Schnoodle

Appearance

Schnoodles are usually a cross of the smaller breeds of schnauzer and poodle. As such, the weight of an adult schnoodle can range from 20-79 pounds. Giant Schnoodles, the larger breed created by the pairing of a Standard Poodle and Giant Schnauzer, can weigh between 65 and up to 85 or 90 pounds for the largest of adult males. Schnoodles may possess the rough hair and strong body shape of the schnauzer, or the thinner shape and the curly hair of the poodle, or any combination of these characteristics.

Temperament

The temperament of the schnoodle reflects its schnauzer and poodle forebears. The schnauzer can be affectionate, naturally protective, intelligent and strong-willed; the poodle is often clever, active, and excels in obedience training. Schnoodles may inherit any combination of intelligence, personality, temper and protective nature of the parent breeds. They make good pets and are often devoted and affectionate to their family. Like both parent breeds, schnoodles are usually active dogs and are impressive runners and jumpers; regular exercise and activity are necessary components of their lives.

Crossbreed status and recognition

Schnoodles are first-generation crosses, with two purebred parents: a poodle and a schnauzer. According to Newsweek, schnoodles are "rising to canine stardom."

Breed associations such as the AKC, the UKC, and the CKC, do not recognize the schnoodle, or any other designer cross, as a breed. However, some major kennel clubs do accept registration of crossbreed and mixed-breed dogs for performance events such as agility and obedience. As with many other designer crosses, the popularity of schnoodles has led to a rise in puppy mills selling this cross.

Coat care

A schnoodle can take on the coat characteristics of either parent breed, such as the wiry hair of the schnauzer, the softer, curly hair of the poodle, or an intermediary coat. Some schnoodles develop coarser schnauzer-like hair on certain parts of the body (most notably the back) with other softer poodle-like areas. Schnoodle colors include black, white, brown, grey and apricot. Multi-colored dogs can include phantom (which takes on the coloring of a Doberman), black and white, sable or parti.

Puppies in the same litter may differ in coat qualities and are hypoallergenic as both schnauzers and poodles are considered hypoallergenic. Schnoodles tend to shed less than other breeds due to the hair-like quality of their coats. They require weekly brushing as well as grooming every 2 to 3 months to prevent matting and tangles. There is no specific breed cut for a schnoodle; most groomers give schnoodles a general groom with rounded or squared-off semi-long hair left on the face.

Health and behavior

Like its parent breeds, some schnoodles will develop a large amount of in-the-ear hair. This must be removed by a vet or groomer to prevent ear infections that may result. Like both the poodle and schnauzer, the schnoodle may require expression of the anal glands several times per year; a vet or groomer can perform this service. As with poodles, it is a good idea to clean the discharge from under a schnoodle's eyes in order to minimize tear-staining, particularly on animals with a light coat.

Since schnoodles are bred from two intelligent breeds, the poodle and the schnauzer, they are often easy to train as long as they have motivation and are constantly challenged. They need a structured living situation to prevent developing anxiety related behavioral problems. Schnoodles can be very excitable. They are friendly and accepting of both dogs and humans, but can have attachment issues with their owners.