About Schnoodle
Weight
10-60 lb
Lifespan
10-15 years
Group
Not Applicable
Temperament
Devoted, loving, obedient, clever
Comparable Breeds
Giant Schnauzer, Poodle
Best Suited For
Families with children, singles, seniors, apartments, houses with/without yards
Top Breed
7
Height
10-16 inches
Schnoodle Basics
After sliding its furry form into the hearts of dog lovers everywhere, the Schnoodle is gaining popularity as a must-have designer dog. The Schnoodle seems to exploding in popularity exponentially, with dog lovers everywhere desperate to get their hands on this delightful animal. As a mixed breed, this adorable pooch has two purebred parents- the Schnauzer and the Poodle. This hybrid breed fills the role of many types of dog – lap dog, family dog, therapy dog and even a show stopper. You could say this is a well-rounded breed that will fill any position available! Not only is the Schnoodle cute and adorable, it is playful and lovable, making him the ideal family pet. It’s hard to find anyone who won’t fall for a Schnoodle.
With a wide range of sizes available, Schnoodles come is small, medium and larger sizes. Depending on the size of Poodle and Schnauzer bred, your Schnoodle can weigh anywhere from 10 to 60 pounds (Schnauzer come in Miniature, Standard, and Giant, while Poodles come in Toy, Miniature, and Standard sizes). And, because of the Poodle mixed in, this dog has a hypoallergenic coat, which makes him an attractive pet for allergy sufferers. Please read on to learn about this wonderful hybrid dog breed.
In addition to Schnoodle, this designer dog is also known as Mini Schnoodle, Miniature Schnoodle, Schnauzerdoodle, or Schnauzerpoo.
So is this dog with multiple names, a variety of sizes, and endless reasons to love him worth bringing home to your family? There’s only one way to find out. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. Everything that you could possibly want to know about the Schnoodle is about to be revealed!
Making its way into the hearts of dog lovers everywhere, the Schnoodle is gaining popularity as a must-have designer dog.
Origin
Developed in the 1980s, the Schnoodle made its appearance due to an increased interest in Poodle mixes. The “culprit” for the popularity of all things doodle was the first designer dog to be created- the Labradoodle. Breeders came to realize that the exceptional intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle bring a lot of value to the mix. Crossbreeds with this breed in the family tree still remain one of the most popular hybrids!
Although it’s not as popular as many other Poodle crosses, Schnoodle is gathering a dedicated following, thanks in part to its playful good nature and low- shedding, low-dander coat. Unfortunately, like most designer dogs, there isn’t much know about this specific breed’s history beyond those details. Sadly, there simply isn’t much documentation kept about the history of hybrid dogs, unlike purebreds.
Pedigree
The Schnoodle is the result of crossing a Schnauzer and a Poodle. The resulting offspring of this pairing is a so-called F1 or first generation mix. It’s the most common type of Schnoodle but it’s also the most unpredictable one, as you never know which parent’s genes will end up being more prevalent (this is even true of puppies born to the same litter!). For a more consistent result in terms of character and appearance, and, most importantly, hair shedding qualities- breeders further cross these designer dogs.
F2 or the second generation is an F1 Schnoodle bred to a purebred poodle, and the third generation is the F2 dog again bred with a Poodle. This increases the chance of a hypoallergenic coat and solidifies the “doodle” qualities in the breed. Some breeders cross multigenerational Schnoodles (Schnoodles bred to other Schnoodles).
Even though breeders are working towards creating a new breed with this mix, the Schnoodle is still seen as a crossbreed by the AKC. This means that these puppies are not eligible for official pedigree papers, despite their impressive family tree and ever-growing popularity. Sadly, the AKC continues to hold a bias against designer dogs, despite how beloved they’ve become.
Food / Diet
To be healthy and thrive in your care, your dog will need to have a well-balanced, nutritious diet. The opinions on the best food for dogs differ, but the majority of expert agrees: dry food is the most complete and hearty option available to most owners. The Schnoodle definitely does well on a diet of high-quality kibble. The important part, though, is knowing how to pick out dry food that suits your pet’s needs. With hybrids, you can’t simply go out and get a breed-specific kibble blend, so you have to pay attention to all the details. The goal is to make sure it’s age appropriate (puppy, adult, senior) and a match for their size and activity level.
