
Other Names:
Schnopoo, Schnauzerpoo, Schnauzerdoodle
Price Range:
$500 – $1,000
Size:
Medium
Dog Group:
Hybrid (Terrier & Non-Sporting)
Coat Length:
Medium
Energy:
Medium
Kid Friendly:
Low
Life Expectancy:
10-15 years
Available in these colours:
The Schnoodle comes in a variety of colours, including Black & White, Black Phantom, Brown Phantom, Salt & Pepper and White.
Characteristics & Tendencies:
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
APARTMENT FRIENDLY
HYPOALLERGENIC
About the Schnoodle
Described as “forever happy,” the Schnoodle is a cross between a Schnauzer and a Poodle and were developed in the 1980s due to increasing interest in Poodle mixes. It is one of the most popular designer breeds in Australia today, known for his cheerful, friendly and active personality. Bred to be a companion dog, this breed has proven to excel in agility and training as a therapy dog and loves playing and hanging out with his family.
The size of a Schnoodle will depend on the sizes of its parents, as Poodles may be Toy, Miniature or Standard and Schnauzers can be Miniature, Standard or Giant. Its coat colours are usually solid-coloured and may come with a mask, markings or black or white points. As a hypoallergenic dog, it is a fairly low-shedder, but its coat does require a medium to high grooming effort.
Schnoodles are known to be highly intelligent dogs and love staying both mentally and physically stimulated. They are great with children of all ages and make excellent watchdogs. Schnoodles love being a part of the family and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long, so they are best suited to owners who can give them lots of love and attention.
Top health issues
What are the most common health issues for Schnoodles?
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Patellar Luxation
- Epilepsy
- Cataracts
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Addison’s Disease
IN DETAIL
Common Schnoodle diseases & conditions, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment in detail:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a late-onset, inherited eye disease affecting many breeds of dogs. It affects the retina, which is the picture screen at the back of the eye, and causes the blood vessels of the retina to atrophy and die. The first symptom noticed is usually dilated pupils – a ‘glow’ or increased ‘eye shine’, and the dog may appear to have difficulty seeing in the dark or dusk (“night blind”). Breeds commonly affected include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Labrador and Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers. There is no cure for PRA, however an eye exam by a registered Ophthalmologist will diagnose the disease. DNA testing for late consent PRA is available, and is done by taking a cheek swab of your Border Collie. The PRA DNA test identifies one type of PRA, which is related to night blindness. There are another two types of PRA, for which there are currently no DNA tests available.
Patellar luxation is a knee cap problem in dogs. It occurs when the dog’s kneecap (patella) is dislocated from its normal anatomic position in the groove of the thigh bone (femur). When the kneecap is dislocated from the groove of the thigh bone, it can only be returned to its normal position once the quadriceps muscles in the hind legs of the animal relax and lengthen. It is for this reason that most dogs with the condition will hold up their hind legs for a few minutes.
Epilepsy describes repeated episodes of seizures, which are one of the most frequently reported neurological conditions in dogs. It is a chronic disorder affecting dogs, and may run in some families. Dog seizures may be caused by a range of factors, such as trauma, exposure to toxins, issues with the dog’s blood or organs and genetic abnormalities. Generally, the younger the dog is, the more severe the epilepsy will be. Most seizures happen when the dog is resting or sleeping, usually at night or in the early morning. Breeds that are prone include Beagles, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and Shetland Sheepdogs. Whilst epilepsy cannot be cured, it can usually be controlled using anticonvulsant drugs. Aside from medication, other management methods include maintaining a seizure log recording the date, time, length and severity of seizures with videotapes to share with your veterinarian, blood work recommended by your veterinarian, and putting a medical alert tag on your pet’s collar in case he gets lost and needs medication.
Cataracts in dogs refers to where a disease process has occurred affecting the lens of the eye, causing the lens to lose its transparency and impairing one’s vision as a result. Cataracts may progress slowly or rapidly, depending on a number of underlying factors. It is most commonly caused by inherited cataract formation, but may also develop with age. It may also be a consequence of eye infections, eye inflammation or diabetes. Symptoms your dog may have cataracts include a bluish, grey or white layer in their eye, clumsiness, eye irritation or redness, discharge and blinking. If you suspect your dog has cataracts, consult your veterinarian or a veterinary ophthalmologist to discuss whether surgery is right for your dog.
This disease is a common endocrine disease in dogs and cats, caused by relative or absolute insulin deficiency. Insulin functions to regulate glucose (sugar) levels in the bloodstream, and monitors the delivery of glucose to other bodily tissues. Diabetes mellitus is generally more prevalent in middle-aged dogs and cats, where female dogs are affected twice as often compared to their male counterparts. Predisposed breeds include Miniature Poodles, Dachshunds, Schnauzers and Beagles. Four main symptoms of the disease usually appear, which are: increased urination, increased appetite, increased thirst and weight loss. Dogs affected generally will require two insulin injections per day, and appropriate dietary management. Whilst diabetes is rarely reversible in dogs, cats may regain the ability to produce their own insulin in the pancreas.
