snicker doodle dog

The Sweet Story Of The Fascinating Snicker Doodle Dog

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People love mixing dog breeds in order to get the traits of two lovely dogs. Such is the Snickerdoodle, which got a snack named after it for being so cute.

The Snicker Doodle Dog is a unique breed known for its playful nature and distinctive curly coat. It is created by mixing a Poodle with a Schnauzer and is sometimes referred to as the Schnoodle. There are a lot of attractive characteristics of this mixed breed that dog owners love.

Where did the Snicker Doodle Dog breed originate?

These dogs are hybrid dogs and are made in the last few years. The exact origin is not known, but their parent breeds have a long and interesting story.

The Poodle is a dog breed that originated in Germany. The first appearance of this dog can be traced around the 15th century, but it became much more known in the 1800s. This dog was originally bred as a gun dog and a water dog. It was officially accepted by the AKC in 1887.

The Schnauzer is a dog breed that also originates from Germany. This dog’s lineage can be tracked up to the 15th century. These dogs were originally bred by farmers to help them with their everyday tasks. They were officially accepted by the AKC in 1926.

What are the physical Snicker Doodle Dog characteristics?

Being mixed dogs, these dogs will have the combined appearance of both ancestors. The overall look of the dog will resemble a curly Poodle, while the distinctive beard of the Schnauzer will also be present. The ears of this dog will either be floppy or erect.

How big can these dogs get?

The size of this dog will be very variable depending on the size of the parents. Poodles come in toy, miniature, and standard sizes. There is also the Moyen Poodle which compared to the Standard is smaller. The Schnauzer can come in a miniature, standard, and giant size.

A Standard Snickerdoodle will grow up to 15 inches in height and 30-50 pounds in weight. Miniature and Giant versions also exist.

What is their coat like?

The texture of the coat can either be curly like a Poodle or wiry like a Schnauzer. The length will be either medium or long, depending on the inherited genes. The coat colors can be very varied. You can expect colors like black, brown, white, apricot, cream, gray, and more. There are also many varieties of patterns that can be inherited, like for example, the genes of a Phantom Poodle.

What is the temperament of the Snicker Doodle pup?

These dogs inherit the personalities of both breeds. They are affectionate and playful dog breeds that thrive in a family environment making them perfect family dogs. They enjoy cuddling and can get along with children perfectly. Poodles often pick a favorite person, meaning that their mixed dogs will also be very loyal to their family members.

They are also very intelligent and eager to please meaning that training them can be an easier task. That said, they are also known to get quite stubborn at times, requiring a firmer hand. These dogs are also quite energetic, requiring attention during the day. Their vigilant nature and barking tendencies also make them great watchdogs.

Photo by @wilburtheschnoo

What are the lifespan and common health issues of this hybrid breed?

Providing proper Snicker Doodle Dog care means making sure the dog is healthy. These dogs are generally healthy due to being mixed as they benefit from “hybrid vigor”. The average lifespan of these dogs is around 12-15 years. There are some health problems that these dogs are predisposed to.

A common illness that affects the mix is hip dysplasia. This is a musculoskeletal condition that affects the hip joint. Eye problems like Progressive Retinal Atrophy and cataracts can also occur causing vision problems. Skin conditions and allergies can also appear, affecting the beautiful coat.

These dogs are also prone to developing von Willebrand disease. The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine explains this disease as such:

Clinical signs of vWD range from a mild to severe bleeding tendency. Dogs may “carry” the vWD trait without expressing a bleeding tendency. Severe vWD causes spontaneous bleeding from the nose, mouth, and urinary, reproductive or intestinal tracts. Uncontrollable bleeding may occur after surgery. Dewclaw removal and teething may cause excessive bleeding in vWD-affected pups.

How much exercise does this mixed breed require?

Knowing what is a Snicker Doodle Dog means that you know how much this dog will need to spend its energy. These mixed dogs will need at least one hour of exercise every day. This can be split into multiple sessions during the day and comprised of different activities.

Having the standard walk to the park or around the neighborhood is fun, but this dog will also need some running or hiking to spice up its day. Organizing playtime will be a fun bonding activity. You can play fetch or frisbee to spend your dog’s energy. Mental stimulation is also important and can be done by getting some fun toys for your dog or teaching it new tricks.

Is training Snicker Doodle puppies difficult?

