You may have heard of Goldendoodles and Labradoodles, but have you met the Schnoodle?
They’re a member of the Doodle family that is usually a low-shedding dog that can make excellent pets.
The Schnoodle is a cross between a Poodle and a Schnauzer, coming in three different sizes.
Giselle the Schnoodle (Photo: @muttoflondon / Instagram)
These dogs are usually hypoallergenic dogs thanks to the influence of the parents, who the American Kennel Club put forward as low-shedding dog breeds.
Aside from their hypoallergenic qualities, Schnoodles can have a number of pros and cons just like any other dog breed or cross breed.
In this article, we’re learn about some of the positives and negatives of the breed with help from three Schnoodles: Sprocket (@sprocket_schnoodle), Winifred (@winifred_the_schnoodle) and Giselle (@muttoflondon).
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Schnoodle Pros
Sprocket the Schnoodle (Photo: @sprocket_schnoodle / Instagram)
Companionship
Schnoodles can make excellent companion pets. Of course, if you’ve got a giant or standard Schnoodle, they may be on the rather large size for a companion pet. However, a lot of Schnoodles are miniature or toy, which means they can make excellent lap dogs. They can become attached to their pet parents, becoming velcro dogs. Schnoodles can develop a deep connection with their owners.
Hypoallergenic
As we touched upon in our introduction, Schnoodles are perhaps best know for being hypoallergenic dogs. They usually have a low-shedding coat so they’re perfect for people who hate dog hair! The American Kennel Club write on their website that they consider the Poodle and the Schnauzer to be low-shedding dogs. Therefore, we can say with some degree of certainty that Schnoodles are hypoallergenic. Just remember, there’s no such thing as a 100% completely hypoallergenic dog breed.
Sprocket’s parents told us that their Schnoodle is a low-shedding dog.
If you are looking for a hypoallergenic and hilarious, playful, smart friend, a Schnoodle is the perfect pick. With the right training, they can be the perfect dog!
Winfred is another example of a hypoallergenic cross breed.
Schnoodles are hypoallergenic, the Poodle and Schnauzer makes them hypoallergenic. Someone in my family suffers from severe dog allergies and has had to go to hospital multiple times due to dog allergies setting off her asthma, with Winnie she never sneezes and said that she is so shocked that she can cuddle Winnie and be absolutely fine.
Further underlining this point, Giselle’s parents explained:
They are 100% hypoallergenic unlike other poodle mixed breeds, because both the poodle and the schnauzer are non-allergenic dogs in their own right. Poodles have a fur similar to wool and schnauzers have a more wiry hair , making for an interesting texture and not as fluffy as other poodle crosses.
Intelligent
Schnoodles are smart dogs given they’ve got the influence of the Poodle and Schnauzer genes. The Poodle is considered the second smartest dog breed in the world behind the Border Collie. Therefore, there’s already a pretty good chance that a Schnoodle will be intelligent. The Miniature Schnauzer is 12th on the list of The Intelligence Of Dogs, while Standard Schnauzer came in at number 22 on Stanley Coren’s list. When you consider all these factors, it’s safe to assume that a Schnoodle will turn into a smart dog. They’ll be quick to learn new commands and tricks.
Sprocket’s parents gave us an insight into the Schnoodle breed’s IQ levels.
Sprocket knows his commands after being put in training, but also knows that he doesn’t have to listen. He relies on instinct a lot. He also remembers who family members are who live in other states.
Family Pets
Schnoodles have the potential to blossom into much-loved family pets. They’re a friendly breed that love to meet people and to receive attention. You’ll often hear about Schnoodles becoming excellent therapy dogs given their gentle and loving temperaments. Larger Schnoodles are robust enough to live with children, but smaller Schnoodles will need to be handled with care. In spite of their good reputation with kids, you should never leave a dog alone, unsupervised with dogs.
Winifred’s parents explained that Schnoodles can make excellent family pets.
Schnoodles are a great family pet, they are calm dogs that love to play with children and are all round great dogs for a family.
Adaptable
Schnoodles can be quite adaptable dogs, although it’ll depend on their size. They can make excellent guard dogs if they’re a standard-sized Schnoodle. However, a miniature or toy Schnoodle could make an excellent companion dog. While Schnoodles could be good family pets thanks to their energy levels and robustness. Having said that, some Schnoodles could make excellent pets for senior dog owners who don’t have the ability to take this hybrid dog for long walks.
