Featured Image Credit: zeek_onfleek / Instagram
Height: | 22 – 28 inches |
Weight: | 55 – 85 pounds |
Lifespan: | 10 – 13 years |
Coat Colors: | Black, silver, gray, white, brown, apricot, sable, parti-color |
Temperament: | Gentle, friendly, intelligent, alert, easily trained, protective |
Suitable for: | Most families, especially big families in spacious homes |
The Giant Schnoodle is the upsized version of the cross between a Schnauzer and a Poodle. It sports all the good things about the Schnoodle mix but in a larger package.
This fabulous dog has great looks, wits, and a highly regarded hypoallergenic coat. It is also a perfect companion for large families!
If you’re looking for a Schnauzer Poodle mix that is bigger and a bit bolder than the standard one, stick around as we’ll take a look at this large pup.
In this blog, you’ll learn about its appearance, history, and everything else in between!
What Is a Giant Schnoodle?
The Giant Schnoodle is a designer dog breed developed by crossing a Giant Schnauzer with a Standard Poodle. This hybrid is known for its towering stature, thick curls, big paws, and hypoallergenic coat. Giant Schnoodles are some of the most loyal and fun-to-have large mixed breeds.
The Giant Schnoodle adopts a disposition that is part Poodle and part Giant Schnauzer. This pooch is curious, friendly, and bold by nature.
Despite being big dogs, Giant Schnoodles love nothing more than cuddles and playtime.
Compared to other hybrids, the Giant Schnoodle is fairly new. Thus, it is still not recognized by canine organizations, including the American Kennel Club.
Giant Schnoodle Breed Origin and History
Similar to other hybrid dogs, the history of the Giant Schnoodle is a bit hazy. The only thing we know for sure is that they were first developed alongside other Poodle mixes sometime in the 1980s.
The Giant Schnoodle mix along with other Doodles was originally bred because of its desirable hypoallergenic coat.
Despite our limited knowledge of the history of the Giant Schnoodle, we are certain that its parents have a rich history behind them.
For starters, both the Schnauzer and the Poodle are old breeds that have been man’s best friends for ages.
The Giant Schnauzer was developed in Germany in the mid-1800s. This dog descended from its smaller variant, the Standard Schnauzer.
It was only in the 1930s that this breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
It is common knowledge in the pet community that Standard Schnauzers were mixed with Great Danes to develop the Giant Schnauzer breed.
These big dogs originally served as working dogs for breweries and livestock farms to drive cattle.
On the other hand, Poodles have been around longer compared to the Schnauzer. These intelligent, curly dogs were first developed sometime in the 13th century also in Germany.
Germans initially used Poodles as duck hunters and retrievers. Because of their water-resistant coats, the Poodles were also used by fisherfolk for water-related tasks.
The AKC officially recognized the Poodle as a recognized breed in 1887.
Given the rich history of its parents, the Giant Schnoodle is definitely packed with good traits that trace back hundreds of years.
Giant Schnoodle Appearance
The Giant Schnoodle is a handsome dog that effortlessly turns heads. This pup is larger than the average Standard Poodle and about the same size as the Giant Schnauzer.
The Giant Schnauzer Poodle mix has a thick, wavy coat that comes in black, silver, tan, white, and other Poodle coat colors. Their coats sit close to the body and are usually smooth and silky in texture.
Like its parent breeds, this hybrid has a well-proportioned body and an elegant gait. It is not too muscular nor too thin.
The Giant Schnoodle has pretty big paws but slightly slender legs. Their tails often curve upwards but may also be straight.
The facial features of the Giant Schnoodle are split between the Poodle and Giant Schnauzer. This hybrid can either adopt the boxy muzzle of the Schnauzer or the slightly pointed nose of the Poodle.
Interestingly, Giant Schnoodles may also sport different ear shapes. Some of these hybrids can have folded ears like the Schnauzers. Meanwhile, others can have Poodle-style ears, which are long and droopy.
All in all, the Giant Schnoodle is a fabulous-looking dog. They are quite literally an upscaled version of the ever-so-cute Schnoodle mix!
To have a better grasp of what a Giant Schnoodle looks like, watch this insightful video:
Giant Schnoodle Size and Weight
Typically, a male Giant Schnoodle weighs 60 to 85 pounds and measures 25 to 28 inches in height. Meanwhile, a female Giant Schnoodle weighs 55 to 75 pounds and has a height of 22 to 25 inches.
As with other dogs, gender plays a role in the size of the Giant Schnoodle. In general, males tend to be a few inches taller and slightly heavier than females.
Based on the figures above, it’s also safe to say that a fully grown Giant Schnoodle is about the same size as a Giant Schnauzer and a bit bigger than a Standard Poodle.
