The Snorkie is a small designer crossbreed between a Miniature Schnauzer and a Yorkshire Terrier, typically weighing 5–15 pounds and standing 5–12 inches tall. Also called the Schnorkie, Mini Schnorkie, or Schnauzer-Yorkie mix, this hybrid combines the Schnauzer's alert intelligence with the Yorkie's spirited, affectionate personality. Snorkies are a strong fit for solo adults, retirees, and small families looking for a sturdy little watchdog that thrives indoors and travels easily.
Snorkie at a Glance
Before going deeper, here are the essentials prospective owners ask about most:
- Other names: Schnorkie, Mini Schnorkie, Schnauzer-Yorkie mix, Yorkie-Schnauzer
- Parent breeds: Miniature Schnauzer × Yorkshire Terrier
- Weight: 5–15 pounds (most fall 8–12 lbs)
- Height: 5–12 inches at the shoulder
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Coat: Medium-length, silky or wiry, often double-layered
- Shedding: Low — one of the lower-shedding small mixes
- Energy level: Medium — playful indoors, content with 30 minutes of daily exercise
- Good with kids: Better with older, gentle children; fragile around toddlers
- Good with other pets: Yes, with early socialization
- Apartment-friendly: Yes — small size and modest exercise needs suit apartment life
- Recognition: Not AKC-recognized; recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club and Designer Breed Registry
Appearance
The Snorkie's look depends largely on which parent's genes dominate, and even littermates can look strikingly different from one another. There's no single "Snorkie standard" the way there is for a purebred.
Body: Snorkies are compact and sturdier than a pure Yorkie, thanks to the Schnauzer's stockier frame. Most fall between 8 and 12 pounds, though smaller Yorkie-leaning dogs may stay closer to 5 pounds and Schnauzer-leaning dogs can push 15 pounds. The build is rectangular rather than square, with a level topline and a deep little chest.
Head and face: Expect a slightly rounded skull, dark almond-shaped eyes, and a black nose. Ears may stand erect like a cropped Schnauzer's, fold over like a Yorkie's, or sit somewhere in between — a partial drop is most common. Many Snorkies inherit the Schnauzer's signature bearded muzzle and bushy eyebrows.
Coat: The coat is usually medium-length and silky, often with a softer undercoat from the Schnauzer side and a longer, finer topcoat from the Yorkie side. Wiry, terrier-style coats also occur. All coat types are low-shedding but require regular brushing to prevent mats.
Color: Common colors include black and tan, black and silver, salt-and-pepper, solid black, and the classic Yorkie blue-and-tan blend. Many puppies are born dark and lighten as they mature.
History
The Snorkie emerged in the United States during the designer-dog wave of the late 1990s and early 2000s, when breeders began intentionally crossing small purebreds to combine desirable traits. Crossing the Miniature Schnauzer with the Yorkshire Terrier was aimed at producing a sturdier alternative to the often-fragile Yorkie, while keeping the small size, low shedding, and big-personality temperament both breeds are known for.
Designer crosses like the Snorkie followed the trail blazed by the Cockapoo and Maltipoo a decade earlier, riding the cultural shift toward apartment-friendly companion dogs with predictable size and minimal shedding. The Snorkie isn't recognized by major kennel clubs like the AKC, but it is registered by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Breed Registry, and the International Designer Canine Registry.
Today, the Snorkie sits in a comfortable middle tier of designer-dog pricing — more expensive than older crosses but well below the boutique doodles. Reputable breeders typically charge $600–$1,500 per puppy.
Temperament & Personality
Snorkies are best described as small dogs with serious confidence. They inherit the Miniature Schnauzer's alertness and loyalty alongside the Yorkshire Terrier's spirited, affectionate streak, producing a hybrid that bonds tightly with its people and isn't shy about announcing visitors.
With family: Snorkies are velcro dogs that thrive on close human contact. Expect a lap dog who follows you room to room, naps next to you while you watch TV, and wants to be involved in whatever the household is doing. Owners often report a strong preference for one favorite person, though they can warm to the whole family with consistent attention.
With children: Snorkies do best with older, gentler kids who understand how to handle a small dog. Their small frame makes them fragile around toddlers, and the terrier side can react with a defensive nip if grabbed roughly or cornered. Early socialization with respectful children helps.
With other pets: Generally good, particularly when raised alongside other small dogs and cats. The Schnauzer parent has a strong prey drive toward rodents and small animals, so Snorkies are not the best fit for households with hamsters or pet rats.
Alone time: This is the Snorkie's weakest area. They're prone to separation anxiety and excessive barking when left alone for long stretches. Households where no one is home during the day should plan for a dog walker, doggy daycare, or a companion pet.