Winifred’s owners emphasised this point in their interview.
Schnoodles love people and we know a 90-year-old lady who has a Schnoodle, she never has any problems and because she can’t walk as far a young person can she loves that her Schnoodle is fine with shorter walks.
Schnoodle Cons
Sprocket the Schnoodle (Photo: @sprocket_schnoodle / Instagram)
Grooming
While you won’t have to worry about finding Schnoodle hair everywhere, pet parents will have to be prepared to regularly groom their Poodle Schnauzer mix. They can have different types of coats depending on whether they take after their Poodle or Schnauzer parent. For example, a Schnoodle could have curly, soft hair akin to the Poodle, or long and wiry akin to the Schnauzer. Irrespective, you’ll need to brush your Schnoodle three or four times a week. In doing so, you’ll maintain the appearance and health of their coat, as well as removing debris and dirt.
For instance, Giselle is groomed regularly to maintain her coat’s health.
Schnoodles need regular grooming, about every 6-8 weeks. They also need brushing regularly as they are non-shedding dogs, the old fur needs to be brushed out as it grows.
Stubbornness
During our research on Schnoodles, some of our Schnoodle owners attested to some stubbornness in these designer dogs. While they’re smart dogs, they can sometimes be independent thinkers. Therefore it’s a good idea to start training these dogs from a young age to ensure they follow commands and listen to you. You may find it beneficial to attend a puppy manners class or group classes.
Sprocket gave us one example of a Schnoodle stubbornness.
If a squirrel or cat appears in the yard, he will ignore all commands and chase it.
High Energy Levels
While we mentioned that Schnauzers are adaptable dogs, they do require daily exercise to allow these hypoallergenic canines to stretch their legs and get mental stimulation. Schnoodles can benefit from a walk or two a day, some playtime in the garden or the yard, a trip to the dog park or training at home. Wag Walking write on their website that Schnoodle require around 60 minutes a day.
Barking
Schnauzer, more than Poodles, have a reputation for being dogs that bark a lot. This could be a positive if you’re looking for a dog that will act as a guard dog or a watch dog. They’ll raise the alarm if they see someone unfamiliar approach the home. However, Schnoodles can become excessive barkers. This could be a problem if you live in apartment complex or apartment building.
Sprocket’s parents revealed that their Schnoodle does bark quite a bit.
Sprocket barks at all animals, people walking, bicycles, the ice maker in the fridge, as well as thunder and even the windshield wipers. Because of his long neck, long snout, and big chest, his barks are really loud and scary.
Separation Anxiety
Any dog breed or cross breed can suffer with separation anxiety. Schnoodles are no different. The Poodle Schnauzer mix can be susceptible to separation anxiety. This chronic canine disorder can affect dogs before, during or after their pet parents have left alone. Schnoodles could show symptoms of separation anxiety if they’re barking, whining or howling relentlessly, destructive chewing or digging or defecating and urinating in the home.
Winifred has shown some symptoms of dog separation anxiety.
Schnoodles can have a bit of separation anxiety but when trained well are completely fine with being left during the day and night.
Giselle is also susceptible to some separation anxiety.
Schnoodles are not happy to be on their own for long periods so only get one if you work from home or plan to be around. You will rewarded with love and fun as Schnoodles are a brilliant addition to your life!
Anything Else To Consider?
Winifred the Schnoodle (Photo: @winifred_the_schnoodle / Instagram)
If you want to learn more about Schnoodles, you could speak to current owners. In doing so, you can get an exclusive insight into the mixed breed. It can be difficult to learn about designer breeds online given there is a lot of misinformation. Here are three Schnoodles on Instagram to check out:
• Sprocket (@sprocket_schnoodle)
• Winifred (@winifred_the_schnoodle)
• Giselle (@muttoflondon)
Wrapping Up
Giselle the Schnoodle (Photo: @muttoflondon / Instagram)
Schnoodles can have pros and cons just like any other cross breed.
The Poodle Schnauzer mix can make great family pets that have hypoallergenic qualities. Therefore, they could be a good fit for someone looking for a low-shedding dog.
These smart dogs are relatively easy to train but consistent practice is important to prevent your Schnoodle from becoming too independent and stubborn.
Some Schnoodles could be prone to barking and separation anxiety.
