You may not know all of the differences between a schnoodle vs goldendoodle, but you’re in the right place to find out. How do these two hybrid dog breeds differ, and in what ways are they similar? While both are prized for their hypoallergenic qualities, there are some key things that separate them from one another.
In this article, we will compare and contrast the schnoodle and the goldendoodle. We will address their sizes and physical differences as well as their ancestries and the original reasons they were bred. Finally, we will go over their lifespans and behavioral differences so that you can truly learn how to tell them apart. Let’s get started!
Comparing Schnoodle vs Goldendoodle

Schnoodle | Goldendoodle | |
---|---|---|
Size | 10-26 inches tall; 15-75 pounds | 13-23 inches tall; 15-90 pounds |
Appearance | Curly and coarse fur, though they can also be silky and straight. Found in a variety of colors with floppy ears. Colors include black, gray, white, silver, apricot. | Wavy and silky fur found in a variety of colors, including black, white, copper, cream, apricot, golden, and red. Floppy ears and sturdy frame; more compact overall |
Ancestry | A combination of a Schnauzer and a Poodle; bred as a designer dog recently | A combination of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle; bred as a designer dog recently |
Behavior | Friendly, intelligent and loyal to their family, but may have a stubborn and suspicious streak depending on breeding | Extremely friendly and fairly intelligent; very good with children and friendly to everyone, including strangers. Requires a lot of exercise to avoid separation anxiety |
Lifespan | 12-16 years | 10-15 years |
Key Differences Between Schnoodle vs Goldendoodle

The fur of the goldendoodle is silkier compared to the fur of the schnoodle.
©Rena Schild/Shutterstock.com
There are many key differences between schnoodles and goldendoodles. Goldendoodles weigh more than schnoodles on average, though schnoodles are taller than most goldendoodles. The fur of the goldendoodle is silkier compared to the fur of the schnoodle. Schnoodles are more wary of strangers compared to the friendly goldendoodle.
Let’s discuss all of these differences in more detail now.
Schnoodle vs Goldendoodle: Size

Schnoodles are more wary of strangers compared to the friendly goldendoodle.
©anetapics/Shutterstock.com
There are some things to note about the height and weight of both the schnoodle and goldendoodle. Both of these dog breeds come in miniature, standard, and giant breed sizes, which affects their overall heights and weights. However, despite this, the goldendoodle tends to weigh more than the schnoodle, though the schnoodle is taller than the average goldendoodle.
For example, schnoodles range in height from 10-26 inches, while goldendoodles average 13-23 inches tall. Additionally, the schnoodle weighs 15-75 pounds depending on breed size, while the goldendoodle weighs anywhere from 15-90 pounds. As you can see, it all depends on the breed size that you have, but their height and weight differences are clear.
Schnoodle vs Goldendoodle: Appearance

The goldendoodle tends to weigh more than the schnoodle, though the schnoodle is taller than the average goldendoodle.
©yhelfman/Shutterstock.com
You can typically tell a schnoodle apart from a goldendoodle upon first glance, though it will depend on how much poodle DNA both of these dog breeds have. The average schnoodle has a much coarser coat than the silky goldendoodle. Additionally, the goldendoodle comes in more colors of coat compared to the more limited schnoodle. This is likely due to the fact that schnauzers only come in a select few colors.
The body of the goldendoodle is more compact compared to the tall and regal body of the schnoodle. Additionally, both of these breeds typically have floppy ears, though erect ears are possible on the schnoodle due to their schnauzer DNA.
Schnoodle vs Goldendoodle: Ancestry and Breeding

Both of these breeds typically have floppy ears, though erect ears are possible on the schnoodle due to their schnauzer DNA.
©SoySendra/Shutterstock.com
Both the schnoodle and the goldendoodle were bred for the same reasons: to be hypoallergenic companion animals for many types of people and families. However, the origin of both of these breeds is primarily unknown- they are both modern and recent breeds. The ancestry of these two dog breeds is where they differ. Let’s talk about this now.
A schnoodle is a cross between a poodle and a schnauzer, while a goldendoodle is a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle. Both of these dogs share poodle DNA, but their other parent breed is where their differences really begin to shine.
Schnoodle vs Goldendoodle: Behavior

A schnoodle is a cross between a poodle and a schnauzer, while a goldendoodle is a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle.
©Edwin Butter/Shutterstock.com
Given that both schnoodles and goldendoodles have poodle DNA, you can expect these crossbreeds to be extremely intelligent and easy to train. However, there are many other behavioral differences between them, depending on the dog’s individual genetics and breeding. The average schnoodle may be more stubborn than the average goldendoodle, but that’s not all.
For example, the goldendoodle is much friendlier and more welcoming compared to the suspicious and alert schnoodle. A schnoodle makes a much better watchdog than the average goldendoodle. However, both breeds are wonderful family and companion animals, especially for households with young children.
Schnoodle vs Goldendoodle: Lifespan

A schnoodle makes a much better watchdog than the average goldendoodle.
©Guy Banville/Shutterstock.com
A final difference between schnoodles and goldendoodles is their lifespans. Schnoodles live slightly longer than goldendoodles on average, though it depends on the health and care of the individual dog. However, both schnauzers and poodles live longer than golden retrievers, so it is a safe bet to say that schnoodles live longer than goldendoodles overall.
For example, depending on the size of the dog breed, schnoodles live an average of 12-16 years, while goldendoodles live anywhere from 10-15 years. The larger the dog, the shorter its lifespan. However, both of these breeds are hardworking and healthy, so be sure to give your new schnoodle or goldendoodle plenty of exercise to keep them happy!
The photo featured at the top of this post is © Anasty/Shutterstock.com
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