Schnauzer Australian Shepherd Mix
The Schnauzer Australian Shepherd Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Australian Shepherd and the Schnauzer. This is obviously a unique combination that breeds two different unique breeds. The Schnauzer is a smaller, hunting type breed and the Aussie is a herding breed. It is probably going to have a strong prey drive. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Australian Shepherd or the Schnauzer? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Australian Shepherd Mix. While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Schnauzer Australian Shepherd Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Schnauzer Australian Shepherd Mix puppies for sale. If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.
Here are some pictures of the Schnauzer Australian Shepherd Mix
Schnauzer Australian Shepherd Mix History
All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. Please sign our petition to stop puppy mills. Australian Shepherd History: The Australian Shepherd has a rather vague past and lineage. For this reason, it’s name is a bit misleading. The Aussie was actually called the following prior to it’s current name - Spanish Shepherd, Pastor Dog, Bob-Tail, New Mexican Shepherd, California Shepherd, and Australian Shepherd. There are a lot of folks who think that the breed originated from the Basque region in Spain where they were used by shepherds. The thought is that those shepherds emigrated to the West Coast of the United States via Australia and brought their dogs with them. While the origins aren’t totally agreed upon, there is agreement that it developed in western North America in the 19th and early 20th centuries. One theory as to where they got their name is that they were named for the imported sheep that they herded. The Australian Shepherd isn’t as affected by altitude as much as other herding breeds so it became a well known and loved sheep herder in the Rocky Mountains. The original breeders were Ranchers in Boulder, Colorado, who then began to sell and distribute the dogs all over the West. Back when dogs such as this were used primarily as working stock, shepherds were much more interested in dogs' working abilities than their appearance. As a result, over time, shepherds interbred dogs that they believed would produce better workers for the given climate and landscape. The landscape played a large role in how the dogs looked, In the eastern U.S., terrain and weather conditions were similar to that of Europe. Europe is where most of those breeds came from, so the existing breeds and their offspring worked well there. However, different dogs were needed In the American West, as the conditions were much different from the East. Spanish flocks of sheep, known as the Churra were introduced for food. The shepherds brought over Spanish dogs that proved capable for their job in the wild and dangerous territory. These dogs were highly valued for their ability to herd and protect from predators on the open range. Selective breeding for many generations focused on aspects of the dog that enabled it to function as an effective stockdog in the American West. It had to handle severe weather; have plenty of speed, athleticism, energy, and endurance; and be intelligent, flexible, and independent; while remaining obedient. Schnauzer History: This little guy was originally bred to hunt rats on farms and to be a guard dog. He is a German that was bred in the mid to late 1800s by crossing the Standard Schnauzer with other smaller breeds. The breeding of this dog stalled out during the World Wars for obvious reasons. Now, he is mainly a family pet that is rather affectionate.
Schnauzer Australian Shepherd Mix Size and Weight
Australian Shepherd Height: 18 - 23 inches at the shoulder Weight: 35 - 75 lb. Lifespan: 13-15 years Schnauzer This can vary on whether it is a miniature, standard, or giant Schnauzer
Schnauzer Australian Shepherd Mix Personality
Like all hybrids, you have to look to the parents to get a good read on how they will likely behave. The Schnauzer Aussie Mix is an alert, affectionate, and friendly dog. Overall, they should make great family pets because they are loving and happy companions. They are just friendly and kind dogs to have around. They will get along well with children and other pets and are patient and kind. They will make a fine watch dog as they will bark if someone is coming around. However, they are kind of small but will they will be alert. Early socialization and positive reinforcement are vital for all dogs. He is intelligent so training should be moderately easy. He should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving him alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. He wants to be with the “pack.”
Schnauzer Australian Shepherd Mix Health
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. The mixed with the Australian Shepherd might be prone to bloat, hip dysplasia, heart disease, eye problems, among others. Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.
Schnauzer Australian Shepherd Mix Care
What are the grooming requirements? The Schnauzer does not shed a lot. It depends on which parent gives the most genes to the offspring as to what these characteristics will be like. Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. What are the exercise requirements? Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level and high prey drive. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. A tired dog is a good dog. What are the training requirements? This is an extremely intelligent dog that will be easy to train, however, it might be extremely stubborn. It will need a strong, firm handler that is consistent and won’t let this dog take advantage of them. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.
Schnauzer Australian Shepherd Mix Feeding
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.