One question that frequently comes up when people consider dogs for themselves or their family, one question that frequently comes up is, “what is a Schnoodle?”. So today, we will answer that question and then talk about what to expect when bringing a Schnoodle into your home.
Every age group loves Schnoodles, but what is it that makes them so unique? Is it their lovable personalities, energetic nature, or maybe their sweet expressions? No matter what it is, there are many reasons that Schnoodle dogs are an excellent choice for a family pet.
So what is a Schnoodle, and why should you bring one into your family? Keep reading to find out more!
What is a Schnoodle Dog?
Schnoodle dogs are a mix between Schnauzer and Poodle, and the result is an incredibly friendly, intelligent, and low-maintenance dog.
The Schnauzer Poodle mix is also remarkably adaptable as Schnoodles can do well in smaller living spaces like apartments due to their calm nature; however, they can also do well in large areas!
Schnoodle dogs are also intelligent, which makes them incredibly easy to train. Even the most stubborn of Schnoodles can be trained with patience and love. Not only that, Schnoodle puppies are not very destructive, so they will not destroy your furniture or belongings if you don’t constantly watch them!
All About the Schnauzer Poodle Mix
Before bringing Schnauzer doodles into your home, it is essential to learn about the Schnauzer Poodle mix. This will help you understand what to expect from your new dog and whether or not Schnoodles are a good fit for your family.
So what are Schnoodle dogs like, and what can you expect from the Schnauzer Poodle mix breed?
Schnoodles are an energetic and playful breed that loves long walks or runs. They require moderate exercise, but they will always be ready for snuggle time after a good play session.
Schnoodles are also very affectionate and love to spend time with their families. As a result, you can often find Schnoodle dogs sitting right next to you so they can soak up as much attention as possible!
Schnoodle dogs are also very intelligent, which makes them easy to train. For example, you can teach a Schnauzer Poodle to make many tricks commands and even potty train the Schnoodle!
The breed even has an exceptional ability to learn what is right and what is wrong- you will find that it doesn’t take much for your dog to understand what behavior is appropriate and what isn’t.
Schnoodles are also excellent watchdogs! They typically will not attack or get aggressive with other dogs, but they are very protective of their family. Schnoodle dogs have a strong bark which means that they can scare off intruders without becoming aggressive.
These dogs are loyal to a fault and will always be by your side, which makes them great companions as well as watchful protectors.
Schnauzers exhibit a distinct preference for one individual over the rest of the family, which may be transferred to Schnoodles. They’ll adore the entire family all the time, but they’ll favor one particular person from time to time. If you like to feel loved and appreciated, Schnoodles will be your best friend without a doubt.
These dogs come in different coat types, but you will typically find a Schnoodle with a wavy and silky coat. This coat is low maintenance, but you will need to do with your Schnauzer Poodle mix to brush the dog every other day to prevent mats from forming.
One thing to keep in mind is that Schnoodles are low-shedding to non-shedding. This means that Schnoodle dogs are perfectly suitable for families who suffer from allergies or asthma and are looking for hypoallergenic dogs.
There are a few characteristics that every Schnauzer doodle has inherited from its parent breeds. Understanding these characteristics can help you determine what to expect from the Schnauzer Poodle mix.
Snoodle Pup Breed Highlights
- Schnoodles are designer dogs that combine the intelligence, personality, and appearance of Schnauzers and Poodles into one wonderful breed.
- Schnoodle dogs are bright and active, making them great companions for every family member. These dogs are also incredibly loyal to their owners and act as loving companions, watchful protectors, and obedient show dogs.
- Schnoodles are low-shedding to non-shedding, making this breed ideal for families who suffer from allergies or asthma. They are also very intelligent dogs that can be trained easily, which means they’ll do what you want them to do.
- Schnauzer Poodle mixes have a wavy and silky coat that requires frequent brushing but is generally low-maintenance.
- Although apartments might be suitable homes for smaller Schnoodles, the bigger ones do best in a house with a yard or bigger space for them to move around in.
- If you want a healthy dog, avoid buying from an irresponsible breeder or pet store. Instead, always buy from an established Schnoodle breeder who will show you veterinary records and a clean bill of health for both parents.
