Snorkie Grooming

A Snorkie is the hybrid of a Miniature Schnauzer and a Yorkshire Terrier--and while different in texture, both those parent breeds' coats require a good bit of grooming. So logically, the Snorkie coat needs a good bit of care as well. Below you'll find further details on Snorkie coat maintenance, as well as descriptions of some popular Snorkie hairstyles.

A Snorkie's Mini Schnauzer and Yorkie parents both have fairly high-maintenance coats--and while their Snorkie offspring won't require quite as much work, owners can expect Snorkie grooming to be a bit of a time-consuming process. These dogs' coats don't shed much, but they do tend to mat and tangle a good bit, so they'll need brushing 3-4 times per week; they'll need baths every couple of months, and depending on your Snorkie's hairstyle, clipping will be necessary every 8-10 weeks.

Use a pin brush on a Snorkie, and use the typical line-brushing method, making sure to spray the coat with mist from a spray bottle beforehand. You might also want to have a 2-in-1 comb for working through stubborn tangles and mats; if you encounter one, first try separating the mat with your fingers, then finish working it out with the comb. If you're following the brushing with a bath, these dogs are small enough to bathe in the kitchen sink. Use canine shampoo, as human shampoo can irritate the dog's skin; if your Snorkie's coat favors the Yorkie and is longer and silky, using canine conditioner might be a good idea too. Lather and rinse well, towel- or blow-dry, then give the coat another quick brush-through to neaten it.

Most Snorkie owners give their dogs haircuts every couple of months or so. Depending on the style, many people learn to do the cut themselves, but it's recommended that you visit a professional groomer at least once. The groomer can instruct you on how to cut it yourself, and he or she can over tips on Snorkie grooming in general.

Snorkie haircuts come in a lot of styles, and owners often choose their style depending on whether the coat is more like that of a Mini Schnauzer (medium to long and wiry) or a Yorkie (long and silky). If the coat is more "Schnauzer-esque," some also hand-strip their Snorkies every couple of months to remove dead hairs from the undercoat. Some popular Snorkie styles:

• Puppy Cut: This style makes the coat more maintenance-free. With a Puppy Cut the coat is clipped short (to 1.5-2 inches) all over; some choose to leave the facial furnishings a bit longer. Can easily be done at home with instruction.
• Schnauzer Cut: If your Snorkie favors a Mini Schnauzer, this style looks great (and is really nothing more than a trim). The body hair is cut to about two inches, with the underbelly left longer in a "fringe"; the leg hair is rounded in a "reverse taper," and the facial hair is left long. Can be done at home--but it might take some practice.
• Teddy Bear Cut: Makes a Snorkie resemble a stuffed animal. The body hair is cut fairly short (to about two inches), but the facial and leg hair is left a bit longer, and carefully sculpted and rounded to look like a teddy bear. Can be done at home with a little practice.
• 3-Layer: Also called a 3-Stack, this exotic style only works if a Snorkie's coat is very similar to a Yorkie's. The facial, head, and ear hair is cut to a line just below the shoulders; the body hair is cut to a line 2-3 inches from the ground; the leg hair is cut to a line less than an inch from the ground. The overall look gives the coat the appearance of three distinct "levels." This cut is difficult, and will definitely require a groomer's expertise.