Wondering what a Schnoodle even is? Check out the below guide for information on this dog’s history, personality, health, exercise needs, and more!
Height: Toy Schnoodle 10-12 inches, Miniature Schnoodle 12-15, Standard Schnoodle 15-26 inches
Weight: Toy Schnoodle 3-5 kilos, Miniature Schnoodle 6-9 kilos, Standard Schnoodle 7-12 kilos
Lifespan: Toy & Miniature Schnoodle 12-16 years, Standard Schnoodle 10-15 years
Pedigree? (registered with the KC?): No, this breed is not registered with the Kennel Club
Positives and Negatives
The following are positive and negative traits of the Schnoodle:
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic- Great for allergy sufferers
- Highly intelligent and easy to train
- Hardly sheds fur
- Amazing temperament
Cons:
- Tendency to bark… a lot
- Prone to separation anxiety
- Has a stubborn side
- High grooming needs
Overview
The Schnoodle is a fairly new hybrid also known as a Designer Dog. They were developed solely as human companions, yet still, share some of the working traits held by their parents. Hybrid dogs have become increasingly popular over the last 20 years.
Schnoodles are adaptable to living spaces, friendly, generally small in size, and are incredibly affectionate. These types of dogs are popular among those living the city life. They do, however, have a slightly higher need for exercise and mental stimulation than other Designer Dogs.
Schnoodles come in a variety of colors with a short, soft wavy coat. They are hypoallergenic as their fur doesn’t shed. A great choice for allergy sufferers! Do be aware that because of this, Schnoodles will need to be brushed multiple times a week if not daily.
This breed has a high level of intelligence, so their brain will require mental stimulation. If these needs aren’t met they will quickly feel bored. Activity is also highly important. Bad habits and disrespectful behavior will occur as a result.
Overall, the Schnoodle makes an amazing family companion. They are very friendly and hold a deep attachment to their owner. They don’t like being left alone much and separation anxiety can occur. However, if you meet their activity needs and give them a daily routine, you can leave them alone for a few hours.
History
What is a Schnoodle? The Schnoodle Dog is a Miniature Schnauzer Poodle cross. They were developed in the 1980s and are known as Designer Dogs. Although their parents are working dogs, this pooch was solely created to be a four-legged companion.
Schnauzers were bred as guard dogs, herders, and ratters, putting their skills to good use on farms. They originated in Germany during the 14th-16th century. Schnauzers come in three sizes miniature, standard and giant. Both the giant and miniature Schnauzer were created through cross-breeding.
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The Poodle originated from Germany but was developed in France, soon becoming the countries National Dog. They were bred as water retrievers hunting waterfowl over 400 years ago. The Kennel Club in England registered the first Poodle in 1874. They are one of the oldest purebred dogs still alive today.
Hybrid dogs are crossbreeds created for human companionship. They aren’t recognized by the KC or AKC. Schnoodles can’t compete in pedigree dog shows but can still benefit from agility courses.
Personality
Schnoodle Temperament:
The Schnauzer/Poodle mix definitely takes after it’s parents! This canine is always happy and will never be far from your side! They are loving, but also protective and will warn off anyone they feel may be a threat. As the Schnoodle’s parents are working dogs routine will be necessary.
Determining which characteristics your pet will inherit from each parent is difficult. Yet overall this pooch will be friendly, affectionate, and highly intelligent. Schnoodle puppies may be more nippy and mouthy in their first few months. This isn’t a sign of aggression but will need to be corrected through training.
Are Schnoodles Good With Strangers?
Schnoodles are somewhat friendly with strangers. Whilst they won’t show instant aggression, they can be wary and suspicious. This breed is protective of their families so if they feel something isn’t right they will let you know by barking.
Are Schnoodles Good With Children?
Yes, the Schnauzer x Poodle makes an excellent companion for children! They absolutely adore attention. Whether it’s playing games in the garden or snuggling up on the sofa. A Schnoodle will share a special bond with any child in the household.
Are Schnoodles Ok With Other Dogs?
