A new dog in the family is a big commitment. Sure, these pets are cuddly and adorable the first time around. But once you live with one, you may discover the dog is aggressive toward kids, too big for your home or it sheds too much causing your allergies to flare up.
So choosing a dog has to be a carefully made decision, and if one of your options includes a schnoodle, get to know the breed before buying or adopting one.
The Schnoodle: Good Dog?
The typical descriptions for schnoodles are: active, cute and fluffy. Because the breed is a hybrid poodle and Schnauzer, expect this dog to look like and exhibit the personalities of both breeds.
Poodles, which originated in Germany as a hunting dog and not in France as a “frou frou” pet, love attention, are attentive and smart like Schnauzers, which is also of German origin. If poodles are active, the Schnauzer energy is above that level; if poodles are friendly, Schnauzers are bold.
The combination of both breeds has created a super cute and charming schnoodle. Although the crossbreeding of energy levels could mean trouble for a mild-mannered family, this Schnauzer poodle mix makes for a good dog because it adapts to suit your lifestyle and personality.
So this hybrid dog is comfortable in a good-sized apartment or a house with a backyard. Much like other dogs, the schnoodle needs at least 30 minutes of outdoor exercise; if you live in a high-rise, you need to take out your dog for walks. But this doesn’t mean the dog won’t be happy if you enjoy evenings in with the family. Your schnoodle will respond to how you are and how live
It adapts because environment and genetics influence the schnoodle’s temperament.
Is a Schnoodle Aggressive?
When it comes to genetics, you’ll want to look at the pup’s parents — usually the mother. If you’re after a particular personality, observe the dog you’re thinking about getting and see how the mother reacts when you approach. A good schnoodle shouldn’t be aggressive, but it shouldn’t be bashful or afraid either.
Schnoodle parents who growl at you or run away from you are likely to pass on those behaviors to their schnoodle puppies. If you have kids, the K9 hybrid with this temperament may not be a good fit for your family.
You could continue to look at other pet shelters or responsible dog breeders to find the right schnoodle. Alternatively, you could check out other schnauzer mixes, like schneagle (bred with a beagle), snorkie (bred with a Yorkshire terrier) or a bowzer (bred with a basset hound) to welcome into your family.
Other than temperament toward humans, how do schnoodles do with other animals? Are they aggressive toward other pets?
The mix of Schnauzer and poodle breed behaves like most friendly dogs do: they only get aggressive when they perceive threat, keeping humans safe. In general, this hydrid dog gets along well with other pets (yes, even cats). Since a Schnauzer can be trained as a guard dog, with its ability to instantly follow commands, your schnoodle could take a bit of time to warm up to its surroundings and those who inhabit them.
If you’re not sure about what to spot or observe in the dog you’re getting, ask the people at the animal shelter or the breeder to guide you. They’ve spent enough time with the puppies or adult schnoodles, so they’ll likely know which ones would suit you best.
But before you bring one home, you may need to know what it’s going to cost. How much do schnoodles cost?
Poodle Schnauzer Mix Ownership: The Cost
All pets will cost money; some more than others, for the extent of grooming required and the health care necessary to keep the dog happy well into their aging years.
And if you’re not careful about where you get your dog, you may encounter the following common schnoodle health problems while taking care of the mix breed:
- Diabetes
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy (and other eye conditions)
- Luxating patella
- Gastric dilatation volvulus
- Addison’s disease
The prevailing median price for buying a schnoodle is at $1,200 with the average price of those sold at $700. On the pricey end of the spectrum, a schnoodle puppy with premium lineage and has show quality could fetch up to $2,400 to $5,600.
A rescue dog may cost less than the schnoodle puppy you get from a reputable breeder. Whichever source you decide to go with, ask about the dog’s papers: health clearance, health certificates of the parents, vaccination, and other relevant medical data.
Beyond the health condition of the schnoodle, learn the kind of grooming it will need. With this mixed breed, you’ll have to:
- Brush the hair
- Clean the face, especially around the eyes
- Clean the ears
- Trim the nails
- Clean the teeth
- Get it trimmed
If you can spare the cash, a professional groomer would be able to do the job better and spare you the effort of doing these essential cleaning and nipping every day. So when considering the cost of a schnoodle, add the grooming costs. Depending on the need of your Schnauzer mix, you may shell out a few hundred dollars every month on supplies and equipment.
So never buy or adopt your pets blindly because it’s not good for the animal and for your family. Be well aware of what you’re getting into, and make sure you and everyone in the home is willing to pitch in—not just bask in the adorable goodness of the schnauzer poodle mix.
All in all, a schnoodle could be a considerable expense. So you’ll want to keep it safe, and not have your pet wander off getting lost.
Your pet expense may also be affected by the type of schnoodle you’ll get. Yes — schnoodles come in small to giant varieties.
Should You Get a Giant Schnoodle?
Who wouldn’t want an enormous, furry dog around the house? They’ve got the immensity to leave intruders dumbfounded and neighbors envious. Although these loveable “beasts” seem intimidating for their size, giant schnoodles aren’t threatening. They’re more like gentle giants than aggressive guard dogs. They’ll bark, but not as much as combative K9s.
A giant schnoodle is sweet and loving; they’re also playful, which makes them a perfect family dog for those with kids. If you’re adopting an adult giant schnoodle, expect a calming manner and less energy. This type of pet is more suited for families with grown kids rather than toddlers.
So how big does a giant schnoodle get?
This gentle, large schnoodle can get up to about 28 inches and weigh up to 110 pounds. Now, a dog of this size will require grooming, maybe more frequently than a smaller schnoodle that’s been bred with a toy poodle and a small schnauzer. They need to be washed and combed once a week, at least. You’ll also want to ask your groomer about getting your giant schnoodle’s face trimmed, so the bangs don’t cover their eyes.
Is a Schnoodle Hypoallergenic?
The short answer is schnoodles are not hypoallergenic.
The one thing most people want to know about a schnoodle is whether they’re hypoallergenic. The answer is essential for those who are allergic to pet dander. You want to get a dog for the kids, but then you worry about keeping your home free from toxins and allergens.
A hypoallergenic dog does not exist; schnoodles are commonly associated with being hypoallergenic, but no scientific evidence has yet been discovered to prove that it doesn’t shed dried flakes of skin (dander). The mix of schnauzer and poodle does shed less than other dog breeds, but that doesn’t mean less allergy symptoms for your family. It’s not just the shedding that could trigger allergies; the protein in your pet’s saliva and urine could cause sneezing and wheezing and itching.
But you don’t have to abandon your idea of getting a schnoodle. You just have to follow a few things to mitigate the effects of allergy, from keeping the dog out of the bedrooms to installing an efficient air purifier.
Schnoodle — even the name itself if begging to be adopted and given a loving home. But don’t dive into this decision without knowing the pros and cons. Choose your pet carefully so that you keep the animal happy and the family safe and protected.