Schnauzer Cairn Terrier Mix (Carnauzer): The Ultimate Guide

Stats Schnauzer Cairn Terrier Mix
Size Small dog breed
Weight 14 to 20 pounds
Height 10 to 14 inches
Lifespan 12 to 16 years
Temperament Affectionate, loving, intelligent
Friendly
Color Any color or combination of colors.

Do you love dogs but are unsure of which breed is the right fit for your lifestyle? Are you looking for a small dog that is easy to take care of and low-maintenance? A Schnauzer Cairn Terrier mix may be the perfect pet for you. This is a great choice for anyone looking for a playful and loving dog. 

This guide will discuss the temperament, health problems, dietary needs, exercise, and care of Schnauzer Cairn Terriers.

Read Also: 10 Reasons Why Schnauzers Are The Worst Dogs (2023)

We will also provide information on where to find breeders and how to adopt one of these adorable dogs. So, read on to learn more about these lovable little dogs.

What is Cairn Terrier Schnauzer Mix?

Schnauzer Cairn Terrier Mix, also known as Carnauzer, is a popular designer dog breed. It is a cross between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Cairn Terrier

These dogs are known for their hypoallergenic coat, which is ideal for those with allergies. They are also known for being intelligent, friendly, and loyal dogs.

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Combining the hardy, intelligent, fearless personality of the Cairn Terrier with the Schnauzer’s friendly, spirited, and loving nature results in a pup that is the best of both worlds. 

The Cairn Terrier Schnauzer Mix is a great family dog that does well with children and other pets. They are also good watchdogs, as they will bark to alert you of strangers.

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The History Of Cairn Terrier X Miniature Schnauzer

Like Most hybrid or designer dogs, the Carnauzer history or origin is difficult to establish. However, we know that the Carnauzer is a mixed breed dog developed by crossing two purebreds. 

We will assume that people who crossed these two dogs did it to get a hypoallergenic, low-shedding, and intelligent companion. 

One problem with getting the accurate history or origin of hybrid dogs is that lots of unprofessional backyard breeders are trying to make a quick buck by churning out puppies without any regard for the proper documentation, health, and temperament of the parents or offspring. 

When you buy a puppy from one of these breeders, you are encouraging this type of terrible breeding practice. You are more likely to end up with a sickly puppy with behavioral problems. 

However, to learn more about the Carnauzer, we can look to the parent breeds for clues about their temperament and history. 

Overview & History Of The Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier is a small, energetic breed that originates from the Scottish Highlands. The breed gets its name from the cairns, or stacks of stones, often used as hunting grounds for foxes and other small animals. 

Cairns were also used as boundary markers and were often bred to help farmers keep their property lines clear of vermin. Today, the Cairn Terrier is still an effective hunting dog and a popular companion dog. 

These dogs are typically between 9 and 13 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 10 to 15 pounds. 

Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier has a double coat that is medium in length and harsh to the touch. The outer coat is waterproof and sheds dirt, while the softer undercoat insulates against cold weather. 

Common coat colors include gray, deep red, brown, black, and cream. The Cairn Terrier is an active breed that needs a good amount of exercise to stay happy and healthy. 

They are intelligent and quick-witted, making them easy to train. However, they can also be stubborn and independent-minded, so patience and consistency are key when training this breed. 

The Cairn Terrier is generally a healthy breed with a 12 to 15 years lifespan. However, like all breeds, he is susceptible to certain health conditions, such as Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GCL), glaucoma, Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO), and liver shunt.

The American Kennel Club recognized this breed in the year 1913.

Overview & History Of The Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, squarely-proportioned dog with a wiry coat. It is the smallest of the three Schnauzer breeds, and its name comes from the German word for “mustache” or “whiskers.” 

The Miniature Schnauzer is believed to have originated in Germany in the late 19th century, and it was originally bred as a ratting dog. However, it quickly became a popular companion dog, and today it is known for its loyalty and affectionate nature. 

The Miniature Schnauzer typically weighs between 11 and 20 pounds and stands between 12 and 14 inches tall at the shoulder.

It has a double coat of coarse, wiry hair that can be black, silver, salt-and-pepper, or solid white. 

The breed is generally considered cheerful, friendly, and intelligent and is known for being relatively easy to train. 

Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers need moderate exercise and are generally considered relatively healthy dogs with few major health problems. 

