Crossbreeds

Schnoodle

A clever, low-shedding blend of Schnauzer alertness and Poodle brains.

Schnoodles combine the Schnauzer with the Poodle. They are smart, playful and affectionate, with a low-shedding coat, and they range from tiny to large depending on the parents.

A Schnauzer (usually Miniature) × Poodle cross. Not recognised by the AKC; size, coat and temperament vary more than in a purebred.

Parent breeds: Miniature Schnauzer × Poodle

Height
10–26 in25–66 cm
Weight
10–75 lb5–34 kg
Life expectancy
13–16 years
Size
Small
Group
Crossbreeds
Origin
United States

Coat: Wavy to curly, low-shedding coat. Colours: Black, Grey, Silver, White, Apricot, Brown, Parti.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement3.0 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability4.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.5 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.5 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness3.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness3.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive3.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking3.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level1.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden4.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability4.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness4.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.5 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Schnoodles are loyal, lively and eager to please. They enjoy family life, games and training.

The Schnauzer side can make them alert, protective and vocal; many bark at visitors. They are usually good with children.

Living with a Schnoodle

Exercise

About 30–60 minutes of walks and play daily, depending on size.

Grooming

Brush several times a week and book professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Wash the beard regularly.

Training

Bright and eager; reward-based training works well. Teach a quiet cue.

Kids & other pets

Good with children and usually with other pets; some are protective and bark at visitors.

Time alone

Prefers company; may bark or become anxious when left alone.

Home fit

Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.

Is a Schnoodle right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Schnoodle matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Schnoodle typically lives 13–16 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Pancreatitis

    Miniature Schnauzer lines are prone to pancreatitis; avoid fatty foods.

  • Eye disease

    Cataracts and PRA can occur; eye exams and DNA tests help.

  • Patellar luxation

    Loose kneecaps occur in smaller Schnoodles.

  • Diabetes mellitus

    Seen in Schnauzer lines; watch for increased thirst.

Ask a breeder for

  • Both parents: eye examination
  • Both parents: patella evaluation
  • DNA tests: prcd-PRA and myotonia congenita

Sources: OFA health testing guidance for Miniature Schnauzer and Poodle; American Miniature Schnauzer Club. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Schnoodles appeared in the United States in the 1980s as breeders sought low-shedding family dogs. Most are Miniature Schnauzer crosses, but Standard and Giant Schnauzer crosses exist.

Because the parent breeds vary so much in size, Schnoodles range from toy to large; ask breeders which Schnauzer and Poodle sizes they use.

Did you know?

  • Schnoodles can range from under 10 lb to over 70 lb.
  • Many Schnoodles keep the Schnauzer’s beard and eyebrows.
  • They often live well into their teens.

Library guides for Schnoodle owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Schnoodles hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but Schnoodles shed very little.
Are Schnoodles good family dogs?
Yes — they are smart, affectionate and good with children.
Do Schnoodles bark a lot?
Some are vocal, especially at visitors.