While in previous times, we have heavily focused on the Labradoodle dog breed on our website. In this article, we will look at everything there is to know about one of the newer crossbreed dogs known as a ‘Schnoodle.’ As the name suggests, this breed is a cross between a Schnauzer and a Poodle. It shares the similarity of the Poodle parent with the Labradoodle breed, although as you’ll soon find out, these two dogs are quite different!
Schnoodles are referred to as hybrid dogs and are known to be intelligent, active, and loving. They are part of the cross-breed ‘doodle’ family (poodle-crosses).
In this article, we will talk about everything there is know about the much-loved Schnoodle dog breed.
Contents
- 1 Schnoodle Overview and Origin
- 2 What Does a Schnoodle Look Like?
- 3 Coat Types and Coat Colors
- 4 Size of a Schnoodle – How Big Will My Schnoodle Grow?
- 5 Personality Traits and Temperment of the Schnoodle
- 6 Living Conditions for Schnoodles
- 7 Lifetime of a Schnoodle
- 8 Health Issues for Schnoodles
- 9 Grooming
- 10 Training
- 11 How Much Does a Schnoodle Cost?
- 12 Feeding Your Schnoodle
- 13 Is a Schnoodle the Right Dog for Me?
Schnoodle Overview and Origin
Schnoodles are less common than Labradoodles, although they are thought to date back to the 1980s. During the 1980s, there was an increased interest in Poodle mix breeds, and the mix between a Schnauzer and a Poodle was attempted to create a gentle and kind-natured dog with a low shedding coat. While there are no official breeding clubs for the Schnoodle, the interest for these dogs has heightened in more recent times, and there may well be breed clubs in the near future.
| Lifespan | 10 – 15 Years |
| Recommended For | Families |
| Temperament | Friendly, Intelligent, and Eager to Please |
| Size | Small to Large |
| Advantages | Hypoallergenic Low Maintenance Coat |
What Does a Schnoodle Look Like?
If you aren’t yet familiar with the Schnoodle dog breed, you may even be questioning what one looks like. For most ‘Schnoodle’ dogs, they appear to share many of their good-looking Schnauzer parent attributes. When speaking of defining physical characteristics, a Schnoodle generally should have almond-shaped eyes, floppy ears, and fur around the face, creating a bearded look and a stocky body.
Below are some different Schnoodles. They come in many sizes, coat colors, and textures.
Coat Types and Coat Colors
A Schnoodle can have a range of different coat types. All Schnoodles have medium-length coats, although some have curly and soft hair that looks much the same as their Poodle parents, while others sport coats similar to their Schnauzer parents that are wiry and feel rougher to touch. While both of these coat types should remain relatively unmatted, Schnoodles, like all dogs, need regular grooming and bathing.
When speaking of the colors of a Schnoodle’s coat, it takes a good guess to know what a litter will produce with so many variations. The color variations mainly come from the Poodle parent as Schnauzers are generally only black or brown. Schnoodles can be found with apricot, black, chocolate, tan, silver, charcoal, or white coats. Some coats are much less common than others, and there is a higher chance of a Schnoodle having a solid-colored coat than a mixed-colored coat.
Crossbreeds vary from dog to dog, and this is true with the Schnoodle breed. The appearance of your dog may be vastly different from another Schnoodle. This will depend on what generation Schnoodle you have purchased.
Size of a Schnoodle – How Big Will My Schnoodle Grow?
The size your Schnoodle will be once it reaches adulthood will ultimately depend on the size of both parents. When speaking of the Schnoodle bread, there are varying size differences due to the type of Poodle and Schnauzer breeds.
There are three different size breeds of both the Poodle and the Schnauzer. Poodles can be Toy, Miniature, or Standard. Schnauzers can be Miniature, Standard, or Giant.
It means that different parent combinations produce differing sized Schnoodles. A Schnoodle can range in size from five pounds (2.2 kilograms) right up to a hundred pounds (45.3 kilograms). For this reason, if you are purchasing a Schnoodle puppy, it is essential to find out what type of size both parents are because it greatly impacts how large your dog will grow once they reach adulthood.
