Is the Schnoodle right for you?
Like every breed, the Schnoodle is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You would enjoy training a dog that is usually eager to learn.
- You enjoy long walks and an active, outdoor life.
- You would prefer a dog that tends to shed little.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You cannot offer well over an hour of exercise every day.
- You have young children at home.
- This would be your first dog.
How would the Schnoodle fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Schnoodle
The Schnoodle is a crossbreed between a Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard or Giant) and a Poodle (Toy, Miniature or Standard). Because any size of either parent can be used, Schnoodles come in almost any size, with a range of coats and temperaments. They are typically happy, quick-witted and active.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Exercise
High
Typically more than an hour a day, with time off the lead.
- Energy level
Lively
A lively dog that enjoys being busy.
- Grooming
Daily
The coat usually needs brushing every day.
- Shedding
Low
Tends to shed little, though every dog sheds some hair.
- Trainability
High
Usually eager to learn and quick to pick things up.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Good with cats
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Experienced owners
Best with an experienced owner.
- Barking / vocality
Can be vocal
Often quick to bark at visitors or unusual sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
A Schnoodle may be a first cross, with one Schnauzer and one Poodle parent, or bred back to one of the parent breeds, or the offspring of two Schnoodles. Personality tends to be more consistent in first crosses; when two Schnoodles are bred together, temperament is less predictable.
The cross was created in the United States in the 1980s, with the aim of producing a friendly, low-shedding family dog. It is still fairly new and rare in the UK.
Schnoodle temperament
Temperament depends heavily on the parents, how the dog was bred and how it was raised. The size of Schnauzer used makes a marked difference: the Giant Schnauzer is a strong-minded, powerful working dog, while the Miniature is softer and more of a companion, although still with terrier tendencies. Poodles are typically lively, sociable, affectionate and intelligent.
A cross between a Giant Schnauzer and a Standard Poodle is likely to be a large, athletic dog that may guard and be territorial. A Toy Poodle crossed with a Miniature Schnauzer is more likely to be a bouncy, happy, very talkative companion, highly bonded to its owner.
Schnoodles can be noisy, especially if bored or left alone for long periods, and boredom can also lead to chewing and destructive behaviour. Giant Schnauzer crosses may be suspicious of strangers, both people and dogs.
Size and appearance
Size varies widely with the parents. Schnoodles are usually described as toy (under 30 cm), miniature (30–38 cm) or standard (over 38 cm); dogs over 65 cm are rare. Weight can range from around 5 kg to over 40 kg.
Colours depend on the parents, but black predominates.
How much exercise does a Schnoodle need?
Whatever their size, Schnoodles are active dogs. Larger ones are usually happy with up to two hours of exercise a day, and smaller ones need less. They also enjoy games, training, interactive toys and joining in with family activities.
Smaller Schnoodles can live in a flat or small house if they have access to outdoors. Larger ones need much more living space, a well-fenced garden and access to long walks.
Training a Schnoodle
Schnoodles are usually a joy to train, as both parent breeds are intelligent and like working with their owners. They learn bad habits as quickly as good ones, though.
- Start reward-based training early and keep it going.
- Socialise them early and keep it up, particularly Giant Schnauzer crosses.
- Teach calm lead walking, a good recall and relaxed behaviour around other dogs and people.
- Use gentle methods: Toy Poodle crosses can be sensitive to rough handling or raised voices.
- Teach them to enjoy handling and grooming from the start.
Schnoodle grooming
It is hard to predict which coat a Schnoodle will have: it may be like a Schnauzer's, like a Poodle's or a mixture. Coats can mat easily and may need daily attention. Poodles shed very little but need trimming, and Schnauzers shed slightly, far less than most breeds.
A good local groomer can trim or clip the coat or teach you to do it. Ear care matters, as Poodles can grow excess hair inside the ears, which can lead to infections or sore ears.
Living with a Schnoodle
A Schnoodle can make a great family dog that enjoys joining in with everything, provided you choose your breeder and puppy wisely. Schnoodles are usually better suited to homes with older children who respect a dog's space, and with people who are at home much of the time. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Varies with the individual dog.
Cats and small pets
Varies with the individual dog.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Best with an experienced owner.
Schnoodle health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Crossbreeds vary in the health conditions they are prone to, because individual dogs inherit more from one parent breed than the other. It is worth reading about the health of both the Schnauzer and the Poodle in the size used, and asking a breeder about the health of both parents.
Ear problems
Excess hair inside the ears, which can come from the Poodle side, can lead to infections or sore ears, so regular ear care is important.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Schnoodle home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Schnoodle cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Schnoodle home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, not just the first year.
Buying a Schnoodle
If you have decided the Schnoodle suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Schnoodle
Schnoodles do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Schnoodles looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Schnoodle adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
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Schnoodle FAQs
Is the Schnoodle good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How much exercise does the Schnoodle need?
High: typically more than an hour a day, with time off the lead. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Schnoodle shed?
Tends to shed little.
How much grooming does the Schnoodle need?
Typically: daily.
Is the Schnoodle easy to train?
Usually eager to learn. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Schnoodle be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Schnoodle bark a lot?
Can be vocal. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Schnoodle good with cats?
Varies with the individual dog. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.