Serving size depends on the size of your dog. Follow the recommended serving sizes and consult a vet for advice if you’re unsure about the amount. Avoid free feeding- instead, break meal times into two separate feedings and monitor their eating habits. This will ensure that your dog doesn’t eat too fast and will prevent bloat. Plus, it will prevent potential weight gain and minimize the possibility of your pet becoming obese.
If you a re ever concerned about either establishing or altering your dog’s diet, it’s always worth checking in with a veterinarian first. While dog food manufacturers and pet blogs provide useful feeding guidelines, they are still only guidelines and won’t necessarily apply to all dogs. The only person qualified to determine the specific dietary needs of your personal pooch is their vet. So always rely on the advice of your doggy’s doctor before making any major decisions about how to fill up their food bowl.
Because the Schnoodle is the offspring of two intelligent breeds, you’ll find that he is easy to train as long as long as he is motivated and challenged.
Training
Because the Schnoodle is the offspring of two intelligent breeds, you’ll find that he is easy to train as long as long as he is motivated and challenged. A perceptive dog, the Schnoodle loves to please you, which helps with training lessons. And with right training and discipline, your Schnoodle will fly through basic obedience training and will be ready for advanced obedience and agility training. Of course, you’ll have to use the right tactics and methods to achieve this.
Rely on positive reinforcement training when you work with a Schnoodle. The smarts and eagerness are already there, but rewarding your dog with treats and praise will guarantee success. All dogs respond well to reward-based training techniques, as it strengthens the relationship with their owner and gives them additional motivation to learn. On the other hand, yelling and punishment won’t have any results- except damaging the bond between you and your pet. This sort of negative reinforcement is closer to abuse than training and should be avoided at all costs.
Weight
For most dog breeds, their weight and size can dictate a variety of things, most notably their diet and the requirements for their living conditions. A Schnoodle can weigh anywhere from 10 to 60 pounds, depending on the size of the parents. It can be considered a small to a large size breed, and that means that they can have vastly different needs where space is considered. Any size Schnoodle will love to lounge, snooze, play, and run about, and that means you can’t really keep them cooped up. That’s why it matters to know which size they will grow up to be, if you want to make sure you will be able to fully accommodate their needs. While a tiny house might simply not work for most Schnoodles, a house with a backyard or an apartment with daily outdoor time in the dog park or in nature will be a good fit for these lovable dogs.
Remember that keeping your pet cooped up with a lack of exercise will definitely make them unhappy and can lead to some severe behavioral issues, such as anxiety, apathy, lethargy, depression, and loss of appetite. Exercise is important, so make sure your pet gets it no matter the size of your living space.
Temperament / Behavior
The Schnoodle takes after his parents – he’s cheerful, intelligent and always happy. He’s just happy to hang out with you, no matter what you’re doing. But don’t pigeon hole him as just a companion dog – this breed is also quite agile and works well as a therapy dog.
Affectionate, protective, and clever, Schnoodles make the perfect family pet – you’ll find this breed to be very loyal to your family. Kids of all ages will enjoy this wonderful breed.
Schnoodles do best in a structured living situation. This helps to prevent anxiety-related behavioral problems. At times, the Schnoodle can be excitable, so training him not to jump up on people in this state is necessary. Overall, you’ll find that this dog will easily make friends with people and other animals.
Common Health Problems
The Schnoodle is prone to develop a large amount of hair inside the ear, which can result in ear infections. Be sure to take your dog to the vet or groomer to have it removed. This breed is generally healthy, but health conditions may occur that are common to its parent breeds. These include Progressive Retinal Atrophy, cataracts, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Patellar Luxation, epilepsy, Diabetes Mellitus, Addison’s Disease and bloat. It’s always wise to maintain regularly scheduled checkups with a vet (especially as your pup ages into their senior years) to ensure that any potential health issues are identified and treated as early as possible.
