Full Grown Schnoodle: Size, Lifespan, Price & More
The schnoodle is a cross between the schnauzer and poodle breeds. As a hybrid dog, they can vary in appearance depending on which parent breed traits they inherit more strongly. This guide covers everything you need to know about what to expect from a schnoodle once it reaches full maturity.
About the Schnoodle
Schnoodles are cheerful, gentle mixed breed dogs that make great family pets. They tend to be smaller than their parent breeds with coats that vary from wiry to curly.
Schnoodles are highly intelligent and love to be around their humans. With proper socialization and training, they get along well with children and other pets. Their friendly nature makes them suitable for first-time dog owners.
Size at Full Growth
On average, a full grown schnoodle will reach between 12-15 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 15-30 pounds. However, their exact size will depend on which parent breed traits they inherit more strongly. Schnauzers tend to be larger while poodles are smaller.
Schnoodles that take after the poodle side may only reach 10-13 inches and 10-20 pounds full size. Those leaning more towards the schnauzer could be up to 17 inches and 30 pounds.
Length and Height
In terms of length from nose to tail, most fully matured schnoodles range from 20-24 inches long. Their shoulder height typically falls within 12-15 inches as an adult. Larger schnoodles may reach 17 inches tall at the highest point.
Weight at Full Growth
As mentioned, the average adult schnoodle weighs between 15-30 pounds. But their precise weight will vary based on breeding. Smaller schnoodles tending towards the poodle size max out around 20 pounds full grown. Whereas schnoodles that take after the larger schnauzer may reach up to 30 pounds at their full weight.
Appearance at Full Growth
The adult schnoodle's coat and color will depend on which parent breed traits they inherit. Possibilities include:
- Curly coat like a poodle that comes in various colors like black, brown, cream, apricot, red, grey.
- Wiry coat similar to a schnauzer that can be salt and pepper colored, black, or solid brown.
- Straight coat that's a mix between wiry and curly.
Regardless of coat type, schnoodles typically have medium-sized rounded ears, bright eyes, and tails curled over their back. Their facial features vary too - some resemble more of a schnauzer while others take after the poodle.
Personality at Full Growth
In terms of temperament, the adult schnoodle is typically friendly, playful, and eager to please. They remain affectionate and enjoy spending time with their humans. However, some personality traits may emerge stronger as they fully mature:
- Increased confidence and independence.
- Natural watch dog tendencies if they inherit the schnauzer's barking instincts.
- Potential for mild separation anxiety if left alone too long.
- Strong bonds form within their family that they guard faithfully.
With consistent positive training, full grown schnoodles remain gentle companions that get along well in homes with children. Their intelligence requires mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.
Price
The price of a schnoodle varies greatly depending on the breeder. In general, expect to pay between $600-$1500 for a well-bred schnoodle puppy. Designer dogs from reputable breeders that do health testing of parents usually fall towards the higher end of that range.
Food/Feeding
As adults, schnoodles need 1-1.5 cups of high-quality dry dog food divided into two meals per day. The specific brand and amount depends on their size, age, and activity level. It's best to feed a formula made for small-to-medium mixed breed dogs.
Fresh, clean water should also always be available. Fully matured schnoodles tend to maintain a healthy weight eating this amount but require monitoring as they are prone to weight gain without regular exercise.
Lifespan
On average, schnoodles live 12-15 years when properly cared for. Some have been known to reach 17-18 years of age. With a balanced diet, dental care, routine checkups, and protection from infectious diseases - schnoodles can enjoy long, fulfilling lives as family companions.
Health at Full Growth
In general, adult schnoodles stay quite healthy. However, they may be prone to some conditions their parent breeds are susceptible to, including:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia (especially if larger in size)
- Progressive retinal atrophy causing blindness
- Allergies and skin irritations
- Heart disease
- Seizures
Regular vet checkups allow any potential issues to be caught early. Brushing curly coats daily also prevents matting and skin problems. Proper dental care avoids infections in their mouth and jaw.
Care and Nutritional Needs
At full maturity, here is the ongoing care schnoodles require:
- Daily moderate exercise like walks and playtime.
- Grooming 1-2 times a week for curly coats, every 2-3 weeks for wiry coats to avoid matting.
- Regular brushing of teeth 2-3 times a week with pet toothpaste.
- Trimming nails as needed about once a month to avoid breakage.
- Veterinary checkups at least once yearly and dental cleanings if needed.
- High-quality food properly portioned for their weight.
- Clean fresh water available at all times.
Costing
Here are some general ownership costs to budget for with a full grown schnoodle:
- Food: $30-50 per month depending on brand.
- Toys/accessories: $10-20 monthly for supplies.
- Grooming: $30-80 every 4-8 weeks professional or at-home.
- Vet care: $200-400 yearly for checkups/vaccines.
- Boarding/daycare: $15-30 daily if using services.
- Training: $75-200 for beginner obedience classes.
- Unexpected medical bills: $500-1000 emergency fund recommended.
Possible Behavioral Changes
While most stay gentle and friendly, some schnoodles may develop some attitudes as they mature:
- Increased protectiveness of home/people if not properly socialized.
- Barking or jumping behaviors emerge without redirection.
- Digging, chewing habits if bored and lacking attention/play.
- Food aggression or possessiveness around high value items.
- Separation anxiety when left alone for too long.
Consistency, positive reinforcement training curbs unwanted habits before they take root fully grown.
Notable Characteristics
Here are some general traits schnoodles may exhibit at full maturity:
- A high energy preference for daily walks/play even as adults.
- Strong bond once bonded that translates to separation anxiety.
- Intelligent, eager to please, and respond well to training
- Naturally wary of strangers if not properly socialized as puppies
- Loyal companions who want to be by their owner's side
- Generally do well with children but may nip if overexcited
- Tend to bond strongly to one individual in their family
- Vocal watchdogs that bark to alert but rarely aggressive
When is a Schnoodle Really Fully Grown?
On average, schnoodles reach adult size between 12-18 months old. However, their growth period may extend a bit longer depending on breeding and individual traits. Some signs that a schnoodle has fully matured include:
- No noticeable changes in height/weight for 3+ months
- Final adult coat comes in fully without patches of puppy fur
- Skeletal growth plates have hardened on veterinary x-ray
- Sexual maturity between 6-9 months for females, smaller dogs mature later
- Behavior has mostly stabilized without wild puppy antics
Most schnoodles are done growing their full adult size between 12-15 months but continue filling out muscle for a few months after.
Suitability as a Pet
In general, schnoodles can make great pets when their needs are met and they receive ongoing positive care. At full maturity, they remain:
- Affectionate companions always happy for love and playtime
- Gentle dogs well-suited for apartments if exercised regularly
- Not hyper but enjoy daily mental/physical stimulation
- Able to learn basic obedience commands with patience
- Calm indoors if their herding or barking instincts not sparked
- Compatible with other pets and children if raised with them
Proper socialization is a must to curb any watchdog tendencies as they grow into adulthood.
