4-15 lbs
6-14"
United States
This Schnauzer Chihuahua mix is known as the Schnauchi, Schnauhuahua and Schnizer - but, most commonly, you’ll hear them called the Chizer. They’re popular for their small size and cute appearance.
In this guide to the Chizer, you’ll learn:
You may be aware that there are two types of Schnauzer: Standard and Miniature. The Chizer is the Miniature Schnauzer and Chihuahua. While they do make wonderful pets and were bred primarily for companionship, they will do better in families without small children and other animals.
If you’d like to buy a Chizer puppy then you can expect to pay between $200 to $500; you should always choose a reputable breeder. This makes them a fairly affordable crossbreed. However, you could also rehome a rescue dog — this will be significantly cheaper and give a dog in need a second chance.
The Chizer can live up to 15 years. This is very similar to their parent breeds, with all three benefitting from their small size.
Chizer dogs are a relatively healthy breed but you still want to know you are covered should anything happen to your furry friend. It’s quick and easy to compare the best pet insurance plans from top providers to give you peace of mind.
The Schnauzer Chihuahua is a relatively new hybrid. It was bred in the United States and although the actual date of origin is unknown it is believed to be some time before 2009.
The Chihuahua, on the other hand, originated in Mexico in 100 AD. It is thought to be a descendant of the Techichi which dates back to 300 BC. This small, mute dog was owned by almost every Aztec family as they believed it would guide their soul to the underworld. The Chihuahua we know today was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1904.
The Miniature Schnauzer originates in Germany in the 1800s and is believed to be a combination of the larger Standard Schnauzer, Affenpinscher and Poodle - to develop a small Schnauzer. The Miniature Schnauzer was once a farm dog, used specially as a ratter. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1926, a couple of years after they arrived in the country.
While the Chizer isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club, it was officially recognized by the Designer Canine Registry in 2009. This hybrid is also recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, Dog Registry of America and Designer Breed Registry. It’s recognized by the names of Chizer and Schnauchi in these registries.
Your Chizer may look similar to either or both of the parent breeds. They’re likely to be small dogs, with a weight of anywhere from four to 15 pounds and a height of six to 14 inches, depending which breed is more dominant. They may look like a delicate breed but they are actually much stronger than they appear.
Their heads can be round, long or apple-shaped. The Chizer has a short, pointed or square muzzle and large, round eyes. The nose is black. The ears are big, but they can vary in style; either large, pointed and erect, or longer and floppy.
This crossbreed tends to have a short neck on a slender body with either long or short legs. The tail is naturally a long length but sometimes it will have been docked — docking is when the tail is shortened. In some parts of the world this is illegal. While it’s regulated in some states in the US, it isn’t illegal here. It’s usually done shortly after birth and is most often for cosmetic reasons.
Their coats are usually short but can be longer. They tend to have softer hair on their head and slightly more coarse hair on their body. The coat can be white, black, black and brown, black and white, black and tan, brown, chocolate, cream, dark brown, golden, gray and tricolor.
Not sure a Chizer is right for you? What about one of the two dogs that form this mixed breed:
You might also like to consider similar breeds, such as:
Alternatively, you might like another breed crossed with a Chihuahua, such as:
Chorkie - Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier
Chiweenie - Chihuahua and Dachshund
Pomchi - Chihuahua and Pomeranian
Chug - Chihuahua and Pug
Chi-Poo - Chihuahua and Poodle
Jack Chi - Chihuahua and Jack Russell
Italian Greyhuahua - Chihuahua and Italian Greyhound
Chipit - Chihuahua and Pitbull
Rat-Cha - Chihuahua and Rat Terrier
Whether you choose a Chizer, Chihuahua or Schnauzer, the most important job of a pet parent is to look after their health.
Set yourself up for success by comparing our pet insurance plans and sign up to a wellness plan which covers all your routine treatments and check-ups.
Like both the parent breeds, the Chizer is a moderate shedder who will need brushing several times a week. They’ll only need a bath when required — perhaps if they get muddy or roll in something smelly.
You should check and clean their ears once a week, brush their teeth daily and trim their nails when required.
The Schnauzer Chihuahua mix is generally a healthy breed. However, they can, of course, be affected by the health conditions that affect the parent breeds. A few you need to be aware of, are:
There’s also a chance of progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, pancreatitis, arthritis, gastric dilation volvulus and skin diseases — although these are only minor concerns.
