In this article, we will be comparing a Schnoodle and Labradoodle. Schnoodle and Labradoodle are two designer breeds with many similarities to each other. For instance, they have almost the same average height. They also have roughly the same life spans and litter sizes. This is why many dog lovers are often confused when choosing between the two.
By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the two designer breeds and which breed to choose according to your preference. Let us begin.
Schnoodle vs Labradoodle
Below, we will discuss the critical differences between Shnoodle and Labradoodle based on several factors:
- Temperament
- Health/Medical Issues
- Grooming
- Lifespan
Schnoodle Pros and Cons:
- The Schnoodle is a designer breed that originated from the U.S.in the 1980s. The Schnoodle is a mix between a Schnauzer and a Poodle (hence the name). The primary purpose, back then, is to develop low-shedding dogs.
- Schnauzers can come in a wide variety of sizes (small, medium, or large). So, the Schnoodle can be medium to large-sized and can be between 15 and 26 inches (38-66 cm) in length. Schnoodle has an average weight between 13 and 100 lbs (6-45kg).
- Schnoodles commonly come in grey, silver, white, a mix of grey, cream colors, and black.
- Here are some of the pros of owning a Schnoodle in each of the respective categories:
Temperament:
- The Schnoodle’s temperament will depend on the behavioral genes inherited from its parents. Schnauzers of all sizes are excellent with people in general, especially children. Schnauzers are very active and outgoing dogs but can be overly enthusiastic and stubborn.
- Poodles are not as outgoing and quite shy compared to Schnauzers. They are, however, more affectionate with the willingness to please their owners. Poodles, however, can be overly shy with biting issues.
Schnoodle pros – temperament:
- In general, a smaller Schnoodle is typically active, outgoing, loyal, and intelligent.
- Schnoodles, in general, are a curious and fun-loving breed.
- Schnoodles love to keep themselves busy by making their owners happy.
Schnoodle cons – TEMPERAMENT:
- They are prone to excessive barking although they are relatively small in size
- When bored, they can be overly active and leave your rooms and furniture in tatters
- Some Schnoodles can be a bit stubborn and may need extra obedience training
- In general, however, we can tackle this temperament issue with proper training. It’s also essential to train them early. Invest in a good dog training collar to help control the Scnoodle’s temperament.
Health/Medical Issues:
Schnoodle pros -health/medical
- The Schnoodle is overall a robust, healthy breed.
- This breed is well-developed and established. It has been around since the 1980s. It’s quite rare to get a Schnoodle with substantial genetic defects.
Schnoodle cons -HEALTH/MEDICAL
- Although Schnoodles are a reasonably healthy breed, they can still suffer several health issues such as: Bloat: a life-threatening disease where gas bloats the stomach. Give your Schnoodle nutritional supplements that promote healthy intestinal microflora. The Purina Fortiflora Nutritional Supplement Box is a good pick.
- Various skin problems: Schnoodles often suffer from sensitive skin and skin allergies. Yet, they are relatively easy to prevent with good hygiene practice and regular visits to the vet
- Progressive retinal atrophy: Eye disease that can progress into the deterioration of the retina. Unfortunately, there’s no cure and can lead to total blindness. You may give your dog a good eye vitamin supplement to prevent this.
- In general, make sure to maintain a healthy diet. Also, make sure the dog has the proper vaccinations and take the Schnoodle to the vet regularly.
Schnoodle pros – GROOMING:
- Minimal shedding and almost hypoallergenic (no dogs are truly non-shedding). Both Schnauzers and Poodles have non-shedding coats. So, you won’t have too many pet hairs all over your furniture
- Schnoodle is a good fit if you are looking for an indoor pet for a condominium or apartment.
Schnoodle cons – GROOMING:
- Minimal shedding coats can often be tangled and matted, so you will need to purchase a grooming kit. You can also take your Schnoodle to the professional groomer regularly.
- In general, the Schnoodle will need a brush down at least twice a week and might require trimming, depending on the coat’s type.
- All in all, Schnoodles require moderate-to-easy grooming and maintenance.
Schnoodles – Lifespan:
- Schnoodles bred from a standard-sized Poodle, and a miniature Schnauzer can have a lifespan between 10 to 14 years.
- Yet, if the Schnoodle was bred from a miniature Poodle or toy Poodle, the lifespan could be longer, around 12 to 16 years of age.
