Sometimes, it’s hard to make up your mind about the choice of the pet. But if you’re the lucky one, the designer dog breeds may solve your dilemma. That may be the case with Schnoodles which carry features of Poodles and Schnauzers. This designer breed is a beautiful compromise for indecisive dog lovers who want a sociable and loving pup.
A brief history of the race
Schnoodle is a relatively new cross between the two popular breeds – Poodle and Schnauzer {that explains its funny name!). Schnoodles can be considered a designer dog crossbreed rather than a regular breed. It’s an outcome of controlled cross-breeding between two pure breeds.
The cross has been created in the eighties. Until this day, there is no exact breed standard. The breeders have been experimenting with crossing different types of Schnauzers and Poodles what caused some issues with a classification which we’ll refer to later. The goal was to create a perfect mix between the two breeds, with a friendly personality and beautiful coat.
Schnoodle physical features
The crossing of breeds doesn’t always result in a mix of features in a perfect 50/50 ratio. However, with the Schnoodles, the result was exactly like that! When it comes to looks, the breed is a perfect blend of Poodle and Schnauzer. Fuzzy fur, beautiful beard, and eyebrows that are Schnauzer’s trademark and an elegant silhouette – that’s what we love them for!
Coat
In Schnoodle’s case, the fluffy fur of an impressive volume which is so typical of Poodles, meets the characteristic beard and eyebrows of the Schnauzers.
While Schnauzer’s fur gets rough with time, in the case of Schnoodle, it remains wavy, tender, and fluffy. That’s a Poodle trait – in the case of Schnauzers, only the puppies have such a fluffy coat. At the same time, Schnoodle’s fur is never that curly as Poodle’s.
The colors of the coat may vary. Most commonly, the Schnoodles are black or grey. However, you can also encounter dogs with brown, white, sable, or even spotted cow-like coats. The same goes for the texture of the fur. Depending on a case, it may be tender or coarse, with different degrees of curliness.
Size
When it comes to size, Schnoodles are diverse, too. That’s because there are a few types of Poodles and Schnauzers. The breeders are not very strict when it comes to breeding, experimenting with various crosses.
Most commonly, breeders cross miniature Schnauzers and Puddles Toy. As a result, the Schnoodles are usually available in small sizes. There are few types of Schnauzers (like miniature Schnauzer, giant Schnauzer and Schnauzer toy) and Poodles (toy, miniature, and standard Poodle) so, inevitably, also the hybrids come in different variants. These are the most common:
- miniature Schnoodle (12-15 cm high at the withers, 12-20 kg)
- standard Schnoodle (15-26 cm high at the withers, over 20 kg)
- Schnoodle toy (10-12 cm high at the withers, 6-10 kg).
Schnoodle personality traits
Since it’s a hybrid, Schnoodle’s personality is a combination of Poodle’s and Schnauzer’s features. Due to their liveliness, curiosity, and friendliness, the demand for Schnoodles is increasing. What else do they stand out with? Here are some most emblematic features of this designer dog breed.
Intelligent
Although appreciated mainly for its beautiful curly fur often formed into various hairstyles, Poodles are actually very intelligent! Schnoodles have inherited this feature after them. Thus, if you’re looking for a pet that will be easy to train and teach commands, you may have a match. Remember, however, that Schnoodles get bored quite fast, so it’s essential to keep the training brief and entertaining.
Active
Schnoodles are not only fast learners but also perfect companions for sports lovers. They adore outdoor activities, including swimming – that’s another common trait with the Poodle. They may not look the most athletic, but in fact, they need plenty of exercises. So, if you know that you won’t have much time or energy to train with the Schnoodle, we suggest choosing another race.
With strong attachment tendencies
That brings us to another feature worth noting in the context of the owner’s lifestyle. Schnoodles, just as Schnauzers, are very affectionate, but they may have separation issues. They shouldn’t be left alone for long hours – that may lead to trauma and behavioral problems as a result. Thus, they’re a match for those who work from home or can bring their pets to the office. If you’re away most of the day, Schnoodle won’t be the best choice. We’ve also mentioned that they get bored easily, so they may have destructive tendencies if left alone.
Loyal
Like many small–sized dogs, Schnauzers are known for their temperament. That sometimes causes issues, particularly when there are children in the house. Schnoodles tend to be less dominant – however, it depends a lot on the personality of a particular animal. There is no doubt that the hybrid has inherited Schnauzer’s loyalty and watchfulness, but not necessarily restlessness.
