Schnoodle Grooming Tips

Fun-loving and active, schnoodles are an intelligent family dog. The cross between a poodle and a schnauzer results in a variety of sizes, colors and coats. Schnoodles are hypoallergenic and do not shed. You must consistently groom your schnoodle. Much of this can be done on your own, but if you are unsure of trimming or cutting your dog's hair, a professional groomer is a better option.

  1. Brushing

    • To keep your schnoodle's coat shiny and free of matting and excess dirt, brush it daily when possible, but at least twice a week. Schnoodles with a coat more like a schnauzer should be stripped (removing the dead hair) three to four times a year. For those with a coat akin to a poodle, clipping should be done every two months.

    Bathing

    • Thanks to the terrier bred into them, schnoodles have a propensity for digging. This may require more frequent cleanings, but every six to 10 weeks is appropriate otherwise. Wash your dog with a moisturizing shampoo, as schnoodles tend to have dry skin, and follow with a rinse-out conditioner. If you bathe your dog more frequently, you may also need to use a leave-in conditioner after the washing. Dry your dog's coat with a dryer on low heat to avoid irritating the skin. Wipe the area under its eyes to avoid staining on light-colored coats.

    Cutting

    • Use clippers on your dog's back, legs, neck and chest, shaving in the direction the hair grows. Give the dog a short cut on its body, leaving the snout and eyebrows longer. Use scissors to trim the hair on your dog's thighs, paws and face. You must exercise extra caution around the eyes and footpads. Examine your dog's coat closely before clipping. If any matting is visible, cut the areas away with scissors before shaving the fur.

    Ear Care

    • The ear is a very sensitive location on any dog. Clean out the ear with a cotton ball or swab. Trim hair around the ears with great care. Hair growing deep within the ear may need to be removed by a veterinarian or professional groomer.

    Nail Care

    • Many schnoodles have black nails, making it difficult to see where the nail ends and the quick begins. Use a nail trimmer made for dogs to clip the nails. If you are not confident about performing this task or if your dog is fidgety, it is best to let a professional handle clipping the nails.