Characteristics of a Schnoodle

A schnoodle is a cross between a schnauzer and a poodle. Sometimes called a designer dog, it is not yet an officially recognized dog breed, but it is becoming a popular family pet. They combine the intelligence of the poodle with the loyalty of the schnauzer, so they make devoted and clever companions.

  1. Types

    • Schnoodles can be white, black, gray, brown or golden in color. Their hair can tend toward wiry, like schnauzers, or soft and curly, like poodles.

      Schnoodles come in five sizes. The giant schnoodle is a cross between a giant schnauzer and a standard poodle; it can weigh up to 70 pounds and stands about 26 inches at its shoulder. The standard schnoodle weighs between 44 and 66 pounds and stands 20 to 26 inches. The medium schnoodle weighs between 26 and 44 pounds and stands 16 to 20 inches. The miniature schnoodle weighs between 13 and 26 pounds and stands 12 to 16 inches. The teacup, or toy, schnoodle weighs 6 to 13 pounds and stands 8 to 12 inches.

    Personality

    • Schnoodles are said to be easy to train because they love to please people. They are active and playful and are known to be smart and curious. They like canine sports like agility, flyball and fetch, and they like to play in water. They love attention and are sometimes trained to be certified therapy dogs that visit the sick and elderly. They are affectionate and loyal pets that can live for up to 16 years.

    Features

    • Neither schnauzers nor poodles shed their fur, so most schnoodles don't either. This makes them ideal dogs for people with pet allergies. And because they are hybrids, they are resistant to the diseases often associated with purebreds. The smaller schnoodles will do fine living in an apartment because they can get sufficient exercise indoors.

    Care

    • Schnoodles have hair rather than fur, so it keeps growing. That makes regular grooming important; you can do it yourself or go to a professional groomer. They love company, so they will not do well in a household where they are alone all day. They do best when they can live indoors, although they do like regular outdoor exercise. The larger types especially need regular walks.

    Problems

    • Beware of their tendency to dig. They also tend to be yappy, a habit that can be curtailed early in their training. They can be stubborn and somewhat hard to housebreak.