Crested Schnauzer -- Chinese Crested Dog X Miniature Schnauzer

		Crested Schnauzer
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			China <> Germany -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Crested Schnauzer

The Crested Schnauzer is a hybrid dog, a combination of two very different breeds, the Dwarf Schnauzer, employed on farms throughout Germany in the late 1800s, and the Chinese Crested Dog, on ships as early as the 1500s. These two breeds are quite different in appearance, both in structure and in coat coverage and texture, and their offspring can vary considerably from dog to dog, even within the same litter, though they are always small. These dogs are feisty, intelligent and playful, but they can also be reserved or nervous around strangers if not properly socialized.

History of the Crested Schnauzer

The Crested Schnauzer is a specific cross between a dog used to eliminate vermin from ships, the Chinese Crested Dog, and a highly efficient German Terrier called the Miniature Schnauzer.

	A little of the Chinese Crested Dog
	The Chinese Crested Dog is a very old breed, and despite its name, it wasn't really developed in China. At some point in the 1500s, Chinese traders obtained these little dogs from distant ports and began to use them for sale and barter, often exchanging them for vermin hunters on ships. We can only speculate on the ports from which they were originally obtained, as they were popular with sailors from many nations and were quickly distributed to ports around the known world. They were popularized in America in the 1900s and were eligible to compete in the American Kennel Club's miscellaneous class in 1955, but were withdrawn from eligibility ten years later. It took twenty years for the Chinese Crested Dog breed to regain this status, and another six to gain further recognition in 1991 as a toy group breed. Although they have yet to win a Best in Show award at the prestigious Westminster Dog Show held annually in New York, Chinese Crested Dogs, purebred and mixed, have taken first place in ten of the World's Ugliest Dog competitions since its inception in 2000.

	Standard of the Chinese Crested Dog
	A little of the Miniature Schnauzer
	The Miniature Schnauzer as we know it today is a slightly more recent breed, although the original Schnauzer from which it is derived dates back to the Middle Ages in one form or another. The distinctive stiff coat and coloring began to appear after German dog fanciers crossed it with the German Poodle and the gray Wolfspitz, better known as the Keeshond, in the mid-1800s. Towards the end of the 1800s, the Miniature Schnauzer was developed not only by breeding the smaller Schnauzer together, but also by breeding them with other small Terrier and Pinscher-type dogs. Possible contributors to the breed most likely include Wire Fox Terriers and Affenpinschers, and it wasn't until 1888 that the first Miniature Schnauzer was registered in a German herd book. North American breeders began working with and breeding Miniature Schnauzers as early as 1924, and they were accepted as a distinct breed by the AKC in 1926. Although this crossbreed may still have some of the instinct and drive to hunt rats or mice, most will most likely enjoy life as a pet.

	Standard of the Miniature Schnauzer

Appearance of the Crested Schnauzer

The Crested Schnauzer is a small dog and will generally be well proportioned, somewhere between the slim, elegant form of the Chinese Crested Dog and the almost square, robust conformation of the Miniature Schnauzer. They may inherit the elegant, fragile head structure of the Chinese Crested Dog or the robust rectangular head shape of the Schnauzer, and will generally have oval or almond-shaped dark brown eyes, although lighter-colored dogs may have lighter brown eyes. Their triangular or V-shaped ears rest high on this hybrid's head and can stand straight or droop forward or to the side. Although this hybrid can exist in almost any color, they are most often seen in the black, gray and silver combinations that are characteristic of the Miniature Schnauzer. The texture of the outer coat can be either the silky texture of the Chinese Crested Schnauzer or, more likely, the harsh, stiff coat of the Miniature Schnauzer.

Temperament of the Crested Schnauzer

The Crested Schnauzer is a courageous, spirited animal, more affectionate than the typical Miniature Schnauzer, but less prone to the separation anxiety caused by the sometimes needy temperament of the Chinese Crested Dog. This cross will be happiest and easiest to manage if fully integrated into family activities, and as both parent breeds are inquisitive dogs, mental stimulation will be needed throughout the day to keep them out of trouble. They are intelligent, which makes them fairly easy to train and inclined to try to train you. Training sessions must remain consistent with this breed throughout their lives to engage their minds and curb manipulative behavior. Although they do quite well with well-behaved older children, Crested Schnauzers may not be suitable companions for very young or boisterous children. There is a risk of jealous behavior from Crested Chinese Dog genetics, and the Miniature Schnauzer can have a variable temperament, and while some are excellent with children, others can be lively and defensive. There is also a risk of injury to the dog from rough or clumsy handling by the child.

Needs and activities of the Crested Schnauzer

Activity requirements for the Crested Schnauzer are relatively undemanding, and they are usually satisfied with forty to sixty minutes of vigorous activity a day, although dividing these sessions into smaller chunks of time can be more beneficial. These small dogs are well suited to life in smaller spaces with several short walks or energetic indoor play sessions a day, however, some dogs will be prone to excessive barking or even howling, making them noisy neighbors. These are inquisitive, active dogs, and mental stimulation of some kind will be necessary to prevent destructive or manipulative behavior from starting due to boredom. It's important not to leave this mixed breed outside alone, even in a fenced yard, as the Chinese Crested Dog is a notorious fence climber and the Miniature Schnauzer is a terrier and will try to dig under fences that this dog can't overcome.

Maintenance of the Crested Schnauzer

The care of this dog will vary somewhat according to the type of coat it has inherited. Crested Schnauzer dogs that are mostly hairless will need more frequent bathing, although brushing takes very little time, while the full-coated variety generally requires fewer baths, with combing and brushing several times a week to prevent tangles and mats. from forming. The skin of the Chinese Crested Dog is prone to irritation, especially in the hairless variety, and the Crested Schnauzer can also inherit this trait. This means that a good, non-irritating dog shampoo is essential for this dog's health, as is checking for any problems such as rashes, acne or swelling every time you bathe your pet. If the outer coat resembles that of the Miniature Schnauzer, regular clipping or hand stripping may also be necessary to keep this stiff coat clean and healthy.

Details: Written by: Francis Vandersteen; Also available:; Last Updated: 27 March 2024; Hits: 329

Crested Schnauzer -- Chinese Crested Dog X Miniature Schnauzer