Schnoodle: What to Know and What’s Good About Them

Last Updated on April 23, 2023

Crossbreeds are for dog lovers who enjoy surprises, and the hybrid that we’re going to talk about is starting to become popular due to its teddy bear qualities and low-shedding coat.

The Schnauzer-Poodle mix or Schnoodle (pronounced as /ˈʃnuːdl̩/), is the lovable offspring of the sturdy and energetic Schnauzer and the intelligent and comical Poodle.

Let’s see what else to know about this doodle!

The Origin/History of the Schnoodle

Like most designer dogs, this canine was initially bred to make a household pet and a companion that had minimal shedding.

And since the interest in Poodle crosses began to grow, the Schnauzer and Poodle cross was one of the oodles of doodles that were created. It’s also considered as one of the Teddy Bear dogs.

Even though their purpose initially revolved around their coat in the 1980s, Schnoodles are now adored for their peppy personalities and high spirits.

But since this is a mix, you’d be able to get an idea of how the crossbreed offspring would turn out by knowing about their parents.

The Vigilant Schnauzer

Originally from Germany and also known as Mittelschnauzer, this whisker-faced cutie is a loyal canine companion.

Schnauzers can become more attached to one particular human, and they are known for their protective qualities. But even if they can be wary, they are not aggressive. In fact, they are outgoing and playful, making them an excellent pet for active families with kids.

Although this breed is known for barking, Minis can be noisier due to their alert personalities.

They can vary in height and weight as there’s a Miniature, Standard, and a Giant Schnauzer.

• Miniature: 12 to 14 inches (30.5 to 36 cm) in height, and 11 to 20 pounds (5 to 9 kg)
• Standard: 17.5 to 19.5 inches (44 to 49 cm) tall, and 35 to 50 pounds (16 to 23 kg)
• Giant: 23.5 to 27.5 inches (60 to 70 cm) in height, and 55 to 85 pounds (25 to 39 kg)

The Clever Poodle

Even though this breed isn’t as outgoing as the Schnauzers, Poodles are known for being the second most intelligent dog. They’re also impeccable as a show and therapy dog.

Although Poos enjoy stimulating activities that keep their bodies moving and their brains thinking, they can be a little shy sometimes and may guard you or nip at strangers. They don’t like being bored, too.

This breed is a smart, working dog who’s a coveted family pet and is also popular because of its hypoallergenic coat.

Like the Schnauzer, they come in three sizes except, no giant. You’ll only find a Toy, Miniature, and Standard Poodle. Their sizes are:

• Toy: 10 inches and under (25 cm) in height, and 4 to 6 pounds (2 to 3 kg) in weight
• Miniature: 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 cm) tall, and weighs 10 to 15 pounds (4.5 kg)
• Standard: 15 inches and up (38 cm) in height, and 40 to 60 pounds (18 to 27 cm) in weight

And since the Poodle and Schnauzer mix is a crossbreed, the AKC doesn’t recognize this dog, but other organizations do.

Those associations or clubs are the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), The Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR), Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), and Designer Breed Registry (DBR).

Characteristics: What does a Schnoodle look like?

This dog has a round, fluffy head that looks less refined than their Poodle parent but got the distinct shape of the Schnauzer’s short muzzle.

The Schnoodle’s almond-shaped eyes are either hazel or brown. You’ll have trouble saying no to its puppy dog eyes, especially with their long eyelashes.

Schnoodles have ears that can be long and lays close to its head and hangs down like the Poodle. Some have short ears that stand upright from the base and then folds midway toward the front – just like the uncropped ears of a Mittelschnauzer.

The Schnauzer & Poodle cross is fairly fine-boned and has legs that are quite proportioned to its body. Its lean body is perfect for the athleticism of this breed.

The Poodle-Schnauzer Mix Coat and Color

This designer dog’s coat can vary depending on which parent breed it took after.

A Schnoodle can have a wavy or straight hair that is silky or can be soft and curly like the Poodle.

They have a low maintenance coat that ranges from low-shedding to non-shedding, making them popular for allergy sufferers.

For the Schnoodle coat colors, there are lots of possibilities! Thanks to the ten shades of the Poodle and three primary hues of the Schnauzer.

The most common colors are black, black with white markings, silver, or a mixture of gray and white.

Others have black with tan markings, apricot, parti-color, sable, tan, and white.

Sizes of the Schnauzer-Poodle dog

The Schnoodle hybrid can be a cross between a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle and a Mini, Standard, or Giant Schnauzer.

For this teddy bear, the smallest is the Toy Schnoodle. This little cutie can grow between 10 to 14 inches high and can weigh around 4 to 10 pounds only.

The Mini Poodle and Schnauzer mix are 14 to 15 inches in height and 10 to 20 pounds in weight.

A Standard Schnauzer and Poodle cross is around 15 to 19 ½ inches tall and weighs 35 to 60 pounds.