However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to inherited health conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, allergies, and pancreatitis.

Miniature Schnauzers’ average lifespan is 12 to 15 years, and it was recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1926. 

The Appearance Of The Carnauzer

It will be hard to predict the exact appearance of your Carnauzer, as it will be a mix of the Schnauzer and Cairn Terrier.

However, appearance can also depend on which parent gene is more dominant. For instance, if the Schnauzer parent is more dominant, your Carnauzer will likely have a longer coat. But if the Cairn Terrier parent is more dominant, your puppy will have a shorter coat. 

If Your pup has more of the Cairn Terrier parent genes, its head will likely be circular, with small pointy ears with hazel or dark hazel eyes. Suppose your pup takes more after the Schnauzer parent. In that case, its head will be rectangular with bushy eyebrows and a beard with pointed or floppy ears.

In all, you can also expect your pooch to have a bushy tail and short legs; however, your pup will be a combination of both parents.

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The Size

The Cairn Terrier Miniature Schnauzer Mix will fall into a small dog breed category. They will weigh anywhere between 14 to 20 pounds and stand at around 10 to 14 inches tall. 

Coat Type and Color

Both parent breeds have similar coat types. However, the colors of their coats can be quite different. Miniature Schnauzers come in various colors, including Salt & Pepper, black, silver, and white. 

Cairn Terriers can be black, brindle, cream, gray, red, or wheaten. So, your pup can come in any color or combination of colors.

Regarding the coat type of the Schnauzer Cairn Terrier mix, you will likely get a dog with a double coat that is either wire-haired or shaggy. The outer coat might be water-resistant, which is perfect if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow. 

No matter what the coat looks like, be sure that your pup will be a beautiful dog.

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Lifespan

The life expectancy of Miniature Schnauzer Cairn Terrier Mixes is between 12 to 16 years. This is a good amount of time for you to get to know your pup and form a strong bond. Remember that the better you care for your dog, the longer they will live.

Some factors that will affect your dog’s lifespan include their diet, exercise routine, health conditions, and whether or not they are spayed or neutered.

Giving your dog the best possible care can help them have a long and healthy life.

Temperament And Personality Of The Schnauzer Cairn Terrier Mix

We can determine the temperament of a Schnauzer Cairn Terrier mix by looking at the temperament of its parents. 

The Cairn Terrier is a hardy, intelligent, fearless, and assertive dog. 

The Miniature Schnauzer is a friendly, intelligent, fearless, and alert dog. Both breeds are active and gay.

The Schnauzer Cairn Terrier mix will inherit some of these qualities. The mix will be an active and cheerful dog. It will be intelligent and easy to train. The mix will also be fearless and have a strong hunting instinct.

These mixed breeds will also well along with children and other household pets. They will be protective of their family and property.

Cairn Terrier X Schnauzer Dietary Needs

These active dogs will do well on high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, energy, and activity level, whether homemade or commercially prepared. 

Portion control is essential to avoid weight gain; like all dogs, they need plenty of fresh water available at all times. 

A quality dry food is a good option, or you can supplement it with fresh foods. Be sure to avoid processed foods and those high in sugar.

Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can lead to obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any questions about your dog’s weight or diet. 

Your dog’s food should be high in protein as your dog will likely be high-energy. Your dog can get protein from sources like Turkey, Salmon, Chicken, and Lamb. 

Grooming Requirements

Due to the coat type of these breeds, you will need weekly grooming sessions with a slicker brush to avoid mats and tangles. A wire brush can also be used but should only be done every other week or so to avoid damaging the coat. 

You may also need to use a de-shedding tool during certain times of the year when they are shedding heavily. 

Periodic hand-stripping is also important to maintain the coat, although many people choose to have this done professionally.

Bathing should be done only when needed when your dog is dirty or has an odor. Over-bathing can strip away the natural oils in their skin and coat, leading to dryness and irritation.

Check the ears regularly, clean them to avoid infection, and trim the nails as needed. The nails should be trimmed when you hear them clicking on the floor when your dog walks. 

Suppose your dog inherits more of the Miniature Schnauzer coat. In that case, you might consider getting its hair trimmed in a “puppy cut” with a clipper or a professional groomer to help with the grooming process. This cut will make the coat easier to manage and less likely to mat. 

As part of healthy grooming hygiene, do not forget to brush your dog’s teeth at least twice a week to get rid of tartar build-up, gum disease, and bad breath. It would be best if you used dog-safe toothpaste.