Moreover, this sizable hybrid reaches its full size at around 18 to 24 months old like the Poodle and the Giant Schnauzer. Some grow faster than others, while others noticeably take time to reach their full size.
Giant Schnoodle Temperament and Personality
Giant Schnoodles combine the best traits of their parent breeds — the Poodle and the Giant Schnauzer.
This designer breed is a loyal dog that is affectionate, clever, and super fun to be around! They aren’t known to exhibit any behavioral issues.
The Giant Schnoodle is also a very friendly and affectionate dog. This is a pet that comprehends social situations and quickly befriends strangers. They do well in households that have lots of family members or other pets.
When it comes to training, the Giant Schnoodle is no slouch either! This pup is quick to learn new tricks, especially if you start training early on. That said, their stamina is not the best as these hybrids can get tired quickly.
However, because of their inborn intelligence, Giant Schnoodles tend to be mischievous at times. This pup is quick to outsmart its owner. Luckily, their stubborn streak tones down with age.
In terms of living conditions, the Giant Schnoodle does best in spacious homes. While they can get away with apartment living from time to time, they still need a room that is big enough to play and stroll around.
If you’re someone who has a busy lifestyle, the Giant Schnoodle Poodle hybrid may not be the best choice for you.
This is a pup that is prone to separation anxiety, so regular and early socialization is a must for this pooch.
All things considered, Giant Schnoodles make great family pets. Because of this, these pups are recommended to everyone, even first-time pet owners!
Giant Schnoodle Lifespan and Health Issues
The lifespan of a Giant Schnoodle is between 10 and 13 years. Surprisingly, this designer breed lives a slightly shorter life compared to the Poodle or the Giant Schnauzer.
For reference, their two parent breeds have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
This is quite interesting, especially for a hybrid pooch that is supposed to benefit from the so-called hybrid vigor. But why is this? Does this mean that the Giant Schnoodle is an unhealthy breed?
The Giant Schnoodle mix is not unhealthy by any means. In fact, compared to other large breed dogs, the Giant Schnoodle has a pretty good life expectancy.
However, there are a handful of health issues that may shorten the lifespan of this giant hybrid.
Below are some health issues of the Giant Schnoodle mix:
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a disorder caused by the misalignment of a dog’s ball-and-socket joint. This physical disorder causes intense pain while moving and inevitably leads to a decline in posture. A dog that has hip dysplasia is also at risk of inactivity and obesity.
- Epilepsy: While both the Poodle and Giant Schnauzer are not known to be epileptic breeds, a Giant Schnoodle mix puppy can still develop epilepsy. Epilepsy is a syndrome characterized by unpredictable seizures and sporadic jerking. Thankfully, this issue is manageable through medications.
- Bloat: Bloat, scientifically known as gastric dilation-volvulus, is a potentially fatal illness requiring immediate medical intervention. This occurs when pressure builds up in a dog’s stomach leading to digestive issues. The most common causes of bloat are overeating or eating too fast.
- Cushing’s Disease: Cushing’s disease is a health issue characterized by excessive cortisol production in dogs. A Giant Schnoodle with Cushing’s disease may experience renal damage and diabetes. Hair fall, increased hunger, and panting are a few signs of this condition.
As you can see, the Giant Schnoodle may suffer from a number of health conditions. Some of these issues are preventable, while others are straight-up fatal.
As always, while this guide is useful, this does not provide veterinary advice. If your pup is having health issues, it’s better to seek expert help.
How to Take Care of Your Giant Schnoodle
For the most part, the Giant Schnoodle is just an upsized version of the Schnoodle mix. But because of their size, they are a tad bit harder to manage.
These dogs are bigger eaters and require a slightly different kind of nutrition. They also need to be provided with training and groomed regularly.
To learn more, let’s dive in a bit deeper into how you should care for your Giant Schnoodle!
Food and Diet
The diet requirement of the Giant Schnoodle is, well, for a giant. Needless to say, this dog eats a lot! While not as much as larger and more active dog breeds, the Giant Schnoodle is a big eater.
These pups need high-quality dry kibble to support their nutritional needs. Healthy homemade meals are also a fantastic alternative to Giant Schnoodle’s food.
In terms of feeding frequency, twice a day is good enough. Do not practice free feeding!
A rule of thumb to follow is to stick with fruits, veggies, and white meat. Probiotic vitamins also go a long way in aiding their digestion.
If you’re uncertain about your pup’s nutrition, seeking veterinary advice is always a good idea.
READ NEXT: How Much to Feed a Poodle (Puppy & Adult Feeding Chart)
Cleaning and Grooming
Because Giant Schnoodles are hypoallergenic, they do not need much cleaning.
However, you should brush this pup’s coat at least twice a week to prevent matting and tangling. A trip to the groomer once every two months is also ideal.
