Schnoodle – The Complete Guide to the Poodle Schnauzer Mix Breed

The Schnoodle is a designer dog breed obtained by crossing a Poodle with a Schnauzer. While both parent breeds are very different, they are also rather intelligent and loving dogs.

Like the parents, Schnoodles make great pets that are highly trainable, smart, affectionate, and loyal.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about this adorable breed.

Schnoodle – A Brief History

The designer breed is relatively new in the USA and may have been bred first in Minnesota in the 1980s. Today, Schnoodles have been around for almost 4 decades so you do get to see Schnoodle puppies more than some other poodle mixes. Since it is a designer breed, it is not eligible for registration and dog shows. Therefore, no notable ancestors of the breed are known.

Celebrities like Perez Hilton, Dakota Fanning, and Claire Danes have chosen Schnoodles as pets.

Fun Fact: The breed has been featured in a cartoon book Schnoodle and Sam illustrated by Canadian-American illustrator Eric Gurney. It is about a Schnoodle and a cat named Sam and was published a year after the Schnoodles were first created.

Physical Characteristics of Schnoodles

Schnoodles are available in different sizes based on the parent dogs’ sizes. Accordingly, the cross between a Standard Schnauzer and Standard Poodle results in a Standard Schnoodle, and the cross between Mini Poodle and Mini Schnauzer is a Mini Schnoodle. You can also have large-sized Giant Schnoodles obtained by crossing Giant Schnauzer with Standard Poodle and Toy Schnoodles obtained by crossing Mini Schnauzer and Toy Poodle.

How Large Do Schnoodles Get

Predicting the appearance of a Schnoodle is difficult because it depends on complicated canine genetics.

There are no set standards for appearance in hybrid dogs. Their coats can be curly, fleece or wiry. The colours available in the breed are brown, chocolate, liver, red gold, fawn, black, phantom, grey, white, etc.

Are Schnoodles Hypoallergenic?

Many people assume that the Schnoodle is naturally hypoallergenic due to its hypoallergenic Poodle parent. In reality, one needs to consider the kind of dander the dog produces.

 No matter how “hypoallergenic” a dog is said to be – it still produces dander through saliva and even in its urine. So, if you happen to be allergic to that type of dander, you might still experience symptoms. Whether or not a Schnoodle is hypoallergenic depends on its genes and one can never predict it since it is not purebred.

Do Schnoodles Shed?

Well-bred Schnoodles generally do not shed because both parent breeds of this poodle mix, also do not shed. The poodle and the schnauzer are known for their non-shedding coats. 

Schnoodle Temperament

Schnoodles are generally friendly dogs and they love everyone they meet. This quality may not be the best for those looking for a guard dog. However, they are intelligent, loyal, affectionate, and make great family dogs.

For families with children, Schnoodles make excellent furry friends. Naturally, every parent must teach their kids to respect the dog. Also, Schnoodle puppies need to be socialized with other dogs and kids from a young age.

Are Schnoodles Difficult?

All Schnoodles are energetic and active irrespective of their size, and exercise and playtime can help expend that energy positively.

Schnoodles are also prone to barking – especially the Miniature size. Daily exercise and obedience training can help prevent many of these unwanted behaviours.

Many Schnoodles also love to dig and this digging behaviour is particularly prominent in Giant Schnauzers. Provide your pet with creative means to curb this tendency. Exercise, chew toys, puzzles, training, and obstacle courses are some ways of keeping your Schnoodle from digging.

Because Schnoodles sometimes have a stubborn streak in them, they can pose a challenge while training. Start early, stay consistent, and keep the training positive. This is important to see quick results.

How Much Exercise Does a Schnoodle Need?

Most Schnoodles (depending on their size) will benefit from the daily exercise of 30-45 minutes. You can divide this into 2-3 shorter sessions per day depending on your schedule. If your dog is social and enjoys the company of other dogs; local Dog Parks can be an option to play with other similar-sized (vaccinated) dogs, or encourage your kids to play fetch with the dog. Some Schnoodles also enjoy swimming.

Are Schnoodles Good for First-Time Dog Owners?

Whether a Schnoodle is a good dog for a first-time dog owner is difficult to assess. This is because there are no set standards for this hybrid dog’s temperament. However regardless of breed; the best Schnoodle breeders will only breed mentally sound dogs together to produce good family dogs.

