King Schnauzer Hybrid Dogs

The King Schnauzer is a cross between a Miniature Schnauzer and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are a smaller sized hybrid dog, measuring about 14 inches at the shoulder and weighing typically around 15 pounds at full maturity. Although small, the King Schnauzer is a very athletic and well developed dog with straight, strong legs and a well proportioned body. The coat is moderately long and double, with a longer, rough outer coat and a thick inner coat typical of these dog types. In some cases the King Schnauzer may have a longer hair on the chest and tail area, more typical of that of the Cavalier. Colors can range from salt and pepper to black and white, parti colored or white with black, brown or red. Tan and fawn markings and black with tan to cream markings on the legs, chest, face and underside of the body are also common color patterns.

The face of the King Schnauzer is well balanced with a moderately sized muzzle and a well defined stop. The ears tend to be larger and folded over but still alert and attentive. The eyes are dark, round and very bright, seeming to follow everyone and everything going on. The eyebrows and beard may very evident or it may be much less pronounced, depending on which parent breed the dog favors. The neck is moderately long and carried slightly arched, well placed above the chest.

A fun loving, happy go lucky dog the King Schnauzer needs to be around people more than he or she is alone. They adore their human companions and also make good companion dogs for both canine and non-canine pets. While they can be stubborn and somewhat independent, with consistent, firm training they make terrific competition dogs in both obedience and agility events.

The King Schnauzer like many purebred and hybrid breeds can, if not trained and socialized, show signs of dominance and possessiveness. This may be especially evident when trying to position his or herself as the leader of the household. This is typical of most terrier breeds, however the King Schnauzer does benefit from the calmer disposition of the Cavalier. As a canine hybrid the breed is very gifted at obedience and some make great mousers, chasing and catching any vermin that may be around your house area. Since they are prone to chasing they need to be on a leash or in a fenced yard for their own protection.

Grooming your King Schnauzer is important to keep the inner coat from matting and the outer coat from tangling. A short bristled wire brush is the best grooming tool and should be used at least every other day. Many owners will clip their King Schnauzer to keep grooming to a minimum, especially during the heavier seasonal shedding periods in the spring of the fall. Clipping can range from just uniformly trimming the hair to the more traditional clip seen on the Schnauzer breeds.

The King Schnauzer can do very well in an apartment or a residence without a fenced yard, but they do need daily walks that provide both physical and mental exercise. A regular training routine as well as playtime that incorporates fetching or other tasks is highly recommended. These dogs are very puppy-like well into their senior years and are typically very healthy. Carefully monitor the diet and avoid over-feeding as they may be prone to weight gain although with lots of exercise space this is not generally a concern.

• ACHC
• CKC
• ICA

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