Schnoodle (Schnauzer-Poodle)

A 2-year-old male
Breeds	Poodle, Schnauzer
Other names	Schnoodle

A Schnoodle is a domestic dog. It is a cross between a Schnauzer and a Poodle. Schnoodle is a portmanteau combining the two breed names.

Appearance [link]

Poodles come in four different sizes, Standard, Medium, Miniature and Toy, or three sizes, Standard, Miniature, and Toy, depending on where they are registered. Schnauzers come in three sizes, Standard Schnauzer (the original), Giant, and Miniature. The Schnoodle is usually a cross of the smaller sizes. 7–16 pounds is typically the size implied when an owner speaks of a Schnoodle, but a puppy buyer must visit the breeder's kennel and see the parents to get an idea of the adult size of their Schnoodle. The Schnoodle may take on the rough hair and strong body shape of the Schnauzer, or the thinner shape and the curly hair of the poodle, or a combination of characteristics.

Temperament [link]

The temperament of the Schnoodle is reflective of its Schnauzer and Poodle forebears. The Schnauzer can be affectionate, naturally protective, intelligent and strong-willed; the Poodle is often clever, active, and excels in obedience training. The Schnoodle may inherit any combination of intelligence, personality, temper and protective nature of the parent breeds. They can make good pets and are often devoted and affectionate to their family. Like both parent breeds, Schnoodles are usually active dogs and are impressive runners and jumpers; regular exercise and activity are necessary components of their lives.

Hybrid status and recognition [link]

Schnoodles are first-generation crosses, with two purebred parents, one a Poodle and the other a Schnauzer.^[1][2][3]. According to Newsweek, Schnoodles are "rising to canine stardom"^[4]

Legitimate breed associations such as the AKC, the UKC, and the CKC, do not recognize the Schnoodle, or any other designer cross, as a breed. However, some major kennel clubs do accept registration of crossbreed and mixed-breed dogs for performance events such as agility and obedience. As with many other trendy designer crosses, the popularity of Schnoodles has led to a rise in puppy mills selling this cross.

Coat care [link]

A puppy can take on the coat characteristics of either breed, such as developing the rough and coarse/wiry hair of the Schnauzer, the softer hair of the Poodle, or any intermediary type coat. Some schnoodles develop coarser Schnauzer-like hair on certain parts of the body (most notably the back) with other softer Poodle-like areas. Schnoodle colors include black, white, brown, grey and apricot. Multi-colored dogs can include "phantom," which takes on the coloring of a doberman, black & white, sable or parti.

Puppies in the same litter may have differing coat qualities and may or may not exacerbate allergies. Their fur does not usually shed like other breeds, but grows more like human hair. This requires weekly brushing and grooming every 2 to 3 months to ensure matting does not become an issue. There is no certain "breed" cut for a schnoodle; most dogs receive a general groom with rounded or squared-off semi-long hair left on the face.

Hypoallergenic coats [link]

Schnoodles have become more popular as individuals are looking for companion animals that are hypoallergenic, and train easily. Because both poodles and schnauzers are hypoallergenic, or non-shedding, Schnoodle usually have a hypoallergenic coat. The term hypoallergenic though, only means that the dogs dander shedding is minimal.

Health and Behavior [link]

Like poodles, some schnoodles will develop a large amount of in-the-ear hair. This must be removed by a vet or groomer to prevent fairly persistent ear infections that result.^{[citation needed]} Like both the poodle and schnauzer, the schnoodle may require expression of the anal glands a couple of times per year; a vet or groomer can perform this service. As with poodles, it is also a good idea to clean the discharge from under a schnoodle's eyes in order to minimize tear-staining, particularly on animals with a light coat.

Since Schnoodles are bred from two intelligent breeds - the poodle and the schnauzer - they are often easy to train as long as they have motivation and are constantly challenged. They need a structured living situation or else they can develop anxiety related behavioral problems.

See also [link]

• Hypoallergenic dog breed
• Poodle hybrids (meaning crossbred dogs, not Poodles bred with foxes or other canids)
• Genetics (basic diagrams of inheritance)

References [link]

External links [link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Schnoodle

• Schnoodle at the Open Directory Project