Where possible you should meet both parents of your Schnoodles puppy and make sure they have the temperament you’re looking for. 

First-time dog owners should also be aware that this breed requires weekly grooming including a deep brush and comb-through to prevent matting. A trip to the groomers every 6 weeks is also required to trim the coat, nails, clean ears etc.

Can Schnoodles be Left Alone?

The breed loves its human family and mostly hates being left alone for prolonged periods. However, you can train your dog to stay alone – beginning in puppyhood. Starting independence training when your Schnoodle is a puppy can help prevent separation anxiety from developing. 

Having said that, no dog should be left alone for more than 8 hours a day. If needed, hire a pet sitter or a dog walker for giving your Schnoodle the potty breaks and human company it deserves.

Pros and Cons of Schnoodles

How Much do Schnoodles Cost?

Schnoodles cost between $1500 and $4000 depending on the size, breeder reputation, age of the puppy, coat colours, etc. You can adopt a Schnoodle for around $500 from an animal rescue shelter.

The initial price is not the only cost to be mindful of before getting your Schnoodle puppy. You also need to factor in the cost of food, training, vaccinations, deworming, grooming, flea prevention, vet bills, pet insurance, emergency bills, travel/boarding, pet sitting, dog walking, etc.

Are Schnoodles High Maintenance?

Schnoodles can be deemed high maintenance in terms of training, grooming, and even daily care. They are energetic dogs and you need to commit to their daily exercise and training. They also need a fair amount of grooming. You might also want to take your pet to a professional groomer to trim and groom its curly coat with special Poodle teddy bear cuts.

Training, as explained earlier, is a challenge since these dogs can be stubborn. You might want to consult a dog trainer for the task. Many trainers charge hundreds of dollars for weekly dog-training packages.

Best Food for Schnoodle

In the first few days after your Schnoodle puppy comes home, you will want to feed it the same diet it had with the breeder. This is essential to prevent digestive issues.

As your pet turns about one year old, you might want to switch to adult dog food or a diet recommended by the breeder, pet nutritionist or vet. The best food for Schnoodles is a high-quality kibble, balanced raw food diet or canned dog food that is balanced for your pet’s needs. It should contain proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals in the right proportion.

Some Schnoodles are allergic to grains so you might want to go in for grain-free, gluten-free, raw foods. These days, you also have options like freeze-dried food, raw food, etc. Always consult your vet first prior to making any dietary changes.

Schnoodle Health – What Problems Do Schnoodles Have?

Schnoodles are generally hardy dogs as is the case with most hybrid dog breeds. From time to time though, the following issues and health problems may be seen in the breed:

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Cataracts
• Gastric torsion
• Diabetes
• Addison’s Disease

It is very important to buy your Schnoodle from a reputable breeder. Good breeders always health test their breeding dogs before mating. This ensures fewer genetic issues like joint problems.

What is the Life Expectancy of Schnoodles?

The lifespan of Schnoodles depends on the dog’s size. In general, smaller dogs live longer. Accordingly, a Mini Schnoodle is known to live between 12-18 years, Standard Schnoodle between 10-15 years, and Giant Schnoodles between 8-12 years.

FAQs – Schnoodles

Do Schnoodles like to cuddle?

Schnoodles love to cuddle. They will gladly lay at your feet under your desk or by your side on the sofa or bed if you allow them! These affectionate dogs are great cuddlers which makes them great therapy dogs too.

How often do Schnoodles need to be groomed?

Brush your Schnoodle’s coat every other day. You can take it for a special trim once every 6 weeks. Bathe your Schnoodle once a month. Brush your dog’s teeth daily or feed raw meaty bones regularly.

Do Schnoodles like cold weather?

Depending on your dog’s coat, a Schnoodle may or may not like cold weather. These are usually single-coated dogs so they tend to feel cold.

What are Teddy Bear Schnoodles?

These are nothing but hybrid or designer dogs obtained by crossing Poodles and Schnauzers. They come in various sizes depending on the parent dogs and have cute coat colours. They resemble teddy bears and are fast gaining popularity.

It’s important to note that the main feature of a teddy bear-coated poodle mix is that they have a sufficient amount of coat to be able to shape into a teddy bear look by a professional groomer. 

Why do Schnoodles lick so much?

Schnoodles lick their owners to show love and affection. You can train your dog to not lick you and also provide it with safe dog chews to redirect this licking behaviour.

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