So, what are the pros and cons of owning a Schnoodle dog? If you are looking for a Doodle breed that is confident and strong, the Schnoodle could be right for you.
Today, we are going to explore all the reasons you should get a Schnoodle. These pros are what would make them a good fit for you beyond simple Schnoodle temperament. But we are also going to probe a little deeper into how these Doodles can be complicated. These cons are what makes them challenging to own and, therefore, a bad fit for your family.
Pros Of Owning A Schnoodle
First, we are going to go into a little more detail about why these dogs may be the best breed for you. These traits are what make the Schnoodle unique. They are positive aspects that make it easy for them to fit into your life.
Is a Schnoodle Hypoallergenic?
One of the best traits of the Schnoodle is that they are hypoallergenic. They usually have little to no shedding. This is one of the best pros because it can help people who suffer from allergies and asthma.
You won’t have to worry about hair tickling your nose with a Schnoodle. If you are looking for a dog with no shedding, an F1B Schnoodle may be your best choice. These hybrids are 75% Poodle and have virtually no shedding.
Great Temperaments
The Schnoodle is a loving and devoted breed. They are obedient to their owners and love with a force. Your Schnoodle can be very protective of their homes and families. But, these dogs are also packed with confidence that seems almost pushy. The Schnoodle temperament does require a little more experience. But it is rewarding for those who can take the time with them.
Superior Intelligence
Schnoodles are known to be highly intelligent. They learn quickly and never forget. Your dog will be well behaved and seem to learn simple commands more quickly than other breeds. When you start training at younger ages, they succeed more and develop a strong relationship with respect and love.
Multiple Sizes
Did you know that there are various sizes of Schnoodle? The most common sizes are the toy and miniature. Toy Schnoodles grow to only 6-10 pounds, which can be great for apartments. Mini Schnoodles max out at 15 pounds and are great options for people in smaller spaces. Then there is the Standard Schnoodle at a whopping 75-pound max. No matter what your needs or likes are, there is a Schnoodle for you.
Protective Genetics
Schnoodles of all sizes tend to be protective of their homes and families. They will always alert you of any danger. They may even guard you against people and things they see as a threat. While smaller Schnoodles are not exactly guard dog material, Standards are excellent for this job. They can be intimidating and hold their ground well.
Color Variations
One of the great things about a Schnoodle is that they come in every color imaginable. The most common colors are black and grey. But they come in every shade from cream to red and everything in between. There are so many different color combinations available that you may have a hard time picking one.
Mid-High Energy
Another pro to the Schnoodle is that they have enough energy to go around. They love to play and romp around with you whenever they get the chance. They do not like being cooped up all day and need daily walking. But, they will also enjoy quiet times at home with you on occasion. While some Schnoodles fair well in apartments, they do love getting out for fresh air and adventure. They will like to explore everywhere you go, even if it is just around the neighborhood.
Easy To Find
One thing is for sure about Schnoodles; you won’t have to look far for one. Most major cities in the US will have several reputable Schnoodle breeders. Since they are so common, that might make your search for the perfect best friend even easier. You likely won’t even have to be on a waiting list unless you are getting a rare color variation.
Long Lifespan
Our last pro about Schnoodles is how long they live. Toy and Mini Schnoodles have a long life expectancy of 12-16 years. With proper care and diet, your Schnoodle could live beyond those years comfortably. Standard Schnoodles have a slightly shorter lifespan of 10-15 years. Having a longer than average lifespan is due to proper care, but also adequate breeding. These breeds can live this long despite what few diseases they are prone to.
Cons Of Owning A Schnoodle
Now we are going to talk about all the negative traits of Schnoodles. These cons are what comes with the breed. And if you think you can get past all the negative, then a Schnoodle is an excellent option for you.
Schnoodle Grooming
If you love the hypoallergenic coats of a Doodle, be prepared for the upkeep. For some owners, this is not a big deal. But it can be a deal-breaker for those who do not have the time or money to spend grooming their dogs. Your Schnoodle will need to be brushed daily and groomed every 6-12 weeks. Between the price of a professional groomer and the tools you need at home, this can be very costly.
Barking
Schnoodles are more likely to bark than other breeds. This excessive barking is thanks to their protective nature. They want to ward off any evil before it comes in. This evil could be a jogger in the early morning hours, or even a neighbor is talking loudly. This barking makes them an ill fit for some people in apartments.
Too Easy To Find
We put easy to find on both the pros and cons for a good reason. Even though you may be able to find Schnoodle breeders everywhere, you may find it hard to find a reputable one. Since Schnoodles are a common designer breed, it makes them more likely to be overbred. This overbreeding leads to backyard breeders and puppy mills taking advantage of the system. Schnoodles will develop severe medical conditions and bad temperaments if not bred correctly.
Medical Conditions
All breeds are susceptible to various diseases that are passed on through the parents. Some common ones for Schnoodles include:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Eye Diseases
- Diabetes
- Addison’s Disease
- Epilepsy
With proper breeding and regular vet visits, you can prevent some of these from ruining your dog’s life. But, if your dog develops one of these diseases, it could be costly and detrimental to their health.
Separation Anxiety
Though Schnoodles may come off as independent and self-sufficient, they crave attention. They thrive best when they have human interaction for most of the day. If you work a regular 9-5, you may have to invest in a daycare or dog walker to keep your dog company. Without enough human interactions, your dog may become anxious and start bad behaviors to relieve stress.
Stubborn
Do you remember all of that intelligence we were talking about before? Great, now forget it for a second because your Schnoodle could have a stubborn streak. This is especially true for Standard Schnoodles. Even though your dog may know commands, they may decide not to obey. Giving the impression that they don’t know commands or not trained, which can be very frustrating to any owner.
Early Socialization Is A Must
Schnoodles can be very outgoing dogs when given the right tools to develop their characters. If you are considering a Schnoodle, early socialization is a must to keep aggression and anxiety down. If you have kids in your household, this is even more vital. Even with socialization, your Schnoodle may not like kids. For people with children, a Golden Schnoodle (or Twoodle) may be a better option.
Energy Needs
If you are not a very active person, having an aggressive dog can be a con. While the occasional lazy day is ok, these Doodles need more activity. If you are unable to provide them with space to play and daily walks, a Schnoodle isn’t for you. Without these daily walks, your Schnoodle will have built up energy that they will express in negative behaviors.
Price Point
Our last con for the Schnoodle is their price point. While it is not rare to find Schnoodles in the $600 range, these dogs are more likely to come from a backyard breeder. Most reputable breeders will charge anywhere from $1,700-$6,600. This vast price difference is because breeders will charge differently for size and color combinations. Standard Schnoodles generally cost more. And the rarer of a color combination you have, the higher the price.
So, Do You Still Want A Schnoodle?
If you can look past all the cons and still love Schnoodles, then you may have found the right match. You will enjoy having a Schnoodle in all its glory and all its pitfalls. But, that is what makes the Schnoodle so unique from other Doodles. You will have a best friend that will stick by your side and be loyal beyond all measure.
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!!