Watchdog ability: Excellent — perhaps too excellent. The Snorkie will alert-bark at every doorbell, delivery truck, and unfamiliar footstep. That's a feature for many owners and a problem for apartment dwellers with thin walls. Early training on a "quiet" cue is worth the effort.
Health
Snorkies benefit from hybrid vigor in some areas but inherit risks from both parent lines. Reputable breeders screen for the most serious conditions; rescue and backyard-bred dogs may carry undetected issues. Conditions to watch for include:
- Patellar luxation: Kneecap displacement, common in small breeds. Symptoms include intermittent skipping or holding up a back leg. Mild cases can be managed conservatively; severe cases may need surgery.
- Dental disease: Both parent breeds are prone to overcrowded teeth and gum issues. Daily brushing and annual professional cleanings extend lifespan significantly.
- Pancreatitis and hyperlipidemia: Inherited from the Schnauzer side. Snorkies should be kept on a low-fat diet and away from human table scraps.
- Eye conditions: Cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and dry eye occur in both parent breeds. Annual eye exams help with early detection.
- Hypothyroidism: Slowed thyroid function can cause weight gain, lethargy, and coat issues. It's easily managed with daily medication once diagnosed by bloodwork.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: A hip-joint condition seen in small breeds, especially Yorkies. Surgery is curative if caught early.
- Portosystemic shunt: A liver abnormality more common in Yorkies. Reputable breeders test for it before breeding.
- Tracheal collapse: Small Snorkies can develop a weakened trachea, especially when walked on a collar instead of a harness.
The Snorkie's typical lifespan of 12–15 years assumes good preventive care, including annual vet checkups, dental cleanings, weight management, and parasite prevention.
Exercise Needs
Snorkies have moderate energy levels — enough to need a real daily walk, not so much that they'll bounce off the walls when skipped. Plan for about 30 minutes of activity per day, broken into two shorter sessions. A typical Snorkie day looks like:
- Two daily walks (10–15 minutes each) at a brisk pace
- Indoor play with toys, fetch, or tug — apartment-friendly outlets
- Mental enrichment via puzzle feeders or short training sessions
- Sniff walks where the dog leads and explores at its own pace
Snorkies overheat quickly in summer due to their small body mass — walk them early or late on hot days and skip the midday outing. In winter, most Snorkies appreciate a sweater for walks below about 45°F. Their modest exercise needs make them excellent apartment dogs, but skipping walks entirely leads to barking, destructive chewing, and weight gain.
Training
Snorkies are highly intelligent — both parent breeds rank above average for working IQ — but the terrier streak can make them stubborn. Expect a dog that learns quickly when motivated and tunes you out when bored.
Use short, positive-reinforcement sessions of 5–10 minutes, with high-value treats and lots of praise. Keep training upbeat and varied; harsh corrections shut Snorkies down and can damage trust. Group puppy classes are worth the cost — they handle the socialization piece and give you professional feedback on technique.
House training takes patience. Like many small breeds, Snorkies have small bladders and a stubborn streak; plan for 4–6 months of consistent crate training and frequent outdoor trips. Watch hard for "small dog syndrome" — the cluster of demand-barking, leash reactivity, and snappiness that comes from letting a small dog skip normal manners because it's cute. Treat your Snorkie like a 60-pound dog in a 10-pound body, and you'll get a well-mannered adult.
Grooming
Snorkies are low-shedding but high-maintenance on the coat side. Expect a real grooming routine, not a once-a-week brush.
- Brushing: Daily light brushing prevents mats, especially around the ears, beard, and behind the legs. A pin brush plus a fine-tooth metal comb handles most coats.
- Professional grooming: Every 6–8 weeks for a trim, with a longer "puppy cut" being the most popular Snorkie style for owners who don't want to deal with daily detangling.
- Bathing: Every 3–4 weeks with a gentle dog shampoo. More frequent baths strip natural oils and can dry the skin.
- Ears: Check weekly and clean with a vet-approved cleanser. Hair grows inside the ear canal and traps moisture, leading to infections if neglected.
- Teeth: Daily brushing is non-negotiable. Both parent breeds are prone to dental disease, and small mouths mean problems escalate fast.
- Nails: Trim every 3–4 weeks if the dog isn't naturally wearing them down on walks.
Budget around $50–$80 per professional grooming session, more in major metros. Owners willing to learn home grooming with clippers can cut that cost significantly.
Nutrition
Snorkies do best on a high-quality small-breed kibble formulated for their size and activity level. Adults typically eat ½ to 1 cup of dry food per day, split into two meals. Puppies need three to four smaller meals through their first six months.
Because of the Schnauzer side's tendency toward pancreatitis and high lipid levels, avoid high-fat treats and table scraps — especially fatty meats, cheese, and anything fried. Look for foods with moderate fat content (10–15%), real meat as the first ingredient, and joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine. Fresh water should always be available, and most Snorkies do better on two scheduled meals than free-feeding, which makes weight management much harder.