The largest size for this breed is the Giant Poodle-Schnauzer hybrid. They can weigh up to 85 pounds and has a height between 15 to 27 ½ inches.

Here’s a chart that shows the height, weight, and the mixes that make up the size range of the Schnoodle.

The breed itself can adapt to different kinds of home, but you have to consider the size.

A Toy or Mini Poodle & Schnauzer mix can do well in an apartment, while a Standard or Giant Doodle will do well in a home that has a fenced yard.

The Giant one would also be more suitable in a family that has older children. Their enormous size might overwhelm toddlers, especially when they get too happy.

Personality: What are Schnoodle dogs like?

The Schnauzer-Poodle cross is known as “forever happy” canines because it’s a breed that is always cheerful. They’re not just a great companion; this breed is also agile and works great as a therapy dog.

This hybrid is also known for being dextrous. They have a unique quality where they use their front paws to manipulate objects, like cats!

Schnoodles make a good family pet and watchdog. They’re very lovable, loyal, and protective. They also enjoy interacting and can be excitable, so teach your dog to avoid jumping on people whenever he wants to.

Aside from that, they can be relaxed and calm lap dogs.

Look at Oliver and Ace in this video being so well-mannered!

Schnoodles’ temperament problems

All dogs have their own quirks and issues, and so does the Schnauzer & Poodle cross.

If your dog takes after its Schnauzer parent, he can be wary of strangers and get overprotective at times. Especially since the Schnauzer and Poodle cross can get attached to one specific person in the family.

Don’t worry because this breed isn’t known for being aggressive.

But it can lead to separation anxiety if their favorite human isn’t around most of the time. That will eventually result in barking and destructive behaviors such as chewing when indoors and digging when outside.

Some Poodle & Schnauzer mixes can have the headstrong trait of the Schnauzer parent. So they may not tolerate the poking and tugging from little kids.

Exercising and Training your Schnauzer-Poodle cross

Having moderate exercise needs, a walk or jog for 30 minutes to an hour a day is enough for the Schnoodle. They are active but not overly hyper and excels in agility courses, obedience training, as well as flyball.

Just like their parents, Schnoodles are intelligent and is a joy to train! But even though this breed is smart and eager to please, positivity, patience, and treats will go a long way.

Your Schnauzer Poodle mix can be strong-willed and mischievous at times.

He would need guidance through their rebellious teenage years by keeping him out of trouble. Use reward-based techniques, even crate training, to deal with his watchdog tendencies and destructive behavior.

Schnauzer-Poodle Hybrid Care Information

Since this is a mixed breed, you can’t just apply the care requirements of a Poodle or the Schnauzer to their offspring. You would have to base it on a lot of factors such as the type of coat they have, size, age, and activity level.

How you take care of your Schnauzer and Poodle cross will significantly affect his temperament and most especially, his health.

Grooming needs of a Schnoodle

Schnoodles shed very little or none at all, but still, require weekly brushing to keep the coat smooth. If your dog has Poodle curls, daily combing is advisable. Then take him to the groomer every four to six weeks to prevent matting.

Aside from trimming his nails every week or two and brushing his teeth regularly (daily if possible), you should also keep his ears clean and dry.

Like all doodles and breeds with long hair, the Schnauzer and Poodle cross tend to have hair inside its ears. Too much of it would cause ear infection due to lack of air circulation. They require regular plucking and cleaning, which is shown in the video below.

How much food does a Poodle-Schnauzer mix eat?

The recommended daily amount for this designer dog is ¾ to a cup of high quality, dry dog food a day.

That’s for the common Schnoodles that weigh around 20 pounds (9 kg). But depending on your dog’s size and activity level, you can adjust the food.

If you have a smaller dog, feed him less. If you have a Giant mix, you have to feed him more. But control their intake by measuring their dog food and splitting it into two or three meals within the day.

Poodles and Schnauzers are prone to obesity, so a healthy diet and exercise will keep your Schnoodle fit and his joints fluid.

Are Poodle-Schnauzer dogs healthy?

The Schnoodle is a healthy breed, but it doesn’t mean that they are immune to all health problems. They tend to have lesser illnesses than Schnauzers and Poodles.

These are the most common health issues for this teddy bear:

• Skin Problems
• Schnauzer Comedo Syndrome
• Patellar Luxation
• Canine Hyperlipidemia

Other health concerns that your dog may get are Elbow and Hip Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Cataracts, Epilepsy, Heart, and Liver Disorders.

Schnoodles has an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, but you should know that smaller dogs live longer than larger canines.

To break it down, a Toy or Mini Schnoodle may live around 10 to 18 years, while a Standard may have about 10 to 16 years. A Giant has an average of 10 to 13 years.

Where to buy a Schnoodle?

You can find a Poodle and Schnauzer cross through a breeder, your local shelter, or from rescue sites.

