Schnoodles are a popular cross breed thanks to their hypoallergenic qualities.
These so-called designer dogs are a mix between a Poodle and a Schnauzer to create a family friendly pup.
Schnoodles can come in three different sizes depending on the Poodle and Schnuazer parents used to create the cross breed.
The American Kennel Club consider the Poodle and the Schnauzer to be low-shedding dog breeds.
In this article, we’re going to take a close look at why Schnoodles are considered low-shedding dogs with hypoallergenic qualities and how much grooming is required for owners of this hybrid dog.
We’ll speak to three Schnoodles to learn more about the shedding or lack of shedding of the mix breed: Sprocket (@sprocket_schnoodle), Winifred (@winifred_the_schnoodle) and Giselle (@muttoflondon).
Editor's note: The content on this website is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as veterinary, medical or professional advice. There's no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog in spite of claims that breeders might make. It’s always best to speak with your vet or your doctor before deciding to get a dog if you suspect you may have allergies to pets.
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What does hypoallergenic mean?
The word hypoallergenic was a term first coined by the cosmetic industry in the 1950s to denote a cosmetic product that was less likely to trigger a person’s allergies.
Cosmetic companies would create beauty products that were less likely to cause an allergic reaction but didn’t necessarily guarantee someone’s allergies wouldn’t be triggered.
To ensure potential dog owners get a clear and concise understanding of the word hypoallergenic, let’s take a look at WebMD’s definition of the term.
If you see “hypoallergenic” on makeup or a skin care label, it means that that maker claims its product causes fewer allergic reactions than other ones. That doesn’t necessarily mean it is allergy-proof or gentler for your skin. The U.S. government doesn’t have standards that products must meet in order to put “hypoallergenic” on the label.
What are hypoallergenic dogs?
While hypoallergenic was originally used to describe cosmetic products, it’s commonly used to describe low-shedding dog breeds in the 21st century.
If you’ve researched a dog breed or cross breed, there’s a good chance that you’ve encountered the word hypoallergenic alongside some types of pups.
Some dogs, such as Poodles and Schnauzers, are considered hypoallergenic thanks to their low-shedding coats that don’t produce a lot of dander.
You should be careful of claims made by breeders, especially of mixed dogs. While one of the parents may be hypoallergenic, there’s no guarantee that a puppy will inherit certain desired traits from one particular parent.
The American Kennel Club write on their website that there’s no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog breed.
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, there are a variety of breeds that do well with allergy sufferers. These dogs have a predictable, non-shedding coat which produces less dander.
So potential Schnoodle owners should still be careful about big claims made by breeders about their puppies. There’s no way to predict whether a hybrid pup will definitely won’t shed in spite of what breeders tell you.
What causes an allergy to dogs?
A large number of Americans are pooch lovers. There are nearly 80 million dog owners in the USA but it’s thought that up to 10 per cent of Americans are allergic to our much-loved canine companions.
We can deduce that there’s a fair amount of dog owners in the USA who are living with a dog despite allergies or have found themselves a low-shedding pup that is hypoallergenic.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that dog hair is the biggest culprit where allergies to dogs are concerned. However, this isn’t necessarily the case.
While dog hair is one of the common factors, pet dander contributes to a person’s dog allergies. These a tiny pieces of dead skin secreted by pups.
The American Lung Association have a useful definition of dander on their website.
Pet dander is composed of tiny, even microscopic, flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds and other animals with fur or feathers. These bits of skin can cause reactions in people who are specifically allergic to these triggers.
Some dog breeds such as the Poodle can catch the dander in their curly coats to ensure it remains trapped in their hair rather than going on clothes and furniture.
You may find a low-shedding dog that doesn’t secrete a lot of dander, but the pooch could still trigger your allergies given there are other factors to consider such as dog salvia and urine, or allergens brought in from outside such as pollen.
What are the symptoms?
