Schnoodle Care

The Schoodle--a hybrid of a Schnauzer and a Poodle--can be as small as a cat, or as large as a German Shepherd. Since its Poodle and Schnauzer parents each have three size variations, Schnoodles also come in three sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard--though a majority of these dogs are either Toy or Miniature in size, and weigh less than 20 pounds.

Whether big or small, though, this crossbreed is intelligent, playful, and loyal, and is beloved by owners everywhere--in part because Schnoodle care and maintenance isn't extremely time-consuming. Below you'll find plenty of details on caring for a Schnoodle: puppy development, exercise needs, dietary recommendations, and more. For answers to your questions about owning a Schnoodle, read on!

Most Schnoodles are smaller-sized, and are moderately active and energetic--and all size variations are pretty intelligent, which means these hybrids will do best with activities that stimulate them mentally as well as physically.

Depending on its size (and its overall activity level), the typical adult Schnoodle will need about 45 minutes of proper exercise per day, which you can fulfill with a couple of walks and a medium-length play period. You can begin exercising your Schnoodle puppy at 10-12 weeks of age by taking it on short (5- to 15-minute) walks, then increasing the walks' length and frequency as the puppy grows.

A few things to consider when exercising your Schnoodle: first, puppies younger than 7-9 months (depending on size variation) shouldn't participate in activities that include a lot of jumping, running, and navigating of stairs, as doing so can injure their still-developing joints and bones. And any Schnoodle, regardless of age and size variation, will need to be leashed when in public. Schnoodles--particularly the larger Standard variations--are protective and loyal, and might be suspicious of and defensive towards strange people and animals, so a leash will help you control your Schnoodle if/when it confronts strangers. These dogs are also intelligent and curious, a combo that makes them frequent wanderers--so even when exercising in your own yard, the area will need to be securely fenced to keep the Schnoodle from running off.

Precautions aside, it's important to exercise your Schnoodle every single day. If bored or restless, these dogs will exhibit major behavioral problems like disobedience, fussiness, frequent barking and digging, and general unhappiness. Consistent exercise will be great for your Schnoodle's peace of mind--and for your own sanity as well! A few exercise ideas:

• Walking: Two 15- to 20-minute walks per day is a good target
• Fetch: Can be played indoors or out
• Hide-and-Seek: Great indoor, rainy-day activity; give the dog a treat when it finds you
• Canine Sports: These intelligent dogs excel at agility and obedience trials, flyball, and other competitions
• Blowing Bubbles: Your Schnoodle will love "attacking" the bubbles you blow
• Hiking: Excellent bonding activity; bonus if you can find a remote area where the dog can be off-leash

When indoors, it's a good idea to give your Schnoodle access to one or more balls or toys that will allow the dog to burn excess energy. It's also recommended that you exercise the dog at the same time every day, such as walks after breakfast and dinner and a play period in the afternoon.

In terms of shedding and drooling, these dogs don't require much care. Schnoodle shedding is minimal--and drooling is a non-issue as well.

A Schnoodle can have a tightly curled coat like that of the Poodle, or possibly wiry like the Schnauzer's--but most are wavy, soft, and medium in length. Regardless, the Schnoodle's shedding tendency is very low, so little hair cleanup will be necessary. This hybrid is considered hypoallergenic, so it's great for allergy sufferers.

And none of the three size variations drools much at all; possibly a bit in anticipation of food, but very little otherwise. If your Schnoodle is drooling excessively, it may be a sign of a medical issue, in which case a veterinarian's care will be needed.

Though opinions differ over what's the best dog food for Schnoodles, these dogs--regardless of size--will need food the has plenty of animal proteins and carbohydrates for energy, vitamins and minerals for digestive and immune health, and omega fatty acids for coat and skin wellness. The most popular choice among breeders and owners is premium dry food, because it contains balanced portions of the above-listed ingredients your Schnoodle will need to maintain its health in the long term.

Blue Buffalo, Fromm, and Royal Canin are three recommended brands that have excellent lines of premium dry food.