Schnoodle Dog Breed

Depending on its size, a Schnoodle can be in the Toy, Terrier, or Sporting breed group. The Toy and Miniature Schnoodle dogs are generally used as lap or companion dogs; the larger Standard Schnoodles, though rarer, can excel in performance and agility trials, and make protective household pets as well. Schnoodle puppies, regardless of size, are great for any family, as they grow into playful, affectionate, loyal members of the clan.

Breed Facts:

• These dogs come in a wide variety of sizes, depending on the size of the Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard, or Giant) and Poodle (Toy, Miniature, or Standard) parental lines.
• A majority of Schnoodles are small (less than 20 pounds) because the most common Schnauzer-Poodle mix is Mini Schnauzer and Toy or Mini Poodle.
• Schnoodles make fantastic companion dogs, and are frequently used as service animals.
• These dogs are highly intelligent and active, and will need at least an hour of vigorous physical (and mental) stimulation daily; otherwise they may exhibit destructive behavior like digging and chewing.
• Schnoodles are hypoallergenic, so they're good dogs for people with allergies.
• Regardless of size, a Schnoodle will be very protective, and will bark to alert its owner of a potential threat.

Breed Pros:

• Happy and playful
• Protective, with excellent watchdog abilities
• Sheds very little
• Coat is generally low-maintenance
• Easily trained

Breed Cons:

• Can be stubborn and temperamental, especially the large variety
• May be prone to excessive barking
• Often suffers separation anxiety if left alone for long periods

Schnoodles, as mixes of Schnauzers and Poodles, can vary greatly in size depending on the size of their parents, as both parent breeds exist in three separate sizes. The most common hybridization, though, is crossbreeding a Miniature Schnauzer with a Toy or Miniature Poodle, so much of the available Schnoodle information concerns these smaller dogs. Overall, dogs of this breed are personable, playful, protective animals that are suitable for families of any size.

Depending on the genes it inherits from its parents, a Schnoodle will likely be highly intelligent, and will respond very well to training. If its genetic traits include the stubbornness of a Schnauzer, teaching a Schnoodle to obey commands may be a bit more tricky, but these dogs are generally smart overall.

Schnoodles also possess plenty of quirks that make them unique and lovable. They can be quite silly, for instance, and when happy they will often race around in circles with their rear ends stuck in the air (a move jokingly known as the "Schnoodle 500"). They also love car rides, and have the interesting tendency of using both front paws to hold objects, almost like the hands of a human.

And do Schnoodles ever love to play! These dogs are energetic regardless of size, and will be up for a game of fetch any time their owners ask. The larger, Giant Schnauzer-Standard Poodle mixes, while uncommon, are quite strong in addition to being active.

While Schnoodles will of course inherit physical characteristics from both parents, it is the Schnauzer traits that are often more visually apparent in these dogs' appearance. A Schnoodle is typically square in stature, with long legs, a good bit of facial hair, and an alert expression.

The head is the shape of a soft oval, the ears are long and floppy, and the eyes are round, medium- to large-sized, and dark brown in color. Another trait, one inherited from the Schnauzer, is a Schnoodle's abundance of facial hair (or its "beard"). The chest is of moderate width and depth, and the back normally slopes a bit from front to rear; the legs are usually quite long and straight, and the feet are small and catlike. And a Schnoodle tail is thick and of medium length, can be carried upright or low-hanging, and is often docked.

Though a Schnoodle's coat type can vary from wavy to tightly curled, a majority of these dogs have wavy, medium-length fur that is soft to the touch.

As mixes of Schnauzers and Poodles, Schnoodles may have varying genetic traits from each parent breed. An F1 Schnoodle is 50 percent Poodle, 50 percent Schnauzer; an F1B Schnoodle, meanwhile, is 75 percent Poodle, 25 percent Schnauzer. And an F2 Schnoodle, of course, is the offspring of two F1 Schnoodle parents.

The F1 and F2 generations typically have wavy coats, while the F1B posses more genetic material from the Poodle, and thus will have more tightly curled fur.

And though a majority of Schnoodles are smaller dogs, they can vary greatly in size. With three Schnauzer and three Poodle sizes in the parent generations, nine potential genetic crossbreeds are possible. And since no Schnoodle breed standard exists, there are no guarantees of a Schnoodle's size. A Giant Schnauzer bred with a Standard Poodle can produce a Schnoodle that weighs as much as 75 pounds. Even so, most Schnoodles tend to weigh less than 20 pounds. Here is a breakdown of Schnoodle size:

• Toy / Teacup Schnoodle: 6-10 pounds, 10-12 inches at the shoulders in height
• Miniature Schnoodle: 13-20 pounds, 12-15 inches in height
• Standard Schnoodle: 20-75 pounds, 15-26 inches in height

Like physical traits, the Schnoodle temperament will depend on the behavioral genes inherited from its parents. But the most common, smaller Schnoodle variety is typically intelligent, active, loyal, and affectionate. A Schnoodle personality will often combine the perseverance and activeness of a Schnauzer with the willingness to please of a Poodle - in other words, these dogs like to keep busy by making their owners happy.

Schnoodles are generally fun-loving and curious, and will need to remain engaged in some sort of activity as often as possible. A bored Schnoodle can mean a destructive one, and owners who leave their Schnoodle home alone all day may return to find their living room in tatters. These dogs love to have fun, and will make up their own games - like chewing up couch cushions - if there's no one to play with.

Some Schnoodles can be a bit willful, especially if they inherit the "stubbornness" gene from their Schnauzer parent, and may need some extra obedience training. But Schnoodles are also watchful and protective, and will make good watchdogs, as they are prone to alert their families of possible danger.

Schnoodles are generally healthy, but may suffer from eye issues including progressive retinal atrophy (characterized by the gradual deterioration of the retina) and cataracts. Other health concerns include hip and knee issues, epilepsy, diabetes, and gastric torsion (bloat).