The Schnauzer Poodle mix is a cross between the Poodle and the Schnauzer and is often known as the Schnoodle. Since there are three different Poodle sizes and several sizes of Schnauzers, it’s possible to have several different types of breeding here. However, in most cases, these dogs end up being just small or medium in size. If you’re considering the Schnauzer Poodle mix, you’ll want to learn a bit more about these dogs before you make your decision. To help you decide if these dogs are right for you, here’s a closer look at what you can expect from their appearance, temperament, health, grooming needs, and more.
Origin and History
The Schnauzer Poodle mix is a hybrid or designer dog, deliberately bred from the parents of two different purebred dogs. Designer dogs have become quite popular in the last two to three decades, and celebrities have often been instrumental in their popularity. It’s thought that this specific hybrid dog was probably created sometime during the 1980s, since many different Poodle crosses were created during that time because of their low shedding coats and high intelligence. However, we don’t know a whole lot about the hybrid’s origin, although we can learn more about the Schnoodle by looking at the history of the two parent breeds
The Poodle traces back to Germany, and these dogs were specifically bred to retrieve waterfowl and help with hunting. Later, the French would work on refining the breed to meet their own tastes, and the toy sized Poodle was eventually bred, becoming a popular choice among rich individuals during the 1400s. Eventually the small poodles were used to hunt truffles, and standard size poodles continued to be used as waterfowl retrievers.
The Schnauzer also traces back to Germany and goes all the way back to the 1400s. The dog’s name actually means mustache or snout, so he was probably named for his unique look. Three breeds of Schnauzer exist, including giant, standard, and miniature. Standard sized dogs were bred to catch vermin and guard. These dogs have worked with Police and the Red Cross through the years. Miniature Schnauzers were created to be companion dogs, and the Giant Schnauzers were created during the 1600s to be guard and livestock dogs.
Appearance
The Schnauzer Poodle mix can vary greatly in size, since these dogs come in several different sizes. They may be as small as just 6-7 pounds all the way to 75 pounds. Some may be only 10 inches tall, while others may be as large as 26 inches tall. Usually the Schnoodle has wavy, soft, medium length coat. The coat may be wiry like a Schnauzer’s coat or more dense and curly like the Poodle’s coat. Some of the most common coat colors include gray, white, tan, apricot, sable, silver, and black. These dogs may also have the beard of a Schnauzer.
Schnoodle Temperament
You can expect your Schnauzer Poodle mix to be very active and smart, and these dogs love to play. They enjoy having fun and are eager to please their owners. These hybrids want to be involved in all family activities and they love getting plenty of affection and attention. The Schnoodle is also very alert and protective of the family.
The amount of exercise needed by the Schnauzer Poodle mix will depend on the dog’s size. The smaller dogs may only need a short walk with some play time. However, larger dogs will need brisk walking or jogging, plenty of yard time, and some fun and games. Making sure that your Schnoodle gets some mental stimulation is essential, since they are so smart.
Since the Schnoodle is eager to please and intelligent, they are usually quite easy to train. However, they can have an independent streak. They need to be trained and socialized early with a firm, positive approach. Avoid using harsh tones when working with the Schnauzer Poodle mix and focus on praise and rewards.
Grooming
When it comes to the grooming needs of your Schnauzer Poodle mix, you’ll usually need to brush these dogs three or four times each week. They also need to be stripped and clipped several times a year by a professional groomer. While they usually don’t shed a lot, they may not be hypoallergenic, depending on the dog. When they get dirty, they should be bathed, but it’s important to avoid bathing these dogs too often. Ears should be checked each week, teeth should be brushed 2-3 times weekly, and their nails will need to be clipping as well.
Working Roles
In most cases, the Schnoodle is not used as working dogs. However, larger ones may prove helpful as hunting or herding dogs, and the Schnauzer Poodle mix may also make a great watchdog, since they are alert and will warn you of any intruders.
Health
Both Poodles and Schnauzers have a fairly long life, so you can expect your Schnoodle to have a lifespan of anywhere between 10 and 16 years. Although the hybrids are fairly robust and generally have fewer health problems than the two parent breeds, you still need to be aware of potential health issues. Some of the health issues of the parent breeds that have the potential to affect the Schnauzer Poodle mix include:
- Dry eye
- Hip dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Follicular dermatitis
- Von Willebrand disease
- Renal problems
- Legg Calve Perthese disease
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Sebaceous adenitis
- Patent ductus arteriosis
- Patellar luxation
- Bloat
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Addison’s disease
- Endocardiosis
- Undescended testicles
- Diabetes
- Allergies
- Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
- Pancreatitis
- Hyperlipidemia
- Seizures
- Canine cutaneous histiocytoma
- Congenital idiopathic arteriosus
- Lens luxation
- Melanoma
- Schnauzer comedo syndrome
- Retinal dysplasia
- Portosystemic shunts
- Pulmonic stenosis
- Canine neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis
- Myotonia
- Cushing’s disease