Are you looking for a loyal dog that loves to play and is never aggressive? Then, meet the Schnoodle! It’s a crossbreed between the Schnauzer and Poodle, which has just as much confidence as it does cuteness. If you’re interested in this breed, keep reading as we discuss why they might make the perfect addition to your home.
Here’s everything you’ll learn about these adorable pups:
- Meet the Schnoodle — A Curly Ball of Happiness
- Appearance & Types
- Temperament — It’s a Matter of Genetic Luck
- How Healthy Is a Schnoodle?
- Feeding — Big Time Counter Surfers
- Grooming — Regular Trims & Weekly Brushings
- Finding a Schnoodle
Meet the Schnoodle — A Curly Ball of Happiness
What exactly is a Schnauzer Poodle mix, and where did this breed come from? Let’s look a little closer at this Doodle.
A Crossbreed From the 1980s
What is a Schnoodle? It’s a designer dog breed developed in the 1980s that continues to gain popularity because of its positive attributes. By mixing a Poodle with a Schnauzer, breeders created low-shedding dogs.
But what’s the difference between the parents? Let’s look at each one to get a bigger picture of this mixed breed.
Meet the Parents
A Poodle-Schnauzer crossbreed is unpredictable in appearance and temperament. It all depends on the dominant genes. That’s why it’s beneficial to learn more about the parents.
Schnauzer
Schnauzers are farm dogs from Germany that were originally bred as ratters and guard dogs. They come in various sizes. The miniature was a later development from the mid-19th century. That smaller size is the most popular today, perhaps because of its big personality in a little frame. The Schnauzer’s distinctive facial hair has a protective purpose since they were originally bred to hunt small rodents like rats.
Poodle
Though the Poodle is the national dog of France, this breed originated in Germany around 400 years ago. It was bred as a water retriever and duck hunter. So, these dogs are excellent swimmers with a water-resistant coat.
The breed has three variations: Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and Standard Poodle.
The AKC Doesn’t Recognize the Schnoodle as an Official Breed
The AKC doesn’t officially recognize the Schnauzer Poodle mix. Still, the following registries recognize the crossbreed:
- Designer Dogs Kennel Club
- American Canine Hybrid Club
- Dog Registry of America
Appearance — They Don’t Call Them ”Teddy Bear Schnoodles” for Nothing
If you’re looking for a teddy bear dog, this might be the one for you. The mix is fluffy, cute, and has a round face. But while it may look like a teddy bear, your child shouldn’t treat it as such.
Schnoodles Come In Four Types
How big do Schnoodles get? Depending on which Poodle variation is bred with a Schnauzer, this crossbreed can turn out in toy, mini, standard, or giant sizes. Here’s the average height and weight of each Schnoodle type:
- Toy. It’s the smallest one, with around 10–12 inches at the shoulder in height when fully grown. As an adult, a Toy Schnoodle weighs between 7 and 15 pounds.
- Mini. The Mini is larger than the Toy one. These little cuties average 12–14 inches in height and 15–30 in weight.
- Standard. In most cases, the Standard size is usually the largest, but not with this breed. They range around 18–22 inches in height and typically weigh between 30 and 50 pounds.
- Giant. This dog is about 20–25 inches tall and weighs 50–80 pounds.
They Have Super Silky Coats
One of the most defining Schnoodle characteristics is the coat. As these dogs age, their coats grow into long, silky works of art. They come in different types and colors, depending on the parents.
Schnoodles can come in over 15 colors. The most common ones include:
- Black
- White
- Gray
- Brown
- Apricot
Temperament — It’s a Matter of Genetic Luck
The crossbreed’s temperament can vary drastically — some are more like the Schnauzer, while others are like the Poodle. So, let’s look at the different variables that can shape the Schnoodle personality.
Both Parents Are Working Breeds, so They’re No Couch Potatoes
Both Schnauzers and Poodles are watchdogs famous for their incredibly high intelligence. So the mix between them requires a significant amount of mental and physical stimulation.
They’ll Train as Long as It’s Fun & Stimulating
Regular training sessions, long walks, and engaging toys are excellent ways to keep your Doodle busy. Keep the training stimulating and fun, so your pup doesn’t get frustrated or burnt out.
Always in the Mood to Make Friends
Kind, affectionate, friendly, and enthusiastic, the Schnauzerdoodle loves meeting new friends and receiving attention. These dogs are also very child-friendly and love playing with kids.