Dental health is something you should keep a close eye on with a Giant Schnoodle mix. Similarly, these dogs should also have their nails clipped at least twice a month.
In terms of bathing, the Poodle Giant Schnauzer mix does not need frequent baths.
In fact, bathing your pup too frequently is bad for their coat and skin. Moreover, be sure to wipe your pooch’s ears from time to time to keep them nice and tidy.
Training and Exercise
Training and exercise are essential for the Giant Schnoodle Poodle mix. After all, these dogs are intelligent pups that are playful and have lots of energy.
The good news is that house training this dog is easy and there’s usually no need for a professional trainer!
Positive reinforcement works best for the Giant Schnoodle. This training scheme capitalizes on treats, praises, and dog clickers to motivate your pooch. This way is the most enjoyable and effective for them!
In terms of exercise, your pup needs at least an hour of physical activity per day. These dogs enjoy swimming, playing fetch, and socializing with other dogs.
It is also good to invest in puzzle toys as they will help keep your pooch entertained for hours.
How Much Does a Giant Schnoodle Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
It’s not news to hear that designer dogs come with premium price tags. Unsurprisingly, this is also true for the Giant Schnoodle mix. This large dog can set you back from $1,000 to $5,000.
Compared to the price of a purebred Poodle and Giant Schnauzer, the price of a Giant Schnoodle is considerably more expensive.
However, you can snag one of these hybrids at an affordable price from rescues and shelters. All you need is about $300 to $800 for adoption fees and a bit of patience when looking for them.
Here’s a complete list of all the initial expenses you need to consider for a Giant Schnoodle puppy:
Type of Expense | Cost |
Food and Treats | $100 – $120 |
Food and Water Bowls | $15 – $35 |
Bed | $50 – $200 |
Crate | $60 – $500 |
Leashes and Collars | $15 – $50 |
Toys | $30 – $50 |
Grooming Essentials | $40 – $180 |
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $50 – $200 |
Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $300 |
Initial Vaccine Shots | $75 – $200 |
Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
Dog License | $10 – $20 |
Microchip | $40 – $60 |
Miscellaneous Supplies | $15 – $30 |
Total Initial Cost | $650 – $2,445 |
The table above shows a range of your initial expenses for your Giant Schnoodle puppy.
However, you should keep in mind that these are rough estimates. Depending on your location, these costs may slightly differ.
If you want to save a bit of cash, you can always wait for promotions or find a breeder that bundles their dogs with freebies.
Places to Find Giant Schnoodle Puppies for Sale and Adoption
The Giant Schnoodle is a fairly popular hybrid. While they are not as famed as other Poodle mixes such as the Doodle dogs, they have plenty of fans nonetheless.
That said, finding places to find Giant Schnoodle puppies should not be too challenging. In fact, finding breeders and rescues for this giant pooch is just a few clicks away!
However, you should be cautious when browsing for places to find Giant Schnoodle puppies.
Here are some reputable breeders where you can find Giant Schnoodle puppies for sale:
- Angela’s Schnoodles – Angela’s Schnoodles is a reputable breeder specializing in raising and selling Poodles, Schnauzers, and Schnoodle mixes. They are located in Bluffton, Indiana, where they own nine hectares of lush forest property. Dogs from this breeder are healthy and family-friendly.
- Domino Schnoodles – Domino Schnoodles is a South California-based breeder that has a fantastic reputation. Despite being new to raising and selling puppies, they have already served hundreds of customers. You may view their available dogs on their site.
- Pierce Schnoodles – If you reside near North California, Pierce Schnoodles is a breeder to check out. This family breeder boasts their spoiled little Schnoodle puppies! They have been dog breeders for many generations, and they’re well-trusted in the industry. Make sure to check them out!
If you want more options, check out our list of top Poodle breeders to see if there are purebred Poodle breeders who produce Giant Schnoodles.
Meanwhile, if you’re short on cash or you simply want to save a dog’s life, opt for adoption. To learn more about this option, read our ultimate dog adoption guide.
Once you’re ready, get in touch with these rescues where you can find Giant Schnoodles for adoption:
- Schnauzer Rescue Cincinnati (SRC) – Founded in 2004, SRC is an organization with a pretty long track record. This non-profit organization rehabilitates unwanted Schnauzers and Schnauzer mixes. They usually have Giant Schnoodles up for adoption from time to time.
- NorCal Poodle Rescue – NorCal Poodle Rescue is the third-largest Poodle rescue in the country. This is a rescue that seeks veterinary guidance from experts for their rescued pups. If you’re looking for Poodles and Poodle mixes, such as the Giant Schnoodle, this rescue is a fantastic place to check out.
