Schnoodle
Origin: The Schnoodle is the result of crossbreeding between Schnauzer and Poodle. It is a smaller version of its parent breed. The breed was originated in the 1980s when the poodle crosses gained popularity. The main objective behind creating a mix of Schnauzer and Poodle was to create a low-shedding and family-oriented dog. Some Schnoodles are the first-generation cross which means crossbreeding a purebred Schnauzer with a purebred Poodle, but there are back cross and multi cross. The different cross can result in other traits and personalities in Schnoodles.
Size: The size and weight of a Schnoodle can vary depending upon its parent breed. There is three recognized size of both Poodle and Schnauzer, i.e., Giant (Schnauzer), Standard (both). Miniature (both), and Toy (Poodle). A Standard Schnoodle has a shoulder height of 15-26 inches, and its weight ranges from 20-75 pounds. Miniature Schnoodles have a shoulder height of 12-25 inches, and their weight ranges from 13-20 pounds, whereas a toy Schnoodle has a shoulder height of 10-12 inches and weighs around 6-10 pounds.
Coat: The Schnoodle may have a rough and wiry coat like a Schnauzer, a soft coat like a Poodle, or somewhere in between. They have low-shedding skin that may have alternative patches of downy hair on the top of the head and coarse hair at the back. They come in different colors, including black, brown, white, grey, apricot, and mixes like black and white and black and tan.
Temperament: Schnoodles are easy-going, fun-loving, and intelligent dogs. They love to be around their family, being the center of attraction all the time. They are pretty easy to train if their owner knows the best way to encourage them. They are eager to please and have high energy levels. As they have a protective and loyal nature, they make excellent watchdogs. Schnoodles are intelligent, affectionate, and alert dogs, but they may bark unnecessarily at times. They get along well with kids and other pets. Schnoodles develop separation anxiety if they are left alone for a more extended period. They may bark more frequently if they are left untrained or unsupervised.
Care: The energy level of a Schnoodle varies depending upon the more prominent trait of its parent breed. They need 30-60 minutes of exercise and physical activities daily to keep them healthy and active. They are super-energetic, enthusiastic, and intelligent, which makes them easy to train. They love to indulge in dog sports like dog agility, fetch, and play or tug of war. They require weekly brushing and grooming. As they have long hair on the face, their hair should be clipped or trimmed to avoid eye and ear infections. Keep a check on the overall hygiene of your dog.
Health: The Schnoodle has a lie expectancy of 12-16 years. They may develop some the diseases such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Cataracts, Legg-Calves-Perthes Disease, Patellar Luxation, Epilepsy, Diabetes, Addison’s disease, and Gastric Torsion. Make sure to get the health clearance when you plan to get the pup home.