If you suspect you may be struggling with allergies to your dog or pet, you should speak to a medical professional. This article doesn’t constitute medical or professional advice so we urge you to speak to your local doctor or even your vet if you’ve already got a dog.
Mayo Clinic provide a description of some of the symptoms of pet allergies on their website that you may be experiencing if you suspect your dog is causing an allergy flare up.
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy, red or watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
• Postnasal drip
• Cough
• Facial pressure and pain
• Frequent awakening
• Swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes
• In a child, frequent upward rubbing of the nose
Are Schnoodles hypoallergenic?
Sprocket the Schnoodle (Photo: @sprocket_schnoodle / Instagram)
Schnoodles are considered an example of a hypoallergenic cross breed. The Poodle Schnauzer mix tend to have hypoallergenic qualities thanks to both of their parents.
Poodles and Schnauzers are put forward as hypoallergenic dog breeds by the American Kennel Club so we can say with some degree of certainty that Schnoodles will be hypoallergenic.
Winifred’s parents explain that their Schnoodle has fit in perfectly.
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.
Giselle’s mom gave us an insight into this Schnoodle’s coat texture.
They’re 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.
Do Schnoodles shed a lot?
Giselle the Schnoodle (Photo: @muttoflondon / Instagram)
As we’ve already touched upon above, Schnoodles tend to be low-shedding dogs thanks to the influence of the Miniature Schnuazer and the Poodle. These two dog breeds don’t shed a lot, as referenced by the American Kennel Club. This is one of the benefits to owning a Schnoodle.
Schnoodles care and grooming
Winifred the Schnoodle (Photo: @winifred_the_schnoodle / Instagram)
While you can enjoy life with a low-shedding dog breed, Schnoodles do have other requirements. For example, Schnoodles will need regular grooming to maintain the health and quality of their coat. Schnoodles can have long hair that is curly or straight in appearance and soft or wiry in texture.
Regardless, Schnoodle owners will need to brush their dog on a regular basis to maintain the appearance and health of their hair. By doing so, you can remove any allergens or dirt caught in their coat. If their hair is allowed to grow too long, it could drag along the ground.
Giselle is groomed regularly to maintain her lovely coat.
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.
Hypoallergenic dog breeds
The American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club both offer suggestions for dog lovers looking to find hypoallergenic breeds.
The AKC suggest the following 19 breeds:
• Affenpinchser
• Afghan Hound
• American Hairless Terrier
• Barbet
• Bedlington Terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Giant Schnauzer
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Maltese
• Peruvian Inca Orchid
• Poodle
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Schnauzer
• Xoloitzcuintli
The Kennel Club offer a more exhaustive list of 31 types of dogs:
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Spanish Water Dog
• Bouvier des Flandres
• Giant Schnauzer
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russian Black Terrier
• Hungarian Puli
• Komondor
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Havanese
• Maltese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Lhasa Apso
• Intermediate Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Mexican Hairless
• Standard Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Standard Poodle
• Toy Poodle
• Miniature Poodle
• Shih Tzu
• Tibetan Terrier
• Bedlington Terrier
• Dandie Dinmont Terrier
• Glen of Imaal Terrier
• Sealyham Terrier
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Anything else to consider?
For potential Schnoodle owners who want to learn more about the cross breed, you could speak to current owners of these hybrid dogs on social media. We find that pet parents are forthcoming with information about their cross breed if you enquire on Instagram.
Like we mentioned above, if you’re worried about pet allergies, we urge you to speak to your doctor to learn more before you decide to bring a dog home. Although this article has been researched, it isn’t intended to provide professional advice.
In conclusion
Giselle the Schnoodle (Photo: @muttoflondon / Instagram)
We’ve reached the end of our article on Schnoodles.
They’re a cross between a Poodle and a Schnauzer that tend to have hypoallergenic coats.
Schnoodles are usually low-shedding dogs that don’t secrete a lot of dander.
Having said that, they’ll require regular grooming to maintain their coat’s pristine condition.
