Schnoodle

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Schnoodle

A male Schnoodle
Traits

A Schnoodle is a Poodle hybrid that is a cross-breed of a Poodle and a Schnauzer [1], [2], [3]. According to Newsweek, Schnoodles are "rising to canine stardom" [4]. Schnoodles are owned by notables such as Claire Danes[5], noted academic Guntram Herb, Kerry Twomey and Scott Lukowski, and Dakota Fanning[6].

Contents

[edit] Breeding and adoption

A one year old female
A one year old female

This hybrid is now recognized by the ACHC, DRA, and CKC. Schnoodles have become more popular as individuals are looking for companion animals that are hypoallergenic, and train easily. It should also be noted that schnoodles are as likely to be hypoallergenic as not, since the combination of two separate breeds will always have an unpredictable outcome. As with other mixed dogs, the popularity of Schnoodles has led to a rise in puppy mills selling the breed. This issue is perpetuated by the lack of recognition of the breed by the leading kennel clubs.

Properly speaking, the offspring of a schnoodle and any other dog is a mongrel. In fact, according to kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), any dog, including a schnoodle, parented by dogs of two or more different breeds is a mongrel.

[edit] Appearance and care

A male cross-breed between a miniature schnauzer and poodle.
A male cross-breed between a miniature schnauzer and poodle.

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.

Like poodles, some schnoodles will develop a large amount of in-the-ear hair. This must be removed by a vet or groomer to prevent fairly persistent ear infections that result. Like both the poodle and schnauzer, the schnoodle may require expression of the anal glands a couple times per year; your vet or groomer will perform this service.

[edit] Size

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.

[edit] Temperament

The schnoodle mixes the intellect of the Poodle with the companionship and devotion of the Schnauzer. 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.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Schnoodle by Carol Bobrowsky and Jim Gladden, Kennel Club Books, 2006
  2. ^ Oodles of schnoodles, US News and World Report, 23 Mar 2003
  3. ^ The Modern Kennel Conundrum , by Jon Mooallem, New York Times Magazine, 4 Feb 2007
  4. ^ I'm a 'Labradoodle' Dandy, Newsweek, 8 July 2002
  5. ^ Danes' star rises again, Toronto Star
  6. ^ These dogs have many good qualities, like the fact they do not shed, and do not need much outdoor excersize, although they can take quite a lot. Tammy Anders in Des Moins, Iowa owns a schnoodle called Margaret. For more information on Margaret, visit www.geocities.com/margaret_dogmiracles ], New York Post, 28 Aug 2007