Qualities of the Schnoodle

A Schnoodle is a cross between a Schnauzer and a poodle. It's considered a designer breed, and became popular in the 1980s. Schnoodles come in several different sizes, hair coat types, colors and personalities. The most commonly seen combination is a cross between the miniature poodle and the miniature Schnauzer. This breed is recognized by the Designer Breed Registry and the International Designer Canine Registry. There are no set breed standards for the Schnoodle.

  1. Physical Qualities of a Schnoodle

    • Schnoodles can look more like Schnauzers, or more like poodles.

      Schnoodles vary greatly in their physical size and appearance. There are three sizes of both the poodle -- toy, miniature, and standard -- and the Schnauzer -- miniature, standard, and giant -- so the size of the Schnoodle depends on the size of the parents. The most commonly seen combination is a mix of miniature poodle and miniature Schnauzer. Because there are so many different combinations, Schnoodles can weigh anywhere between 6 lbs. for toy crosses and 75 lbs. for standard and giant crosses.Their coat can be coarse like the Schnauzer or soft and curly like a Poodle. Sometimes they have coarse hair some places on their body and soft on others. They come in many colors -- gray, black, chocolate, white with colored markings, wheaten, sable and more. Any shade that can be seen in the parents is possible for the puppies. Average life span is from 10 to 15 years.

    Temperament of Schnoodles

    • Proper socialization is important for Schnoodles.

      There are variations in the temperaments of Schnoodles, depending on which parent they favor. Generally speaking, they are highly intelligent, energetic, eager to please, loyal, full of fun and good with kids. Most are also good with other dogs. They can be barkers. Like Schnauzers, they can be stubborn, independent, protective of their people, and sometimes they will seem to favor one particular person in their family. Good socialization is very important for Schnoodles. These highly intelligent dogs respond well to training and enjoy being kept busy. If you don't keep them busy, they can become destructive.

    Care of Schnoodles

    • Schnoodles are energetic dogs and need plenty of exercise.

      Schoodles are active, intelligent dogs. All but the largest versions can live happily in an apartment, but they do require 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily. Training is a must for these dogs. They thrive on interaction with their humans and can suffer from separation anxiety if they are left alone a lot. Grooming is fairly easy, depending on if they favor the poodle or the Schnauzer side of the family. Regular brushing and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks may be required to keep their coats healthy.These dogs are considered to be low shedders, so they are often good for people with allergies.

    Health Concerns of Schnoodles

    • Schnoodles are generally healthy dogs.

      Schnoodles are generally considered to be healthy dogs, though they are prone to skin allergies, epilepsy, luxating patellas ("trick knees") and eye problems. In addition, they can have the same health concerns as Poodles and Schnauzers. Buying from a reputable breeder who has carefully monitored and documented the health issues of the parents can lessen chances of having serious health concerns.