Life Expectancy
The Schnoodle has an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. That’s quite the number for a relatively new breed! Especially if we take into account that the maximum average lifespan of most dog breeds is 15 years. This means that together with your Schnoodle friend, you can create some valuable and lasting memories and spend a good chunk of your lives together. After all, 15 years is a lot!
Of course, it goes without saying that your Schnoodle pet won’t be able to achieve this lifespan all on their own. They depend on your help in many things, and this one as well. So, you will have to provide ample care throughout their life: from a healthy and balanced diet, regular vet checkups, plenty of exercise, and tons of affection. Only with these things in check can you look forward to those 15 years together.
Exercise Requirements
Most – if not all – doggos are energetic creatures. They’ll love to run about and play - even if just a little bit. The same goes for this designer dog! A moderately active dog, the Schnoodle will follow your lead when it comes to exercise. He loves to run, so take him out with you for a daily jog. He likes to jump, making him a natural for the agility courses. Flyball and obedience training are other activities your Schnoodle will excel at. So don’t hesitate to head out into the park (or the yard if you have it) and throw some ball, a frisbee, play fetch or tug of war. Whatever you do, provide your Schnoodle with that little bit of playtime they need so much. They will be so much happier because of it.
Depending on the size of your Schnoodle, he will do quite well in an apartment or condo, as long as he gets enough daily exercise. A walk or active playtime (this dog loves to play tug and fetch) each day will keep him happy and healthy. So make sure that your daily schedule can fit a bit of playtime in it!
The Schnoodle takes after his parents – he’s cheerful, intelligent and always happy.
Recognized Clubs
The Schnoodle is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) and Designer Breed Registry (DBR).
Coat
The Schnoodle’s coat can take its characteristics of either parent breed – it can be wiry like a Schnauzer or soft and curly like a Poodle, or a mix of the two. The color of a Schnoodle’s coat ranges the gamut and comes in a full black, white, brown, grey and apricot coat, or can take on multi-colored hues, such as black and white, sable or parti.
No matter what coat characteristics your Schnoodle inherits, it will be hypoallergenic. As well, this breed is a low shedder, thanks to the hair-like quality of the coat. You’ll need to brush your Schnoodle every week and take him to the grooms for a cut every 2 to 3 months to prevent matting and tangles.
Puppies
It goes without saying that the formative period when your Schnoodle is just a puppy is very, very important. It is the period when you lay down all the ground rules. The Schnauzer-Poodle mix puppies are as cute as they come- and they can come in litter size of up to 9 babies. Be protective in this period, as puppies are fragile and can be easily hurt or traumatized. But once the fragile period is over, you should start with socialization. It is crucial for dog development and healthy habits. Schnoodle puppies are social dogs, so they would benefit from Puppy Kindergarten classes. Be sure to take them to the dog park and other new environments so they can meet new people and animals.
Photo credit: Sullycarter1/Wikimedia; grfx Playground/Flickr; BrentCWilson/Flickr
FAQs
Schnoodle Dog Breed Health, Temperament, Grooming, Feeding and Puppies - PetGuide? ›
The Schnoodle is loyal like the Schnauzer and fun-loving like the Poodle. Like his Schnauzer parent, a Schnoodle has a protective nature and makes a good watch dog. Like his Poodle parent, he's smart and affectionate. He will bark, sometimes too much (a trait that should be nipped in the bud when he's young).
How often do you feed a Schnoodle puppy? ›| Age | Frequency |
|---|---|
| 8-12 Weeks | 3-4 times/day |
| 4-5 Months | 3 times/day |
| 6-8 Months | 2 times/day |
| 9-11 Months | 2 times/day |
- Protein from quality meat sources.
- Essential Fatty acids and omegas.
- Small amounts of carbohydrates from vegetables/herbs/ berries.
- Natural vitamins and minerals from bone and plant sources.
- Hydration – high moisture foods and drinking water.
chnoodles should be brushed 2-3 times a week to work out mats that may delelop. They should be groomed every 6 weeks if you keep the hair longer. There is no standard way to groom a Schnoodle. But most people prefer that it is not cut to look like a poodle or a Schnauzer.
