Medium Size Poodle
© BenHur / stock.adobe.com
The Schnoodle, also known as Snoodle or Schnaupoo, is a mix between a Schnauzer and a Poodle. It’s one of the so-called Designer or Hybrid Dogs, which are not officially recognised as separate breeds by global breeding associations.
A Schnoodle is a hybrid dog. This means breeders cross purebred Schnauzers and Poodles with the hope that both parent animals will pass on their best characteristics.
Breeding generally does not continue with Schnoodle offspring.
Strictly speaking, the Schnoodle is a crossbreed. Depending on which size variant of the Poodle or which Schnauzer breed is used for breeding, different variations are possible:
Depending on which genes prevail in the coat’s composition, a Schnoodle may have soft curls like a Poodle or the rough, wiry fur of a Schnauzer – and sometimes even a combination of both.
Some Schnoodles exhibit the characteristic Schnauzer moustache, while others inherit the Poodle’s typical topknot.
The coat can come in black, grey, white, or brown. Bicoloured or multicoloured pups are also born. Typical for all Schnoodles are their dark eyes, black noses, and slightly folded ears.
The Schnoodle combines traits of both the Poodle and the Schnauzer. Poodles are generally considered highly trainable, intelligent, and easy to teach. By comparison, Schnauzers are a bit more lively, confident, and headstrong.
The breeders’ wish is to create a dog with a balanced, pleasant character through the mating of these two breeds – but this is not guaranteed.
Ideally, the Schnoodle is a friendly, cuddly, and playful companion, getting along well with children and other pets. However, the smallest Schnoodle variant may exhibit some of the Toy Poodle’s slight nervousness.
The Schnoodle is seen as an affectionate, alert dog that can be kept by beginners. However, attending dog training is advisable to socialise the pet from the start.
This can counter any unwanted protective instincts should the genes of the watchful Schnauzer dominate.
The smaller the chosen Schnoodle size, the more suitable it is for city living. For larger examples, a house with garden or a rural environment is advisable.
Since this dog strongly bonds with its person, it’s best not kept alone for long periods.
The spirited hybrid dog enjoys long walks and loves intelligence and food search games. Due to its eagerness to learn, it’s well-suited for various dog sports such as Agility, Obedience, and Dog Dancing.
It’s also feasible to train this loyal, loving companion as an assistance, rescue, or therapy dog.
Schnoodles can be kept by singles, couples, seniors, and families. It’s important that their person takes plenty of time for the Designer Dog, training it with loving consistency and firm rules.
Otherwise, behavioural issues such as excessive barking may develop.
The coat care depends on whether the hybrid dog has more Poodle-like or Schnauzer-like hair. Soft Poodle curls need regular trimming, while the rough, wiry fur of a Schnauzer must be hand-stripped.
Dog beginners can learn how to handle clippers or stripping knives from a dog groomer.
The hairy floppy ears should be regularly examined and cleaned to prevent painful ear infections. Especially in smaller examples, dental checks are routine to promptly identify tartar and gum inflammation.
The food requirement depends on the size, age, and activity level of the hybrid dog. Both wet and dry food may be offered, though smaller dogs need appropriately sized kibble. Raw feeding is also an option.
Overall, Poodle-Schnauzer mixes are considered healthy dogs. With hybrid dogs like the Schnoodle, the hope is that gene mixing will result in what’s known as the Heterosis effect.
The crossbreeds are expected to be fitter, more robust, and less prone to illness than purebred dogs.
Nevertheless, hereditary diseases can occur. Issues such as joint problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as eye and skin diseases and allergies, are possible. Larger breeds have an increased risk of gastric torsion, while smaller ones may suffer from patellar luxation.
On average, a Schnoodle has a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years. Smaller variants often outlive their larger relatives.
The Schnoodle is a hybrid dog from the USA. There, in the 1980s, the crossing of two selected breeds began to create a dog with the most positive fur and character traits.
In the case of the Schnoodle, a family-friendly pet of compact size was desired. Often Poodles are used in hybrid dog breeding because they shed very little and are considered allergy-friendly.
Whether a Poodle or a Poodle mix can indeed be kept by an allergy sufferer, however, must be determined on a case-by-case basis. Other popular Designer Dogs that include Poodle lineage are the Labradoodle, Golden Doodle, Maltipoo, and Cavapoo.
Hybrid dogs like the Schnoodle are not officially recognised as dog breeds. There are no uniform breed standards and no regulated breeding. To obtain a litter of Schnoodles, a Poodle and a Schnauzer must be crossed each time.
The Schnoodles produced in this way are typically not bred further.
Since the Schnoodle isn’t a recognised dog breed, there are no uniform guidelines for breeding. It’s even more important to ask the breeder many questions and closely inspect the parent animals.
Responsible breeders only cross healthy animals and provide information willingly. The cost for a Schnoodle puppy generally lies between 1,000 and 1,500 euros.
For those not set on a Designer Dog, visiting a shelter is also advisable. Here, various purebred and mixed breed animals wait for a new home. With some luck, this includes Poodles, Schnauzers, or their mixes.
The Schnoodle is a real surprise packet. It’s hard to predict whether the puppy will later resemble a Poodle or a Schnauzer.
Many dog lovers view the breeding of hybrid dogs with skepticism since the parent animals are not required to meet any health or genetic standards.
Highlights: | Hybrid dog created by crossing a Poodle and a Schnauzer. It’s bred in four different sizes. |
Character: | friendly, intelligent, alert, playful |
Height at Withers: | Toy: approx. 25-30cm Mini: approx. 29-35cm Standard: approx. 36-45cm Giant: up to approx. 60cm |
Weight: | Toy: approx. 2-4kg Mini: approx. 4-6kg Standard: approx. 6-12kg Giant: up to approx. 45kg |
Fur: | curly or rough and wiry, in black, grey, white, brown, also bicoloured and multicoloured |
Coat Care: | demanding, regular trimming or stripping needed |
Exercise: | moderate need for exercise, good for sports like agility or obedience |
Suitable for Beginners: | yes |
Barking: | relatively frequent |
Life Expectancy: | 10-15 years |
Typical Illnesses: | Hip and elbow dysplasia, skin and eye diseases |
Price: | from approx. 1,000€ |
FCI Group: | not recognised |
Origin: | USA |
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