- A visit to the veterinarian should be scheduled immediately after purchasing your doodle pup to ensure it has a healthy body and mind. If a reputable breeder can’t offer this, you shouldn’t be buying from there.
The Schnoodle Breed History
The Schnoodle breed results from the crossbreeding of a Poodle and a Miniature or Standard Schnauzer.
The Schnoodle was first bred around the ’80s and early ’90s, but it is unclear exactly when breeding began. However, what we know is that what started as a pet project soon became a recognized breed with its standard and international club.
Breeders’ primary goal was to create a low-shedding family dog with the personality of the Poodle and the appearance of the Schnauzer.
The Schnoodle breed is not yet fully developed, but we see variations in coat types, ear carriage, coloration patterns, and overall size today.
Schnoodles have their intelligence, colorful personalities, and reasonable shedding coats in common. Of course, they come in different coat colors, but what passes for acceptable colors in the show ring are black, black with white markings, and gray.
You can get different coat types, ear carriage, and coloration patterns as with any other crossbreed. For example, some Schnoodles have Poodle-like coats that are incredibly curly to the touch, while others have a wiry Schnauzer-like coat.
As a pet owner, you need to know that the genetic makeup of these dogs varies from dog to dog and can affect their health and overall appearance.
Their temperament and training needs also vary from dog to dog, which means you might need different approaches for various breeds. However, what we can say for sure is that Schnoodles are alert and intelligent dogs with a sunny disposition.
Schnoodle puppies are what every Schnoodle owner dreams about. However, before deciding to buy one of these dogs, there are things you need to know if you want to go about it responsibly and with your eyes wide open.
Schnauzer Poodle Sizes
The size of a Schnoodle is determined by what breeds you include in the mix. The most common sizes are:
- Toy Schnoodle
- Miniature Schnoodle
- Standard Schnoodle
- Giant Schnoodle
Toy Schnoodle
A Toy Schnoodle is a mix between a Toy Poodle and a Schnauzer. They are usually smaller than a Miniature Schnoodle and have a lot of energy. Toy Schnoodles tend to be affectionate, loyal companions for older people.
These dogs are very playful with children. However, Toy Schnoodles should not be left alone with children often, especially young children, because they might be too rough. They are highly intelligent and easy to train but difficult for first-time dog owners.
These dogs are about 6-10 pounds (2.72-4.54 kilograms) and 10-12 inches (25.4-30.48 centimeters) in height and should live for about 10-15 years.
A Miniature Schnoodle
This breed is a mix between a Miniature Poodle and a Schnauzer. They are usually bigger than a Toy Schnoodle and tend to be charming, energetic, and fun.
They are people-oriented, so they want to be with you as much as possible. They can be somewhat wary of strangers but tend to do well with other pets, such as cats or dogs that they have been raised with.
These dogs also need to be trained and taught what is acceptable behavior early on in their lives. However, what they learn as a puppy will stick with them, so you don’t have to spend their lifetime training them on right and wrong.
They are very intelligent dogs, so training should be relatively easy. However, they can be sensitive dogs, so you have to be patient with them at all times when you train them, or they might end up doing what they want instead of what you want.
They tend to shed more than most dogs, especially when it’s hot outside, but they still require brushing regularly. It is also best to keep them in cooler climates to not overheat.
Miniature Schnoodles can be about 13-20 pounds (5.9-9.07 kilograms) in weight and around 12-15 inches (30.48-38.10 centimeters) in height, living for 13-17 years when properly cared for.
A Standard Schnoodle
The standard size is a mix between the Standard Poodle and the Schnauzer. These dogs are usually more chill than their smaller counterparts but can still be very energetic.
They make good family pets because they love kids and will play with them for hours, although you should supervise any interaction between your dog and small children since they do not know their strength.
They are knowledgeable and train well because they want to please you, but it may be difficult for first-time owners.
These dogs are about 20-75 pounds (9.07-34.02 kilograms) and around 15-26 inches (38.10-66.04 centimeters) in height, with a 10-16 years life expectancy. They shed very little and do not have a strong doggy smell.
