Schnoodle Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Schnoodle?

Different dog breeds have been crossed by humans for hundreds of years as a means to bring out certain traits. Schnoodles are no different and have likely been around since Poodles and Schnauzers became more commonplace.

The Schnoodle is a cross between a Schnauzer and a Poodle that was originally bred in the 1980s as there became a large demand for low-allergen dogs that were mixed with the ever-popular Poodle due to them being excellent companion dogs.

They are considered to be a designer breed owing to selective traits of both breeds being chosen to create a "perfect mix".

Both of the Schnoodles parents both have long histories of being exceptional hunting dogs as Poodles were bred as duck-hunting water retrieval dogs while Schnauzers have been used to hunt small game since the 15th century.

Who are Schnoodle dogs best for?

If you're looking for a great dog for your family then a Schnoodle might be the right fit for you. Schnoodles are renowned for being great with kids much like their Schnauzer and Poodle parents.

Like all dogs though, Schnoodles should not be left with small children unsupervised and should be reprimanded if they tease the dog. Otherwise, the matter could end in tears with either your child or Schnoodle being bitten, which could be rather unpleasant for both parties!

Schnoodles generally get on well with other dogs and pets although if a dog leans more towards the Schnauzer parent, it may be inclined to chase small animals. It would therefore likely not be a good idea to get a Schnoodle if you have any pet rabbits in your garden!

The Schnoodle is often also used as a service dog owing to its kind nature and low-allergen coat and will therefore be suitable to anyone in need of a service dog.

Schnoodles can also be excellent guard dogs as they are very alert and will likely bring anything out of the ordinary in your home to your attention.

How much grooming does a Schnoodle need?

The grooming needs of a Schnoodle can vary greatly depending on the consistency of its coat. Schnoodles can have a straight, wavy, wiry, or curly coat with most of them having curly or wavy coats.

A Schnoodle puppy should be exposed to grooming early on as it is recommended that they are brushed a few times a week depending on the consistency of their coat. It is also recommended that they receive a trim every 6 to 8 weeks.

Depending on the coat of your Schnoodle, you may also want to consider professional grooming occasionally to keep their coats in check.

Schnoodles were bred specifically to be low-shedding and can be a good choice of dog for those with allergies as there will be far less dog hair floating around.

Do Schnoodle bark much?

Unfortunately, for owners with a low tolerance for barking, Schnoodles are known for being excessive barkers.

Some of them may even enjoy barking, so Schnoodle puppies should be trained early on not to do so with treats and positive reinforcement.

Do Schnoodle bite?

Like most dogs, Schnoodle puppies can be prone to nipping. It is recommended that this is trained out early on before it becomes an issue.

Owners can take their Schnoodles to puppy kindergarten class as well to teach them some basic obedience and to discourage biting and barking.

What is the temperament & personality of a Schnoodle?

The temperament and personality of any dog depend on its parents and how they were reared and bred.

Thankfully most Schnoodles are very friendly dogs that are known for being quite affectionate and loving. They are also known to favour one specific owner.

Potential owners should however bear in mind that the larger the Schnoodle, the larger their pool of energy!

What is the weight & size of a Schnoodle?

Schnoodles vary greatly in size and weight depending on the type of Schnauzer and Poodle that they are crossed with.

A Toy Poodle and a Miniature Schnauzer cross will likely create Toy Schnoodles, which will be around 25-30cm tall and weigh around 2.2-4.5kg.

A Miniature Poodle crossed with a Miniature Schnauzer or a Standard Schnauzer may create Miniature Schnoodles, which will be around 30 to 38cm tall and weigh around 5.8 to 9kg.

A Standard Poodle crossed with a Standard Schnauzer or Giant Schnauzer could create a large Schnoodle called a Standard Schnoodle. The size of these dogs can vary greatly depending on their cross as they can stand between 38 and 66cm tall and weigh between 9 and 34kg.

How much training does a Schnoodle need?

Like most Poodle crosses the Schnoodle is a very intelligent dog and is very easy to train. Schnoodles are therefore often used in dog sports and can even be trained to do some tricks using treats and some patience.

Schnoodles must be trained from a young age as they are very active dogs and can become unruly if they are not well-trained and exercised regularly.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Schnoodle?

Schnoodles are generally healthy dogs but like most dogs can be predisposed to specific health problems such as:

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy causes the retina to deteriorate and can eventually cause blindness once the disease progresses.

• Cataracts occur in old age and can cause poor vision but can sometimes be surgically removed.

• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease affects the blood supply to the head of the femur, which causes it to disintegrate. This occurs in puppies but can be fully treated with surgery.

• Patellar Luxation causes the knee joint to slide in and out of place, which can mean a lot of pain for your dog. The condition can cripple your dog, although many dogs normally live despite having the condition.

• Epilepsy

• Diabetes Mellitus

• Addison's Disease will cause dogs to vomit, not eat, and feel drained of energy. It can be hereditary and can cause severe shock or death. A vet may perform a series of tests to diagnose the issue if it is suspected.

• Gastric Torsion

What is the lifespan of a Schnoodle?

The life span of Schnoodles once again varies greatly depending on the type of dogs that were used to breed it. Although generally, Schnoodles live between 10 to 15 years.

How much should you feed a Schnoodle?

The amount of food you give your Schnoodle will once again depend on its size. A Schnoodle that was bred from a Giant Schnauzer will require a lot more food than a Toy Schnoodle.

What is the price of a Schnoodle in Australia?

Purebred dogs do not come cheap and a puppy can cost anywhere from $5500 to $6500. It will likely be significantly cheaper to find a Schnoodle through the Schnoodle rescue.