And the price range of a Schnoodle puppy would depend on the size, quality or generation, coat characteristics of the dog, how many puppies are available, and how valuable the canine parents are to the breeder.

A litter would usually have nine pups, and the average cost of a Schnoodle is between $650 to $2,000. But there are puppies for sale that can get as much as $4,000.

Poodle & Schnauzer cross Registered Breeders

When picking from people who are selling Schnoodles, do your research and make sure they use genetic testing. It will make sure that they take preventive measures to avoid passing down undesirable traits and diseases that are common to Poodles and Schnauzers.

You should be able to visit their kennel and see where they keep their breeding stock. Check how all the dogs are doing that they’re living in a clean environment.

If a breeder refuses to show you their facilities, take it as a red flag. It’s possible that their dogs aren’t healthy and may be living in deplorable conditions.

To give you a headstart on your search, here are some breeders that have Schnoodles for sale:

• TeddyBear Schnoodles (South Alabama) – teddybearschnoodles.com
• Domino Schnoodles (Southern California) – dominoschnoodles.com
• Valley View Dogs (Gippsland, Victoria) – valleyviewdogs.com

Schnoodle for Adoption

If you aren’t willing to pay a lot for a new puppy and you prefer an older dog, then rehoming is the right option.

You can rescue a Schnoodle that have been given up or has retired from breeding or as a show dog. Some shelters would have this breed listed under “Poodle mixes” or “Schnauzer mixes.”

Before adopting, ask important questions such as the dog’s temperament and age, how it responds to other dogs and people, and if there are known health issues.

We listed a few sites where you can take a look at available Schnoodles needing a new home:

• Pierce Schnoodles (Pittsboro, NC) – pierceschnoodles.com
• ILoveSchnoodles.com – iloveschnoodles.com
• Poo-mix Rescue – https://poomixrescue.com

You should know that a rescued dog may need time to adjust to his new environment, so be extra patient.

Breeds compared to the Schnauzer and Poodle cross

Everyone has heard of the doodle universe, whether they’re a dog person or not. Which means there are a lot of options if a specific Poodle mix is not for you. Here are some of the top crossbreeds that are compared to the Schnoodle.

Schnoodle VS Spoodle

Also known as Cockapoo, this dog is a cross between the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel.

Other than their low-shedding coat, they’re also popular because of their wonderful temperament. Which is what Cockapoos are specifically bred for.

This medium-sized fellow is loyal, very affectionate, and intelligent. Spoodle and Cocker Spaniel mixes are happy-go-lucky dogs that they’re tagged as social butterflies.

This breed is a great training student and is sweet-natured, making them an excellent choice for families with kids.

Schnoodle VS Cavoodle

You also know this dog by the name Cavapoo, Cavadoo, Cavapoodle, and Cavoodle. And their Poodle parent is crossed with the charming Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

The Cavalier King Charles and Poodle mix is excellent for families, gets along with other pets really well, and fantastic with kids!

They’re sweet-natured little dogs that are gentle and easy-going, intelligent, and doesn’t need much exercise.

But this pooch requires round-the-clock company and attention. Being a laid-back companion, Cavoodles shouldn’t be left alone for long periods.

Schnoodle VS Whoodle

Who? The offspring of the Poodle and soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, you can also call this dog as Sweatenpoo or Swheat-n-poo. They came from Ireland and was used for hunting pests and rodents, as well as to herd and guard livestock.

Also popular with allergy sufferers, Whoodles are gentle, loving, friendly, and a great family dog.

The Whoodle should be on your list if you want a canine that is intelligent and playful.

Why you should get a Schnoodle

Regardless of the size of the Schnauzer-Poodle mix you want to get, you should also ask yourself if you’re ready to be a responsible, loving, and attentive owner as there are a lot of ups and downs when getting this breed.

As cute as Schnoodle puppies come, there are undesirable quirks that you’d have to deal with. There’s barking, being overprotective, and making sure they don’t develop separation anxiety.

The Poodle and Schnauzer cross would need an owner who’d be able to dedicate time and attention daily. That includes exercise and grooming.

If you don’t have the time and space for your dog, then the Schnoodle is not for you.

They are merry little dogs that are funny, smart, active, and loyal. Schnoodles are also fit to be a show, therapy, or guard dogs.

But you have to keep your Schnauzer & Poodle mix’s manners in check since they can be troublesome and unruly. Use socialization and positive training to avoid undesirable traits from developing.

Schnoodles are full of vigor and thrive on interaction. Just be careful because smaller dogs are fragile when playing with children, while giants can bump your little ones while running.

Overall, getting a Poodle & Schnauzer mix would brighten up your life and gain you a companion that wants nothing but to be cuddled and protect you.

What do you think about this teddy bear hybrid? Let us know all your opinions about the Schnoodle or even what it’s like to own one. Type it all in the comment box below!