Wauzer Dog Breed

The West Highland Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer mix has been purposefully bred as a companion dog and "designer hybrid" over the last couple decades. Both parent breeds were working dogs, both ratters with the Westie also hunting small animals such as badgers, otters, etc. This breed fits well into any household, old or young-- experienced or not, especially those with a nice fenced yard. Consider the following Wauzer facts before choosing this breed:

PROS

• Small size makes them good for apartment dwellers
• Not overly noisy but makes decent alert dog
• Train easily
• Great playmate for kids
• Can spend moderate amounts of time alone
• Reasonable exercise needs
• Friendly with other pets
• Friendly with visitors
• Sheds less than many breeds
• Can live indoors or out

CONS

• Regular grooming is required
• Daily outdoor exercise (30-45 mins) is required
• Not hypoallergenic
• Needs early socialization and training to not chase small animals
• Prone to digging
• Not for protection
• Not an intense exercise partner

Wauzers are small sized dogs often falling in the range of 12-22 pounds and up to 14 inches height (measured at the shoulders). They have a shaggy, wiry coat that will be long with a dense undercoat; it will be important to clean the eye area and ears frequently with this type of coat. They are usually black, white, gray, or silver haired with dark, round eyes and ears that stand straight then fold over shortly after.

These dogs gain intelligence from both parent breeds, which are are both highly trainable. They require few repetitions to master a command and are naturally obedient if you can offer them enough praise and treats. They are diggers and amusingly curious so they need early training to curb behaviors like tunneling under fences and chasing little critters.

Members of this breed are not as cuddly as some small dogs but will enjoy taking an afternoon nap with you. The plus side to this is that they should be fine while you are at work, school or going about your daily activities. They aren't barkers unless they need to alert you to something or someone. Wauzers are fabulous with kids, friendly with other pets and well behaved around visitors.

This breed has moderate energy they will need to burn off with daily outdoor exercise (at least 30-45 minutes). A fenced yard is definitely a plus for this breed and he will enjoy games with toys, moderate walks, trips to the dog park and possibly swimming. Remember to keep these curious little monkeys on leash if not in an enclosed area. Wauzers are also rumored to excel at agility training.

The Wauzer temperament will be a mixture of the intelligent, obedient and friendly Mini Schnauzer and the equally as smart, happy and amusing Westie. These playful dogs enjoy their outdoor time, playing with toys or frolicking in the yard, but they should be kept on leash if not in an enclosure-- lest you find them 4 blocks away chasing the neighborhood cat. Members of this breed are alert and will let you know of any trouble but are not considered watchdogs or guard dogs.

Training will be easy and they will excel quickly, just remember to keep the praise and treats flowing. These dogs do very well with kids and have plenty of energy to play all day. Likewise, they do well with other dogs but may need early training and socialization to understand that smaller pets (cats, hamsters, etc.) aren't curious objects to be chased. They aren't super needy like some smaller dogs and are fine spending reasonable amounts of time alone, however, they probably won't be the most cuddly dogs either. In general, this breed is friendly and should do fine around visitors.

As the Wauzer is a relatively recent "designer hybrid" and is not yet popular, not much concrete information exists to his health. Some sources suggest they are prone to dental problems, skin and respiratory allergies; this breed has a lifespan of 12-16 years, although some hybrids surpass our expectations.

We recommended on visiting the parent breed pages for both the West Highland White Terrier and the Miniature Schnauzer to get a better idea of all possible health issues that can be passed down to the Wauzer. Of course, choosing a breeder with a good reputation, especially one that offers health guarantees, will make huge difference as will routine checkups at your veterinarian.