Schnoodle Parent Breeds
The Schnauzer
The parents of a Schnoodle are the Poodle and Schnauzer. The name Schnauzer is German, meaning “snouter” and generally can be linked back to the term “mustache” due to the breed’s facial hair. They are Terrier-type dogs but they do not have the same sort of temperament as most other Terriers. The Schnauzer comes in, essentially, three different sizes. The smallest is the Miniature, then Standard, then Giant. A Schnauzer may be different colors depending on the size, but they are often black, white, salt and pepper, or brown. All Schnauzers share the similar beard-like hair around the snout. Their temperaments are described as being friendly, energetic, protective, loving, watchful, and alert. They generally make very good watch dogs and family dogs, especially if they are trained and socialized. They are intelligent and independent but can sometimes be excessively loud.
Poodles
There are basically three types of Poodles: The Toy, Miniature, and Standard. There is, however, one other Poodle size which sits between the Miniature and Standard types and it is called the Medium Poodle. All Poodles have essentially the same temperament but the larger dogs have served the purpose of working animals and the smaller ones have functioned more as companion dogs. Still, they all share the same physical characteristics—athletic bodies, long muzzles, and curly hair—and essentially the same temperaments. Poodles are faithful, instinctual, alert, active, trainable, and certainly intelligent. On the downside they can be sensitive and even skittish but many of the Poodle’s behavioral problems can be solved or minimized through training and socializing. In general they are good family dogs and popular show dogs.
Schnoodle Appearance
What does a Schnoodle look like?
The Schnoodle is a designer dog and may vary in appearance between individuals. They come in many different sizes, coat textures, and colors, with an assortment of unique physical characteristics. Quite a few Schnoodles typically fall between both parents, sharing similarities to the Poodle and Schnauzers. Generally, however, if one parent is genetically dominant in terms of appearance it is typically the Schnauzer parent. Their size is one of the largest varying factors. This primarily depends on the size of the parents, as both Poodles and Schnauzers range from the very small to the rather large. If a Toy or Miniature Poodle and Schnauzer are mated the offspring tend to be 3 – 7kg (7-16 pounds). If the parents are a Giant Schnauzer and a Standard Poodle then they may be anywhere from 30 – 43kg (65-90 pounds).
The build of their bodies is usually rather square, with a back that is straight and sometimes gently sloped. They have moderately long tails which are carried upright if they are in a happy or social situation. Their heads are of a moderate width, narrowing to the point of then nose on the muzzle. Their muzzles are generally somewhat less narrow than the Poodle’s. Their eyes are oval or round and tend to be dark brown. Their ears are folded, as both parents are, and make a “V” shape. Teeth meet in a scissors bite.
The Poodle and the Schnauzer both have different textures of coat, thus the Schnoodle may come in several different coat assortments. It may be straight and silky, like the Schnauzer, wavy and silky, or tightly curled most like the Poodle. Many dogs have hair that is wavy and they typically have a quite fine texture very unlike most Terriers. If they do have curls they tend to be softer than a Poodle. Both Poodles and Schnauzers come in multiple different colors, therefor the Schnoodle does as well. These colors include: black, white, black and white, black and tan, tan, brown, apricot, and gray.
Schnoodle Temperament
What is a Schnoodle’s personality like?
The personality of the Schnoodle is described as many things. They are said to be protective, devoted, obedient, strong willed, clever, intelligent, active, and loving. This tends to be a combination of the parents’ temperaments, taking the traits of each. Many people state that the Schnoodle has a gentle temperament that tends to be even. They are very cheerful and are often happy and up beat most of the time. Many are affectionate, loyal, and they frequently love being with their families and other people. They are not exclusive companion dogs, however, though they do fairly well in families. They are also frequently used as working dogs, such as therapy dogs. Generally Schnoodles function best in a rather structured living situation. This is good for their particular temperament, especially for the more anxiety-prone. Most are very playful and will remain this way even into old age. They love to play games and get out, especially when it involves the ones they love. They tend to be very excitable, thus, it is absolutely essential to train them not to jump up on people—and it is most effective to do this at an early age. Many Schnoodles are somewhat cautious or wary of strangers and unfamiliar animals, especially if they are influenced by the Schnauzer parent. In the end they may inherit personality traits from either parent, good or bad. On the good side Poodles are lively, playful, obedient and easy to housebreak, and the Schnauzer is a good watchdog, versatile, and often friendly, but Poodles may also be skittish and sensitive, and Schnauzers may be stubborn and sometimes even aggressive. Early training and socialization is required for them to grow into well-rounded dogs.
Schnoodle Health
Are Schnoodle’s a healthy breed?
It is usually known that hybrids and mixes are more healthy than purebreds. This is true, also, for the Schnoodle. This does not mean they are immune to illness, just that they are generally less susceptible than their parents. Some problems Schnoodles do face include ear infections, epilepsy, patellar luxation, bloat, Addison’s Disease, cataracts, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Schnoodles can also suffer from a number of behavioural issues.
Schnoodle Lifespan
Schnoodles live an average of 10-16 years long.
Schnoodle Exercise
How much exercise do Schnoodle’s need?
The amount of exercise a Schnoodle will need depends largely on the size. The smaller Schnoodles tend to need less, and can cope better in smaller living spaces provided they are exercised daily. Larger Schnoodles will probably need a large yard and hearty, daily activity of some sort.
Schnoodle Grooming
How much gooming do Schnoodle’s need?
Schnoodles need to be clipped and trimmed on a regular basis, but the good news is that they are generally low-shedding. Grooming will vary depending on the individual coat a Schnoodle has. It is important to clean their ears to avoid ear infections.