The Schnoodle dog breed is a cross between a Schnauzer and a Poodle. Since my Misha is a Schnoodle, I will call her a designer dog, but in reality, many people consider them just another mixed breed dog.
One of the main reasons the Schnoodle dog breed was developed was to produce a hypoallergenic dog. However, there are no completely hypoallergenic dogs.
Since Poodles do shed less than many breeds, breeders do try to cross them with other breeds to try and create a dog breed that will shed much less. Schnoodles usually shed less than their Schnauzer parents, so this can make them a good choice for people looking for a dog who is less like to shed.
Schnoodle Coats
A Schnoodle may have the wiry coat of the Schnauzer, the soft, curly coat of the Poodle, or a way coat. They may also have different coat types on various parts of their bodies. For example, Mishap’s coat is very soft and curly. But she has a patch of very wiry hair on both rear legs.
The Schnoodle’s coat can be:
- black
- white
- brown
- gray
- apricot
- and any combination of those colors
Size of the Schnoodle
The truth is, the size of your Schnoodle will depend on the size of her parents.
Poodles can be Standard, Miniature, or Toy, while Schnauzers can be Giant, Standard, and the Miniature Schnauzer. So depending on which size of each breed were crossed, you can have a large variety of sizes in the offspring.
Their weight will vary depending on their parents as well. For example, Misha is a cross between a Miniature Schnauzer and a Miniature Poodle. However, the breeder selected smaller parents from both breeds so Misha is on the smaller end of the scale. She only weights 13 lbs.
Personality of the Schnoodle Dog Breed
Schnoodles are typically playful, intelligent, and very devoted. Like their Poodle parents, they can be very trainable. And like their Schnauzer parents, they can be extremely devoted. They are often fun-loving and energetic. They can also do well in obedience training and agility activities.
The Health of Schnoodle Dogs
When selecting a Schnoodle breeder, be sure to ask about what type of health testing the parents have had. Ask about hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Both of these conditions can be present in the Poodle and are sometime passed on to their offspring.
One of the arguments for mixed breed dogs is that they are less likely to develop conditions found in their pure breed parents. However, the possibility that the offspring will develop these conditions is still there, so it is still wise to ask your breeder.
Grooming the Schnoodle
Because of their coat type, Schnoodles may require professional grooming. They need to be brushed regularly with the proper grooming brush, and clipped every few weeks to maintain a good, healthy coat. This will also help to avoid matted fur.
These dogs may also grow hair in their ears which will need to be plucked or trimmed. You can have the groomer do this for you. But it is not too difficult to learn how to do it yourself.
Deciding on a Schnoodle
When deciding on the Schnoodle dog breed, be certain that both the Schnauzer and the Poodle would suit your lifestyle and would satisfy what you are looking for in a dog.
Remember that these dogs are a cross between two distinct breeds and there is no guarantee which breed the Schnoodle puppy will be like. They may be more like the Schnauzer, but they have an equal chance of being like the Poodle.
Schnoodles are becoming increasingly popular and this puts them at risk of being exploited by unscrupulous breeders. If you decide to bring a Schnoodle puppy into your family be certain that you buy a new puppy from a responsible breeder, and that you are getting a puppy for all the right reasons.
And as always, never forget that there are many dogs out there who needs a family to adopt them, love them, and give them a home.
Image Courtesy of Wikipedia
Best,
Omar Reyes
For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:
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