Schnoodle

The Schnoodle is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Schnauzer and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. This hybrid cross is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club.

A puppy can take on the coat characteristics of either breed, such as developing the rough and coarse/wiry hair of the Schnauzer, the softer hair of the Poodle, or any intermediary coat. Some schnoodles develop coarser Schnauzer-like hair on certain parts of the body (most notably the back) with other softer Poodle-like areas. Schnoodle colors include black, white, brown, grey and apricot. Multi-colored dogs can include "phantom," which takes on the coloring of a doberman, black & white, sable or parti.

Puppies in the same litter may have differing coat qualities and may or may not exacerbate allergies. Their fur does not shed like other breeds, but grows more like human hair. This requires weekly brushing and grooming every 2 to 3 months to ensure matting does not become an issue. There is no certain "breed" cut for a schnoodle; most dogs receive a general groom (with, say, a #7 shears) with rounded or squared-off (for a more terrieresque look) semi-long hair left on the face.

The size of a Schnoodle can vary according to the size of the parents. 11 - 16 pounds is typically the size implied when an owner speaks of a "schnoodle". For a smaller dog, a Toy Poodle can be mixed with the Miniature Schnauzer (resulting in a "toy schnoodle"). The breed can also be very large as Standard Poodles are mixed with Standard and Giant Schnauzers ("standard" and "giant" schnoodles respectively). Some puppies can vary in size depending on their diet but regulate out in to adulthood.

The schnoodle mixes the intellect of the Poodle with the companionship and devotion of the Schnauzer.[citation needed] Schnoodles are very astute. They may, for example, react very strongly when the owner simply glances to the floor for his or her shoes, or the sound of the clanking of car keys; the dog knows that this can be a precursor to the owner leaving the home on some errand. This intelligence (which can range from introspective and analytical, to raw and instinctual depending on the specific dog), coupled with the terrier desire to please the owner, makes most schnoodles easily trainable. The vocabulary of a schnoodle is quite impressive, considering they are able to pick up phrases, such as "go get your toy" with ease. Their high intelligence can also assist in participating in dog sports such as agility and obedience. While mischievous, schnoodles are fun-loving, energetic dogs.The schnoodle is very protective of it's owner after about a year of ownership.