Also known as hypoadrenocorticism, this extremely serious condition is caused by an insufficient production of adrenal hormones by the adrenal gland. Most dogs with Addison’s disease vomit, have a poor appetite, and have little energy. Because these signs are vague and may be mistaken for other conditions, it is easy to misdiagnose this disease until it reaches more advanced stages. More severe signs occur when a dog is stressed or when potassium levels become high enough to interfere with heart function, causing severe shock and death. If your vet suspects Addison’s, he or she may perform a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Feeding
How much does a Schnoodle eat?
Schnoodles should be fed approximately two to three times a day. Their portion sizes may vary depending on the size of your Schnoodle, and whether his parent is a Miniature Schnauzer or a Giant Schnauzer. They do best on a diet containing protein-rich foods, vitamins and healthy fats and minerals to help sustain their growth. As this breed is prone to tartar build-up on their teeth, dry food is recommended. They should not be allowed to free feed as they may gain weight. A feeding schedule is ideal with a minimum of treats. Check with your veterinarian if you’re unsure about the feeding needs of your particular dog. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
Shedding
How often does the fur fall off?
The Schnoodle coat is meant to resemble a Schnauzer’s: soft and wavy. Being a hypoallergenic breed, this helps make living with a Schnoodle easier for owners with allergies. However, the Schnoodle coat can vary as well. It is considered a low-dander, low-shedding breed since its parents are both hypoallergenic, but the texture varies from soft and curly like the Poodle to coarse and wiry like the Schnauzer.
Grooming
Are Schnoodles high maintenance?
The Schnoodle requires a medium to high grooming effort. They should be brushed a couple of times a week, in addition to regular clippings every six to eight weeks to maintain their coats. If their coat resembles more of their Poodle parent’s, they should be combed daily to prevent matting. There is no standard way to groom a Schnoodle. Regular ear cleaning nail clipping is also needed for them. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Bathe them as regularly as your average dog – just when they get dirty or are particularly smelly. Brush their teeth at least two or three times a week to eliminate tartar buildup and bacteria as well.
Exercise
How much exercise does a Schnoodle need?
The Schnoodle should have plenty of exercise every day, at least 30 to 60 minutes. Both Schnauzers and Poodles are smart, so this hybrid requires daily mental stimulation as well. A moderately active dog like the Schnoodle will follow your lead when it comes to exercise. He loves to run, so take him out with you for a daily jog. He likes to jump, making him a natural at agility courses. Flyball and obedience training are other activities your Schnoodle will excel at. An active playtime each day will keep him happy and healthy. A Schnoodle who isn’t properly exercised or stimulated can become destructive and difficult to handle.
Vet Visits
How often should a Schnoodle visit the vet?
Veterinary care is essential to a dog’s health and wellbeing, however the frequency of treatment and checkups will depend on the dog. Scheduled six-monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure your Schnoodle is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. In these annual visits, your vet will complete a physical examination, take your dog’s temperature and check his heartbeat, among other things. Routine maintenance for your dog gives you a chance to track your dog’s growth and development and discuss any concerns with your vet, and forms a key part of preventative care. Schnoodles are prone to bloat, skin disease, hip dysplasia and eye problems like cataracts.
Family Suitability
Are Schnoodles kid-friendly and sociable with humans?
Schnoodles make excellent family pets, due to their affectionate, clever and protective personality. They are very loyal to the family, and are suitable for children of all ages. As both of their parents are also kid-friendly, the Schnoodle also loves getting along with kids. They may also be cautious of meeting new people and may be mischievous at times. Therefore, it is important to socialise your Schnoodle with children and new people from a young age. Their cautious nature also makes them great guard dogs. This breed is most suited to a structured living situation, to keep any anxiety-related behaviour at bay. The Schnoodle may become excitable at times, so it is important to train and socialise him early on.
Trainability
Are Schnoodles difficult to train?
Schnoodles are exceptionally intelligent dogs that enjoy training. Some Schnoodles have an unearned reputation for being strong willed. Just provide them with positive reinforcement and consistent training and you’ll be surprised at how fun they are to work with. You can find Schnoodles excelling in performance dog sports and therapy dog work which testaments to their high intelligence and trainability.
Compatibility with other pets
Do Schnoodles get along with other dogs or cats?
In general, Schnoodles are friendly and non-aggressive towards other pets, children, and people. They are highly sociable dogs, and are happy to make friends with others of their own kind. Therefore, it is suggested to engage them in activities with other animals so they can become comfortable.
Need for company
How often do they need to be around humans?
Schnoodles are sociable and have a high need for company. As Schnauzers tend to prefer the company of one person, Schnoodles sometimes possess this trait as well. Whilst they love the whole family, they may have an affinity particularly with one individual. As a very affectionate breed, Schnauzers also love being the centre of attention, and have a low tolerance for loneliness. They are companion dogs and do best when they are indoors with their owners. Schnoodles suffer from separation anxiety, and if left alone for too long, may develop destructive behaviour. They are typically not a noisy breed, but may become vocal when left alone for long periods or become bored.
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