Giant Schnauzer Poodle Mix
The Giant Schnoodle is a mix between the Standard Poodle and the Giant Schnauzer. They are usually very friendly with children, strangers, and other dogs.
They are not as active as some of their smaller counterparts but might still want to go on long walks or runs with you or play outside inside your backyard if you have one. They are knowledgeable and easy to train but difficult for first-time dog owners.
These dogs are around 55-110 pounds (24.75-49.90 kilograms) in weight and 22-28 inches (55.88-71.12 centimeters) in height and can live for 10-15 years. They are very low-maintenance and shed little to no hair.
Snoodle Pups and Their Personality
Snoodles can either be more like their Schnauzer side, more like their Poodle side, or somewhere in between. They will need at least an hour of exercise a day and some time to play with you or your family. Snoodles are clean and low-shedding dogs but need some grooming to keep them looking good and smelling fresh.
These dogs are very intelligent and easy to train but may be difficult to housebreak.
Snoodles are friendly, happy dogs and good with children and other pets. They do not typically make good watchdogs because they are too nice. The Schnoodle may even be a little timid if not properly socialized at a young age. Snoodles learn tricks quickly and love to play games to stimulate their minds.
One of the more unusual things about Snoodles is which trait they get from each parent breed. Many times, a Schnoodle will have a curly tail just like a Poodle and may carry themselves with a slight hunch on their shoulders just like a Basset Hound or beagle. Schnoodle fur may be wavy or curly like a Poodle’s.
Poodles are high-energy and intelligent dogs who need to keep occupied with tasks and games to be happy, healthy pets. They do not like being left alone for long periods and can become very destructive when bored.
Like any other dog, Schnoodles need to be well-socialized at a young age to help them be comfortable around new people and places. Their intelligence gives them the ability to escape from most homes so. Therefore, they must be trained securely.
Exposure to cats, other dogs, and many different situations will help them become well-adjusted pets.
Poodles are excellent family pets but can also be great therapy or service dogs because of their intelligence and trainability. Schnoodles are just as intelligent, if not more so than Poodles, making them easy to train for most tasks.
Health Concerns Related to Schnoodles
Poodles and Schnauzers are among the healthiest breeds of dogs, but problems can affect them just like any other purebred. While not all Schnoodles will inherit these problems, it is essential to be aware of what they may potentially face.
Poodles are prone to:
- Epilepsy
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease:
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Gastric Torsion
- Addison’s Disease
We will discuss these problems and what you can do to help prevent them.
Epilepsy in Schnoodles
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures. It can happen to any dog, and there are sometimes no signs or symptoms leading up to them.
The main sign is what looks like a grand-mal seizure, where the dog will lose consciousness and thrash about uncontrollably. They might also foam at the mouth, smell strange, bark or whine without reason, lose bladder control, and become very confused.
This genetic disorder can be passed down from parent to puppy, and it’s important to know what signs to look for. If a person notices their Schnoodle having a seizure, they should call a vet immediately and wait until the dog has fully recovered to take them in.
Treatment often involves medication to reduce the number of seizures or help control what triggers them to be avoided.
Help your vet understand what’s going on and the dog’s triggers. If they can’t be controlled, it is essential to keep the Schnoodle safe from injury during a seizure by either crating them or sectioning off a room with baby gates.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Schnoodles
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative disease of the retina in which vision decreases over time. The retina senses light and sends it down the optic nerve to the brain. PRA affects both eyes at once, but what causes it isn’t known.
It can affect any dog breed, even mixed ones, but Schnoodle dogs are more prone to it because of what they inherit from their Poodle parent.
An eye exam should be given by your vet every year or so, starting when the dog is around five years old. If PRA is suspected, an electroretinogram can be done- electrodes are placed on the snout and eyes to record what the retina is doing.
A dog with PRA may see some light and movement, but its vision will continue to decline as time goes on. There is no treatment for what causes it, but medications help control the symptoms like glaucoma and cataracts that usually come with it.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease in Schnoodles
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a disorder of the hip joints where the blood supply to the head of the femur is interrupted, usually by not enough blood flow. This causes avascular necrosis, or when there is no longer blood supply to part of the bone, and it begins to die.
