Proper Grooming for a Schnoodle

Schnoodles are not an officially recognized dog breed, but schnoodle owners have created a recognized schnoodle grooming style. Schnoodles are a cross between the miniature schnauzer and miniature poodle; giant schnoodles are a cross between the standard poodle and giant schnauzer. They typically have a thick, curly or wavy coat and shaggy eyebrows and beard. Schnoodles are outdoor dogs -- they love to dig holes and play in water. Grooming is important to keep them clean and prevent tangles in their fur.

  1. Preparation

    • Any groomer will tell you that the fur must be clean before you can trim it. The clipper blades will not go through dirty hair easily and the dirt and tangles will make them blunt very quickly. The schnoodle must be washed with a good doggie shampoo and dried with a blow-dryer on low heat while brushing. A slicker brush -- with wire bristles -- works well on a schnoodle's thick coat. Use the scissors to cut out any tangles that you cannot brush out.

    Body

    • Use a #4F animal clipper blade. Purchase one if you do not already own one. This is a blade that goes through thick fur easily and does not cut it too short. Run the clippers in the same direction as the growth of the hair and clip the neck, back, sides and chest first. This will give your dog time to get accustomed to the noise and sensation. Change to a blade to make the chest shorter than the rest of the body. Schnoodles are active dogs and their chest hair easily gets matted. Use this blade to make the hair shorter under the tail for hygienic reasons.

    Legs and Feet

    • To trim the legs and feet, use scissors and work from the thighs downward. Dogs do not always allow their feet to be clipped and it is important that you persevere and try to do some trimming of the foot hair each time you groom, including in between the toes and under the pads. Clip the nails only if you know how. If you cut them too short, you can cause the dog a lot of pain.

    Head

    • The schnoodle's eyebrows and beard should not be totally removed. Use the scissors to trim the eyebrows just to make them tidy; do the same with the beard. The rest of the face should be as short as the body. Wipe the ears out with a solution of vinegar and rubbing alcohol to keep them dry.