“Westie Miniature Schnauzer Mix”
| Weight | 12-18 |
| Height | 8-15 |
| Lifespan | 12-15 |
| Coat Colors | Black, Brindle, White, Silver |
| Coat Traits | medium to Long Length, Thick, Wiry, Hypoallergenic |
| Temperament | Friendly, Loving, Intelligent, Outgoing, Playful |
The Wauzer is an unusual yet increasingly popular hybrid dog combining the Miniature Schnauzer and West Highland White Terrier. They may only reach 8-15 inches in height and 12-18 pounds in weight, but they are full-size on personality!
Their life expectancy is fairly long at 12-15 years, and their double coat is especially unique; a medium to long wiry outer layer covers a thick and dense undercoat.
Common colorings include black, brindle, white, and silver, making them hardy and fun to look at. Yet don’t underestimate their intelligence; they absolutely need training from an early age to channel their smarts in the right way.
And allergy sufferers need not worry – this hybrid has been deemed hypoallergenic!
A friendly and outgoing spirit coupled with a conversational tone of voice makes for a wonderful family companion dog.
Wauzer Generations
The Wauzer is a hybrid dog breed created by crossing a Miniature Schnauzer and a West Highland Terrier. There is also a Giant Schnauzer (a very large dog) and Standard Schnauzer, but in this article, we’ll only be talking about the Miniature Schnauzer.
It is very common for breeders to produce multi-generation crosses, which are referred to as F1, F1B, and F2 generations.
F1 Generation
The first generation of Wauzers is known as the F1 generation. This type of crossbreed is produced when a Miniature Schnauzer is bred with a West Highland White Terrier.
The F1 generation typically has the most desirable traits from both parent breeds, such as low shedding and an outgoing personality.
F1B Generation
The second generation of Wauzers is known as the F1B generation. This type of crossbreed is produced when an F1 Wauzer is bred with either a Miniature Schnauzer or a Westie.
The resulting puppies will have more predictable traits than those of the first generation, such as less shedding and fewer health issues.
F2 Generation
The third generation of Wauzers is known as the F2 generation. This type of crossbreed is produced when two F1B Wauzers are bred together.
The resulting puppies will have even more predictable traits than those from the first two generations, such as low shedding and fewer health issues.
Wauzer History
The Wauzer is a hybrid dog breed created from the crossing of two distinct pedigree breeds: the Miniature Schnauzer and the West Highland White Terrier. The two parent breeds were initially bred for different purposes.
The Miniature Schnauzer was developed in Germany to serve as an efficient farm dog, while the West Highland White Terrier was bred in Scotland for hunting and vermin control.
The idea for creating the Wauzer originated in the United Kingdom in 1975. Breeder Margaret Messer believed that crossing these two breeds would create a canine companion with desirable characteristics from both parents.
Her vision became reality when a litter of puppies was born in 1979, displaying traits such as low-shedding coats, small stature, and outgoing personalities.
However, since they are a hybrid breed, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Wauzer Appearance
This small dog has a medium to long coat that is dense and wiry on the outside with a thick, dense undercoat. The Wauzer comes in several colors, including black, brindle, white, and silver. They are also hypoallergenic, which makes them perfect for people with allergies.
The body of the Wauzer is muscular and well-proportioned. They have a long nose, and have erect ears. They have black or brown eyes, and they have a long tail that curls over their back.
The average weight of an adult Wauzer ranges between 12-18 pounds, while their height can range from 8-15 inches tall at the shoulder.
Wauzer Lifespan
One of the greatest advantages to having a Wauzer as a pet is their rather long lifespan – typically, these adorable canines will live for up to 12-15 years!
That’s one less worry when it comes to bringing your pup home; you know they’ll be around longer than other breeds, so you can have plenty of time to bond and create lots of happy memories.
Wauzer Ideal Environment
This small, energetic dog is an ideal companion for those who live in an apartment or house with a small yard. They are very active and need plenty of exercise, so they should be taken on regular walks or runs.
The Wauzer also loves to play fetch and other interactive games.
When it comes to their living environment, the Wauzer is best suited for cooler climates as they do not tolerate heat well. They are also very sensitive to loud noises and can become easily stressed if exposed to too much noise.
It’s important to provide them with a calm and peaceful environment where they can relax and feel safe.
The Wauzer does best when given plenty of attention from its owners, as they thrive off human companionship.
They are highly intelligent dogs that love to learn new tricks and commands, so providing them with mental stimulation through training sessions will help keep them occupied and happy.