When speaking about the terms used for different sized Schnoodles, they are commonly referred to as Miniature, Standard, and Giant. The sizes reflect the size of the parents. Before taking a Schnoodle home, ensure you can care and accommodate for the maximum height and weight they can grow to. The larger the dog, generally, the more exercise and space they will need.
Miniature Schnoodles
The miniature Schnoodle is what most owners seek out when purchasing their new dog. Due to this reason, it is the most popular type of Schnoodle available. A miniature Schnoodle can weigh between 5 and 15 pounds (2.2 to 6.8 kilograms) and is the result of breeding a miniature Schnauzer and a toy Poodle. When standing straight and measuring from the withers (area above a dog’s shoulder), a miniature Schnoodle will stand roughly 15 inches tall (38 centimeters). While these dogs can suit apartment living, as long as they are taken for regular walks, the other two sized Schnoodles require more exercise and thus should have an outdoor area to burn off extra energy.
Standard Schnoodles
These are the middle-sized Schnoodles and are the result of breeding a miniature Poodle and a Standard Schnauzer. When speaking of the weight of a Standard Schnoodle, you will find they can weigh anywhere between 20 and 50 pounds (9 to 18 kilograms). Standard Schnoodles measure roughly 15 to 20 inches (38 to 63 centimeters) at the withers.
Giant Schnoodles
The largest of the breed is known as Giant Schnoodles. While they are not technically giants, and there are many breeds that are a lot bigger in size, the Giant Schnoodles are in no way small. The Giant Schnoodle can weigh up to a hefty 100 pounds and stand up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) in height.
Personality Traits and Temperment of the Schnoodle
Like our fun-loving Labradoodle, the Schnoodle is also a well-suited dog for a family. Due to having two intelligent parents: one being a Schnauzer and one being a Poodle, the Schnoodle is a smart dog that can be trained easily. While they are generally calmer dogs, they do like to play and learn new things. They can become protective of their owners, so it is a good idea to socialize your dog from the moment you bring them home.
Living Conditions for Schnoodles
As many suggest, having a dog is a lifelong commitment, well, almost. A Schnoodle can live up to 15 years old, and 15 years is a long time. Adopting a dog of any breed is a big commitment, and it is important to consider all the aspects of dog ownership before rushing and picking out a furry friend. Not only will your furry friend be around for a long time, but they will also need to be taken for regular walks. You will also need to ensure their environment is clean and financial costs such as food, grooming, and vet bills.
It is important to consider where you live and whether or not it would be suitable for a Schnoodle. If you have a small apartment, looking into a miniature Schnoodle may be appropriate, although you’d need to steer clear of the other sized Schnoodles as they would require more space for daily exercise than what you have on hand. While the miniature Schnoodle requires less space, they have a loud bark, and you would need to deter them from unnecessary barking early on. If you have a family with children, a Schnoodle is an appropriate dog breed as long as they are raised correctly in a friendly environment. As the Schnoodle breed is more intelligent than many other dogs, starting training early on will ensure you can teach your dog right from wrong.
If you are someone who has a large backyard and you love to be out and about exercising, a standard or giant Schnoodle may be a perfect pick for you. These dogs have lots of energy and love to give, and they might fit into your lifestyle perfectly.
While Schnoodles are dogs that generally fit well in most environments, having a backyard provides them with the space to exercise, stay busy and keep out of trouble. The yard you have when homing a dog should be fully fenced in, and it is important to check there are no sharp items that the dog could potentially hurt themselves on before bringing them home.
When a Schnoodle is not provided with the physical exercise they need as well as enough mental stimulation, they can become destructive and disobedient which in the long run can turn into a behavioral problem. Providing your Schnoodle with enough exercise, toys to keep occupied, a yard to run free, and boundaries will keep your dog busy, happy, healthy, and out of mischief.