The first sign of what will become LCP is what looks like limping on one of the rear legs, especially after what seems to be a long walk. In most cases, this happens when the puppies are about 4-6 months old.
As time goes on, it will get worse until the dog can only stand on three legs because what’s called femoral head necrosis has happened, and what is left of the bone has crumbled away.
When this happens, what’s left of the hip joint will look like a softball lodged in what used to be where the hip socket is. Surgery may obliterate the femoral head and replace it with an implant.
Cataract in Schnoodles
Cataracts are where the eye’s lens clouds up, and what you can see through it becomes blurry. This usually starts in one eye, but both eyes will have cataracts by the time it has been discovered. The cause isn’t known, but genetics is believed to play a part.
Cataracts usually occur in old age, around 7-13 years old, but they can also occur early because of trauma or diabetes. If your Schnoodle has a cataract in one eye, both eyes should be checked by a vet yearly as the other might have it too without you knowing.
Symptoms include cloudy eyes, sensitivity to light (especially in that one eye), and you may notice your Schnoodle bumping into things. If your Schnoodle has any of these symptoms, see a vet immediately because early treatment is the best.
Treatment for cataracts in dogs depends on if it’s an adult or pediatric case. Some vets prefer not to operate on a dog unless the cataract affects its quality of life. If it does, then surgery is usually recommended to remove them by what’s called phacoemulsification.
Patellar Luxation in Schnoodles
Patellar luxation is a condition where the kneecap (often of a hind leg), or patella, can slip out of place, causing what’s called a luxating patella. The loose kneecap will not necessarily cause any pain, but it can if it moves around and puts pressure on the leg’s inside.
Patellar luxation happens in many breeds, but it can be more severe in small dogs because there is less space for the kneecap to slip about. Schnoodles are especially predisposed to it because of what they inherit from their Poodle parents.
Symptoms include:
- Trouble getting up or downstairs
- Exercise intolerance
- Limping after doing what seems to be a strenuous activity
- Weakness in one or both hind legs
- Inability to jump or climb stairs
- Swelling on the inside of the leg
If your Schnoodle puppy shows any of these symptoms, you should immediately take it to a vet. A typical treatment for all dogs is to rest the legs and administer a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
If that doesn’t work, physiotherapy and controlled exercise can help. Surgery is also a possibility, but it’s riskier for smaller breeds.
Diabetes Mellitus in Schnoodles
Diabetes mellitus is a disorder where the pancreas stops producing insulin. Insulin is essential because it helps convert food into energy, and if there isn’t enough or any at all, your dog will fall sick.
Diabetes mellitus typically only appears in middle-aged dogs who are overweight, and as such, Schnoodle are predisposed to it. This happens because Schnoodle dogs were initially bred as mini-Schnauzers, so they inherit the same health problems.
Symptoms include:
- Excessive thirstiness, drinking more water than usual
- Excessive hunger
- Weight loss despite increased appetite
- Increased urination
If your Schnoodle shows any of these symptoms, immediately take it to a vet. Your vet will run some tests on the urine and blood to confirm diabetes mellitus. The treatment for this disease in dogs involves insulin injections.
Gastric Torsion in Schnoodles
Gastric torsion (bloat) is a potentially serious condition where the stomach flips over on itself, causing the stomach to twist. The condition can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Symptoms of gastric torsion include vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and pain.
This condition is common in Schnoodles because they are typically big eaters. If your Schnoodle aggressively gobbles down its food, make sure to keep an eye on it while it eats to ensure that it doesn’t bloat.
If your Schnoodle does bloat, take it to the vet immediately. Treatment involves decompression of the stomach by passing a tube through the dog’s mouth to release gas trapped in the stomach or intestines. Surgery is also an option if your Schnoodle does bloat.
The earlier you take your Schnoodle to a vet for treatment, the better.
Addison’s Disease in Schnoodles
Addison’s disease (also known as hypoadrenocorticism) is a disorder of the adrenal glands when they don’t make enough cortisol or cannot respond to their environment usually. This causes something called hypocortisolism, when cortisol levels in the body are so low they can’t do anything.
