both parent breeds are at an increased risk of a few eye problems. One of these conditions is progressive retinal atrophy or PRA.
This condition causes a complete loss of vision over 1-2 years.
Cataracts are another concern. Cataracts occur when a film forms over the eye, which impairs vision.
Allergies
Both parent breeds are also prone to allergies. They can develop allergies to things in their environment, including grass or dust.
They can also be allergic to food ingredients, including dairy, chicken, eggs, wheat, and beef.
Skin issues, including itching, hair loss, skin lesions, and rashes can occur due to allergies.
Pancreatitis
Any dog can develop pancreatitis, but some breeds are at a much higher risk of the condition than others.
Huskies and Schnauzers are unfortunately included in this category.
According to PetMD, pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed.
This causes it to release digestive enzymes into the stomach cavity, which can damage nearby organs and the pancreas itself.
Pancreatitis can cause vomiting, fever, lethargy, and severe stomach pain.
Dogs with the condition will often adopt a praying position, with their front half on the ground and their rear in the air.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is another concern for a husky schnauzer mix. The condition usually begins between 6 months and 6 years old.
A pooch with epilepsy will have seizures.
They may lose control of their muscles, which can cause them to fall over or shake. They can also lose consciousness during a seizure.
Urinary issues
Miniature schnauzers are at an increased risk of developing bladder stones, which puts husky schnauzers at an increased risk as well if they are bred from a miniature schnauzer.
Signs of bladder stones include blood in the urine, and difficulty urinating. They may also whine or strain when peeing.
Both parent breeds have an increased risk of developing urinary incontinence, which means they have a difficult time controlling their bladder.
Exercise Needs
Schnauzer huskies aren’t quite as energetic as purebred huskies, but they still need at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise each day.
Huskies require 2 hours of exercise each day, while schnauzers need about 1 hour each day.
They love to run, so a fenced-in yard or a local dog park is essential to meet their exercise needs. They are happy to on jogs, hikes, or simple strolls.
In addition to physical exercise, they need lots of mental stimulation.
You can provide this by teaching them new commands, giving them puzzle toys, and playing games like hide and seek.
In Summary
Husky schnauzers, or schnauzer huskies, are charming and affectionate.
They are very loyal to their family, and they are highly protective as well. They love to please their owners, but they can be stubborn as well.
They are independent but need plenty of time with their family. They are a great pooch for active families and those with children.
They also get along well with other pets, particularly if they are socialized with them as puppies.