- Schnauzer Rescue of the Carolinas Inc. (SRC) – This no-kill shelter is run by volunteers from North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, and Eastern Tennessee. They have helped rehome thousands of Poodle and Poodle hybrids since they started their operations. Make sure to reach out to them to see if they have Giant Schnoodles.
Apart from the ones mentioned above, you can try your luck by contacting Poodle rescues near you. Meanwhile, if you don’t want to spend even a single penny, read our blog on finding free puppies!
Pros and Cons of Owning a Giant Schnauzer Poodle Mix
Before you get a Giant Schnoodle Poodle mix, there are a handful of things you should know.
As with any other dog, owning this hybrid comes with advantages and disadvantages. Knowing these will help you determine if this pup is the one.
Here are the advantages of owning a Giant Schnoodle:
- Highly intelligent: Thanks to its witty parents, the Giant Schnoodle is a very intelligent dog. This is a pooch that can think its way through situations quite easily. Some even believe that the Giant Schnoodle understands human emotions.
- Low-shedding: If someone in your house is an allergy sufferer, the Giant Schnoodle is a fantastic choice for a pet. This pup is low-shedding and secretes considerably low amounts of dander. You’ll rarely find loose fur around the house with this pooch around.
- Friendly disposition: In case you missed it, Giant Schnoodles are very friendly dogs. This dog gets along with other animals and children quite quickly. Plus, they are easy to befriend strangers, too!
Here are the disadvantages of owning a Giant Schnoodle:
- Large-sized: One major disadvantage of owning a Giant Schnoodle is its massive stature. Sure, you’ll get a big cuddle buddy with this pup, but you will surely have problems taking this pup with you on your next vacation. So unless you really want a big pooch, the Giant Schnoodle may not be the one.
- Big eater: Because they’re pretty large and active, Giant Schnoodles are big eaters. They consume more food than Poodles and Schnauzers. This means you’ll undoubtedly need a bigger budget for dog food!
- Prone to separation anxiety: If you’re looking for a pet that can be left at home, the Giant Schnoodle is not the one. This pup is prone to separation anxiety and can get behavioral problems when separated from its family for a while.
For many pet owners, the downsides of owning a Giant Schnoodle are nothing compared to the upsides. However, this will vary from person to person.
The best thing to do is to carefully see how these advantages and disadvantages will fit in your life. If you think you can deal with the drawbacks, then you’ll have a great time owning a Giant Schnoodle!
Giant Schnoodle vs. Giant Schnauzer: Which Is Better?
The Giant Schnoodle and the Giant Schnauzer are two dogs that are in the same ballpark. These dogs are equally fun-to-have and equally adorable.
However, there are a few key differences that may nudge you closer to one of them.
The Giant Schnauzer breed is known for its playfulness, gregariousness, and independence.
On the flip side, the Giant Schnoodle is a little more reserved and attached to its owner. One could say that these hybrids are a bit timider.
Both breeds are extremely similar in appearance. One striking difference is the Giant Schnoodle’s curlier and slightly longer hair.
When compared from afar, the two are very similar in size. In fact, an untrained eye will not find a difference right away!
However, if you look closely, you will notice the Poodle’s heritage on the Giant Schnoodle. These dogs have slightly pointier muzzles and different ear shapes.
Despite both being hypoallergenic, their grooming needs are slightly different. The curlier coat of the Giant Schnoodle will need more brushing than the straighter fur of the Schnauzer.
Price is another area where these two dogs differ. Giant Schnauzers are about a grand cheaper than the Giant Schnoodle. But other than these things, you’d be hard-pressed to spot a difference between the two!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Giant Schnoodles Protective?
Giant Schnoodles can be protective, especially if it feels like something is threatening its family. However, this pup is not the best guard dog out there. As mentioned before, this friendly pup gets along with strangers quite quickly.
Are Giant Schnoodles Hypoallergenic?
Yes, Giant Schnoodles are hypoallergenic. These dogs are excellent pet choices for people with severe allergies.
The Giant Schnoodle adopts its hypoallergenic traits from both the Schnauzer and the Poodle, which are also hypoallergenic dogs.
Do Giant Schnoodles Shed a Lot?
No, Giant Schnoodles do not shed a lot. In fact, these pups hardly shed! The only time you’ll see these hybrids lose fur is when their hair is brushed vigorously. Other than that, they do not shed as much as most dogs do.
Final Thoughts: Is the Giant Schnoodle the Right Dog for You?
The Giant Schnoodle is an excellent family dog that fits many households. This pup is right for you if you want a hypoallergenic dog that has both the looks and the smarts.
Get this pup if you don’t mind its large build, high-energy level, and pretty hefty price tag. If all of these sound good to you, then that’s a telltale sign that the Giant Schnoodle is the right dog for you!
If you want to share anything about the Giant Schnoodle or perhaps react on this blog, feel free to leave a comment below!