Both Schnauzers and Poodles are very intelligent dogs, which means their mixed pup will also inherit this trait. This means that you can easily teach it a lot of commands. However, this dog can often get stubborn and needs an owner who is persistent. Make sure the training sessions are short and fun so the dog doesn’t lose interest and get bored.

Here, techniques like positive reinforcement work wonders. Pet training techniques like obedience training will also be essential. Early socialization is also essential if you want your dog to be nice around other people and pets. “Dogs go through a critical socialization development period between the age of roughly 3 weeks to 16 weeks. What they learn during this time will imprint on their little brains and have a huge effect on their future behavior.” says Dr. Cathy Madson.

Photo by @frankie_schnoodle

What are the nutritional requirements of this crossbreed?

Another key part of Snicker Doodle Dog care is providing a proper diet to the dog. On average, these dogs will need around 1-2 cups of dog food every day. This will vary greatly on the size and activity of each dog. Toy dogs will need much less food compared to their standard or giant counterparts.

This amount of food should be split into two or more meals during the day. Make sure you are feeding a high-quality kibble from a reliable dog food company. The food should be rich in protein and low in carbs and artificial ingredients. You can also make some homemade dog treats for when you want to give it a treat. Besides the food, you can also add some supplements to the dog’s diet.

How to properly commit to Snicker Doodle Dog grooming?

A great thing about these dogs is that they don’t shed a lot due to both parents being hypoallergenic dogs. That said, because they have long curly coats, they will require regular brushing. Brushing 2-3 times a week should be enough to prevent any mats and knots from forming. 

Another dog grooming tip is that you should commit to bathing the dog once a month. Bathing too often can lead to damaging the coat. Also, make sure you use a shampoo made for dogs and avoid human shampoos. These dogs will also need their nails clipped and their teeth brushed regularly. Ear cleaning is also essential, especially if they have floppy ears.

What are the steps to owning one of these dogs?

If you like how this dog sounds, there are steps you can take to buy one from a breeder or adopt it from a rescue shelter.

How much does it cost when buying it from a breeder?

This dog will cost you a lot of money, with prices ranging from $1000-$2000. The price of the dog will be higher if the dog’s parents are award-winning dogs. 

Finding a reliable Snicker Doodle Dog breeder is essential. Ensure they give you all the information and documentation of the dog. You can also ask to visit the kennel to see if there are any genetic diseases present. There are no specific breeders of this mix, but you can try asking breeders that specialize in the parents.

Why should you consider adopting a Snickerdoodle?

Another option to get this dog is to go through a dog adoption process. This is a great way to give a home to a dog that really needs it. It will also cost you much less than buying it from a breeder.

Sometimes, rescue shelters might not have the dog you want. They can have older dogs that are looking for a home. But they will be very thankful if you give them that. There are no shelters that specialize in this designer dog breed, but you can try searching for the ones of the parent breeds.

Photo by @schnoodle_pix

So is the Snicker Doodle Dog the right dog for you?

This mixed dog can be a perfect addition to your family. Inheriting the adorable hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle and the cute little beard of the Schnauzer, it can be a symbol of beauty in your home. 

The affectionate and playful behavior of this dog makes it an ideal family pet. Its kind attitude toward children and high energy levels allow it to give you a fun and active lifestyle. It is also very intelligent and loyal, letting you train it properly. Its protective nature also makes it a great watchdog. If all these traits seem desirable to you, you can get this dog from a breeder or from a shelter.

FAQ

Can Snicker Doodle Dogs adapt to apartment living?

Yes, most of these mixed dogs can fit perfectly well into an apartment. The size of the dog can affect this though as the giant versions might need a bit more space.

Are Snickerdoodle Dogs a recognized breed by the AKC?

No, the Snicker Doodle Dog is not a breed recognized by the American Kennel Club. This is because it is a mixed breed. Most kennel clubs only accept purebred dog breeds.

What is the Snickerdoodle snack?

Snickerdoodles are delicious snacks that bear the same name as this crossbreed. They are a type of cookie made with fat, flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Unfortunately, dogs can not eat these snacks as they are unhealthy for them.

More dog breed resources

Here are a few other resources that introduce other dog breeds you may be interested in or haven’t heard of yet.

You can find a lot more information on other dog breeds on our site Dogisa!

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