Appearance of the Schneagle
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Schneagles come in a variety of guises, some more closely resembling a Schnauzer dog, while others will inherit more Beagle genes. This is even true within the same litter, where puppies may not even resemble their own siblings. Most are compact, medium-sized dogs, weighing 8 to 18 kilos and measuring 33 to 46 centimetres. Schneagles should have a good-sized muzzle and round eyes set squarely in the face, often dark brown, but can also be hazel. Their foreheads are rather flat and their ears widely spaced and hanging, sometimes forward. They have a prominent black nose, giving them excellent breathing capacity. Their necks are fairly thick and their bodies muscular and lean. Their tails are rather thin and can taper to a point. It's difficult to predict how Schneagles' coats will turn out, given that Beagles and Schnauzers have very different coat types. The majority will develop a fairly short, stiff coat, but this is likely to become longer and thicker. Most will have two or three coat colors, which can include black, white, beige and gray. |
Temperament of the Schneagle
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Open, alert and friendly, the Schneagle is a wonderful companion for man and beast alike. Owners find they are dependable, predictable and firm. They are loyal to their loved ones and tend to respect them. Energetic, Schneagles don't like to be left alone with little to do, and are always eager to be given a task or to be outdoors. When socialized from a puppy, the Schneagle should tolerate children and other pets, but great care should always be taken with small animals, such as rodents and rabbits, which are likely to be dangerous in their company and will be seen as prey. Some will become protective of their possessions and families, and may choose to keep them when they deem it necessary. Some dogs can be particularly virulent, which is something to consider if you live near neighbors. Problems, such as separation anxiety or incessant barking, can arise when a Schneagle is left to its own devices for too long without being kept busy and stimulated, mentally and physically. It's much harder to cure these vices than to prevent them, so owners should make a conscientious effort to ensure that there's always someone there for the Schneagle, and that they're provided with sufficient exercise, playtime and other forms of mental stimulation. |
Needs and activities of the Schneagle
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The Schneagle can be a bit lazy if you allow him to be. He'll sit on the couch for hours, but if you encourage him to go out with you, he'll happily join in. Because he gets on well with other dogs, he's an excellent candidate for a trip to the dog park. He'll also have time to play in a fenced-in area. Again, remember, he belongs indoors with his family. He will suffer from separation anxiety if he has to be away from his family for a long time. He's an energetic dog, so you can buy him toys to play with indoors. A good idea is to buy toys that stimulate his mind as well as those that encourage physical play. He'll also appreciate short, brisk walks around the neighborhood with you. Short periods of activity are best for the Schneagle. For him, activities that he can enjoy with you while exercising will keep him happy. |
Maintenance of the Schneagle
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The Schneagle can be relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. However, depending on the length of its hair, some Schneagles require more maintenance than others. The level of shedding depends on the dominant parent breed. The Beagle tends to shed more, whatever the time of year. The Miniature Schnauzer sheds very little, if at all. If the Schneagle inherits Miniature Schnauzer genetics, he'll be hypoallergenic and you'll be able to brush him after several weeks. If he inherits Beagle genetics, you'll need to brush him once a week to remove any excess hair. Bathe him once a month, unless otherwise indicated. Brush his teeth two or three times a week to prevent tartar build-up and bad breath. To prevent tooth decay, brush his teeth every day. Trim his nails once a month unless he wears them naturally, as they can break or tear if left too long. |