What is the life expectancy for a Schnoodle? ›The average lifespan of a Miniature (small) Schnoodle is about 10-18 years. The Standard (medium) size is about 10-16 years, and the Giant (large) variety is about 10-15 years. However, this could vary depending on the sizes of the parents, and the general health and lifestyle of the dog.
Is feeding a puppy once a day enough? ›For the first few months of a puppy's life, they will need small meals of food throughout the day as they transition from their mother's milk to solid food. Starting around four months, puppies can begin eating about three times a day, and after that, puppies will quickly graduate to twice-a-day feedings.
Should puppies feed all day? ›Puppies less than two weeks of age should be fed every 3-4 hours. Puppies two to four weeks of age do well with feedings every 6-8 hours. Weaning, as described below, should begin at three to four weeks of age.
What are the pros and cons of Schnoodle? ›| Pros! | Cons! |
|---|---|
| Low shedding: They don't shed very much and can be a good choice for individuals with allergies. | Doesn't do well when left alone: They do not like to be alone. They may bark or become destructive if alone for too long. |
This breed are generally easy to groom with regular brushing and a quarterly visit to a professional grooming keeping them looking their best. Clean their ears and eyes frequently and brush their teeth daily. Schnoodles don't shed and are great pets for those with allergies.
Can a Schnoodle be left alone? ›Schnoodles in particular are people- friendly dogs who enjoy the company of humans. For them to be alone all day would be harder than say for a breed which is less focussed on humans.
Do Schnoodles get attached to one person? ›
You may notice that some dogs of this breed show favoritism towards one person in the family more than the others - this is a trait that they have adopted from the Schnauzer parent. These friendly dogs will be happiest in any home with a loving family, whether there are children or elders, and a yard or no yard.
What age do Schnoodles calm down? ›While Schnoodles are wild as puppies and young dogs, they often noticeably slow down after their puppy years. At 3-4 years they can become rather laid-back and calm dogs.
Are Schnoodles good house dogs? ›Schnoodles make excellent family pets, and they love to play with kids and be the center of attention. Both parent breeds are good with kids, but of course all puppies need to be socialized with children to be comfortable with them.
Are Schnoodles good for seniors? ›While Schnoodles could be good family pets thanks to their energy levels and robustness. Having said that, some Schnoodles could make excellent pets for senior dog owners who don't have the ability to take this hybrid dog for long walks.
Is a male or female Schnoodle better? ›From AKC website: "In general, there is no significant difference in temperament between male and female dogs. If you are getting a dog for a pet, you will want to have your dog spayed or neutered, which will eliminate most minor differences anyway. "
How long after eating does a dog poop? ›How Long After Eating Does a Dog Poop? Most dogs will poop about 30 minutes after eating, or immediately after waking up. These are both great times to plan walks or exercise for your dog. Of course, all dogs have different schedules, so you'll learn what works best for your dog.
How often should puppies poop? ›Depending on their age, most puppies poop between four and five times per day, typically shortly after eating. There is a significant difference in bowel movements between dog breeds, and their bowel habits will change as your dog ages.
What is the best time of day to feed a dog? ›Is There a Best Time to Feed Your Dog? "While there is no best time, with most dogs that eat twice a day, it is best to feed them in the morning as soon as you get up and then again when you get home from work in the afternoon," says Dr. Sara Ochoa, veterinary consultant for doglab.com who practices in Texas.
How many times should a puppy take a bath? ›You should bathe your puppy about no more than once a month unless necessary. Puppies and adult dogs have natural oils in their coat to prevent their fur from getting brittle or damaged and to keep it soft and silky. Bathing your dog too often can strip away those oils.
Do puppies need water all day? ›Generally, young puppies need about one-half cup of water every two hours. You'll want to monitor your puppy to make sure he's drinking enough . . . and not too much. Older puppies that have already been weaned generally need between one half ounce and one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day.
Why does my puppy act like he's starving? ›
It might seem as though your little pup is hungry all the time and in bouts that can feel sudden. But the reason for this is that your furry friend is growing 20 times faster than a mature dog. So, they'll need a lot more energy to get them through that growth.
