The Schnoodle is a loyal and intelligent member of the Doodle clan who has the bonus of being as fun to say as it is to own! This Schnauzer and Poodle combo has been growing in popularity from the 1980s and arguably even more so in the last 10 years. However, that bundle of fun can come in four very distinct sizes: Giant, Standard, Mini, and Teacup.
In this article, we will chat all things size when it comes to your Schnoodle. We will crunch those numbers on height and weight, look at why there are different variations and explore the impact size has on things like behavior. When faced with any Schnoodle it’s nearly impossible not to fall in love but read on to find what size could be your perfect fit.
Table of Contents
Why So Many Schnoodle Sizes?
Not all Doodles come in such varied size options. The reason is simple biology. In many Doodle crosses one parent is from a small or Toy breed. Think the Maltese in a Maltipoo or Jack Russell in a Jackapoo, realistically these can only be mated with the smaller offshoots of the Poodle family. Not only would the thought of a Giant Jackadoo be slightly terrifying visually, but it would also be unethical given the complications for the offspring from such an unbalanced pairing.
The Schnauzer, however, already comes in a variation of sizes not dissimilar to the Poodle. Schnauzers come in three sizes Giant, Standard, and Miniature which are fairly well matched to the Standard, Moyen, and Miniature Poodle. Of course, in addition, there is the Toy Poodle which can also be matched with the smaller variation of the Miniature Schnauzer.
Which Came First?
As the Schnoodle is a hybrid breed there is a lack of definitive history about its origins. This is because accidental crossings of many breeds have occurred for centuries. Generally, is it accepted that the Standard and Mini were likely the first variations of the Schnoodle to be purposefully bred.
They fulfilled the demand for smaller companion dogs. The more extreme variations of Giant and Mini came later as breeders explored further with pairings.
How to Pair Schnoodle Parents
On one side we have a lovely variety of Schnauzers all awaiting a match with their lucky Poodle. It is up to the breeders to be the matchmaker in this situation to create some lovely Schnoodle pups. See the table below to understand how these pairings work out and what general Schnoodle size you may end up with.
It is worth noting that with any first-generation crossing there can be size discrepancies even within a litter as nothing is certain.
| Parent Combination | Schnoodle Size |
| Giant Schnauzer & Standard Poodle | Giant Schnoodle |
| Standard Schnauzer & Standard or Medium Poodle | Standard Schnoodle |
| Miniature Schnauzer and Miniature Poodle | Mini Schnoodle |
| Smaller Miniature Schnauzer and Toy Poodle | Teacup Schnoodle |
Can You Switch Up the Parent Sizing?
With so many options of Schnauzer and Poodle to start from it is tempting to think we could start mixing them up in any which way. The tendency to seek small and compact breeds that fit into everyday life could tempt some breeders to use a Miniature or Toy father to create smaller pups from a Standard or Giant mother. This is unlikely to guarantee smaller puppies and in fact, could give rise to significant variations between pups of the same litter.
Good breeders always seek to limit variations as much as possible especially in first-generation pairings. There can be some overlap, for example, such as pairing a Standard Schnauzer with either the Standard Poodle or even a Moyen Poodle. The key is to avoid significant size discrepancies.
As the Schnoodle is a fairly well-established cross some breeders can seek to control the size of offspring further by breeding matched size Schnoodles together. This can lead to greater uniformity in litter sizes.
Stats on Schnoodle Sizes
When reviewing information online it is worth remembering that classification on Schnoodle sizing varies slightly between the USA and the UK. While both sides of the pond agree on height and weight averages for the Teacup and Mini, in the UK the Giant Schnoodle is not always recognized individually.
In the UK it is more often that a Schnoodle crossed with either the Giant or Standard Schnauzer will still just be referred to as a Standard Schnoodle. This would be to reflect that a Standard Poodle is the other partner in both. As such there will be a wider height and weight bracket for a UK Standard Schnoodle as it may well have had a Giant Schnauzer in the mix. Whereas in the USA, they tend to list a Standard and Giant Schnoodle separately.
