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Schnoodles are known as the ‘forever-happy’ and perfect family pet. They are cute, cuddly, intelligent, and have an amiable personality. They love to spend time with people. Whether you’re out on a jog or lying on the couch, you can count on a Schnoodle dog to keep you company. They are also considered easy to groom. That almost sounds too good to be true. So, just in case, let’s look at the Schnoodle pros and cons.
If you have your heart set on owning a Schnoodle (or already have one), but you are concerned about caring for your pooch, then this article is for you. Read on to learn more about the Schnoodle pros and cons. Knowledge about the Schnoodle temperament, coat, health and grooming requirements can better equip you when caring for your new dog.
Table of Contents
What is the Schnoodle Dog Breed?
Many people take a liking to this awesome cross breed. However, Schnoodles are still not as well known as other cross breeds. This means owners often have a lot of questions when it comes to managing day-to-day care of their new puppy.
The Schnoodle is a cross breed of the Schnauzer and the Poodle. Most have a moderately furry coat and come in a variety of colors.
They come in a wide range of sizes also; some weighing as little as 6 pounds (2.7 kg) while others can weigh as much as 75 pounds (34 kg). The height also has a wide range: from 10 to 26 inches at the shoulder.
The Schnoodle Dog Temperament
As for the personality, Schnoodles are quite consistent. They are intelligent dogs, full of fun, thus the nickname ‘forever happy’.
They have moderate energy and love hanging out with family and other pets. In a family setup, a Schnoodle may develop a liking for one person over others – the one who pampers her with attention and time.
Schnoodle Care
Schnoodle Dietary Guidelines
Top on the list of caring for your Schnoodle dog is providing a good quality pet food. Invest in high-quality dog food that supplies your dog’s age-specific nutritional requirements according to AAFCO nutritional standards. Many dogs enjoy wet food as well as raw dog food. Although these pet foods are slightly more costly, they are tastier and nutrient-packed.
If you have a Schnoodle puppy, it is common practice to feed puppies 3 to 4 times a day. Ensure the meals are high in protein and also have as many of the other essential nutrients as possible.
Also, it is essential that there is a constant, topped-up supply of clean water. This needs to be in a container that can’t be knocked over.
Adult and senior Schnoodles eat less frequently but still require balanced meals with fiber and plenty of water.
Also, regularly check your dog’s weight and profile against an obesity chart so you can keep to the limits.
Consult a vet to give specific guidance on feeding your puppy, adult, senior, or Giant Schnoodle if they have any kind of unique condition.
Schnoodle Healthcare
Schnoodles are generally hardy dogs but, like every breed, their resilience depends on how well you take care of them.
Begin by ensuring your dog is spayed or neutered and gets all the necessary shots.
Regular grooming also keeps the hair off the eyes and prevents eye infections.
As the puppy grows older, the tendency to fall ill reduces. But, our alertness to signs and symptoms of ailment also wanes. It is crucial to schedule regular checkups with a vet. Besides routine checkups for common ailments, a vet will help to detect the following conditions often found in Schnoodles:
- Kneecap dislocation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – is a condition that can result in loss of sight.
- Cataracts
- Hip joint issues
Schnoodle Grooming
Thankfully, Schnoodles are low shedding. However, their fine hair has a tendency to knot and matt unless groomed regularly. Brush the dog’s coat daily to avoid matting. A slicker brush and metal comb can be beneficial here. Most have medium-sized, fine-textured and straight hair and are considered to be a hypoallergenic dog breed.
And if your Schnoodle exhibits any aches and pains, a good dog massage can help while you are brushing him.
The Schnoodle dog is one breed in which the hair, if left, will continue to grow. Thus, regular haircuts for Schnoodles are recommended. This practice will help keep the dog’s coat tidy and manageable. The hair is usually clipped every 6-8 weeks.
You can have some fun with different Schnoodle haircut styles. You can change the style with the dog’s age. Puppy Schnoodles look attractive in a Teddy Bear Cut or a Puppy Cut. A shaggy look can suit older Schnoodles.
Your Schnoodle will need regular baths. Use dog-specific products such as a natural dog shampoo to help keep the skin moisturized. Many Schnoodles have sensitive skin that dries out very quickly. So, you must keep the skin hydrated for best comfort.
Also ensure you regularly clip the nails and check the ears, teeth and paws.
Exercising and Training Your Schnoodle Dog
Schnoodles are generally moderately energetic dogs. A good 30-60 minute daily exercise plan is sufficient. The bigger the dog, the longer the duration and intensity of exercise.
As for training, Schnoodles are smart, but also incredibly stubborn. Unless you have the time, expertise, and patience to train one, it is better to have someone else do it. Otherwise, enrolling your Schnoodle in obedience school will be advantageous. Obedience training will help you bond with your dog while she learns to respond to your commands. The Schnoodle can start to accept you as the “leader of the pack” as you learn and implement various training tricks.
Socializing Your Schnoodle Dog
In addition to training benefits, puppy school and then obedience school can help to socialize your dog.
Social behavior is crucial for a dog. For Schnoodles, it is especially important because unsocialized dogs can be aggressive towards people and other animals. Even a small Schnoodle cam have Terrier-like boldness and take on a larger breed, like a German Shepherd, when feeling threatened. A well-trained Schnoodle will get along much better with other pets and family members.
It is better to err on the side of caution because Schnoodles can play hard and don’t always like sharing toys.
Besides planning for early and intensive socialization, remember to keep her on a leash and teach kids how to treat a dog the right way.
Schnoodle Pros and Cons for an Owner
Here’s a quick recap of the pros and cons of owning a Schnoodle:
Pros
- Schnoodles are incredibly friendly and loyal
- They have a pleasant personality and are eager to please.
- The Schnoodle breed is considered to be very intelligent, making them quick learners.
- They are generally easy to keep groomed
- Schnoodles are sturdy and usually quite resilient to common ailments.
Cons
- Schnoodles are exceptionally strong-willed and often require professional trainers.
- If you have little time to spend with your dog, the grooming demands may seem overwhelming.
- Without proper training, Schnoodles can be aggressive.
- Schnoodles are very vocal. In other words, they like to bark.
The high energy and playful nature of the Schnoodle could be either a plus or a minus. It depends on your own personality and schedules. Due to their intelligence, training your Schnoodle will help you avoid the downsides, and you’ll have a ‘forever-happy’ best friend.