Carnauzer

10-15 lbs
8-12"
Unknown
Cairn Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer

Spunky and electric, the Carnauzer is an ideal medium-sized hybrid breed that was developed from the Cairn Terrier and the Miniature Schnauzer. Its exact origins are unknown since the breed first came to be during the designer dog trend and the history is not yet documented. The Carnauzer is an exquisite hybrid breed with a strong-willed personality. It craves attention and prefers to be surrounded by company. While not an excessive barker, early training should be provided in order to teach this breed what not to bark at. Its harsh and rough coat means that grooming maintenance will be relatively easy. High energy levels means you should be prepared to run with your dog to maintain its healthy weight.

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Cairn Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer

Carnauzer Health

Average Size
Male Carnauzer size stats
Height: 8-12 inches Weight: 10-15 lbs
Female Carnauzer size stats
Height: 8-12 inches Weight: 10-15 lbs
Major Concerns
  • vonWillebrand’s Disease
  • Myotonia Congenita
Minor Concerns
  • Hypothyroidism
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Urinary Stones
  • Krabbe's Disease
Occasional Tests
  • Physical Examination
  • Urinalysis
  • Serum Chemistry
  • Complete Blood Count
  • Electromyography (EMG)
  • T4 Concentration Test

Carnauzer Breed History

The Carnauzer is a relatively recent combination, believed to have been developed in the last 20 years. While its exact origin is unknown, the Carnauzer was developed from the Cairn Terrier and the Miniature Schnauzer. Until 1873, the Cairn Terrier was considered to be part of the Scotch Terriers. In 1873, the curious breed was then transferred into the Skye Terrier group. In 1912, the Cairn Terrier was finally able to stand on its own with its name. The early breed standard contained a variety of colors but white was a dominant color at the time. Eventually, the color white was banned from the Cairn Terrier in the 1920s. In “The Wizard of Oz”, there is a Cairn Terrier known as Toto who accompanies the main character Dorothy. In 1913, the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. In the late 19th century, the Miniature Schnauzer was developed in Germany from the Standard Schnauzer, Miniature Pinscher, Affenpinscher, and other small dogs. Originally, the Miniature Schnauzer was used to catch vermin on farms, protect, and hunt small prey. The Miniature Schnauzer managed to keep its popularity through both World Wars when dog breeding suffered. This alert canine was known to have a variety of colors in its early development before the standard settled on black and silver combinations. In 1926, the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. While both the Cairn Terrier and the Miniature Schnauzer are both recognized by the AKC, the Carnauzer is not on the roster due to its hybrid status.

Carnauzer Breed Appearance

The Carnauzer has a square-shaped head with large puppy dog eyes. Hiss short legs are that of the Cairn Terrier with a Schnauzer body. His strong forequarters are stout, allowing for the knack of effectively digging on the ground. The Carnauzer's tail is generally docked and his coat comes in a variety of colors such as white, black, golden, brown, and cream. His coat also resembles the Cairn Terrier's coat texture and is considered harsh, rough, and water-repellent. Typically, the eye color will be dark brown. The paws are average-sized and powerful. The Carnauzer's expression is that of a playful canine waiting to pounce on you at any moment.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Carnauzer eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Carnauzer nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
white Carnauzer coat
White
black Carnauzer coat
Black
brown Carnauzer coat
Brown
cream Carnauzer coat
Cream
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Carnauzer straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Carnauzer Breed Maintenance

The Carnauzer is considered to be a hypoallergenic breed, which is great news if you have allergies. This breed does not shed much due to his coat type and additionally, he does not drool. The Carnauzer is not an odorous canine and maintenance of this hybrid will be relatively simple if routines are kept. Its harsh, rough coat means that brushing can be done weekly. If your dog's coat is on the longer side, you may need to keep up with grooming appointments for a light trim every 6 weeks. Bathing should not take place more than every 6 to 8 weeks unless your dog jumped in mud while out exploring. Ears should be cleaned every week, keeping on the lookout for moisture leading to yeast proliferation, while his nails should be trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks. Teeth should be brushed weekly and even more if you notice an accumulation of tartar.
Brushes for Carnauzer
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Clipper
Clipper
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Carnauzer requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Carnauzer Temperament

