The Chonzer is a hybrid breed that results from breeding a Bichon Frise and a Miniature Schnauzer. With this type of breeding, the dog can inherit traits from both breeds. The Chonzer is a small breed that ranges from 10 to 16 inches in height and weighs anywhere from 25 to 35 pounds.

Hybrid breeds can take on the coat colors of either parent. Chonzers can be black, white, gray, or brown and tend to have several tones in their coat. The coat tends to be wiry and/or curly and their bodies are more on the stocky side.

Breed Overview

Chonzers are low maintenance when it comes to grooming and exercise and will do great in smaller living spaces such as apartments. Both the Bichon Frise and the Miniature Schnauzer are hypoallergenic, making Chonzers great pets for allergy sufferers.

Hybrid dogs have been a welcome addition to the canine community, offering benefits from the combination of two breeds. Both the Bichon Frise and the Miniature Schnauzer are loyal and loving breeds, making the Chonzer a wonderful choice of companion with a lifespan of 10 to 13 years.

Chonzer Puppies

The Chonzer will be prone to separation anxiety when left alone. This can be very difficult to resolve and anyone looking to own a Chonzer should immediately begin working on the dog’s confidence when left alone for long periods.

Proper crate training is a possible strategy that may help with separation anxiety if started as soon as the Chonzer is brought home. Separation anxiety will cause your dog a great deal of stress and you will want to consult your veterinarian if you feel you Chonzer is showing signs.

The Chonzer can become destructive and wary of strangers if they are not properly socialized.  They tend to bark, which can be a nuisance. You will want to begin training at an early age to ensure you have a well-mannered dog.

Being a hybrid can give the Chonzer the upper hand on some of the inherited health concerns of the Bichon Frise and the Miniature Schnauzer but they do have some health concerns that you will need to keep on the lookout for.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Chonzer

Chonzers are very intelligent and bond very closely with their family. They tend to be gentle, loving, and very loyal. They can get a bit of a fearless nature from the Miniature Schnauzer side and a playful, calm side from the Bichon Frise.

Both the Bichon Frise and the Miniature Schnauzer are affectionate breeds that require an abundance of human attention. Their intense need for human companionship can leave them with severe separation anxiety.

The Chonzer will exhibit a decent amount of energy and will need a daily outlet for it. They are clever, intelligent dogs and are eager to please their human companion. They are fairly easy to train and make great family pets since they tend to get along well with children and other animals if properly socialized.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The Chonzer would make a great choice for families. These dogs get along great with children and people of all ages. You will want to start socialization at a young age so that your Chonzer is a more well-rounded member of your household. Young children should always be supervised around pets to prevent harm to both parties.

The Chonzer will thrive on attention and thoroughly enjoy spending time with the family. They are perfect for backyard playtime, walks around the neighborhood, or cuddle-time on the couch.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

With an early introduction and proper training, your Chonzer will likely get along great with other household pets. The Miniature Schnauzer does possess a higher prey drive and urges to chase, so you will want to keep that in mind when introducing the Chonzer cats and other smaller pets.

Things to Know When Owning a Chonzer:

Food & Diet Requirements

A Chonzer will need fed high-quality dog food. The quantity and frequency of feedings should be discussed directly with a veterinarian. Chonzers can be prone to obesity so it is important not to overfeed your dog. Obesity can lead to a variety of other health issues and premature death.

Exercise

The Chonzer will come with an average amount of energy and will require normal daily exercise. This breed will do great with daily walks, outside playtime, or agility exercises. The higher energy levels stem from the traits of the Miniature Schnauzer.  The Miniature Schnauzer was originally bred for herding and ratting.

If the Chonzer’s daily exercise requirements are met, you’ll end up with a laid-back lap dog. The Bichon Frise was bred as a companion animal and they tend to have a more calm and gentle nature. Chonzers make a great choice for urban living situations since they have relatively moderate exercise requirements.

Training

The Chonzer is the combination of two very clever, intelligent breeds. Both the Bichon Frise and the Miniature Schnauzer are eager to please and relatively easy to train. Chonzer’s tend to not be as difficult to house train as some other small breeds.

Chonzers can be easily distracted, you may opt for a quiet area where your training will go uninterrupted. You will want to keep your training sessions interesting and short as to avoid boredom.

Consistent, reward-based training with positive reinforcement and will go a long way with your Chonzer. You will want to begin training as early as possible to prevent any unwanted behaviors.

Grooming ✂️

The Chonzer hybrid is relatively low maintenance in terms of grooming. You will want to clean the ears regularly to prevent ear infections. Frequent wiping around the eyes will help to prevent buildup, eye infections, and matting of the surrounding hair.

It’s a good idea to begin brushing your Chonzer’s teeth at an early age. They can be prone to periodontal disease and prevention is key. You should set aside time for a tooth brushing two to three times weekly.

The Chonzer’s outer coat is wiry and wavy and the undercoat is baby soft. They are not heavy shedders and will typically only require once to twice weekly brushing. You will need to provide occasional baths and nail trimmings.

Health and Conditions

Hybrids can exhibit fewer inherited health issues than their purebred ancestors. The Chonzer has been known to exhibit some genetic health conditions from both the Bichon Frise and the Miniature Schnauzer. Below is a list of some of the most common conditions that have been observed in the Chonzer:

Male vs Female

Hybrid dogs tend to exhibit a variety of traits from their purebred parents. This makes it more difficult to have distinguished differences between males and females like you would with purebred dogs.

As a general rule, males tend to be slightly larger in both weight and height but this is not definitive and differs from individual to individual.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Chonzer

1. The Bichon Frise Entered the United States in 1955

The Bichon Frises was very popular in European countries but did not arrive in the United States until 1955. The first Bichon Frise litter was produced in the U.S. in 1956. The breed reached full recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1972.

2. Miniature Schnauzers Were Once Known as Wirehaired Pinchers

Miniature Schnauzers originally held the name Wirehaired Pincher. In the early 1900s, the name Schnauzer was implemented. The word “Schnauzer” comes from the German word, “schnauze,” meaning snout or muzzle.

3. The Chonzer is Registered by the DDKC

The Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC) is a registry for hybrid dogs that began in 2007. The American Kennel Club does not recognize designer hybrids, as they are not technically considered “breeds.”

Conclusion

The Chonzer exhibits traits from both the Bichon Frise and the Miniature Schnauzer. They can be great with children and other pets and are loyal, loving, affectionate, and intelligent. This hybrid breed can make an ideal pet for most families. The Chonzer will require daily exercise but is not high maintenance with energy or grooming.

They are hypoallergenic like both breeds and can take on the appearance and personality traits of either one. You will want to make sure you are prepared for the commitment of dog ownership. The Chonzer will form a lifelong bond with the family and be a loyal companion throughout its entire lifetime.

See also:

• Crested Schnauzer (Miniature Schnauzer & Chinese Crested Mix)
• Miniature Schnoxie (Dachshund & Miniature Schnauzer Mix)

Featured Image Credit: mariann72, Pixabay