Giant Schnoodle

Quick Take

• Giant Schnoodles love socializing, and there is a specific moment every owner needs to recognize before it turns into a problem. See their social tendencies →
• Both parent breeds carry a health risk that vets say requires action the day you bring your puppy home. Check the health risks →
• Their hypoallergenic coat comes with a grooming catch most new owners don't see coming. See the grooming demands →
• The Poodle is France's national dog, though its true origin tells a very different story. Explore the Poodle's origins →

The Giant Schnoodle is a popular designer dog that’s bred by crossing a Giant Schnauzer with a Standard Poodle. These dogs are tall, stately, and completely stylish with their curly, hypoallergenic coats. Owners of this variety also know that their dogs are loyal, brave, sweet, and reserved.

Giant Schnoodles are inquisitive dogs that make a great addition to calm, low-key families. If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic pet that will follow you around the house, this dog is an excellent choice.

3 Pros And Cons Of Owning A Giant Schnoodle

History Of The Breed

The giant Schnoodle is a relatively newer breed of dog, and as such, it doesn’t have much of a history. It began in the 1980s, specifically because breeders wanted a dog that wouldn’t shed much and had low dander. They took two breeds, the Poodle and the giant Schnauzer, which are known to be hypoallergenic, and bred them to get the giant Schnoodle.

Its parent breeds go back further in history. The poodle, although it is the national dog of France and is thought to have originated there, actually got its start in Germany and was bred as a hunting dog. Its name means “to splash in the water” and comes from the German word pudel. Poodles are believed to have started in the Middle Ages.

The Giant Schnauzer was developed in Germany by crossing the Standard Schnauzer with larger breeds such as the Great Dane and possibly the Bouvier des Flandres to create a larger, more powerful working dog. Originally intended as a cattle dog for taking the herd to markets, this dog got its start in the mid-1800s.

Size And Weight

Giant Schnoodles are large dogs with soft eyes, big paws, and coats of silky and curly hair. These dogs are quite tall and typically stand anywhere from 22 to 33 inches at the shoulder, depending on sex. Male dogs usually weigh significantly more than their female counterparts; the maximum weight for a female is 75 pounds, but the maximum weight for a male is 110 pounds.

Common Health Issues

Giant Schnoodles are designer dogs that may be prone to several health issues. Hip dysplasia, in particular, is highly prevalent in both parent breeds. Most breeders will check both the parents’ and the puppies’ hips, but you should still take your new pup to the vet for an X-ray immediately after you adopt them. Other health problems to look out for include weight problems, cataracts, and heart problems.

Temperament

Giant Schnoodles have kind, loyal, and loving personalities. These dogs are incredibly intelligent and love to closely observe everything their owner does. They can easily bond closely with a single person, so expect your dog to follow you all around the house. Other attached behaviors might include sleeping at your feet and barking when strangers come near you.

In general, Giant Schnoodles have a friendly temperament and do well with social interactions. However, these dogs are notably introverted. To ensure that your pet stays on its best behavior, make sure to end social encounters before your dog gets too tired.

How To Take Care Of A Giant Schnoodle

Giant Schnoodles are loving dogs, but they require regular grooming, exercise, and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. As long as you’re willing to groom your dog regularly and let them stay in the same room as you, you should have no problem taking care of your pet.

The Best Dog Food

Giant Schnoodles are large, food-oriented dogs that need to eat more than the average pup. Look for high-quality kibble with a moderate cost and a good ingredients list. Alternatively, you can cook food for your pet at home; focus the diet on cooked meats, green vegetables, and whole grains and fiber supplements. During regular vet visits, discuss your dog’s weight and heart health. Also, consider getting legume-free dog food to avoid heart failure linked to legumes.

Maintenance And Grooming

Giant Schnoodles need to be brushed daily, bathed weekly, and trimmed once a month. These dogs have sensitive skin and should be washed with high-quality shampoos. Depending on the climate, your dog’s fur may need to be oiled to keep moisture close to the skin. Trimming should be done according to temperature and style; always remember to trim back the bangs away from your dog’s eyes.

Training

Giant Schnoodles are intelligent and quick-witted dogs that are easy to train. Start working with your Schnoodle early to get the best results. As you work, remember that Schnoodles may tire easily; keep training sessions short to avoid triggering behavioral issues.

Exercise

Giant Schnoodles are large dogs that need consistent daily exercise. If your pup doesn’t get at least an hour of good exercise every day, you can expect to see destructive behaviors and separation anxiety. These dogs do best with access to a backyard, but you can also supplement an indoor lifestyle with regular runs. As your dog gets older, expect them to slow down and require less exercise over time.

Puppies

Giant Schnoodle puppies are much more energetic than adults of the same breed. These dogs are intelligent but shy; if you lead them around the house and take an active interest in their training, you should see an amazing amount of loyalty, obedience, and receptivity.

Giant Schnoodles And Children

Giant Schnoodles are sweet and patient dogs that do well with older children. However, because these dogs are introverted, they have a hard time tolerating young children who can’t respect canine boundaries. They aren’t recommended for large families, and all social interactions with children should be supervised.

Dogs Similar To Giant Schnoodles

Giant Schnoodles are large dogs with calm and intelligent personalities. When you’re looking for a similar dog, consider whether it is the size, temperament, or physical traits that most appeal to you. Some of the most similar breeds include the Giant Schnauzer, the Standard Schnoodle, and the Black Russian Terrier.

• Giant Schnauzer: One of the Giant Schnoodle’s parent breeds, Giant Schnauzers are bold, loyal, and classic dogs. They’re also hypoallergenic and easy to train, making them great pets for most situations.
• Schnoodle: If you love the characteristics of this variety but need a smaller dog, a regular Schnoodle might be exactly what you’re looking for. In exchange for their decreased size, these dogs are more playful, gregarious, and excited.
• Black Russian Terriers: Another descendant of the Giant Schnauzer, the Black Russian Terrier is a carefully developed breed with a great personality. These pups are calm, sweet, and hardworking, making them a popular choice as working or rescue animals.