Wauzer Temperament
The Wauzer is a friendly and loving breed of dog that loves to be around people, making them a good family dog. They are intelligent, outgoing, and enjoy cuddles. The Wauzer is a playful and affectionate dog that loves to dig, swim, and play tug-of-war.
They can also be chewers, so it’s important to provide them with plenty of toys and treats to keep them entertained. The Wauzer is an excellent guard dog as they are fearless around strangers but still remain gentle and loyal to their owners.
Overall, the Wauzer temperament makes them a great family dog.
Wauzer Grooming
This breed has coarse fur that does not shed much but can be prone to tangling. To keep your Wauzer looking their best, regular grooming is required.
Brushing
Brushing your Wauzer’s coat should be done several times per week to help remove dead hairs and maintain a decent temperature for the dog. Daily brushing is usually not needed.
It also helps reduce the amount of shedding and keeps the coat healthy and shiny. A slicker brush or pin brush works best for this breed’s thick fur.
Bathing
Bathing your Wauzer should be done on an as-needed basis, usually every 4-6 weeks, depending on how active they are outdoors. Use warm water and mild shampoo specifically designed for dogs to avoid skin irritation or dryness.
After giving your pet a thorough cleansing, be sure to ensure they are completely dry by using a towel or blow dryer set on the lowest heat setting.
Ears
Checking and cleaning your Wauzer’s ears should be done weekly to prevent ear infections from developing due to wax buildup or debris in the ears. Use an ear cleaner specifically designed for dogs, then gently wipe away any dirt or wax with cotton balls or pads.
Never insert anything into your pet’s ear canal, as this could cause damage to their hearing or eardrum.
Nails
Trimming your Wauzer’s nails should be done every 2-3 weeks, depending on how active they are outdoors and how quickly their nails grow. If you can hear their nails clicking against hard surfaces when they walk, it’s time for a trim!
Use nail clippers specifically designed for dogs and only trim off small amounts at a time, so you don’t cut too close to the quick (the sensitive area near the base of the nail).
Teeth
Brushing your Wauzer’s teeth should be done daily, if possible, using toothpaste specifically designed for dogs.
If brushing isn’t possible, dental chews can help keep their teeth clean and free of tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease if left untreated.
Wauzer Nutrition
Wauzers require a balanced diet to stay healthy and happy. Here’s what you need to know about Wauzer nutrition.
Calories
The number of calories your Wauzer needs will depend on their age, size, and activity level.
Generally speaking, an adult Wauzer should consume around 1,000 to 1,200 calories per day. Puppies may need more or less depending on their growth rate.
Protein
Protein is essential for building muscle and maintaining healthy organs in dogs. The best sources of protein for your Wauzer are lean meats like chicken, turkey, beef, and fish.
You can also feed them eggs and dairy products like yogurt or cottage cheese in moderation.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates provide energy for your dog’s daily activities as well as help with digestion.
Good sources of carbohydrates include whole grains like brown rice and oats, as well as fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots.
Fats
Fats are important for providing energy as well as helping to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.
The best sources of fat for your Wauzer are fatty fish like salmon or tuna, as well as flaxseed oil or coconut oil.
How Much to Feed Your Wauzer
How much food you feed your Wauzer will depend on their age, size, activity level, and metabolism. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian about how much food your dog should be eating each day based on these factors.
They can also recommend specific brands of food that are tailored to meet the nutritional needs of this breed specifically.
Wauzer Training
They are intelligent, loyal, and obedient dogs that require proper training to be their best. Here’s what you need to know about Wauzer training.
Start Early
When it comes to training a Wauzer, the earlier you start, the better. Begin basic obedience lessons as soon as your pup arrives home at 8-10 weeks old, teaching them commands like sit, stay, come, and down.
As they get older, you can add more complex commands like fetch and heel.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is key when it comes to training any dog, especially the Wauzer, who can be stubborn at times.
Focus on rewarding good behavior with treats or verbal praise rather than punishing bad behavior, as this will help ensure your pup remains enthusiastic about learning new skills.
Consistency
Consistency is essential for successful Wauzer training. It’s important that all family members use the same commands and treat your pup in the same manner to avoid confusion or mixed signals from your dog.
A consistent routine also helps reduce stress for both you and your pet which makes for an easier overall experience for everyone involved.
Socialization
Socializing your Wauzer from an early age is important in helping them develop into well-rounded adults. Introduce them to different people, environments, animals, and sounds slowly so they don’t become overwhelmed or scared of unfamiliar situations.
This will help ensure they are comfortable around others when they reach adulthood while also helping reduce disruptive behaviors such as barking or chewing furniture out of boredom or anxiety later on in life.
