Schnoodle

The Schnoodle is a mix between a Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard, or Giant) and the Poodle. Although mostly known as Schnoodles, they sometimes go by Schnauzerdoodle or Schnauzerdoo. They may also be called Giant Schnoodle or Mini Schnoodle—depending on whether the dog is one of the larger or smaller varieties, respectively. This intelligent, playful, and occasionally stubborn mixed breed comes in varying sizes depending on the parents, with varying coloration and coat texture, as well. 

As a mixed-breed dog, the Schnoodle can experience genetic health risks from both parents. Whether the Schnauzer or the Poodle traits are more prominent comes down to how the genes are inherited and expressed. An Embark genetic health risk test can help dog parents know what to expect from their pet and how to be proactive with their care.

• About Schnoodles

  A relatively newer mixed breed, the Schnoodle was first bred in the United States in the 1980s. This breed arose from the interest in hypoallergenic or low-dander dogs, leading to Poodles being crossed with other dogs thought to share similar traits.  Poodles come in Toy, Miniature, and Standard breeds. Schnauzers come in Miniature, Standard, and Giant breeds. Hence, a litter of Schnoodle puppies might have a mixture of larger or smaller varieties.  As a mixed-breed dog, the Schnoodle has not earned official dog breed recognition from the American Kennel Club (AKC). However, several other organizations, particularly those that focus on hybrid or designer dog breeds, do recognize Schnoodles as a breed. These organizations include:

  • Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA)
  • International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR)
  • The American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC)
  • The Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC)
  • Designer Breed Registry (DBR)

  Schnoodles have hypoallergenic traits, although no dog can be 100% hypoallergenic. Even having low dander and low coat shedding—two traits that Schnauzers and Poodles share—doesn’t mean someone cannot have an allergic reaction from a Schnoodle. Genetic tests can help clarify coat characteristics related to shedding.  The mix of Poodle and Schnauzer genes also means that the Schnoodle often have a fun-loving, affectionate, and active temperament. Since both parents are known for being intelligent, loyal, and eager to please, a Schnoodle puppy is likely to show off keen understanding, alertness, and a willingness to learn. However, the Schnauzer influence on stubbornness may require more obedience training to keep in check. 

• Health and aging in Schnoodle dogs

  Schnoodles have an average lifespan of 10–15 years. While considered generally healthy, it is important to remember that Schnoodles are at risk for health issues that affect Poodles and Schnauzers, depending on their specific parentage. Some common orthopedic diseases that can affect them include luxating patellas, hip dysplasia, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Each of these breeds can also carry gene mutations that cause progressive retinal atrophy, diabetes, cataracts, Addison’s disease, von Willebrand’s disease, pancreatitis, hyperlipidemia, urinary stones, idiopathic epilepsy, and GDV (bloat). The breeds that make up a Schnoodle are also notorious for having hairy ear canals. While this is not always a problem, it can create a complicating factor for repeated ear infections. Genetic health tests can help pet parents understand a Schnoodle’s health risks, behavior and temperament, and individual needs. With more information, pet parents can help ensure dogs have more opportunities for healthier, happier living. Learn more about what genetic health conditions 

  An Embark Dog DNA Test looks at the following health conditions in Schnoodles:

• Physical traits

  Schnoodles share some characteristics, such as their loveable personality and distinctive snout, but their size, coat color, and coat length and texture are highly dependent on the genes they inherit from each parent.  Schnauzers have more of a wiry coat while Poodles have a curlier coat, so a Schnoodle can have a wiry, curly, or mixed coat. Coat length can range from medium to long, with appearance depending on the texture. Schnoodles come in nearly all shades. They can be black, gray, white, cream, apricot, brown, sable, or parti, or they can have mixed coloration that doesn’t fit a specific pattern. Many Schnoodles have long floppy ears that hang down like a Poodle’s, but some have the Schnauzer’s v-shaped ears that bend in half at head height. Schnoodle sizes vary as much as their coloration. The variations all come down to parental sizing. There are four Schnoodle varieties:

  • Toy Schnoodles: These are bred from Toy Poodles and Miniature Schnauzers. They measure 10–12 inches high and weigh 7–15 pounds. 
  • Miniature Schnoodles: These are bred from Miniature Poodles and Miniature Schnauzers. They measure 12–15 inches high and weigh 15–30 pounds.
  • Standard Schnoodles: These are bred from Standard Poodles and Standard Schnauzers. They measure 15–20 inches tall and weigh 30–50 pounds.
  • Giant Schnoodles: These are bred from Standard Poodles and Giant Schnauzers. They measure 20–28 inches tall and weigh 50–85 pounds or more. 

• Nutrition 

  No matter their size, dogs should eat a balanced and complete diet. All dogs are omnivores and need a diet that blends plant-based and meat-based foods. High-quality dry kibble that is balanced and complete—as noted by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) seal on the food bag—is an excellent food source for a Schnoodle, although high-quality wet canned food works as well. Quantity depends on the size of the dog, their age, and their activity level. To determine the serving size, pet parents should follow the recommended portioning on the kibble package and adjust as needed. Checking in with a veterinarian for specifics on individualized feeding plans and portions can help ensure a Schnoodle gets the right nutrition for their needs.

• Grooming and shedding

  Thanks to a minimally-shedding coat, Schnoodles don’t create a lot of cleanup for pet parents. However, this breed does need more than zero maintenance for grooming. Schnoodles have longer coats that require weekly brushing to avoid tangles and mats, and they should have regular baths as well. A visit to the professional groomer every 4–6 weeks ensures a tidy coat and clipped nails.  

• Playtime and training

  Schnoodles are moderately active dogs, so they need enough playtime to burn off energy and satisfy their exploration desires. This breed should have daily exercise that caters to their agility and love of jogging and active play. However, they are not hyperactive dogs and equally love downtime with pet parents.  Training a Schnoodle should begin early during the puppy years. While they are eager to please, they can have a stubborn streak that makes some adult Schnoodles more resistant to obedience training.  Want to learn more about your Schnoodle dog? Try an Embark Dog DNA Test to learn about your dog's breed mix, genetic health conditions, shedding habits, and much more!

• Health Conditions

  Von Willebrand Disease Type I, Type I vWD

  Blood VWF

  Progressive Retinal Atrophy, prcd

  Eyes PRCD Exon 1

  GM2 Gangliosidosis

  Multisystem HEXB, Poodle Variant

  Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome, PMDS

  Other Systems AMHR2

  Degenerative Myelopathy, DM

  Brain and Spinal Cord SOD1A

  Neonatal Encephalopathy with Seizures, NEWS

  Brain and Spinal Cord ATF2

  Leukodystrophy

  Brain and Spinal Cord TSEN54 Exon 5, Standard Schnauzer Variant

  Dilated Cardiomyopathy, DCM

  Heart RBM20, Schnauzer Variant

  Myotonia Congenita

  Muscular CLCN1 Exon 7, Miniature Schnauzer Variant

  Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

  Neuromuscular SBF2/MTRM13

  Osteochondrodysplasia, Skeletal Dwarfism

  Skeletal SLC13A1, Poodle Variant

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