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Exercise Requirement

These dogs need a moderate amount of daily exercise of about 40 minutes to maintain their physical and mental health. They love to play fetch and often retrieve a ball or Frisbee for their owners. 

Carnauzers are very intelligent, so they must be physically and mentally challenged to avoid boredom. 

The best way to exercise these dogs is by taking them on long walks, playing games of fetch, or enrolling them in agility classes. 

While they can live in an apartment, they must have access to a backyard or nearby park where they can run and explore. 

Training Cairn Terrier Schnauzer Mix

These smart and intelligent dogs can be easily trained and make training fun for their owners. They are very versatile in the tricks and commands they can learn. 

Some of the things your Cairn Terrier Schnauzer mix could learn easily include:

  • Sit
  • Down
  • Come when called
  • Shake paws
  • Roll over 
  • Speak
  • Fetch
  • Leave it
  • Drop it 

As with all dog breeds, early socialization and obedience training are recommended. It will teach your pup how to interact with other dogs and people and help prevent problem behaviors from developing. 

Start training your Cairn Terrier Schnauzer mix as soon as you bring them home using positive reinforcement methods such as treats or praise. Consistency is key in training, so make sure everyone in the family uses the same commands and rewards. 

Take your dog to the park, on walks, to the dog beach, to doggy daycare, or have play dates with friends’ dogs from an early age. The more experiences your pup has, the better.

Cairn Terrier Schnauzers are also known to be good at agility, so this could be fun to consider if you’re looking for an activity together.

We recommend that you make training sessions short, sweet and fun. A good rule of thumb is to keep sessions to around five minutes or less when your pup is a puppy and gradually increase the time as they age. 

Remember that the parent breeds can have a high prey drive, so it is important to teach your Cairn Terrier Schnauzer mix not to chase after small animals. If you have an otter, cat, or other small pet at home, make sure to introduce your pup to them slowly and carefully. 

What Is The Price Of Cairn Terrier Schnauzer Mix Puppy & Where To Get It?

The cost of a Cairn Terrier Schnauzer Mix puppy will depend on several factors, such as the breeder’s experience, the litter’s size, the colors and markings, location, and whether the puppy is male or female. 

Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1000 for a Cairn Terrier Schnauzer Mix puppy. 

If you are interested in purchasing a Carnauzer puppy, the best place to start your search is online. Many reputable breeders or rescues have websites where you can view photos of available puppies and learn more about the parents and littermates. 

Once you have found a breeder you are interested in working with, be sure to ask lots of questions and request references. 

A good breeder will be happy to answer all your questions and want to ensure that you are prepared to provide a forever home for one of their puppies. 

We also recommend visiting the facility yourself, if possible, to meet the puppies’ parents and see the living conditions. This will give you a good idea of how the puppy has been raised and what environment it is accustomed to. 

Cairn Terrier Schnauzer Mix Health Problems

Generally, these are healthy dogs with a life expectancy of around 15 years or more. But like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health conditions. 

Here are some problems that your pup is likely to inherit from any of the parent breeds if they are not properly screened before mating:

Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GCL), is a progressive and fatal degenerative disease of the nervous system that leads to blindness, paralysis, and eventually death.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures.

Glaucoma is an eye condition that can lead to blindness.

Diabetes is a condition that requires lifelong treatment and management.

Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO) is a condition that causes pain and deformity in the jaws.

Allergies can cause itching, hair loss, and skin infections.

A liver shunt is a condition that affects the liver and can be fatal.

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can be fatal.

While these health conditions are serious, they are also relatively rare. And with proper screening of the parents and regular vet check-ups, your pup should be just fine.

However, it is important to ask for health insurance clearance from the breeder before taking your new pup home. This will help ensure that you are getting a healthy dog and also give you some peace of mind if your pup develops any health problems.

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Conclusion: Carnauzer

If you are considering adding a Schnauzer Cairn Terrier mix to your family, be sure to do your research and prepare for some challenges. 

They can make great pets but require a lot of exercise and training. With the right preparation, you will have a loving and loyal companion for years to come. 

Have you ever owned or interacted with a Schnauzer Cairn Terrier mix? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below. 

Please share this article with your friends and family if you find it helpful. And be sure to check out our other articles on popular dog mixes for more information on the perfect pup for you. 

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