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A Schnoodle is a Poodle hybrid that is a cross-breed of a Poodle and a Schnauzer.

Breeding and Adoption

Although this "breed" is not recognized by any reputable kennel club (like the AKC), Schnoodles have become more popular as individuals are looking for companion animals that are hypoallergenic, train easily and want to reduce the chances of developing the health issues associated with the pure breed because of hybrid vigour, though the concept of hybrid vigour in dogs is debated. It should also be noted that schnoodles are as likely to be hypoallergenic as not, since the combination of two separate breeds will always have an unpredictable outcome. As with other mixed dogs, the popularity of Schnoodles has led to a rise in puppy mills selling the breed. This issue is perpetuated by the lack of recognition of the breed by the leading kennel clubs. Before considering a purchase of any puppy, research the breeder to ensure they are providing their dogs and puppy a safe and healthy environment. Also, consider adoption through a shelter or rescue group, as dogs of all breeds and mixtures, including Schnoodles, are surrendered or picked up as strays.

Schnoodle breeders should be (but are not always) mindful to cross Schnauzers and Poodles of roughly the same size and build when breeding schnoodles. Should mismatched parents conceive, the offspring may at first have disproportionate geometry (squat legs, short stature, disproportionate head size, and so forth), although as the dog ages it tends to achieve a happy medium.

A schnoodle is only considered a "true" schnoodle when it is the offspring of a purebred Poodle and purebred Schnauzer. Properly speaking, the offspring of a schnoodle and any other dog is a mongrel. In fact, according to kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), any dog, including a schnoodle, parented by dogs of two or more different breeds is a mongrel.

In many parts of America, and due to demand, individual breeders who normally specialize in high-quality purebred Schnauzers will stable a female Poodle (or vice-versa) for the specific purpose of breeding high-quality schnoodles between litters of Schnauzers (or Poodles). When purchased directly from a high-quality breeder with parents on site, a high-quality schnoodle can sell in the $600 to $1000 range. However, supporters of breeds such as the Schnauzer and Poodle who show their dogs in recognized events or working competitions rarely if ever cross their dogs with other breeds.

Because of the overpopulation of dogs in the US and other countries, some people argue that there is no such thing as a "high-quality" breeder of mongrel dogs, including any poodle mixes, no matter what name is established for them.

Appearance and Care

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 coat. Some schnoodles develop coarser Schnauzer-like hair on certain parts of the body (most notably the back) with other softer Poodle-like areas. On most schnoodles, the hair on the top of the head is soft to the touch (like a Poodle's) in the adult. 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.

Schnoodles are considered a hypoallergenic dog breed by some, though as mentioned above, that is extremely variable. Puppies in the same litter may have differing coat qualities and may or may not exacerbate allergies. Their fur does not 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, say, a #7 shears) with rounded or squared-off (for a more terrieresque look) semi-long hair left on the face.

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. Like both the poodle and schnauzer, the schnoodle may require expression of the anal glands a couple times per year; your vet or groomer will perform this service.

Size

The size of a Schnoodle can vary according to the size of the parents. One of the more popular crosses is the Miniature Poodle with the Miniature Schnauzer, which usually range in the 11 - 16 pound (5 - 7.5 kg) range. This is typically the size implied when an owner speaks of a "schnoodle". For a smaller dog, a Toy Poodle can be mixed with the Miniature Schnauzer (resulting in a "toy schnoodle"). The breed can also be very large as Standard Poodles are mixed with Standard and Giant Schnauzers ("standard" and "giant" schnoodles respectively). The larger schnoodles (like Giant Schnauzers) are complex and active dogs not suitable for everyone.

Temperament

The schnoodle mixes the intellect of the Poodle with the companionship and devotion of the Schnauzer. Schnoodles are very astute. They may, for example, react very strongly when the owner simply glances to the floor for his or her shoes, or the sound of the clanking of car keys; the dog knows that this can be a precursor to the owner leaving the home on some errand. This intelligence (which can range from introspective and analytical, to raw and instinctual depending on the specific dog), coupled with the terrier desire to please the owner, makes most schnoodles easily trainable.

Schnoodles are excellent companion animals for home or apartment dwellers. They are very smart animals and enjoy having the opportunity to use their intelligence by learning tricks, playing games and participating in agility training. Schnoodles are very affectionate. They are energetic and playful, but this energy can be easily tamed through throwing a ball or going for a walk. Schnoodles are known for the "Schnoodle zoom" or "Schnoodle 500", wherein they run around the perimeter of rooms at very high speeds. Schnoodles can be very athletic and make good companions for runners looking for a smaller dog, but they do not require running long distances every day to keep them calm.

It is very important to start early socialization with both people and other dogs as each the Poodle and the Schnauzer can develop traits of shyness or aggressiveness if they are not exposed to other animals and people while they are young. In particular, Schnoodles can become very territorial and distrusting of other dogs. Joining a puppy class or creating an environment where the Schnoodle can develop trust in others will ensure a very sociable pet.