Is the Snorkie Right for You?
The Snorkie is a great fit if you:
- Live in an apartment, condo, or smaller home
- Are home most of the day or can arrange company for the dog
- Want a small dog with a bold, alert personality
- Have mild allergies and need a low-shedding option
- Don't mind moderate barking and watchdog tendencies
- Have older children, or no children at home
- Can commit to daily brushing and regular professional grooming
The Snorkie is probably not for you if:
- You have toddlers or very young children
- You're gone 8+ hours a day with no plan for company
- You want a calm, quiet dog who never alert-barks
- You're not willing to commit to a real grooming routine
- You have small pets like hamsters or rats that might trigger the prey drive
Finding a Snorkie
Reputable breeders: Look for breeders who health-test both parents (patella, eyes, thyroid, and PSS panel for the Yorkie side), raise puppies in their home rather than a kennel, let you meet at least the mother in person, and provide a written health guarantee. Avoid breeders who have multiple breeds available simultaneously, ship puppies sight-unseen, or sell exclusively through pet stores.
Rescue: Snorkies and similar small mixes do show up in shelters and small-dog rescues, especially in major metro areas. Search Petfinder for "Schnauzer mix" and "Yorkie mix" in your area, and check breed-specific rescues for Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers — they often take in the crosses too.
Red flags to avoid: Suspiciously low prices, sellers who pressure you to "decide today," breeders who can't answer health-testing questions, or anyone selling a "teacup Snorkie" as a premium product. There's no recognized teacup variety — it's just marketing for runts, and those puppies often carry serious health issues.
Cost of Ownership
Initial costs:
- Puppy from a reputable breeder: $600–$1,500
- Rescue adoption: $100–$400
- Initial vet visit + vaccinations: $200–$400
- Spay/neuter: $200–$500
- Supplies (crate, bed, bowls, leash, harness, toys): $200–$400
Annual ongoing costs:
- Food: $300–$450
- Routine vet care: $300–$500
- Grooming: $400–$800
- Pet insurance: $200–$500
- Treats, toys, miscellaneous: $200–$400
Plan for roughly $1,500–$2,500 in year one and $1,400–$2,200 per year ongoing. Emergency vet bills for issues like patellar luxation surgery or dental extractions can add $1,500–$5,000+ in a single incident — pet insurance is worth pricing out early, before any condition becomes a pre-existing exclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Snorkie live?
Snorkies typically live 12–15 years. Good preventive care — annual checkups, dental cleanings, weight management, and parasite prevention — can push that toward the upper end of the range.
Are Snorkies hypoallergenic?
No dog is fully hypoallergenic, but Snorkies shed very little and produce less dander than short-coated breeds. People with mild to moderate dog allergies often tolerate them well; severe allergy sufferers should spend extended time with the specific dog before committing.
How big do Snorkies get?
Adult Snorkies typically weigh 5–15 pounds and stand 5–12 inches tall at the shoulder. Yorkie-leaning dogs skew smaller (5–8 lbs); Schnauzer-leaning dogs reach the upper end (12–15 lbs).
Are Snorkies good with kids?
Snorkies do best with older, gentle children who understand how to handle a small dog. Their fragile frame and the terrier side's tendency toward defensive snapping make them less suitable for households with toddlers or rough-housing kids.
Do Snorkies bark a lot?
Yes — Snorkies inherit alert-barking tendencies from both parent breeds and are natural watchdogs. They make excellent doorbell announcers but can be a problem in apartments with thin walls. Early training on a "quiet" cue, plenty of mental stimulation, and not rewarding the barking helps manage it.
How much does a Snorkie cost?
Expect $600–$1,500 from a reputable breeder, or $100–$400 through rescue. Annual ongoing costs run roughly $1,400–$2,200 including food, vet care, grooming, and supplies. Grooming is a real line item — plan for visits every 6–8 weeks.
Can Snorkies be left alone?
Snorkies are prone to separation anxiety and don't do well alone for long stretches. Most adult Snorkies can handle 4–6 hours alone if properly exercised and crate trained. Longer days require a dog walker, daycare, or a companion pet to prevent destructive behavior and excessive barking.
Are Snorkies easy to train?
Snorkies are intelligent but stubborn. They learn quickly when motivated by treats and short positive-reinforcement sessions, but house training can take 4–6 months. Consistency, patience, and avoiding harsh corrections matter more than any particular method.
If the Snorkie isn't quite the right fit, you might also consider the Shorkie (Shih Tzu × Yorkie), the Yorkie-Poo (Yorkie × Poodle), the Chorkie (Chihuahua × Yorkie), or the Schnoodle (Schnauzer × Poodle) for a similar size with slightly different personality blends.