Craving Attention & Cuddles
These lovable pups are natural companions and enjoy being in the spotlight. They like to cuddle and hug those they love or anyone who needs a four-legged friend.
Reputation for Being “Forever Happy”
These playful dogs are gentle and have a good temperament. The Schnauzerpoo has a reputation for being “forever happy,” and it’s genetically predisposed to be cheery.
Keeping an Eye on Strangers
Overall, this is a friendly breed, but it can still be hesitant around strangers, including guests. Still, once your dog knows the family accepts these people, it’ll quickly warm up to their new friends.
Makes Strong Attachments That May Lead To Separation Anxiety
The Snickerdoodle dog is very affectionate and forms a deep attachment to family members. Unfortunately, they can become very dependent on their owner’s presence and manifest symptoms of separation anxiety when left alone for long periods.
How Healthy Is a Schnoodle?
For the most part, these dogs are healthy. But they might inherit their parents’ conditions. Also, they have a longer lifespan than most dogs.
Schnoodle’s Lifespan
These dogs live quite long. Like the Bernedoodle dog breed, they live between 10 and 18 years. Smaller versions, like the Miniature Schnoodle, generally live longer.
Schnoodle’s Common Health Problems
Your Schnoodle’s health depends on the parents. Common health problems for this mix include:
- Sensitive skin. Bathing them too frequently can make the situation worse. You can maintain your pet’s healthy skin with Natural Dog Skin & Coat Essentials.
- Skin allergies. The Schnauzer poo can be susceptible to various allergens that manifest as skin irritations. If you see any symptoms, you can test for skin allergies. Feeding the right food for dogs with allergies is among the best ways to support their immune system.
- Comedo syndrome. It appears as black, wart-like bumps. These harmless bumps may appear and disappear throughout the dog’s life.
- Patellar luxation. It’s a relatively common orthopedic condition in Schnoodles. It happens when the knee joint becomes unstable and moves out of place, causing pain and lameness.
- Canine Hyperlipidemia. Like Schnauzers, the mix is prone to canine hyperlipidemia, which refers to an increased concentration of lipids in the blood.
Feeding — Big Time Counter Surfers
These dogs are opportunistic eaters and sometimes eat even when they’re full. The trait is due to their heritage, but you can manage it with care. It can help as motivation but also lead to counter surfing.
These pups need a balanced diet with easy-to-digest foods. You should be feeding your full-grown Schnoodle 1–4 cups of food daily, split into two meals. The amount ultimately depends on the size, weight, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.
Grooming — Regular Trims & Weekly Brushings
Grooming is an essential part of caring for your furry friend. In an ideal scenario, you should brush your dog two to three times a week. Also, Schnoodle adults need a haircut every six weeks on average. That will keep them looking much better and prevent their coat from matting.
Regardless of the age, you shouldn’t bathe this breed more than once a month unless your dog gets dirty. Human shampoo could dry out its coat, so we recommend using a dog oatmeal shampoo for sensitive skin.
Are Schnoodles Hypoallergenic?
Do Schnoodles shed? Thanks to their Poodle parent, these dogs are low-shedding. Remember that no breed is 100% hypoallergenic, but some limit the dander and dead skin particles we’re usually allergic to.
Finding a Schnoodle
Adding a new member to your family isn’t something you should take lightly. Here are the most popular ways to get these adorable dogs:
Rescue or Shelter Adoption
The easiest way to adopt a Schnoodle would be through a rescue or shelter specializing in this breed. Adopting is a wonderful idea, especially if you’re not after the lineage.
A good place to start would be a breed search on Adopt-a-Pet. There are also rescue organizations, like Doodle Rescue Collective, specializing in finding homes for Schnoodles.
Choosing a Breeder
With a certified breeder, you’ll receive detailed information about your dog’s medical history. Also, the parents’ pedigree and temperament can help you understand and care for your new pet well. The most reputable US breeders are:
- Domino Schnoodles (California)
- PuppySpot Schnoodles (serves all US)
- Pierce Schnoodles (North Carolina)
Conclusion
The Schnauzer’s friendly nature, combined with the Poodle’s intelligence and hypoallergenic coat, makes the Schnoodle crossbreed a perfect addition to many families with allergists and children.
If you’re looking for a playful and active dog, this breed is ideal. Kind and gentle, these adorable pals are perfect for anyone looking for a good family dog.