Facts on Schnoodle Dogs

You used to call them crossbreeds or mutts, but dogs of mixed parentage are now referred to as hybrids or designer dogs. Dog owners have discovered that selective cross breeding can produce intelligent, healthy and desirable companions. The schnoodle is a cross between a poodle and a schnauzer. The result is a delightful dog that is intelligent and loving, making it a good choice for a family dog.

  1. Appearance

    • Schnauzers bred with poodles will have cheerful, active puppies.

      When a puppy has parents of different breeds, your puppy will look more like one parent than the other. It is impossible to predict which parent the puppies will favor. They may have a long narrow muzzle like the poodle or an angular, heavier muzzle like the schnauzer. The legs will be long and the ears will be floppy, as these are two common characteristics of both poodles and schnauzers.

    Size

    • There are three sizes of poodles; toy, miniature and standard. There are also three sizes of schnauzers; miniature, standard and giant. Your schnoodle's size at maturity will depend on the size of the parents that were bred to produce your puppy. The most common breeding is done between two miniatures, which will produce puppies ranging from 10 to 16 lbs. If the standard poodle is bred with a giant schnauzer, your puppy can grow to 80 lbs. It is important when you purchase your puppy to know the size of both parents.

    Temperament

    • Schoodles are active and athletic dogs. You will need to take your dog on long walks and involve them in outdoor games to keep them healthy and happy. They are intelligent, easily trained and eager to please you. They are good with children, but can be aggressive towards other dogs and animals. If you socialize your puppy early, you should be able to overcome this problem.

    The Coat

    • A schnauzer's coat is wiry in contrast to the poodle's soft, curly coat. Your puppy could inherit either coat or a combination of both. Your puppy will be non-shedding, or shed very little, and is a good choice if you have allergies. You will need to have your dog clipped and groomed by a professional periodically. The schnoodle's coat can be white, black, brown, grey, apricot or have colored markings.