The Schnoodle is a popular designer crossbreed, a mix of the intelligent Poodle and the sturdy Schnauzer. Bred to combine the best traits of both parents, they’re energetic, affectionate, and full of fun. Like all crossbreeds, no two Schnoodles are exactly alike. Some lean more towards the Poodle’s eagerness to please, while others inherit the Schnauzer’s bold terrier spirit.
Schnoodle Traits at a Glance
- Best trait: Fun and lively companions
- Challenging trait: Can be barky
- Weight: 9–35 kg
- Height: 34–66 cm
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
Do Schnoodles Shed Much?
Schnoodles are often described as having hypoallergenic coats and usually shed very little. However, they do require regular grooming to maintain good condition. Expect to brush them several times a week and visit a professional groomer every 6–8 weeks, or learn to clip them yourself.
How Much Exercise Do Schnoodles Need?
As the offspring of two active breeds, Schnoodles are lively and energetic. They need at least one to two good walks per day, combined with plenty of playtime and stimulation. Without it, they may redirect their energy to nuisance behaviours such as barking, chewing, or digging.
Are Schnoodles Easy to Train?
Yes — both Poodles and Schnauzers rank highly for intelligence, which means Schnoodles tend to be quick learners. They respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy training sessions that are fun and engaging. However, some inherit a streak of stubbornness, so consistency is key.
If you want help with training, you can get guidance any time through Pickles, our AI Dog Trainer, who offers step-by-step advice tailored to your pup.
Schnoodle Temperament
Schnoodles are affectionate, playful, and intelligent. They enjoy spending time with their families and are particularly skilled with older children. When young, they can be boisterous and full of energy, making them excellent playmates for active households.
They usually form a close bond with one special person, happily following them around and curling up for cuddles when the day is done.
Living With a Schnoodle
- Families: Great with children, especially older ones who can match their energy.
- Other pets: Can live happily with dogs and cats if raised together. However, the terrier instinct may make them keen to chase neighbourhood cats or small animals.
- Watchdog ability: Alert and vocal, they’ll always let you know who’s at the door. This makes them good watchdogs, though you’ll need to train them to be quiet on command.
- Living space: Adaptable to flats if exercised enough, though most are happiest with access to a garden.
Grooming Needs
Schnoodles shed very little, but their coats do require regular maintenance. Coat type varies from litter to litter, with some having curlier, more Poodle-like coats and others resembling the wiry Schnauzer.
- Brush several times a week to prevent matting.
- Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks, unless you learn to clip them yourself
- Keep in mind: no dog is truly hypoallergenic, as all dogs produce dander and saliva.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Schnoodle
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fun, lively, affectionate companions | Can be barky if not trained early |
| Intelligent and eager to learn | Grooming costs can be high |
| Adaptable to houses or flats | May inherit terrier stubbornness |
| Great with families and older kids | Prone to mischief if under-exercised |
Health Notes
Schnoodles are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain conditions:
- Hip dysplasia – a common joint issue in medium to large dogs
- Eye conditions – such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy
- Skin allergies – both Poodles and Schnauzers can be prone to these
If you’re buying a Schnoodle puppy, make sure you ask the right questions about health testing and parent history. Our free Best in Breeder guide can help you know exactly what to ask before making a commitment.
History & Background
The Schnoodle is a relatively modern crossbreed, developed in recent decades to create a versatile family companion. By combining the Poodle’s intelligence and allergy-friendly coat with the Schnauzer’s sturdiness and protective nature, breeders aimed for a dog suited to both companionship and activity.
Great Names for Schnoodles
With their quirky looks and lively personalities, Schnoodles suit fun, playful, and elegant names alike.
Playful Names
- Ziggy
- Noodle
- Tilly
- Buster
Elegant Names
- Coco
- Ruby
- Max
- Hugo
German-Inspired Names (for their Schnauzer roots)
- Otto
- Liesel
- Fritz
- Greta
If you want even more ideas, try our Dog Name Generator, which creates personalised name suggestions for every type of pup.
Is a Schnoodle Right for You?
If you’re after a fun, intelligent, and affectionate family dog with low shedding and plenty of personality, the Schnoodle could be your match. They do best in active homes where they won’t be left alone for long and will need ongoing grooming and training to keep them happy.
If you’re unsure whether this is the right breed, try our Which Dog is Right for Me quiz to match your lifestyle to the perfect pup.
Pickles’ Aside:
“You know what they say about Schnoodles… half poodle, half schnauzer, all mischief. Honestly, I think they just invented them to keep hoomans guessing which side is going to chew the slipper first.”
If you decide Schnoodle is the right dog for you, check out our New Puppy Paw-rents Planner for everything you need to train and bring up a healthy and happy pup
Schnoodle Stats
- Origin: Cross between Poodle and Schnauzer
- Weight: 9–35 kg
- Height: 34–66 cm
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
- Best trait: Fun and lively personality
- Challenging trait: Barking if not well-trained