This breed can be good with other dogs as long as they have been socialized well at an early age. They like to play but can sometimes be a little too rough with other dogs. Schnoodles can live with cats provided they have been introduced whilst young.
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Exercise
Toy Schnoodles will require around 40 minutes of exercise each day. Miniature and Standard Schnoodles will need up to an hour of daily exercise. This breed will become destructive and difficult to handle if their activity needs aren’t met.
Sure, everyone has a lazy day every once in a while, but if you repetitively miss these requirements, bad habits are certain to appear. Remember the Schnoodle is a Schnauzer-Poodle mix, both of these breeds were working dogs, so it’s no wonder why the Schnoodle can be so energetic.
This breed would love to be your jogging partner. They like to follow your lead! Try to include your pooch in some agility courses. Flyball is a dog sport the Schnoodle will excel in!
All intelligent dogs will require mental stimulation. It is important to prevent your pooch from becoming bored and potentially destructive. Games that require thinking are often best. Hide and seek, treat-dispensing toys, puzzle toys and nose work games are all great ways to keep a dog mentally stimulated.
Health
Hybrid pooches can be more prone to health conditions. Below are the following health issues related to the Schnoodle:
- Hip Dysplasia- An abnormality in the hip joint damages the joint surfaces. It causes inflammation, swelling, lameness, and eventually arthritis.
- Cataracts- An obstruction in the lens of a dog’s eye will cause blurry vision. If this gets any bigger it could lead to blindness.
- Addison’s Disease- Will cause a poor appetite, gastroenteritis, inability to respond well to stress, and a slow loss of body condition. Caused by a deficiency in adrenocortical hormones.
- Diabetes Mellitus- A common endocrine disease caused by the pancreas not producing enough insulin. The body can’t process fats, proteins, and sugars efficiently.
- Gastric Torsion– Also known as bloat or GDV, this potentially fatal condition occurs when the stomach twists trapping the gasses and food contents inside. Veterinary attention must be sought immediately.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy- A degenerative disease affecting the photoreceptor cells of the eye. This will then lead to blindness.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease- Poor blood supply to the ball of the hip joint will cause painful joints, shrinking muscles, and limping.
Intelligence & Training
Both the Poodle and Schnauzer are highly intelligent dogs. So it is no surprise that the Schnoodle has followed in their footsteps. Thanks to this, the breed is easy to train, but their stubborn streak can be a letdown.
Yes, this dog likes routine, but they don’t like the same training techniques day in day out. Keep them interested by switching it up a little. They love making their owners happy so affection is the best form of praise. Like with any stubborn pooch, harsh training techniques will only switch them off.
Anxiety can affect the Schnoodle dog, which is why socialization is so important. Introduce them to a range of new people, environments and dogs so they won’t develop fear through nervousness. Overall the Schnoodle is friendly, they just need some encouragement to help them make friends.
Obedience training is the most important for a Schnoodle. Gaining respect from this furry friend isn’t too difficult. Obedience is where their stubborn streak will shine the most. You want to make training fun and exciting, but you don’t want them to be distracted, so take them for a walk just before.
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Grooming
As Schnoodles don’t shed they will need to be brushed 4 times a week at least, if not daily! Use a pin brush with no tips and a slicker brush for the best results.
Yes, Schnoodles are hypoallergenic but this means they require more grooming attention. Some Schnoodles have a wiry double coat whilst others have a longer curlier coat resembling the Poodle.
They will need to be bathed once or twice a month depending on how dirty they get. Be sure to wash out all the products used. Their curly fur can latch on to the shampoo causing irritation to the skin. You must comb them through before getting their fur wet. It can cause serious tangles and mats if this isn’t done beforehand.
To trim your Schnoodles fur use an electric shaver. On the body use blade size #10. Fur should be slightly longer in the winter months. When trimming the fur around the face, it should be done by hand.
To clean under the eyes use cotton wool and water. This prevents tear stains. Ears will need to be cleaned each week. The dog’s nails should be trimmed or filed once every two months. Remember to always brush your dog’s teeth! Vets recommend daily but try aiming to do this multiple times a week.