Does your insurance cover the ongoing cost of treatment for health issues such as diabetes? It’s quick and easy to compare top pet insurance providers to ensure you have the best cover for your Chizer.
If caught early, dogs can live with liver disease. However it, of course, depends on how serious it is and on the underlying cause. There is a chance it can lead to liver failure. A common symptom to look out for is jaundice — this will usually be seen around the eyes, ears and gums — which will look a yellowish color.
Other symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss as well as increased thirst. If this progresses, symptoms such as seizures and disorientation can become apparent. It’s important to see your vet as soon as you suspect there is a problem with their liver as this will give them the best chance of recovery.
Just like humans, dogs can get diabetes. This can be Type I which is more serious or Type II. Around 99% will have the former — it means the body isn’t producing insulin and they’ll need daily injections. Only 1% will have the latter — this can be treated with oral medication because the body is producing insulin but the cells are unable to use it. Although the cause is unknown, 1 in 500 dogs are expected to get diabetes. Symptoms to look out for include increased appetite alongside weight loss and excessive thirst.
Kidney disease — or renal disease — can happen gradually or very quickly. It means the organ can’t filter toxins out of the bloodstream and may be due to an underlying health condition. You may notice your dog is very thirsty and urinates more often.
If this is acute it can lead to kidney failure which can be fatal. If it’s chronic, it’s more likely to be an older dog. This is irreversible but the progression can be slowed down. There are various causes of both. Acute may be due to ingesting toxic foods such as raisins as grapes while chronic could be due to deterioration of the organ as a result of old age.
Treatment will depend on the cause and recovery will depend on how much damage has been done. This is why it’s important to get them to the vet as soon as you suspect this.
Von Willebrand's Disease is likely to come from the Miniature Schnauzer and is extended bleeding which can, sadly, sometimes be fatal. Most commonly this bleeding will occur after surgery. Dogs can also spontaneously hemorrhage — this is often related to stress. This is an inherited disease which, unfortunately, has no cure.
Your Chizer will benefit from high-quality dry food that is specifically formulated for small dogs and high-energy breeds.
Puppies should be fed three to four times a day. For adults, this can be reduced to two meals per day.
They’re prone to becoming overweight or obese so keep this in mind when serving up their meals, especially if they have had treats.
This crossbreed can develop kidney problems. If yours does then they will need to be put on a low-phosphorus diet.
Are you wondering what to feed a Chizer? We have some recipe recommendations in our Best Dog Food for Chihuahuas guide. Or, you can take a look at the advice from our friends at Dog Food Advisor, including the best small breed puppy food, best dog food for small dogs, the best dog food for Chihuahuas and the best dog food for Miniature Schnauzers.
The Chizer can have the temperament of either or both parent breeds. They’re likely to be happy, sweet and gentle little dogs that love to play. However, they can also be a nervous dog which can result in some aggression.
They bond very closely with their family and will crave your attention. You’ll find they want to be by your side at all times
However, if you have young children it’s important to be aware that their Chihuahua side can result in a low tolerance of them. Small children may not understand how to play with them which may result in the pup feeling like they are being teased and so they can become snappy. Likewise, they can be shy around strangers and don’t always get along with other animals.
It’s vital to socialize your Chizer early on and ensure that you train them to help them get along with youngsters and other animals — especially if either are in your home — as well as strangers who will likely visit. If you do have small children, it’s best to introduce them as a puppy, allowing them to grow up together.
Although they are a very intelligent breed they can be stubborn like the Chihuahua which can make them difficult to train. Positive reinforcement, including praise and treats, will help.
As they’re wary of strangers this can make them a good watchdog — and you’ll find that they follow and watch every move of anyone they don’t know.
Despite their small size, this hybrid appears to have endless energy. They’ll need daily walks but also benefit and enjoy challenging games that keep them mentally stimulated as well as physically. Chizer dogs are prone to chewing if they become bored or don’t get enough exercise.
As long as they’re exercised appropriately, they can live in apartments in urban areas. However, they will also do well in a home with a fenced yard in more rural environments. When it’s cold, this crossbreed will really feel it, so they will benefit from a dog sweater to keep them warm.
Written by Ellie Roddy
Published: 10/16/2017, edited: 02/23/2024
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