The first sign is often weakness, lack of appetite, and vomiting. More severe signs include dark brown urine, depression, poor coat quality, and seizures. Unfortunately, most dog owners mistake these symptoms for something else since they don’t know the signs of Addison’s disease. This leads to misdiagnosis and the dog not getting the help it needs.
The blood tests and urinalysis will show the signs of what Addison’s disease is, and treatment involves steroids like prednisone. Unfortunately, these can often make things worse if not weaned slowly and carefully with the help of a vet.
Many Schnoodles inherit this from their Poodle ancestry, but it can also happen to any dog breed.
How to Care for a Schnauzer Poodle Mix
Schnoodle’s need 30-60 minutes of exercise per day. They are perfect in agility training and also compete in flyball.
They need to be brushed occasionally, depending on their coat type. For example, Schnoodles with curly coats will need to be brushed often, while Schnoodle with wiry coats will only need brushing when their coat looks tangled.
They are high-energy dogs, so make sure to play with them enough each day to drain their energy levels.
Schnoodles can adapt to various living situations provided that they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. In an ideal situation, a Toy or Miniature Schnoodle will do well in an apartment, while a bigger Standard Schnoodle will require more living space with a fenced yard.
Because they are companion dogs, Schnoodles should not live outside or in a kennel. They need to be inside the house with their family at all times. If left alone for extended periods, they can suffer from separation anxiety and become destructive.
Schnoodles are generally healthy dogs, but they can inherit health problems from either parent breed. Make sure to keep an eye out for the symptoms of diabetes, Addison’s disease, skin problems, eye diseases, and Progressive retinal atrophy.
Feeding Requirements for Snoodles
How much your Schnoodle eats depends on its size, age, metabolism, and activity level. Just like any other breed, if your Schnoodle is very active or grows quickly, it may need to eat more food than usual.
You should be able to feed your Schnoodle 2-3 times a day. Puppies up to 8 months old need three meals per day, while an adult dog can eat twice daily.
As with any dog breed, a puppy under eight months old should not be free-fed because it needs to learn the habit of eating slowly. Schnoodle pups should be fed three times a day to fuel their high metabolism and prevent them from overeating all at once.
Adult dogs over the age of 1 usually eat around 3/4 to 1 cup of dry food per day. Depending on their size and activity level, it may be too much or too little. Schnoodles that are very small can eat as little as 1/2 cup of dry food per day, and Schnoodles that are very active might need around 1 1/2 cups per day.
There are special diets for Schnoodles with sensitive stomachs, allergies, and other health problems. This is one reason it’s essential to get your dog checked by a vet before switching its diet if it has any medical condition.
No matter what size or age your Schnoodle is, they should be fed high-quality dog food that doesn’t contain any by-products or artificial flavors. This can help them stay healthy, maintain average weight, and be less prone to allergies and other illnesses.
Coat Colors of the Schnauzer Poodle Breed
Schnoodles are available in all colors that purebred Poodles come in, including black, white, apricot, sable, silver, gray, brown, black and tan, black and white, or even parti-color.
Schnoodle coats can be wiry or curly. Wiry Schnoodles have a coarse outer coat that is straight and bristly, while curly Schnoodles have soft and slightly frizzy curls which need to be brushed regularly.
The Grooming Requirements of a Schnoodle
As mentioned earlier, Schnoodles are low-shedding and hypoallergenic, which makes them a great choice of dog for people with allergies who want a furry friend.
These dogs are always happy to be groomed, especially after a romp in the park or on the beach. For Schnoodles to stay healthy and comfortable, the following are some grooming necessities to take into consideration:
- Brush your Schnoodle’s teeth at least two or three times a week. Make sure to use the correct type of brush and toothpaste for dogs.
- Trim your Schnoodle’s nails once every 2-3 weeks or as needed. Do not cut them too short, or they can bleed to death. Keep in mind that different dog breeds have different types of nails, so make sure to learn about the best way to groom its nails first before you clip them.
- Teach your Schnoodle to sit still while you groom it. This includes brushing its teeth, trimming its nails, cleaning its ears, and bathing it.
