Schnoodles - Physical Characteristics
How Big Are Schnoodles?
This is not an easy question to answer because of the many different sizes and variations of the Poodle-Schnauzer crosses that might be involved.
They can be any size from Toy, Miniature or Standard right up to Giant, although the Miniature is the most popular.
- A Toy Schnoodle is 10 inches or under at the shoulders and under 10 pounds in weight. This is a cross between a Toy Poodle and a small Miniature Schnauzer.
- A Giant is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Giant Schnauzer. A fully grown one will weigh as much as 65-80lbs and stand 24 to 27 inches high at the shoulders.
Some breeders think the Poodle takes the chunkiness out of the Schnauzer, while the Schnauzer takes the pointed head away from the Poodle.
Although there are no written breed characteristics, The Schnoodle should be well-proportioned and athletic. He should have a keen, bold, and lively expression.
Schnoodles and their many different sizes, colors and faces
The Coat
Their coat can come in many colors -
black, white, grey, apricot, chocolate, black with white markings, wheaten, sable, parti (white with large patches of color) and also several shades of Phantom ( black and tan like the Doberman.)
A puppy can take on the coat characteristics of either breed and Schnoodle puppies in the same litter may have differing coat qualities.
Schnauzers and Poodles are both regarded as non shedding and hypoallergenic dog breeds. The chances are that your Schnoodle will also be a non shedding dog. To find out more, follow the link at the bottom of the page to hypoallergenic and non shedding dogs.
As the puppy matures it may develop the rough, more wiry hair of the Schnauzer, the softer hair of the Poodle or something in between.
Some develop coarser Schnauzer-like hair in places - most notably the back - with softer Poodle hair on other parts of the body.
Schnoodles' fur does not generally shed like other breeds, but grows more like human hair. Brush your dog every week and send him to the grooming parlour for trimming every 8 to 12 weeks to make sure his fur doesn't get matted.
There is no defined breed cut for this crossbreed. Most of them get a general groom - with, say, a #7 shear - with rounded semi-long hair left on the face. For a more terrier-like look, have a squarer trim around the face.
Cropped or Not?You often see Schnauzers with cropped ears, but Schnoodles' ears are left naturally uncropped.
They may have a long ear flap that lays closer to its head and hangs down – like a Poodle - or a shorter ear that stands upright at the base and folds over midway toward the front - like the uncropped ears of a Schnauzer.
Like Poodles, some can develop a large amount of in-the-ear hair. Get your vet or groomer to remove it to prevent the risk of ear infections.
Some Schnoodle breeders dock their puppies' tails - usually to the same length as a Schnauzer, which is 3 joints. Often Standard Schnoodles are seen with their tail left naturally long.
You can consult with the breeder about this. However, as tail docking is done to conform to breed standards and the Schnoodle is a crossbreed, why not leave them as nature intended?
In the UK it is now illegal to dock any dog's tail unless it is a working dog or hound.
BreedersThe Schnoodle is in high demand and can cost anywhere from $500 to $1200, depending on the parents. Some of Schnoodles' popularity is due to the fact that MOST of them are hypoallergenic and non-shedding.
If you're thinking of getting a Schnoodle, it's important you find a reputable breeder. The high price that Schnoodles fetch has triggered puppy mills. These are puppy factories where the prime aim is to make money for the breeder, not to produce healthy puppies.
Visit our section on Breeders to find out the top ten tips for choosing a good breeder.
Our links will provide you with all the information you're looking for on Schnoodles:
What Exactly is a Schnoodle?
The Schnoodle Temperament
Schnoodle Puppies - Saviors or Scoundrels?
The Giant Schnoodle
Non Shedding and Hypoallergenic Dogs - The Facts
List of Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Tail Docking and Schnoodles
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