- So we can safely say a Schnoodle has an average lifespan of 10-15 years of age.
- Higher life expectancies are not out of the question. Make sure to provide the Schnoodle with healthy diets and enough supplements.
Labradoodle Pros & Cons:
The Labradoodle is a designer breed that originated from Australia. It is a result of the breeding between Poodle and Labrador Retriever and became known as a new breed in 1988. Nowadays, there has been an increase in multigenerational breeding. From Labradoodle to Labradoodle, Labradoodle to Labrador Retriever, or Labradoodle to Poodle. Below we will discuss the Labradoodle pros and Labradoodle cons from the respective categories.
labradoodle pros – temperament
- Labradoodles have one of the best attitudes you can find in any dogs, especially in cross-breed dogs
- Highly intelligent and relatively easy to train, great for beginners
- Originally bred to be guide dogs, excellent rescue animal
Labradoodle cons – TEMPERAMENT
- They still do have a temperament, and they like to be in control. You still need to train them consistently and patiently.
- In general, Labradoodles have better temperaments than Schnoodles. The key is to train them consistently and patiently. Give them dog treats when it’s appropriate, for example, when they achieved a new breakthrough in their training.
Health/Medical Issues:
LABRADOODLES proS -HEALTH/MEDICAL
- Most Labradoodles are generally healthy and relatively stable as a cross-breed
Labradoodles cons -HEALTH/MEDICAL
- The Labradoodle is a reasonably healthy breed. Yet, they can still suffer several health issues that are common in Poodles and Labrador Retrievers, such as:
- Eye diseases: may suffer from progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, multifocal retinal dystrophy, and more
- Hip dysplasia: the abnormally-formed hip joint so the thigh bone doesn’t fit properly, can cause pain and lameness on the rear leg(s)
- Ear infection: since Labradoodles have floppy ears, the inside can accumulate dirt and bacteria, leading to infection. Make sure to use a good ear wash to remove wax and debris effectively.
- Addison’s disease: a condition where the pituitary gland doesn’t create ACTH hormones, and so the Labradoodle can’t digest food properly. Dogs with this disease have a very fast heart rate and urinate often.
- In general, however, make sure to provide your Labradoodle with enough vitamin supplements and maintain a healthy diet.
LABRADOODLE proS – GROOMING
- The Labradoodle pros in the grooming category are:
- Low shedding and almost hypoallergenic (no dogs are truly non-shedding).
- Less body odor compared to their Labrador Retriever parents.
Labradoodle cons – GROOMING
- Minimal shedding coats can still tangle and will require proper brush-down twice a week. Invest in a suitable grooming kit or take your Labradoodle to be groomed professionally.
- As mentioned, you should pay extra attention to its floppy ears and clean them regularly.
- Similar to Schnoodles, Labradoodles require a moderate level of grooming and maintenance.
Lifespan – Schnoodles & Labradoodles
- Both standard Poodles and Labrador Retrievers live around 12 years. Toy Poodles (and Miniature Poodles) can live a little longer around 14 years on average.
- So, a Labradoodle with a standard-sized Poodle parent might live around 12 years on average. Labradoodles with a Toy Poodle parent can live approximately 14 years.
- In general, the average lifespan of a Labradoodle is slightly lower than Schnoodles, between 10 and 14 years.
- Still, a higher life expectancy for your Labradoodle is undoubtedly possible. You can invest in various supplements while maintaining a healthy diet. Also, visit your vet regularly.
Summing Up
As we can see from the comparison above, there are some crucial differences between Labradoodle and Schnoodle.
In general, Labradoodle has a better overall temperament and very loyal. Schnoodles, on the other hand, need more training and socialization. Both are very well-developed and robust, healthy breed. However, both are still susceptible to various diseases and medical issues, as with any dogs.
Both have very minimal shedding (although Labradoodle sheds a little more). They are not 100% hypoallergenic (no dog is), but still require easy to moderate overall grooming. They both have a similar average life span, although the Schnoodle has an extra one year of average life span over the Labradoodle.
All in all, both are excellent companion pets to choose from, especially if you are looking for indoor pets. Good with children, although they’d need to be trained as early as possible. Consistent and patient training is the key to training both Labradoodle and Schnoodle.