The Schnoodle has been growing rapidly in popularity, just like his other Doodle cousins. As a dog trainer, I am asked very frequently whether Schnoodles are the right choice for families, how much they shed, how easily they are trainable, whether they have health problems … so here are my answers for all these questions and more!

Schnoodles are a cross between Schnauzers and Poodles. They can either be a first generation mix from two purebred parents (for example a Schnauzer mom and a Poodle dad), or a second, third etc. generation mix from two Schnoodle parents. As a mixed breed, they are currently not registered with the AKC (American Kennel Club).

Let’s dive in and learn everything you need to know about Schnoodles!

#1 Schnoodles come in many sizes

 

Both the Schnauzer and the Poodle come in different sizes. Schnauzers can range from the Miniature Schnauzer (starting at 12lbs) to the Giant Schnauzer (as heavy as 110lbs). Poodles are as tiny as the Toy Poodle (weighing just 5lbs) or as big as the Standard Poodle (up to 70lbs). The Miniature Poodle’s size is in the middle of the two.

This means that there is a lot of variety in Schnoodles as well! If a Schnoodle’s parents are a Miniature Schnauzer and a Toy Poodle, the Schnoodle might be a tiny one who weighs 10lbs or less. On the other hand, a Giant Schnauzer and a Standard Poodle will produce big puppies who can grow up to be large dogs weighing around 80lbs.

#2 Schnoodles can have any color

Schnoodles can have a wide variety of color combinations. Schnauzers are mostly grey or black. Poodles can be white, brown, red, black or have a spotted appearance (called the Parti Poodle). When crossing Schnauzers and Poodles, a lot of color combinations result.

Schnoodles can be solid-colored (such as all white, black, apricot etc.) or spotted in any combination of brown, grey, black and white. The variety in their looks is what makes them unique!

#3 They are a cross from working breeds

Schnoodles look cute and cuddly. Both the Schnauzer and the Poodle however are working breeds. This means that they are no couch potatoes!

 

Poodles were bred to be water retrievers that go to hunt with their owners. Schnauzers originally were guard and farm dogs. Both breeds show a strong desire to work and be active. They will be destructive if you are not meeting their needs for exercise and training.

 

#4 Schnoodles will need a lot of activity

Because of their working dog pedigree, Schnoodles will need a considerable amount of exercise and training. I have seen many owners struggle with the energy level of their Schnoodle.

They are not lap dogs and they will need mental and physical activity every day.

If you are looking for a dog that requires little exercise, the Cavachon might be a better fit.

#5 They are not 100% hypoallergenic

One of the main reasons many owners decide for Poodle mixes is their coat. All Doodles are said to be hypoallergenic and non-shedding. This is not completely true.

Schnoodles will shed much less than a double-coated dog. However, they still can shed a bit of hair and dander. If you have a dog allergy, it is crucial to spend some time around Schnoodles to determine if they set off your allergies or not.

#6 They need grooming

Any groomer will tell you that Doodle owners make up a big part of their clientele. Yes – they might not shed, but they need to be brushed and bathed!

Because a Schnoodle’s coat is curly and grows very long, it will tangle and mat if not properly maintained. It tends to catch dirt and burrs and will absolutely require brushing at least twice a week. Depending on how long you keep your Schnoodle’s coat, you might even need to brush him daily.

Many Schnoodle owners decide to let the trimming and bathing be done by a local groomer. Especially for large Schnoodles this makes a lot of sense. Wrangling an 80lbs dog in your bathtub is no joke!

#7 They are extremely smart

Both Poodles and Schnauzers are very intelligent dogs. Their offspring, the Schnoodle, is just as clever!

Schnoodles learn tricks rapidly and are great problem solvers. Even a young Schnoodle puppy can learn how to sit, lie down, spin, crawl and shake within just a few days. Dedicated owners are able to teach their Schnoodles over 100 tricks.

Schnoodles can be trained very well with food rewards, because:

#8 They are very food-driven

Most Schnoodles are no picky eaters! They love to eat, especially treats. When you are training them, make sure to use plenty of food rewards to show them how well they are doing. The more you can reinforce correct behavior, the faster they will learn.

Their food drive can also result in unwanted behaviors such as counter surfing. If your Schnoodle has a tendency to steal food, consider using baby gates to block off the access to the kitchen and dining area.

#9 They excel in dog sports

Because of their high energy level and smart mind, Schnoodles are great at many dog sports. You can try out agility, disc dog (frisbee), nosework, rally … your Schnoodle is going to love it all!

While their fluffy coat makes them look like big teddy bears, it actually hides an athletic body underneath! Doodles are extremely agile and great jumpers. Many Schnoodle owners can attend their first competitions after only a few months of training.

#10 They have a good nose

Like all dogs, Schnoodles have a keen sense of smell. They are often used in Search and Rescue groups and taught to look for missing people.

But also at home the nose comes in handy: You can teach your Schnoodle to go and find toys or treats that you hide for him. Some owners teach their Schnoodles to sniff out their car key, phone or other items they misplace often!