This table gives the average heights and weights to expect from your Schnoodle. However, as with all crossbreed, there will be variation within this and outliers which may be bigger or smaller than anticipated. Height and weight discrepancies between the sexes generally become more apparent in the larger varieties, with females being in the region of 10% to 15% smaller.
| Schnoodle Type | Height | Weight |
| Giant Schnoodle | 22” to 30” inches | 65lbs – 100lbs |
| Standard Schnoodle | 15” to 26” inches | 20lbs – 75lbs |
| Mini Schnoodle | 10” to 15” inches | 13lbs – 20lbs |
| Teacup Schnoodle | 9” to 12” inches | 6lbs – 20lbs |
What is the Schnoodle Lifespan?
For the most part, smaller dogs tend to have longer life expectancies than larger and the Schnoodle is no exception. Fortunately, no size of Schnoodle is particularly short-lived with a Teacup or Mini expected to live in the region of 12 to 16 years.
A Standard can be expected to live between 10 and 15 years. The Giant is slightly less at between 10 and 12 years. However, as these are less common definitive lifespan is hard to predict and they could well live longer or shorter lives.
The lifespan of the Schnoodle means that it is a significant commitment to take one on from puppyhood, but it also means many happy years of companionship.
Impact of Size on Schnoodle Temperament: Are they all Sassy?
As you can see in our table there is a tremendous variation between a little 6lb Teacup Schnoodle and a hulking great 100lb fluffy mountain of a Giant Schnoodle.
It is inevitable with such a wide height and weight spectrum that there will be some behavioral and temperament variations between the Schnoodle sizes. Of course, many things such as diet, living conditions, and individual experiences will all play a part in the development of a dog’s personality, but some general points are outlined below.
Teacup Schnoodle Temperament
The tiniest of the Schnoodle squad, the Teacup, understandably, does not require the intense physical activity of its larger siblings. Bred as companion dogs these tiny little pups are never happier than with their humans.
They do not do well alone and can display traits of separation anxiety. Although smaller and requiring less physical exercise it still inherits the intelligence of both its parents’ breeds meaning that mental stimulation is key to stop boredom.
They are often prized for their perpetual puppy looks which they retain their whole life due to their small size and weight. Just remember to keep your little Schnoodle wrapped up in extremes of cold as tiny dogs can struggle to maintain their body temperatures.
Mini Schnoodle Temperament
The Mini Schnoodle is very people orientated and is an ideal size for a lap dog. They can tolerate a little more exercise than the Teacup but if you are looking for a long-distance running buddy this little fella just will not cut it.
They are prone to bouts of intense energy in both puppyhood and into their adulthood. Their intelligence means they are excellent candidates for training which is essential to nip their preference for barking in the bud from an early age.
Much like its smaller counterpart the Mini Schnoodle is one of the most aesthetically desired sizes given its almost “forever” puppy look and is prized for its cheerful and loving disposition.
Standard Schnoodle Temperament
As we move into the larger versions of the Schnoodle, the endurance and stamina of both working breed parents become more evident. These dogs have bundles of energy and benefit from free and open spaces to run it off.
A stockier build may be noticed and while the Standard retains the loyal and affectionate nature of its smaller siblings, the stubbornness of Schnauzer in them may become more apparent. The good news is that they will still thrive on any opportunity to work with their owner so things like agility and/or obedience training can be great.
A Standard Schnoodle will rise to the challenge of jogging, hiking, and a whole plethora of outdoor activities with the added bonus of still being a bit of a snuggle bug when the day is done. Incredibly loyal to their owners and families they will be protective and loving.
Giant Schnoodle Temperament
Not for the faint of heart, the Giant Schnoodle is an impressive and striking dog who has stacks of intelligence and seemingly endless energy to boot. Many owners have remarked that their Giant Schnoodle can often display a degree of stubbornness and strong will that is generally descended from its Giant Schnauzer parentage.
They will need firm and consistent training to stop bad habits forming as their independent streak, especially in adolescence, can lead them to push boundaries and be destructive. The size and weight of your Giant Schnoodle means a bored one can quickly cause a lot of chaos.