- Bathe your Schnoodle once every week or two using a shampoo made for dogs. Make sure to use warm water and never use human shampoo.
- Brush your Schnoodle’s coat at least twice a week to get rid of tangles and remove loose hair. They do not shed very much, so you don’t need to worry about the hair on your couches or carpets.
- The ears of Schnoodle breeds are very flappy and sensitive, so you should take extra care when cleaning. The best way to do it is with a damp washcloth or cotton ball, wiping away any dirt or earwax that’s visible. Never stick anything down your Schnoodle’s ears.
When grooming your Schnoodle, check for any mats or tangles in its coat. Then, gently brush it out with a metal comb to avoid hurting your dog if you find one.
Regular grooming is an integral part of Schnoodle ownership because if their coats become matted and tangled, they can be seriously injured when trying to break free from their knots.
Always check for rashes, sores, cuts, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or swelling. The Schnoodle may require special shampoo or treatment to manage the problem.
How are Schnoodles With Other Pets and Children
Schnoodles are excellent family dogs and love to be around children and other pets. They are usually good with well-mannered dogs but do not trust strange ones because they quickly get aggressive.
Schnoodles With Other Pets
Schnoodles get along nicely with cats and other pets, but they may be a bit rough with smaller animals. Therefore, early socialization with other pets at the age of two weeks to six months is recommended.
Terrier breeds such as Schnauzers often develop a strong prey drive when they are small puppies. Therefore, you need to ensure that your Schnoodle does not harm smaller animals and birds, or you may have to get rid of them to avoid further problems.
Schnoodles With Children
Schnoodle dogs do well with children as long as they are properly socialized from an early age. However, young kids should not be left alone with their Schnoodle because of its size and energy level.
If you have a Schnoodle, make sure to teach your children what is and is not acceptable when it comes to playing with dogs. Teach them about safety around dogs, and be sure to monitor their interactions closely.
FAQs About Schnoodles
What is a Schnoodle Puppy Like?
When you purchase a Schnoodle puppy, make sure to get them at least 16 weeks. The younger they are, the more likely they will have behavior problems later on in life.
Schnoodle puppies are very smart and intelligent dogs that learn things relatively quickly. They do not like being left alone, so this is a good breed for you if you work from home.
They love children and are very playful but need to learn to play with them properly. Inappropriate behavior such as mouthing and jumping should be corrected early on before it becomes a habit.
Are Schnoodles Hypoallergenic?
While there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog breed, Schnoodles are probably the closest that you can get to this claim. These dogs are known for their low shedding, making them an excellent pet choice for allergies.
Do Schnoodles Bark a Lot?
Schnoodle breeds do not bark a lot and make excellent watchdogs because of their alert and vigilant natures. If they sense an intruder or something is wrong, they will tell you using their deep bark.
Do Schnoodles Get Along With Strangers?
Schnoodles are protective of their families and make excellent watchdogs. They will bark when strangers come around, but they will not attack unless they feel their family is in danger.
Do Schnoodles Like Being Held?
Schnoodles are not lap dogs and can sometimes be skittish around people they don’t know. They are very independent but love to follow their owners everywhere.
What is a Schnoodle Mixed With?
A Schnoodle is a mix between a Poodle and either a Miniature Schnauzer, Giant Schnauzer, or Standard Schnauzer. They are known for being non-allergenic, intelligent, playful, friendly with children and other pets.
Where Can I Get a Schnoodle Puppy?
You can get Schnoodle puppies from many breeders across the United States. You should always do your homework before putting a down payment on any dog, especially if you are getting it for someone else.
The Final Yap
Schnoodles are amazing dogs because of their intelligence, loyalty, and friendliness. They make excellent playmates for children and other pets, although they should be supervised at all times when interacting with smaller animals.
They do well in apartments as long as they get the daily exercise they need. Schnoodles are clean by nature, so regular grooming is essential to maintain their beautiful coats. Overall, Schnoodles make excellent pets for any family.
Phew! That was a long article. Did you find the information you needed? If not, let us know, and we will try to answer your questions as best as we can. Thanks for reading!