Schnoodle

The Schnoodle is a fairly new and still rare crossbreed in the UK. Created in the US during the 1980s, the goal was to design a friendly, low-shedding dog breed, that would fit in with family life.

The two breeds that go into the formation of the Schnoodle are the Schnauzer and the Poodle.

Schnauzers

Country of Origin: Germany

The original Schnauzer is the Standard size, and while it is known as the Mittelschnauzer in its homeland to distinguish it from the Miniature and the Giant, it is more usually just referred to as the Schnauzer.

The Schnauzer has been a working farm dog in Germany since at least the 14th century where it took the role of a fearless terrier largely employed to kill vermin. But they could also turn their paw to flock-guarding, property guarding and cattle driving.

The ancestry of the Miniature Schnauzer is not quite so clear, although we know it dates from the end of the 19th century. It is commonly believed that the Schnauzer was crossed with the Affenpinscher to create this miniaturisation, but there are also experts convinced that Miniature Poodles, Pomeranians, Scottish Terriers and Miniature Pinchers could have contributed to the breed. The original idea was to produce a smaller vermin killer but they soon became better known as companion dogs.

The Giant Schnauzer however was created by farmers wanting a much stronger working dog to work mostly as a cattle drover and a guard dog. The original Schnauzer was crossed with breeds such as the Rottweiler, the Great Dane and the Bouvier des Flanders - as well as with local herding dogs.

Poodle

Country of origin: Germany

The original Poodle is the Standard Poodle, a water retrieving dog. Their unusual haircuts were not about fashion, but rather a way for owners to make sure their dogs didn’t get waterlogged and become too heavy to swim easily in lakes. While keeping the vital organs and joints protected, much of the rest of their hair was shaved off. The Miniature and Toy Poodles were created purely as smaller versions of the original Poodle for owners who didn’t want such a large dog but were enchanted by their personalities and enthusiasm for all kinds of work.

The Schnoodle can have any combination of the two breeds in their size, appearance, behaviour and temperament.

The Schnoodle requires owners who are familiar with and understand the traits of both Poodles and Schnauzers, particular the small and medium sizes of each breed. You’ll need some grooming skills, as coats can be variable and easily matted, and may need daily attention.
Ideal Schnoodle owners will be people who enjoy training for both obedience and fun tricks, who enjoy lots of walks and find grooming enjoyable. Better suited to homes with older children who can respect a dog’s space, and those who are home much of the time.
 

Both the breeds that make up the Schnoodle are active and enjoy exercise and will be happy with up to two hours every day (less for smaller Schnoodles). They will enjoy games, training, interactive toys and being involved in all family activities.

This cross can be noisy - especially if bored or left for long periods of time. 

Giant Schnauzer crosses need early and ongoing dog socialisation. They may be suspicious of strangers (human and canine) and can become territorial. 

If bored, chewing and destructive behaviour can become an issue. 

This depends on the size of dogs used in this cross. The Smaller Schnoodles can live in a flat or a small house and as long as they have access to outdoors for toileting and exercise (and as long as neighbours don’t mind noise!) they’ll be happy. Whereas the larger ones need a much bigger living space, a well-fenced garden and access to long walks.

The Schnoodle diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the dog feeding guidelines of his particular food.

It is difficult to predict what kind of coat the Schnoodle is going to have, as they may inherit a coat like a Schnauzer or they may inherit the Poodle coat (or any mixtures of the two!).

Poodles do not shed (or shed minimally) but they do need trimming, whereas the Schnauzer does shed slightly but far less than the majority of breeds.

Find a good local groomer who can either look after your Schnoodle’s coat - especially if they need trimming or clipping - or teach you how to do it yourself as their coat develops.

Dog ear care is extremely important as Poodles can have problems with excessive hair inside the ears which can cause infections or sore ears.

This is a very active dog who is smart, busy and who will need dog training early on. They are a joy to train as both the breeds are intelligent and love working with their owner, but they will learn bad habits as quickly as good ones so reward-based training should start early and be ongoing.  

Smaller Schnoodles will enjoy agility and even heelwork to music, while larger ones can excel in obedience classes and do need training to ensure they are happy around other dogs and people, walk calmly on a lead and have a good recall. Early and ongoing socialisation is important. 

Toy Poodles can be quite sensitive and any rough handling or raised voices can worry them greatl. Therefore, all training and handling should, as always, be positive and reward-based.  

It is important to train a Schnoodle to enjoy handling and grooming (as they will need a lot of it).

The Schnoodle can make a fabulous family dog who will enjoy all family activities, but make sure you choose your breeder and your puppy wisely.