Lifetime of a Schnoodle
As long as your Schnoodle does not suffer from any significant health issues, you should be able to spend a long 10 to 15 years with your furry friend. Due to their size, Miniature Schnoodles are more likely to reach 15 years old than Giant Schnoodles. Providing your Schnoodle with a good diet, regular visits to the vet, and regular exercise will ensure they live a long and healthy life.
It is recommended that a Schnoodle gets between 30 and 60 minutes of exercise per day.
Health Issues for Schnoodles
The Schnoodle breed, much like its parents, is relatively low risk for all health concerns. In saying this, if your Schnoodle was to fall ill, it would be more likely to be from one of the following health concerns:
- Diabetes (the dog is unable to regulate blood levels, an adjusted diet may be needed)
- Cataracts (cloduy membrane forms on the dogs eye, thankfully can be corrected with surgury)
- Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease where gradually over the years the dog becomes partially or fully blind in one or both eyes)
- Legg-Perthes Disease (affects the hip, generally more common in smaller dog breeds)
- Patellar Luxation (the bones of the dogs patella slip back and forth, dogs who suffer from this may need to undergo surgury)
- Epilepsy (causes the dog to haeve seizures and can sometimes be linked to other health issues)
- Addision’s Disease (not enough adrenal hormones are produced, can become serious if not treated)
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (extreme bloating often caused by a dog consuming too much food too quickly, can cause bowel blockages/twists and be fatal if not treated)
Thankfully for most Schnoodle owners, their beloved friend will never fall ill from any of the above diseases. As an owner of any dog breed, it is important to be mindful of health issues that are more common for your dog and keep your eyes open for any symptoms. Once you get to know your dog, you will understand its pattern and its overall mood. If you feel like your dog is acting out of character, always take them to see the local veterinarian. As a Schnoodle owner, be mindful of the health issues listed above so that you have the knowledge needed to detect symptoms before the disease/illness becomes life-threatening.
As the Schnoodle is classed as a low-risk dog when speaking about health concerns, it makes it an affordable breed to have pet insurance for. In fact, the reason many dogs are crossbred is to reduce genetic diseases that are prominent in their purebred parents.
Grooming
Bathing
Like all dog breeds, even those suggested to be ‘low maintenance’ like the Schnoodle need to be regularly groomed and trimmed. The time between grooming will depend on what type of coat your Schnoodle has, although you may like to stick to giving your dog a comb through every second or third day to ensure its coat remains matt-free. Brushing and grooming your dog can be a great way of bonding, and if you do so from an early age, you will find that they enjoy being groomed, and it poses no stress when you pull the brush from the cupboard.
When selecting a brush for your Schnoodle, choose a smooth bristle brush. It will ensure that it does not irritate your dog’s skin. When you are brushing your dog, brush with the grain of the coat. While brushing, it is an excellent opportunity to scan and check for any fleas and ticks.
Bathing your dog regularly is also important as it keeps the dog’s skin healthy, coat free of dirt and means that it is less likely to become matted. Bathing your Schnoodle also means they will smell as beautiful as they look. While over bathing is discouraged as it leads to dry skin, bathing your Schnoodle once a week is recommended. If you find your dog’s skin is more sensitive, you may need a gentler wash. There are hundreds of dog washes on the market, and you may need to trial a couple to find the perfect one for your furry friend. When you bath your Schnoodle, it is important that you:
- Avoid getting soap in the eyes, nose or ears
- Wash all soap out of the coat thoroughly
- Towel dry the coat on a warm day or blow drying may be needed during colder weather
Some dogs become scared during bath time, and it is important to stay calm and encourage your dog. If you bathe your dog from an early age, they are less likely to dislike the tub.
Trimming
When speaking of trimming a Schnoodle, you won’t need to do a whole lot other than a tidy-up now and then. You must trim excess hair around your Schnoodles eyes, ears, and behind. Trimming around the eyes and ears ensure the dog can see and hear. Trimming around the bottom reduces the risk of fecal matter being caught in the dog’s coat. To be able to complete a trim on your Schnoodle, your dog will need to remain calm. If you cannot seem to calm your dog, booking in with a groomer every now and then might be a better idea.
