Schnoodle | Dog Breed Information and Pictures

When it comes to happy pups, you would be hard-pressed to find a pup happier than this. The Schnoodle is the result of mixing a Poodle and a Schnauzer, ideally taking on the best of both of their parents’ traits. These adorable and active dogs are filled with energy and will be just as happy to curl up in your lap and take a nap as they will be playing a fun game of fetch. The Schnoodle is an ideal companion dog, great with children and incredibly easy to train due to their intelligence and Poodle-like nature of wanting to please humans. These loveable little furballs love being the center of attention.

Origin & History of Schnoodles

The adorable Schnoodle has not enjoyed the popularity of their Labradoodle and Goldendoodle peers but has a small yet dedicated following around the world. The Poodle and the Schnauzer were first purposefully crossed in the 1980s when Doodle popularity was on the rise. The cross was meant to create a pup with a low-shedding and low-dander coat perfect for families on the lookout for a hypoallergenic pet. The Schnoodle is yet to be recognized as an official breed, with most pups generally being a result of first-generation breeding between a Poodle and a Schnauzer. Multigenerational breeding, while not being as common, is also practiced by some breeders.

Personality and Temperament

The Schnoodle’s defining trait is perhaps its fun-loving nature. These pups love to play and will goof around any chance they get. They are generally incredibly happy pups that enjoy spending time around the people that they love. They will jump for joy at absolutely any chance to engage in play. The Schnoodle is also very loyal, forming a lasting bond with their human families. They are highly affectionate and incredibly protective of the people that they love. They make excellent watchdogs due to their suspicious attitude towards unfamiliar people and generally barky nature. Much like their Schnauzer parent, the Schnoodle can pick favorites and grow extra attached to certain family members. Early socialization is important to make sure that your pup grows up to have a strong personality and stable temperament. Expose your Schnoodle to different people, animals, and environments from a young age. To get a clear idea of what your puppy may grow up to be like, try to spend time around the parents since that usually offers a good indication of the kind of personality and temperament your Schnoodle will grow into.

Schnoodle Size

The size of the Schnoodle depends on the size of their Poodle and Schnauzer parents. Since both breeds come in a variety of sizes, there is a lot of variation in Schnoodle sizes, ranging from Miniature to Standard. The Schnauzer comes in Miniature, Standard, and Giant size varieties, and the Poodle comes in Toy, Miniature, and Standard size varieties. When mixed, a range of Schnoodle sizes can be observed generally being separated in the Toy (10 to 12 inches tall and 6 to 10 pounds in weight), Miniature (12 to 15 inches tall and 13 to 20 pounds in weight), and Standard varieties (15 to 26 inches tall and 20 to 75 pounds in weight).

Schnoodle Health

Overall, the Schnoodle enjoys good health on average. There are certain illnesses that your Schnoodle may be more likely to develop due to their Poodle and Schnauzer genes. It is necessary to have your Schnoodle examined by a vet every month to rule out any potential illnesses and to deal with any issues promptly. When it comes to the Schnoodle, some diseases to look out for include progressive retinal atrophy (a degenerative eye disease), cataracts, epilepsy, diabetes mellitus, Addison’s disease, and bloat. When getting your Schnoodle puppy from a breeder, make sure health clearance certificates for the Poodle and Schnauzer parents are provided. Be sure to buy a puppy from breeders that only mate dogs older than 2 years since most of these illnesses develop after that age.

Schnoodle Care and Training

The amount of exercise your Schnoodle will need depends on their size and energy levels, both of which are highly dependant on their parent genes. Generally, you can expect your Schnoodle to need anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. These pups love walks and will be happy to accompany you for a stroll in the park or engage in a fun game of fetch. Smaller Schnoodles like the Toy and Miniature varieties will adjust easily to life in an apartment. However, larger Schnoodles may be better suited for a home with access to a fenced yard. They are strictly indoor dogs and should under no circumstances be left outside or in a kennel. Due to their attachment to humans, they may suffer separation anxiety and resort to barking and destructive behaviors. It is important to train your Schnoodle from a young age to be okay with short periods of alone time. These are intelligent dogs and are thus easy to train. Schnoodles aren’t always noisy, but once they start barking, it may quickly develop into a habit. Stay on the lookout for such developments and deal with them promptly.

Feeding

How much food your Schnoodle requires is dependent on various factors such as size, age, and energy levels. There is no one diet plan that will suit all Schnoodles. For a diet plan that ensures your Schnoodle grows healthily and happily, it is best to speak to a professional and come up with a meal plan that meets the needs of your individual pup. The average amount of food that a Schnoodle requires is anywhere between ¾ to 1 cup of dry high-quality dog food. Make sure your dog is not growing overweight, as this may call for some adjustments to the Schnoodle’s diet.

Coat Color, Types, Shedding

Ideally, a Schnoodle’s coat will be soft and wavy like its Schnauzer parent and low-shedding like its Poodle parent. However, other varieties may have tight curls or a wiry and rough texture depending on the genes that the Schnoodle has inherited. They come in a variety of colors such as black, brown, sable, grey, silver, and several other combinations.

Schnoodle Grooming

Your Schnoodle will require regular trimming to make sure their coat is not impeding their movement or impairing their vision. The Schnoodle should be brushed at least twice a week to ensure a soft and luscious coat, free of any matting or tangles. They should be bathed when it is necessary and dried off with a hairdryer for a smooth coat. Try not to bathe your pup excessively, as this may lead to dry skin and irritation. Be sure to brush your Schnoodle’s teeth regularly to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent any buildup. Trim their nails with the help of a professional if they do not wear away naturally. Be sure to get professional help since it is extremely easy to hurt your dog when clipping their nails due to the presence of blood vessels in that area. Be sure to make grooming a fun-filled experience with lots of positive reinforcement from an early age to socialize your pup into enjoying it as an adult.

Deciding on a Schnoodle

The Schnoodle is a right fit for you if:

You suffer from allergies and want a dog with a low-shedding and low-dander coat
You want a dog that can guard your home and alert you in case of any intruders
You want an affectionate companion dog

The Schnoodle is not a right fit for you if:

You want a dog that does not require a lot of exercises
You live in an area with noise restrictions
You want a self-sufficient dog that can be left alone for long hours

Getting a Schnoodle

How Much is a Schnoodle Puppy?

Schnoodles come with a hefty price tag due to their “designer breed” status. You can expect to pay anywhere between $500 to $3000 depending on age, size, coat type, and color.

Schnoodle Breeders

Rescue and Adoption

When it comes to pups, it’s always better to adopt than shop. Your Schnoodle may be waiting for you in a shelter. Here’s a list of organizations specializing in Schnoodle rescue (among other breeds):