Schnoodle Breed Information

The Schnoodle is a hybrid cross of the Poodle and Schnauzer purebreds. As a crossbreed, Schnoodles are ineligible for purebred registries, such as the American Kennel Club, though they may be registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club. Schnoodles are not considered purebreds because they not "breed true," meaning that the traits exhibited are inconsistent and largely depend on the size, temperament and generational cross of the bitch and sire. While first generation crosses---comprised of two purebreds---come the closest to exhibiting consistent traits, many breeders allow Schnoodles to breed with purebreds, called a backcross, or with other Schnoodles, called a multi-generation cross.

  1. Size

    • The Other Half of the Equation

      As with all traits, the size of the Schnoodle largely depends on the size of purebred, be it Giant, Standard, Miniature or Toy. While the Miniature Schnoodle, weighing 11 to 14 lbs., is the most common Schoodle size, many larger hybrid variations can meet or exceed 50 to 65 lbs. Toy Schnoodles---the rarest variation---weigh less than 11 lbs. fully grown.

    Coat

    • Perhaps the one consistent factor you can count on with a Schnoodle is their non-shedding coat. This is due to the fact that both Schnauzer and Poodle purebreds possess non-shedding coats, though the Schnauzer's is rough and wiry while the Poodle's is soft and curly. For this reason, the length and texture of Schnoodle coats can vary widely from litter to litter, and even within litters. Possible colors include black, tan, apricot, white, gray, phantom---black and tan---and even the spotted "party" color becoming more popular in Poodle purebreds.

    Temperament

    • Schnoodles are loyal, playful and highly intelligent dogs that get along well with children, other dogs and other pets. Though non-aggressive by nature, the Schnoodle is protective and will alert you of potential danger or merely the approach of the unfamiliar. Schnoodles tend to bark often and with intent, a trait exhibited in purebred Schnauzers as well as Poodles.

    Grooming

    • Schnoodles require weekly brushing and monthly baths. Schoodles with softer, curlier coats like the purebred Poodle may even require professional grooming. While a Schnoodle with a "Poodle-cut" can be mistaken for a purebred Poodle, Schnoodles with longer, Schnauzer-like coats often resemble the purebred Schnauzer.

    Training, Activity and Lifespan

    • Schnoodles require a daily run, brisk walk or even a backyard game of fetch in order to be happy. Due to their highly intelligent natures, Schnoodles are easily trained and well-suited for agility, flyball and long-distance running. The average lifespan of a Schnoodle is 12 to 16 years, though smaller varieties tend to live longer than their larger counterparts.