Schnoodle

Schnauzer and Poodle cross combining intelligence with low-shedding coat. Comes in multiple sizes.

Photo of a Schnoodle

Photo: Pilif12p (public domain), via Wikimedia Commons

Schnoodle characteristics

TraitRatingHow common
SizeMedium33% of breeds
Energy levelHigh
TrainabilityHigh30% of breeds
FriendlinessHigh35% of breeds
Good with childrenHigh
Grooming needsHigh20% of breeds
SheddingVery Low7% of breeds
BarkingMedium41% of breeds
ProtectivenessMedium38% of breeds
AdaptabilityHigh31% of breeds
Typical lifespan13 years
HypoallergenicYes

“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.

Is the Schnoodle right for you?

The Schnoodle is a medium-sized dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. In terms of temperament, it is reliably good with children and a solid family choice and will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive. Day to day, the Schnoodle needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.

Exercise and daily routine

The Schnoodle needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. With high energy and high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Schnoodle to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.

Grooming, shedding and upkeep

The Schnoodle needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and leaves virtually no hair around the house. It is considered hypoallergenic, which — combined with its low shedding — makes it one of the easier breeds to live with for allergy sufferers.

Temperament and training

The Schnoodle learns quickly and enjoys the training process and barks a moderate amount, usually with reason. It tolerates being left alone for a normal working stretch if eased into it, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.

What stands out about the Schnoodle

Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Schnoodle genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.

What a week with a Schnoodle actually costs you

ExerciseAround an hour to ninety minutes of daily exercise, and it will notice when a day is skipped.
CoatBrushing several times a week, with professional grooming at intervals.
Time aloneManages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do.
NoiseAverage for a dog — it will bark at the door and at things it dislikes.

Where the Schnoodle fits — and where it does not

Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.

HouseholdVerdictWhy
Apartment livingGood fitHigh energy and medium barking travel well into a flat.
Families with young childrenGood fitHigh child tolerance, and sociable with people generally.
First-time ownersGood fitHigh trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving.
Homes with catsGood fitMedium prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases.
Long working daysDependsMedium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds.
Allergy householdsDependsRecorded as a low-allergen coat. No dog is truly hypoallergenic — meet the individual dog before deciding.

Guides the Schnoodle is ranked in

The Schnoodle earns a place on 4 of our lifestyle shortlists:

Perfect for

Things to consider

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Schnoodle good with children?
Yes — the Schnoodle is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
Does the Schnoodle shed a lot?
The Schnoodle has very low shedding and is considered hypoallergenic.
How much exercise does the Schnoodle need?
With high energy, the Schnoodle needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
How long does the Schnoodle live?
The Schnoodle typically lives around 13 years.
Can the Schnoodle live in an apartment?
The Schnoodle can live in an apartment provided it gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Is the Schnoodle easy to train?
The Schnoodle learns quickly and enjoys the training process. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
Can the Schnoodle be left alone during the day?
The Schnoodle tolerates being left alone for a normal working stretch if eased into it. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.

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