Protective
Protectiveness is Schnauzer’s personality trait. It makes Schnoodle a perfect guard dog. Don’t be misled by the relatively small size of this hybrid – if you want to feel protected, they’re the best match. It’s typical for these dogs to maintain alertness and be watchful.
Can Schnoodle be a therapy dog?
Looking at the most common personality traits listed above, you could assume that Schnoodle is a perfect fit for a therapy dog. And indeed – this hybrid meets most of the requirements for becoming one. Therapy dogs are supposed to provide comfort and affection – and in that sense, Schnoodle fulfills the requirements.
For those who are not well familiar with the topic – therapy dogs do not equal assistance dogs. The latter are supposed to assist the physical needs of the patients – for example, guide the blind handlers. In this case, Schnoodle may not be the best choice considering its small size.
Schnoodle coat care
The hybrid stands out with its beautiful coat – but appropriate care is essential to keep it in a good state. It’s crucial to brush the fur a couple of times per week. That will prevent the hair from entangling and knotting. If your Schnoodle has curls, we recommend brushing the hair when it’s wet instead of dry.
Brushing is the basic way to groom the Schnoodle’s coat. In addition, every month or every two months, the coat needs clippings. If your Schnoodle’s coat is more Schnauzer-like, you should trim it regularly. The choice of the technique depends on the groomer – some prefer hand stripping while others use trimer stone.
Is Schnoodle hypoallergenic?
Even though it has such a fluffy, high-volume coat, Schnoodle is considered hypoallergenic. That means that there is a low probability that the allergy sufferers will develop an allergic reaction as a result of direct or indirect contact with the animal’s fur. That’s because they shed less than the majority of the breeds, and they produce less dander.
Is Schnoodle a healthy breed?
Unlike many popular breeds, Schnoodles are not predestined to serious health issues. Generally speaking, it is a relatively healthy breed. However, Schnoodles may have tendencies towards particular diseases. What health problems are the most common among these dogs? The most common include:
Addison’s disease
This disease is chronic and incurable. However, the appropriate medical therapy can reduce the symptoms significantly. Addison’s disease characterizes by adrenal insufficiency. As a result, the adrenal cortex doesn’t produce enough cortisol and aldosterone to maintain the hormonal balance in the dog’s body. Schnauzers do not have a particular tendency towards this disease, but the Poodles unfortunately do. As a result, the Schnoodles also may be more prone to it. If you notice that your dog lacks energy and eats less, that may be the first sign of Addison’s disease.
Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the most common diseases among dogs, affecting around 2% of all breeds. However, some are more prone to it than others. Unfortunately, both Poodle and Schnauzer are predestined to it. Thus, naturally, so are the Schnoodles.
Just like Addison’s disease, diabetes is chronic and incurable. However, with the medicine and the special diet, it doesn’t pose a threat to a dog’s life. The first symptom of diabetes is usually increased thirst. It’s followed by the loss of mass and increase of appetite. Diabetic dogs may lack energy, too.
Cataract
This issue is typical to Schnoodles, and usually, it appears as an effect of progressing diabetes. The cataract causes increased cornea opacity. As a result, the sun rays don’t reach the retina, worsening the dog’s vision. Once you notice that your Schnoodle stumbles onto the objects and struggles to fetch, you should act ASAP – it’s possible that the cataract is already developing.
It’s a tricky condition – until the advanced stage, it’s difficult to notice its symptoms. That’s why it’s essential to visit the vet regularly, particularly if the breed is prone to its development. A good preventive measure against cataracts is a diet rich in amino acids.
Progressive retinal atrophy
PRA is another common condition that affects Schnoodle’s vision. In its case, the progressive degeneration of the retina causes worsening vision. It may result in blindness. Unfortunately, for now, there is no effective treatment for this disease.
Summing up
The Schnoodles are not only beautiful but also fun, intelligent, and loving. If you’re looking for a family dog, this hybrid breed is a good match. Note, however, that Schnoodles will be better companions for older kids. The little ones often don’t have a notion of their own force – that may irritate the dog. Schnoodles are not as patient as Golden Retrievers or Bernardines. They’re cute and sociable, but they have their temper – especially if someone gets under their skin. It’s worth taking that into account when choosing a pet.
If you have an active lifestyle that you can share with the pet (we don’t mean a lot of work!), choosing Schnoodle is a great idea! These dogs will gladly take part in all kinds of activities, including running, swimming, training (not to even mention everyday walks). Contrary to a common conviction, they are a good fit for families with children. If a baby appears in the family, you don’t have to worry about Schnoodle’s reaction – they just need to take it slow to get familiar with the new member.
Schnoodle is a beautiful and loyal dog that will be a great companion for anyone!
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