Wauzer Exercise
They are intelligent, loyal, and active dogs that require plenty of exercise to remain healthy and happy. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your Wauzer in shape.
Daily Walks
Daily walks are essential for a Wauzer’s physical and mental well-being. Aim to provide your pup with at least one hour-long walk per day or two shorter walks if that works better in your schedule.
This gives them the chance to explore their environment while burning off excess energy which can help prevent destructive behaviors such as chewing furniture or excessive barking.
Games & Activities
In addition to daily walks, there are lots of other activities you can do with your Wauzer to keep them mentally stimulated. Try playing fetch, hide & seek, or flyball for fast-paced games that will tire out even the most energetic pups.
For calmer activities, try teaching them tricks like shake or roll over or utilize interactive toys like puzzle feeders, which will challenge their mind while also providing entertainment.
Swimming & Water Sports
If you’re looking for an activity that’s both fun and great exercise for your pup, look no further than swimming! Most breeds love being in the water, but it is especially true of water dogs such as the
Wauzer, who have webbed feet that make them natural swimmers. Try taking them on boat trips or kayaking excursions for some extra bonding time together on top of getting in a great workout!
Mental Stimulation
Exercise isn’t just physical – mental stimulation matters too! Your pup needs stimulating activities throughout the day, such as playing brain games, training for advanced commands such as agility courses, and participating in obedience classes, all designed specifically for dogs.
These types of activities help keep their minds sharp while providing an outlet for pent-up energy, so they don’t become bored or develop poor habits from lack of attention.
Wauzer Health Issues
They have become increasingly popular over recent years, but, as with all pedigree dogs, they can be susceptible to certain health issues. Here’s what you need to know about the potential common health problems that may affect your Wauzer.
Skin Conditions
Skin conditions are common in Wauzers due to their double coat of fur, which can trap dirt and moisture leading to irritation and inflammation.
Allergies or parasites can also cause skin issues, so it’s important to keep an eye on your pup and visit a vet if any symptoms arise, such as redness, itchiness, or excessive shedding.
Ear Infections
Due to their long ears, ear infections are another potential issue in these breeds. Check your pup’s ears regularly for signs of wax buildup or redness, which could indicate a bacterial infection requiring medical attention.
Cleaning ears after baths or outdoor playtime can help prevent this from becoming a problem, but always seek out professional advice if you have any concerns.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation are common in Wauzers due to their sensitive stomachs and digestive systems.
Feed them high-quality dog food specifically designed for their size and breed type to avoid stomach upsets, and be sure to monitor their health for any signs of discomfort, such as fatigue or changes in appetite, that could indicate an underlying condition needing medical treatment.
Eye Problems
Eye problems are another potential issue with Wauzers due to their big eyes, which often attract dust and other debris while out exploring or playing outdoors.
Take your pup for regular checkups at the vet, and if you spot anything unusual such as squinting or visible discharge, contact the vet immediately since early detection is key when it comes to avoiding serious eye conditions down the line.
Final Thoughts
The Wauzer is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an intelligent, loyal companion who has plenty of energy and loves being around people.
They require regular grooming due to their thick double coat, but they more than make up for it with their loving natures and willingness to please their owners.
If you’re looking for a pup that will fit right into your family without taking up too much space – look no further than the wonderful Wauzer!
Summary
• The Wauzer is a hybrid dog breed created by crossing a Miniature Schnauzer and West Highland White Terrier.
• This small-sized dog has a medium to long wiry coat that comes in several colors, including black, brindle, white, and silver.
• They have an average life expectancy of 12-15 years and weigh 12-18 pounds with heights of 8-15 inches tall at the shoulder.
• They are intelligent dogs that need mental stimulation through training sessions in order to stay happy and entertained.
• The Wauzer’s friendly and loving temperament makes them great companions for any family.
• Grooming requirements include brushing several times per week, bathing as needed, checking and cleaning ears weekly, trimming nails every 2-3 weeks, and brushing teeth daily (or providing dental chews).
• A balanced diet is important for the Wauzer’s health; they should consume 1,000 -1,200 calories per day with lean meats as their main source of protein; carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; and fats from fatty fish or flaxseed/coconut oil.
• Start teaching basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down at 8-10 weeks old. Reward good behavior with treats or praise, and be consistent in your approach. Socialize them from an early age to reduce disruptive behaviors later on.
• Provide one hour of walking per day or two shorter walks and play fetch, hide & seek, flyball, or utilize interactive toys for mental stimulation. Swimming is also an excellent activity that most breeds love.
• Potential issues include skin conditions, ear infections, gastrointestinal problems, and eye problems; ensure high-quality dog food is given and visit the vet regularly for checkups.