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Schnoodle (Schnauzer & Poodle Mix) Dog Breed Info: Pictures, Traits, Facts & Puppies

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Schnoodle (Schnauzer & Poodle Mix)

Height: 15–26 inches
Weight: 10–75 pounds
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Colors: Apricot, black, brown, gray, silver, tan, white, sable
Suitable for: Active families, novice owners, apartment dwellers, people looking for a hypoallergenic dog
Temperament: Highly intelligent, loyal and loving, affectionate, aloof

Adorable, active, and incredibly intelligent, the Schnoodle is an incredibly popular designer dog breed and for good reason. Available in myriad colors and sizes, they’re definitely appealing! The result of breeding the sassy Schnauzer with the performing Poodle, the Schnoodle can be as petite as 10 pounds or as massive as 75 pounds. Excelling as a family dog, lap dog, therapy dog, or performance pooch, the swell Schnoodle can be an amazing pet for just about any household, including urban apartments and sprawling suburban homes.

If you’re interested in seeing what the Schnoodle is all about, let’s explore everything you need to know about this fantastic hybrid breed.

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Schnoodle Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Always the center of attention, the Schnoodle (sometimes spelled Shnoodle) is a dazzling designer dog that has gained major popularity with families with small kids and single seniors. Definite people-pleasers, Schnoodle puppies are always happy, playful, and protective over their pack.

With the rise in demand for hybrid breeds, however, comes the rise of bad and backyard breeders. In order to guarantee you are buying a healthy and happy Schnoodle puppy, it’s imperative that you buy your dog from a well-qualified and reputable breeder.

A backyard breeder is an amateur dog breeder whose breeding is sub-par and has little regard for the wellbeing of the parents or puppies. In other words, backyard breeders are simply out to make a quick profit at the expense of the parent dogs and the puppies.

There are many dire consequences that come with buying a Schnoodle from a bad breeder. Your new pup could be littered with health and behavioral problems that may affect them for their entire life.

Although it may seem appealing to save a couple of hundred dollars in the short term, the consequences of buying from a backyard breeder will haunt you for years to come.

Parent Breeds of the Schnoodle
Image Credit: Jumpstory

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Schnoodle 🧠

Schnoodles are simply oozing with personality. They love being entertained and entertaining. Additionally, they are loyal, sharp, and smart and can sometimes be energetic and protective. But to fully understand your new Schnoodle’s personality, it’s imperative to know the temperament and intelligence of their parent dog breeds. Your puppy can inherit any combination of the Poodle or Schnauzer’s personality traits.

The Schnauzer is a great dog for folks of all ages. They are super-active pups that love to romp and play. Although they are extremely devoted dogs, it is always best to socialize Schnauzer puppies starting from a very young age. This is especially true for Giant Schnauzers, as they aren’t aware of their immense size! The Poodle, while not as outgoing as the Schnauzer, is a super smart canine with an affinity to please and perform. They can sometimes be aloof toward strangers, protective, and shy, so it is best to socialize them from the start.

Your Shnoodle will be a combination of any of these traits. However, they will most likely be intelligent and active and love life.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Absolutely! Schnoodles are great with children of all ages. However, always keep an eye on your Schnoodle and your tots during playtime. Additionally, teach your kids never to take away food from an eating dog, as this could lead to potential nipping or snarling.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

If socialized from an early age, your Schnoodle will be a friendly companion to all other four-legged members of your household.

Schnoodle dog with stick
Schnoodle Images: Credit: pen_ash, Pixabay

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Things to Know When Owning a Schnoodle

Now that you know all about your Schnoodle’s personality, let’s take a deep dive into all other aspects of caring for them, including their diet, exercise and grooming requirements, and training advice.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The Schnoodle needs a high-quality, protein-packed, grain-free kibble that suits their size and activity level. Remember that their dietary needs will change as they age.

The recommended amount will range from ¾ to 1 cup of dry food per day for Schnoodles weighing 20 pounds. You’ll need to feed them less or more, depending on their size. Always consult with your vet if you are unsure of the amounts you should be feeding your dog.

Exercise 🐕

Your Schnoodle may either be a couch potato or an agile and athletic pup, depending upon what traits they inherit from their parent breeds. They’ll need at least 1 hour of exercise and playtime per day. This can be a brisk walk in the park or a game of fetch in the backyard. It’s important to keep in mind that your Schnoodle needs the proper amount of mental stimulation in addition to physical activity throughout the day due to their high intelligence. Consider getting a puppy puzzle or enrolling them in weekly agility or obedience courses to fend off boredom.

Training 🦮

Your Schnoodle always needs a job to do. They don’t appreciate being bored and could develop unwanted behaviors or habits if left on their own for long stretches of the day.

The Schnoodle was born to please, though they do have a stubborn streak. They will be at their best with firm, consistent training and positive reinforcements. However, Schnoodles can get bored easily with the same basic training techniques. Ensure that they’re always kept on their toes by spicing their training up with new tricks or even a backyard agility course.

Schnoodle dog
Image Credit: Jumpstory

Grooming ✂️

Many Schnoodles are hypoallergenic and make great pets for people who have allergies. Your Schnoodle can either inherit the Schnauzer’s hard, wiry, double-length medium coat or the Poodle’s long, thick, and curly coat. Their coat may also fall somewhere in between the two.

Weekly brushing is necessary for either coat type. However, if your Schnoodle’s coat is more Poodle-esque, they will require daily brushing and a monthly trip to the groomer to prevent matting. Be sure to also clean their ears and trim their nails as needed.

Health Conditions ❤️

As with any designer dog breed, your Schnoodle will inherit any of the diseases that their two parent dog breeds can succumb to. To ward off possible genetic issues, it is crucial to buy a puppy from a reputable breeder who has had genetic testing done on both parent dogs.

Minor Conditions
  • Cataracts
Serious Conditions

Male vs. Female

While a male Schnoodle can be larger than a female in both height and weight, both of the two sexes are fun-loving, loyal dogs that make amazing pets.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Schnoodle

The name “Schnoodle” is a fun term in and of itself. However, this designer dog offers plenty of more amusing surprises!

1. An Impressive German Lineage

Both of your Schnoodle’s parent breeds hail from Germany. The term “Schnauze” is a German word meaning snout or muzzle.

2. A Variety of Sizes

The Schnoodle can weigh as little as 10 pounds or tip the scales at over 75 pounds, as they can be a combination of any of the three Poodle or Schnauzer sizes.

3. A Natural Performer

Your Schnoodle loves being in the spotlight! Their Poodle parent breed is a natural-born performer that actually was used in the circus for centuries.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you live in a city apartment or a house with a large backyard, the Schnoodle is a versatile dog that thrives in almost any type of home. Available in a large array of sizes, colors, and coat patterns, this breed is a lovable diva that always aims to please. A bit stubborn, this dog would thrive best under consistent, stern training using positive reinforcement methods. They also hate to be bored, so both physical and mental stimulation are essential for this pup.

If you’re thinking about buying a Schnoodle puppy, ensure you buy one from a responsible and reputable breeder to avoid any health or behavioral issues.

Besides that, Schnoodles are active, amazing pets that will get along with your other pets and kids. They make a wonderful addition to any family!

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Featured Image Credit: Pikist

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