Luckily the Schnoodle has a coat that is hypoallergenic and is low shedding. It makes the whole grooming process somewhat easier for their owners. Their coat also means that many people who suffer from dog allergies will still tolerate the Schnoodle breed.
Training
Training a dog can be done from an early age. The earlier you start training your dog, the easier it will be to teach them right from wrong. When training any dog, including a Schnoodle, the owner must stay calm and control the situation. Dogs often respond well to treats, so it might be an idea to have some on hand for training purposes. Schnoodles are intelligent dogs, although the larger dogs within this breed can often be stubborn. You must be firm with your training from day one and be consistent. Training your Schnoodle, like grooming them, is a great bonding opportunity.
Schnoodles are a dog breed that loves to please. They will try and work hard on their training to please their owner. This makes training them somewhat easier. It is important to praise your dog to ensure that they keep up the good work.
How Much Does a Schnoodle Cost?
When speaking about the cost of a Schnoodle, the cost of purchase is far from the only cost involved. A reputable Schnoodle breeder will sell their puppies for anywhere between $700.00 to $2000.00.
Other costs involved with owning a Schnoodle include:
- Food
- Vetinary care (inlcuding microchipping/vaccinations)
- Toys and Accessories such as Bedding
- Training Classes
- Grooming
Before purchasing a dog of any breed, it is important to know that you can afford the long-term cost, not just the initial adoption fee. The larger the dog is, the more expensive they are due to their food consumption and grooming requirements. It means that if your budget is tight, a smaller dog such as the miniature Schnoodle might be a better fit for you.
Fun Fact: Dakota Fanning Owns a Schnoodle!
Feeding Your Schnoodle
Feeding your Schnoodle should be set out in a schedule just as your meals are. Creating a feeding schedule will create a routine for your Schnoodle and let them know when to expect their food. Once your Schnoodle reaches adulthood, it is recommended to feed them twice daily. It means once at breakfast time in the morning and then at dinner time in the night. Younger puppies (6 months and younger) will require more regular feeding of three times daily as their stomachs are smaller and cannot hold as much as an adult dog.
When speaking about how much to feed your Schnoodle, you will need to consider the size of your dog. You would feed a miniature Schnoodle far less than you would a giant Schnoodle. A good rule of thumb is following a weight vs. portion table to ensure you are not over or under-feeding your Schnoodle. Below you can find a Schnoodle feeding table that gives a rough idea of how many cups of food your Schnoodle should be consuming for their weight.
| Schnoodle Weight | Cups of Food |
|---|---|
| Up to 10 Pounds or 4.5 Kilograms | 1/4 to 3/4 Cup |
| 10 to 25 Pounds or 4.5 to 11.3 Kilograms | 3/4 to 1 Cup |
| 25 to 50 Pounds or 11.3 to 23 Kilograms | 1 to 2 Cups |
| 50 to 75 Pounds or 23 to 34 Kilograms | 2 to 2 1/2 Cups |
| More than 75 Pounds or 34 Kilograms | 2 to 4 Cups |
The Schnoodle breed is known to get tartar build-up on their teeth, and for this reason, a primarily dry diet is suitable. You can add wet food to your dog’s diet, but make sure the diet is majorly dry foods.
Schnoodles can enjoy a diet that is very similar to the diet of a Labradoodle. Read more about our dog food diet recommendations here.
Is a Schnoodle the Right Dog for Me?
Purchasing a dog is a big event. It is adding a new member to your family for the long haul. Before you adopt a Schnoodle, you should consider if this is the right dog breed for you. While Schnoodles fit well into all families, even those with children, these dogs require daily exercise. They need some grooming and a balanced and nutritious diet. They also require your love and attention. If you do not think you have the budget or time, it is not a good idea to adopt a Schnoodle.
If you wish to purchase a poodle-cross dog breed although you are not sure whether a Schnoodle will be right for you, perhaps one of the following breeds would better suit you: