MyDogBreedsTurnspit Dog is originated from United Kingdom but Schnorkie is originated from United States. Both Turnspit Dog and Schnorkie are of same height. Turnspit Dog may weigh 8 kg / 18 pounds more than Schnorkie. Both Turnspit Dog and Schnorkie has same life span. Turnspit Dog may have less litter size than Schnorkie. Turnspit Dog requires Low maintenance. But Schnorkie requires Moderate maintenance
It is amazing that this small dog’s popularity comes from him being used in the kitchens to roast meat. The British enjoyed eating their meat which they roasted on a fire.
These dogs were essentially regarded as a tool – a means to an end, and when kitchens were modernized, they were no longer needed, and they became extinct.
Referred to as the kitchen dog or cooking dog, the first mention of these little dogs was made in 1576. By 1850 the dogs had become scarce and by 1900 it seemed as though there were none left.
This dog is a cross between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Yorkshire Terrier.
It’s not a purebred dog and is known as a designer dog. These dogs inherit characteristics from both of its purebred parents.
The origins and history of these breeds is often unknown with their being no records as to when or where breeders started developing them. This particular mixed breed dog originated in the United States.
The Turnspit was a small long-bodied dog, standing at between 20 to 30cm in height and probably weighed anything between 9 and 14kg in height.
The legs were somewhat crooked or bandy and Edward Jesse, who wrote ‘Anecdote of Dogs’ in 1846 described them as ugly dogs with a miserable look to them. That was probably due to him having to fit into the hamster-like wheel contraption that turned the meat being roasted in the kitchens.
They were low-bodied dogs, similar to a Dachshund or a Corgi with short, stocky legs, short floppy ears, and a short coat. The long tail curled over its back. It is believed that the coats were white, reddish-brown, gray or black.
The dog was certainly feisty, energetic and hard-working with not much being written about his temperament. He was a working dog, but given the chance, he would no doubt have been loving and loyal, longing for the chance just to be part of a human family and to be loved.
The Schnorkie is a small dog standing at between 12 to 30cm in height and weighing just 3 to 6kg.
Schnorkies have an athletic build but they are lean and you want to keep them that way.
Their double coat is mostly silky and straight, but can be wavy too. The double coat can be grey, silver, fawnish and have a mix of colors while also being available in solid colors.
The ears are half erect, half floppy and the tail tends to be medium length, plumed and held up.
Schnorkies are high spirited little dogs and they can also prove to stubborn. There is nothing that a bit of training and socialization won't do for stubborn dogs, making them obedient and responsive to their owners.
Because they are hybrid dogs, they can inherit temperaments or looks from either of the parent dogs.
The Turnspit dog had a tough life, but would no doubt have made a wonderful little pet had he just been allowed to be a companion dog.
Make sure that when you buy a dog, you don't just put him in your backyard and forget about him. Give him the love and care he deserves.
Your Schnorkie is a jaunty little dog who is going to love playing games with you. Children will need to treat him with gentleness and respect simply because he is small.
He is social, friendly and loving with his human family, though sometimes, coming from the Schnauzer, he gets a bit moody.
He makes a great family pet though and and while he loves to be outside playing, he also loves to come indoors and be everybody’s lap dog for the evening.
The health and lifespan of a dog is influenced by quite a few things such as food, care, love, exercise and the type of breed it is. Generally smaller dogs live longer than big dogs, and mixed breed dogs live longer than pure breeds.
The Turnspit dog, if he had received the proper care, could have lived to between 10 and 15 years of age.
Stress can bring on a sudden drop in blood sugar. The Turnspit had reason to be stressed, working hard in horrible conditions. Dogs become weak and lethargic and can scarcely maintain an even gait. A sudden drop in blood sugar can cause a small dog to go into a fatal coma.
This ailment seems to occur more often with smaller dogs. The pancreas becomes inflamed and your dog has vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and dehydration. Pancreatitis can come about because of trauma, metabolic disorders or infection.
Your Schnorkie, as a hybrid breed, can inherit some health problems from either parent – the Schnauzer or the Yorkshire Terrier.
Then again, mixing pure bred dogs can eliminate some common dog ailments. Overall, the Schnorkie is a healthy dog and can live up to 15 years of age.
A couple of major health concerns with the Schnorkie are dental problems and pancreatitis.
If your dog has tooth problems he might be in terrible pain and that is why it is so important to look inside his mouth.
Dogs can break their teeth and they can also get gum disease. Dogs have a more alkaline mouth and this is what encourages plaque. Try and brush your pet’s teeth with special canine toothpaste and toothbrush because dental disease can cause lots of problems for your pet.
The pancreas helps with the digestion of food and to regulate blood sugar. Pancreatitis is more common in Schnauzers, and then the pancreas is swollen and inflamed.
Dogs with this disease will lose their appetite, be lethargic, restless and have stomach pain. You may see your pet hunching his back. Pancreatitis can lead to organ damage and you will need to get your dog to the vet.
A dog is man's best friend, but the Turnspit was essentially just a working dog and most likely didn’t receive the proper care he deserved.
Small dogs like these would have had basic needs. Their owners would have had to pay attention to the dog's health, because he needed to work.
We look at ways in which a small dog like the Turnspit should have been cared for -
One wonders if the Turnspit was allowed to eat any of the roast meat he worked so hard on to get ready. Every dog should have a regular meal.
Most adult dogs should be fed 2 meals of kibble a day. If the Turnspit wasn’t extinct he would have required a high quality ‘small dog breed’ commercial dog food. Home-made food would also be a requirement – some boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Dogs want and appreciate simple, wholesome foods that won’t upset their digestive systems.
Along with good food, dogs need cool, fresh water constantly available to stay healthy.
Make sure he gets to the veterinarian if he is sick, but also for his vaccines to prevent him from getting some of the worst dog diseases there are.
Groom your small dog regularly. The Turnspit had a shortish coat and would have required a brush twice a week. Other grooming procedures for a small dog like the Turnspit would have been keeping his nails trimmed and checking the inside of his ears and his mouth for ear infections and dental disease.
Puppies will need 4 small meals a day, but by 8 weeks your Schnorkie will be ready to move onto dry dog food. As he grows into an adult you will cut the meals down to two a day.
The best commercially manufactured dry dog food is able to meet your dogs nutritional needs and it’s super convenient too. It can be a good idea to feed your pet some home-made food too. Twice a week will be sufficient to add in this home-made food - boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach will be excellent for him and his digestion and be a tasty treat for him. You can simply chop it up and add it to the dry kibble. Some raw meat occasionally can help to ward off nasty skin ailments. Make sure that your Schnorkie has a constant supply of cool fresh water.
Schnauzers and Yorkies both have high maintenance coats and your Schnorkie will also require regular brushing, though he doesn’t shed much. Some people prefer to hand their dogs in and have them professionally groomed.
Just because a Schnorkie is a little dog, doesn’t mean he doesn’t need exercise. You don’t want a small dog like this getting obese and unfit. Take him for walks and give him some ball games.