How many cups should a puppy eat? ›| Ideal Weight of Dog (At Maturity) | Weaning-12 Weeks | 4-5 Months |
|---|---|---|
| 13-20 lbs | 0.5-1.25 cups | 1-2 cups |
| 21-50 lbs | 0.5-1.5 cups | 1.5-2.75 cups |
| 51-75 lbs | 0.75-2.5 cups | 1.5-4 cups |
| 76-100 lbs | 1-2.5 cups | 2.75-3.75 cups |
But you need to continue intensive training through 16 weeks. (after 16 weeks you still need consistency....but it gets easier) Be aware that at this age, puppies can generally hold their bladder for as long as 2 hours. So, consider then when setting up a time frame on how often to take him out.
What times should puppies be feeding? ›The Ideal Puppy Feeding Schedule
A puppy's meal schedule must include at least three measured meals a day, preferably at the same time every day. For example, feed your puppy's first meal around 7 a.m., noontime for lunch, and 5 p.m. for dinner.
The Schnoodle is a cross between a Standard Schnauzer and a Standard Poodle. Potty training a Schnoodle can be very time consuming and extremely frustrating. The Puppy Apartment is a one bedroom, one bathroom home that teaches and trains your Schnoodle to always go potty in their own indoor doggie bathroom.
When should I stop feeding my puppy 3 times a day? ›Puppies should eat three times a day from weaning through four to six months, if possible. After six months, twice-a-day feedings are fine. But if you're not able to feed your pup three times a day, don't worry. Buffington says puppies can adapt.
How long after a puppy eats do they poop? ›Another built-in plus when it comes to housebreaking is our puppy's digestive tract, which is extremely quick and efficient. Five to 30 minutes after the puppy eats, she'll want to defecate. So with a consistent eating schedule, and your attention to the clock, your puppy can maintain regular trips outside.
How much wet food should a puppy eat a day? ›Give your dog one 10 oz container per 10½ - 12½ pounds of body weight daily, divided into two or more meals. Adjust this amount as needed to help maintain your dog's ideal body condition. If mixing with dry food, remember that one 10 oz container replaces about ¾ - 1 cup dry dog food.
How often should I bathe my Schnoodle? ›Schnoodles also need regular bathing—at least once or twice a month (more if your dog gets extra dirty or muddy in between their regularly scheduled baths). Bathing products (including shampoo, conditioner, and any soaps) should be specifically formulated for dogs.
How long should you wait outside for your puppy to pee? ›Do: Watch the Clock. Give your puppy 15 minutes to do his business. If nothing happens, put him in his crate for another 15 minutes before trying again.
Should you leave water out for puppy at night? ›
It's best to remove your puppy's water bowl at night. Be consistent with the time you remove water, the same way you're consistent with feeding times. As a rule of thumb, remove the food and water bowls about two-to-three hours before bedtime.
When can puppies drink water? ›Puppies start drinking water at around 3 - 4 weeks of age, at the same time they switch from milk to solid food and once their teeth have started to grow.
Is it better to feed a puppy morning or night? ›Is There a Best Time to Feed Your Dog? "While there is no best time, with most dogs that eat twice a day, it is best to feed them in the morning as soon as you get up and then again when you get home from work in the afternoon," says Dr. Sara Ochoa, veterinary consultant for doglab.com who practices in Texas.
What is good and bad about a Schnoodle? ›Schnoodles are very friendly and loving and can make a good family dog. However, they can also be stubborn and don't like being left alone. So, this dog is best suited for an experienced owner who will be home with the Schnoodle most of the time.
Can you train Schnoodle not to bark? ›If your dog's barking is excessive and you are struggling to train them, it may be helpful to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist who can help you address the issue. Remember that barking is a natural behavior for dogs, and it's not possible to eliminate it completely.
Are Schnoodle temperament strong willed? ›"Poodles and schnauzers are loyal, funny, and sometimes [strong-willed] breeds. All of these personality traits often apply to the schnoodle, regardless of size," Irish says. Like all dogs, schnoodle puppies need lots of love, socialization, and positive reinforcement to grow into good boys and girls.