With a playful expression and a need to be surrounded by company, the Carnauzer's temperament is full of positive factors. His energy is enough to keep your dog chasing after stimuli all day. Your Carnauzer is curious, lively, and can be rambunctious. This lovable canine is accepting towards its owners and strangers and early socialization will ensure this. Due to his original purpose of hunting small vermin, supervision around small animals is a good idea. His loving nature means that it does well with children of all ages. While the Miniature Schnauzer may be stubborn at times when it comes to obedience and structure, your Carnauzer will take pleasure in learning new commands as long as he is provided with rewards and consistent training. This happy breed will grow attached to his family easily and will follow you around at home, eager to be in the loop. 

Carnauzer Activity Requirements

The Carnauzer requires intense exercise due to his high activity levels. Multiple walks should be provided daily for mental and physical stimulation. Activities such as running, chasing a ball , and swimming would be ideal for your Carnauzer. The ideal environment for your Carnauzer is a rural home with access to a yard or field in a warm climate. Your spunky canine would be able to live in an urban area as long as he is provided with daily access to the outdoors. It is recommended to provide your Carnauzer with about 60 minutes of daily activity. Always ensure your dog is on a leash when in urban areas as he may take off on a chase when given the opportunity.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
12 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Carnauzer Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Carnauzer Owner Experiences

Jack
17 Years
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Jack is an active dog, for his age. He is a good walker and he gets out three times a day for his walk; his morning walk is usually a good half hour; his mid-day walk is about ten to fifteen minutes, and his night time walk is about the same.
2 years ago
Chester
1 Year
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Cuddling
training
Walks
Chester was a rescue and the greatest addition to our family! He has so much energy but when he's ready for bed he's the biggest snuggler! He loves to curl up in between his mom & dad. He LOVES to give kisses, as much as he can. He's better with adults (he had a bad experience with a small child). He barks, a lot.. either howling or barking or whining he's always making some kind of noises.
5 years ago
Benji
6 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
This is our first Carnauzer
6 years, 1 month ago
Lizzy
3 Years
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is extremely intelligent, loving, affectionate. Loves children and adults. Playful with other dogs. Minimal grooming required. Never sheds on floor, clothing if brushed weekly. House trained easily. Learned commands and tricks quickly. Does very well by herself while we are at work and school. Hardly ever barks unless fire whistles go off. Then she will howl with siren but stops immediately. Good with strangers- she loves people. She plays hard for a little but easily tires and then naps. She loves food and does beg but that is really her only negative.
5 years, 9 months ago
Baron
1 Year
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
First time , normally have Airdale
5 years, 1 month ago
DODGER
9 Years
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Car rides
Cuddles
Walks
playing with other dogs
Dodger is a spanish rescue dog i adopted in 2012. He was 18 months old. Dodger loves to go out with you be it a walk or a drive. My little buddy always waiting. Leave him at home he will use his area as a toilet. (Took over a year to get him out of it). Very sociable dog. With people aswell as other dogs. Wouldn't trust him with small animals (cats, Birds, hamsters etc.). Loves comfort he would rather sleep on rags than the floor. Very intelligent dog that likes to act dumb. Useless as a guard dog. Likes to to be groomed. Just not his paws. Can be stubborn. But he has an amazing personality and quirky traits. Great with kids. Great family pet. Or company for someone on their own who looking for a active and friendly little dog
4 years, 7 months ago
Toodles
8 Years
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Car rides
Walk
Run
She is an amazing dog to have as part of our family. She is very protective of the kids as well.
4 years, 1 month ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd