Cross a Schnauzer and a Poodle and you get a Schnoodle: an energetic, smart, fun-loving, charming companion dog. Although their temperaments and personalities vary, they’re generally playful family dogs that love their humans. Known for being adaptable, they fit well into family life, whether you’re active outdoorsy types or more relax-on-the-couch ones. Early socialisation and daily training and exercise is important to raising a healthy, happy Schnoodle. Without it, their stubbornness and protective (including barking) tendencies can cause havoc in your home. Schnoodles can be prone to separation anxiety so live happiest in homes where their favourite humans are always nearby.
Schnoodle Facts
There’s no such thing as an average Schnoodle. Although the most common cross is a standard Schnauzer and a standard Poodle, Schnoodles can be any size and weight. They range from 35 to 65cm and can weigh anywhere from 6 to 45kg. Even their coats can vary massively, from soft and wavy to wiry and curly.
- Breed Group: Cross / ‘Oodle’
- Height: 35-65cm
- Weight: 6-45kg
- Life Span: 10-14 years
- Coat: Various including curly, wavy, rough or soft
- Colour: Various including black, grey, brown and white
What Does a Schnoodle Look Like?
As a cross between a Schnauzer (miniature, standard or giant) and a Poodle (toy, miniature or standard), this cute-as-a-button dog can have many different looks. The most common Schnoodle cross-breed is a standard Schnauzer and a standard Poodle so you should get a mid-size dog. But Schnoodles can be any size, from small to large.
Schnoodles can inherit their Schnauzer or their Poodle parent’s coat, or a mix of both. This means their coat can be soft and curly or wavy or more wiry. Their coat can also come in a wide range of colours, including black, grey, silver, brown, white, apricot and more.
There aren’t many breed characteristics you’ll find in every Schnoodle, apart from their large dark round eyes that add to their generally adorable appearance. Some have long, wavy ears, others have long, floppy, straight ears. Expect 4 legs, a waggy tail and maybe a beard!
Schnoodle
Schnoodle Temperament: Playful Charmer
With a mix of Schnauzer and Poodle genes, you never quite know what you’re going to get with a Schnoodle. But generally Schnoodles lean more towards being cheerful, outgoing, friendly and active dogs known for their adaptability. If you’re an always-on-the-go outdoors type, your Schnoodle is going to be pounding the pavement by your side. If you’re more of a sit-on-the-sofa-and-watch-stuff type, your Schnoodle is going to be curled up in your lap providing constant comfort.
Schnoodles can be labelled as ‘always happy’ and they get their greatest joy from playing and being with their family. Affectionate pups, they were bred to be companion dogs so you can expect a life of love, loyalty and laughter with a Schnoodle. There is a downside to this bonding though - Schnoodles don’t appreciate alone time. They can suffer from separation anxiety and indulge in destructive behaviours if left alone for long periods. If no one is going to be at home with your Schnoodle, consider a dog walker or doggy daycare.
Although socialisation is important for all pups, it’s especially important for Schnoodles because they might have the protective tendencies of their Schnauzer lineage. This makes them good watchdogs but you (and your neighbours) might not be a fan of their barking. Schnoodles can also be famously stubborn and independent. Daily training is key for a well-mannered, minimally-barking Schnoodle. Thankfully Schnoodles are intelligent dogs so training is fairly straightforward.
Keeping Schnoodles Healthy: 5 Issues to Watch Out For
Schnoodles are generally healthy dogs, who aren’t at significantly more risk of developing health conditions than pure breeds. With some health issues being hereditary, you can reduce the risk of your Schnoodle developing them by ensuring their parent dogs have been screened for these issues.
Heart Diseases
Miniature Schnauzers tend to suffer from heart problems like Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) and Mitral Valve Disease. This means Schnoodles could experience these issues too. Symptoms of PDA include breathing problems, lethargy, weight loss, stunted growth and an inability to exercise. Signs a vet might spot include a loud heart murmur or an abnormal pulse.
