(Schnauzer X Poodle)

Other names:

Shnoodle, Snoodle

Introducing the Schnoodle:

The Schnoodle is a hybrid breed that is developed by crossing a Poodle and a Schnauzer. Schnoodles are intelligent, people oriented, affectionate and obedient with a good amount of energy. This gives the Schnoodle a wider range of sizes to allow the breed to fit into a wide range of family circumstances. This adorable breed is suitable for many lifestyles. Many owners report being stopped while taking their Schnoodle for a walk by strangers who want to pat their bearded dog!

Description of the Schnoodle:

The Schnoodle is a hybrid breed that is developed by crossing a Poodle and a Schnauzer. Schnoodles are intelligent, people oriented, affectionate and obedient with a good amount of energy. Their coats can vary from rough to soft and come in a wide variety of colours and shed very little. They love to exercise and play and make wonderful companion pets. Due to the various sizes of both parent breeds, the Schnoodle can be a range of sizes from toy to standard size but are usually a mini to medium size. Left unclipped, the face of a Schnoodle will often keep the characteristic beard of the Schnauzer.

Temperament of the Schnoodle:

The Schnoodle mixes the intellect of the Poodle with the companionship and devotion of the Schnauzer. Schnoodles are very astute and may, for example, react very strongly to the sound of car keys, and know its owner is leaving the home on some errand. This makes the Schnoodle easy to train. Some Schnoodles pick up the Schnauzer-like habit of nipping at things, but are not a breed attracted to chewing up furniture. While mischievous, Schnoodles are fun-loving, energetic dogs. Since one of its parents is a Poodle, it may have a tendency to want a significant amount of attention and special treatment.

Schnoodle activity level:

The Schnoodle is an intelligent dog that adores human companionship and is suitable for small homes with a yard to burn off excess energy. They need regular exercise and will benefit from a long walk, especially Schnoodles living in apartments or units with courtyards. They enjoy living with an active family with children but are happy spending time on the couch with the family watching TV so long as they get their daily walk.

Schnoodle colours:

The Schnoodle is usually dark coloured. Most often the Schnoodle’s predominant colour is black, often with white markings on the chest or head, but they can be found in a wide variety of markings and colours from the typical black colour to white and grey to parti and phantom markings.

Grooming your Schnoodle:

The amount of grooming required for a Schnoodle will depend on the length of its coat. All coat types will require some grooming with the non-shedding Schnoodles also needing to be clipped as their fur does not fall out. Schnoodles with longer coats will need to be brushed daily to ensure they do not become matted while clipped Schnoodles require less grooming. Some owners prefer the hair to be long and “shaggy” and therefore trim far less often. The hair texture is usually a blend of the Poodle and Schnauzer, producing soft hair with varying amounts of waves.

Training your Schnoodle:

Both Poodles and Schnauzers which make up the Schnoodle are highly intelligent breeds and the Schnoodle is a very quick learner. This intelligence, coupled with the terrier desire to please the owner, makes most Schnoodles easily trainable. The vocabulary of a Schnoodle is quite impressive, considering they are able to pick up phrases, such as “go get your toy” with ease. Early socialization and obedience are recommended for all Schnoodles. The crate training method works best to house train Schnoodles as they prefer to go toilet away from where they sleep, but just be sure to let pups out from their crate as soon as possible. Schnoodles do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods and training must be done with firmness, fairness, patience, and consistency. Some new puppy owners report that it can sometimes be difficult to keep their puppy’s attention for long periods of time so try to make training times short and fun. Also make sure your Schnoodle puppy will come when called in the backyard before going out to an unfenced area.

Schnoodle sizes:

Toy Schnoodles will grow to about 30cm at the shoulder as adults.

Mini Schnoodles will grow to about 35cm at the shoulder as adults.

Medium Schnoodles will grow to between 40cm and 45cm at the shoulder as adults.

Standard Schnoodles will grow to between 45cm and 55cm at the shoulder as adults.

Schnoodle Life Span:

12 – 14 years

Finding Schnoodle puppies for sale from Schnoodle breeders

Schnoodles can still be classed as being fairly rare at this stage and locating a Schnoodle breeder can be a little difficult but one of the best ways is to go through a breeders agent. They will have contact with many different breeders and will usually be informed first of when litters are planned or available. A reputable breeders agent will also be able to provide you with further information on the care of your Schnoodle puppy as well as ensuring that the puppy has had the appropriate vaccinations, worming etc and is the right age to go to their new home. We have found Chevromist Kennels to be exemplary in their level of knowledge and service both before and after adopting a puppy and have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone wishing to adopt a Designer breed puppy. You can visit their website with photos of their beautiful puppies at www.chevromist.com