However, for those who are willing to put in the work, the Giant Schnoodle is prized as a goofy and fun-loving dog capable of displaying unwavering loyalty to its human. They generally calm down as they age but retain a happy disposition and particularly enjoy activities or games that challenge them mentally as well as physically.
Different Size Schnoodle, Different Skills?
There are hundreds of factors to consider when picking a dog to match your lifestyle. Even within one breed, the differences in sizes can mean each brings slightly different attributes. The four Schnoodle varieties each lend themselves to a different role.
The smallest, the Teacup, was bred specifically to be small and as such opens the joy of Schnoodle ownership to those with limited apartment and/or outdoor space. Some Teacup Schnoodle owners have plenty of space at home but just want to ensure their pup can easily be transported and can take them anywhere. These pint-sized wonders easily can be carried or fit into a doggy tote when out for the day.
The Mini, while still small in stature is generally a little more physically robust than its Teacup counterpart and may have fewer health issues than those often experienced by very small dogs. Still small enough to be a lap dog and adjust to apartment living, the Mini Schnoodle is a companion dog through and through.
The Standard Schnoodle benefits from increased energy and stamina than its smaller cousins making this size great for active and outdoor bound people or families. Happy to go jogging or hiking, couch potatoes need not apply for this one!
The Giant Schnoodle being of impressive build and height and willingness to use its voice makes him well suited as a watchdog. They are much more of an alarm than an attack dog though as their love of humans and affectionate nature do not generally result in aggression.
Teacup Schnoodle – Is it Ethical?
The demand and popularity of ever-smaller pups is not just confined to the Schnoodle. Breeders have been known to push the boundaries by pairing smaller and smaller dogs together in the hope of litters that stay small and appear forever puppylike in height and weight.
In some instances, the smaller parent selected for its petite size is in fact the smallest or “runt” of the litter that has been underdeveloped in comparison to its siblings. These dogs can already face health challenges and are unlikely to result in robust and healthy offspring.
There can be an increased incidence of certain health conditions for those that are smallest of a litter such as issues with low blood sugar, breathing problems, heart disease, and joint problems, particularly affecting the knees. It is worth considering that these little guys may not fare as well as their larger counterparts if they require anesthesia or surgical intervention.
There are of course healthy little Teacup Schnoodles out there bringing joy to a lot of owners where parents have been carefully selected and sensible breeding has been undertaken. As with any prospective puppy owner, it is always best to do as much research on the breeder as possible.
Those Schnoodle Eyebrows
As we have seen there are some significant differences between the sizes of the Schnoodle family but also similarities. Schnoodle owners of all sizes often remark on their love of the instantly recognizable bushy eyebrows passed on from their Schnauzer parents.
These may be more exaggerated in the larger sizes. Reported to be extremely expressive these frame the Schnoodle face and set them apart from other Doodle crosses.
Schnoodle Tails
Schnauzers historically have had their tails docked to protect them from injury when operating as working dogs and some owners seek this procedure cosmetically to enhance the stocky proportions of a Schnauzer.
As Schnoodles are not bred to be working dogs any decision to dock their tail would be for cosmetic reasons only. In the USA there may be some examples of Schnoodles with a docked tail done in order to enhance the Schnauzer-like features. However more commonly, and certainly more ethically, the Schnoodle tail is left long.
Rules on cosmetic tale docking vary across different States in America but is outrightly banned in the United Kingdom.
Oodles of Schnoodles
This quirky and intelligent breed is understandably continuing to grow in popularity not just in the USA and UK but also in places like Australia. While it may not yet be the same in number as the Cavapoo or Goldendoodle, Schnoodle aficionados across the world continue to connect with owners’ groups popping up all over social media and the web.
The breed’s profile continues to rise as it has attracted celebrity owners in the form of Claire Danes and Dakota Fanning, both well-known American actresses.
Ultimately the Schnoodle is one of the gems in the Doodle clan. An adaptable dog that due to its size variations means that it can find a home in many different living spaces while still offering up benefits of energy, fun, and loyalty no matter what size is picked.