Mitral Valve Disease causes similar symptoms although a Schnoodle might also collapse, faint, gag or cough. Sadly, there are currently no cures for these heart diseases although the symptoms can be managed.
Eye Problems
Like most dogs, Schnoodles are at risk of some eye problems, including Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and cataracts. PRA causes cells in their eyes to degenerate, eventually leading to blindness. Although there’s currently no cure for PRA, most dogs with blindness adapt well and go on to live long, happy lives. Cataracts cause clouding of their lens, resulting in vision problems. Surgery can help treat cataracts. Signs of eye problems might include their eyes looking cloudy or them frequently bumping into walls or furniture.
Joint Issues
Depending on the size of your Schnoodle, they might experience hip and elbow dysplasia (more common in larger dogs) or patellar luxation (more common in smaller dogs). These conditions are malformations in their joints, including dislocations, which cause walking and movement difficulties and pain. They can be treated with medication, weight management, physical therapy and surgery.
Epilepsy
Schnoodles can develop epilepsy, a neurological disorder that can cause seizures and fits. Once diagnosed, medication can help manage it.
Liver Disorder
Symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, increased thirst and loss of appetite might be a sign that your Schnoodle has a liver problem. Liver disorders are serious so take them to the vet ASAP. Diet changes, medication and surgery might be able to help.
Caring for Your Schnoodle Dog
Daily training and exercise plus regular grooming will form part of your life with a Schnoodle. In return you’ll get a loving, happy companion.
Grooming
Most Schnoodles have a curly or wavy coat. To keep it looking its best, it’ll need a clip or trim every 4 to 6 weeks. You can do this at home yourself or take them to a professional groomer. Although their coat doesn’t need to be super short, keeping curls in check can help prevent matting and tangles.
In between their regular clip or trim, give them a brush or comb every few days to keep their coat tangle-free. After their clip or trim is a good time to give them a bath, for a sweet-smelling Schnoodle. Check their ears regularly. If they’ve got long, floppy ears they can be breeding spots for bacteria. Gently wipe away any dirt or debris that might have got caught.
Schnoodles are prone to tear staining under their eyes, wipe their eyes daily to avoid stains building up. Every day you’ll also have to brush their teeth to help ward off tartar and plaque which can lead to dental disease.
Finally, trim their nails every week or two to keep them comfortable as they move about.
Nutrition
Like most Poodle crosses, Schnoodles are prone to tartar build up on their teeth. You can keep this at bay with daily toothbrushing and feeding them top quality dry food twice a day that matches their life stage (puppy, adult or senior). Help keep them at a healthy weight by keeping an eye on how much you’re feeding them every day, including treats - treat calories count towards their daily intake.
If your Schnoodle is on the small end, you could consider feeding them smaller-sized kibble. This can be easier and safer for them to eat.
Exercise
A Schnoodle is an active, intelligent dog that needs plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Without it, they’re going to get bored - and a bored dog can be a surprisingly destructive and difficult to handle! Aim for 30 - 60 minutes of exercise a day which should include a walk (or jog) and some playtime.
Schnoodles love spending time with their family, so it’s important that whatever their daily exercise is, it involves their favourite humans. They’ll happily play games for hours, especially fetch. A truly happy Schnoodle will show off the Schnoodle 500 - running fast in a circle with their back end tucked up.
Training Your Schnoodle
Although generally Schnoodles are outgoing, friendly, affectionate dogs, some can be shy. Early familiarisation, socialisation and training which introduces them to lots of different people, sights, sounds and experiences helps them grow up to be a well-rounded dog. It also helps reduce their instinct to guard you or nip at strangers.
Enrol them in puppy classes as soon as you can, invite visitors over regularly and take them to busy parks or on neighbourhood strolls to meet local humans and dogs.
With their tendency to be vocal and to develop separation anxiety which can lead to unwanted behaviours like digging and chewing, training an active, sometimes stubborn Schnoodle is a must. Schnoodles respond well to positive reinforcement - they like to see what’s in it for them before they do what they’re asked! Daily training gives you an opportunity to bond and gives this active dog the physical and mental stimulation they crave.