#11 You cannot register them with the AKC

Because Schnoodles are a cross-bredd, you cannot register them as a purebred dog with the AKC. In fact, there currently is no breed registry that accepts Schnoodles to be entered.

This means that if you are looking for a dog to take to conformation shows, you should not decide on the Schnoodle. Breeders also do not have to abide certain regulations that AKC breeders are held to. In order to make sure you get a healthy Schnoodle who will be a great family member for a long time, it is important to make sure you find a responsible breeder.

You need to make sure that your Schnoodle’s parents are free of any health issues, because:

#12 Schnoodles are prone to certain health conditions

Unfortunately, the saying that mutts are healthy does not always old true. Many health conditions in dogs are genetic and if the parents of a crossbreed suffer from these conditions, their offspring is also likely to.

Poodles often experience hip dysplasia, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, thyroid issues and bloat. Schnauzers are prone to hip dysplasia, pancreatitis and kidney stones.

Yes – hip dysplasia is prevalent in both parents’ breeds. The good news is that it is easily diagnosed by taking x rays. If you decide for a Schnoodle puppy, absolutely make sure that your breeder has checked the parent’s hips.

#13 They slow down after their puppy years

While Schnoodles are wild as puppies and young dogs, they often noticeably slow down after their puppy years. At 3-4 years they can become rather laid-back and calm dogs.

For many owners this seems impossible when they are trying to wrangle their highly energetic Schnoodle puppies, but once they enter their adult years they are a lot easier to manage!

Of course, if you are looking for a couch potato dog, do not choose a Schnoodle. Other breeds such as the Chiweenie can be much more suitable.

#14 Schnoodles might need to watch their weight

As mentioned, they love to eat – very much so!

Obesity is a serious condition in dogs that leads to a variety of health troubles. While many owners think that a couple pounds too many on their dogs is a sign of being spoiled – it is not! Especially with food driven dogs such as Schnoodles you may need to closely watch their weight.

Consider feeding them a weight management food or adding low-calorie meals consisting of pumpkin or carrots.

If your Schnoodle is overweight, do not be shy to speak to your vet about it. More than 50% of all US dogs weigh too much. By making sure your dog is at his perfect weight you are setting him up for a long and healthy life!

#15 They are very social

Many Schnoodles – like all Doodles – are extremely social dogs. They like to meet and greet other dogs as well as people. Schnoodles are highly playful and often enjoy romping with other dogs even in their adult and senior years.

When training your Schnoodle you want to remember this and make sure that you teach him to focus on you when there are distractions around. Otherwise your dog will easily ignore your cues as soon as something else catches his attention.

The good news is that because Schnoodles are so social:

#16 Reactivity is uncommon

Some dog tend to display breed-specific reactivity. Breeds that are prone to that are for example the King Shepherd, because their ancestors were bred to be guard and lifestock guardian dogs.

While Schnauzers can have guarding tendencies, Poodles are very friendly and docile dogs that rarely show reactivity. If you make sure to expose your Schnoodle puppy to plenty of different people, dogs and situations, he is unlikely to show reactivity later in life.

#17 You can breed F2/F3/F4 … Schnoodles

With any cross, the first generation is called the F1 generation. This would mean a litter of dogs that had a Schauzer parent and a Schnoodle parent. If you now cross two first generation Schnoodles, you will get what’s called the F2 generation. These are the grandchildren of the purebred Schnauzer and Poodle.

While some breeders prefer to breed F1 puppies, others keep on breeding their Schnoodles to other Schnoodles and have F2, F3, F4 etc. offspring.

The further down the line you get, the more set certain trait become. For example: If you breed a tall Poodle to a small Schnauzer, there might be all kinds of sizes in the first litter: from very small to very tall. If you breed a puppy from this F1 generation to another F1 puppy from a different litter, the sizes in this resulting litter should already be more evenly distributed.

As you get to F3, F4, F5 … up to even F10 and beyond, the appearance and traits of the puppies will become as predictive as in a purebred dog.

#18 They love to fetch

Poodles – being water retrievers – bring a love of fetching to the Schnoodle. Many Schnoodle owners report that their dogs will fetch until they pass out!

In my career as a dog trainer I recall one particular client whose Schnoodle, even at 12 years old, would bring a ball to every visitor and request a game of fetch. (And after the first game another … and another one …)

#19 Schnoodles are great cuddlers

While I have told you that Schnoodles are active dogs that need exercise – they also do not say no to a good cuddle! Their soft curls make petting and snuggling them extra fun. Even a large Schnoodle will think that he is a great lap dog and curl up with you in a recliner or on the couch.

If you really want to spoil your Schnoodle, try massaging him some time – he will be in heaven!

#20 They are addictive

You cannot just have one! Many Schnoodle owners have several Schnoodles, and when one passes away at old age they get another one. Once you get to know these loyal, sweet and energetic dogs, it is hard to not want multiple!

The Bottom Line

If you are looking for a fun family dog who likes to go an adventures, play with you and learn new tricks, a Schnoodle might just be the right dog for you. Whether you are looking for a small or large one or a specific color – because there is so much variety in the Schnoodle breed, you are sure to find exactly the dog you are looking for.