The Ultimate Guide to Schmoodles

The Schmoodle is a cross between a Toy Poodle and a Maltese Shih Tzu. Whilst it isn’t a super common breed, it is a wonderful pet to have. This hybrid is often confused with the Schnoodle, which is the result of a Schnauzer and Poodle.

Schmoodle Origins

While there are no records of how the Schmoodle came about, it is known as a cross between three purebred dogs: the Poodle from Germany, the Maltese from Malta, and the Shih Tzu from Tibet.

The Poodle was initially developed as a hunting dog, while the Maltese was originally a lapdog of the nobility. Meanwhile, the Shih Tzu was offered by Tibetan monks as a gift to Chinese emperors.

Key Characteristics of Schmoodles

Other Considerations:

• This dog makes a great pet for allergy sufferers because it is hypoallergenic.
• It is advised to avoid spoiling this hybrid as it can get demanding when its needs are not met.
• Schmoodles naturally tend to voice out both their happiness and annoyance through barking or whining loudly. The good thing is, this can be reduced with proper and early training.

How can I take care of my Schmoodle?

Nutrition

To keep your Schmoodle healthy, give it high-quality food that is specifically formulated for small dogs. It is recommended to feed puppies twice a day and older puppies once a day. At age one, your dog can start eating adult food. Make sure that fresh, clean water is always accessible.

Because of its small size, the Schmoodle does not eat a lot. Surprisingly, however, it is still prone to obesity. To prevent your dog from getting overweight, measure its meals and avoid leaving out food for it to eat any time.

You will know if you are overfeeding your dog when you can no longer see or feel its ribs. Its bowel will also get very softer and softer during the day.

Grooming

Generally, Schmoodles are low maintenance. Brushing their coat a few times a week is enough to prevent their coat from tangling or matting.

Recommended Grooming Tips

• Other basic grooming needs include trimming your dog’s nails when necessary. Cleaning its ears regularly is also important to prevent infection.
• Schmoodles are small, so they do not need a big tub for bathing. When drying them, always use a clean towel.
• These dogs are prone to tear staining so it is advised to regularly clean the stained area with warm water or saline solution.

Exercise

Schnoodles have moderate exercise needs. One to two short walks a day are enough to keep them happy and healthy.

Start puppies with a slow walking routine, then add more minutes to their exercise as they age. Bear in mind that this hybrid may have a difficult time keeping up with running exercises.

Training

The Schmoodle gets its intelligence from its Toy Poodle parent, making it easy to train even by inexperienced dog trainers. It likes to please its owners and often knows right away what is being asked of it.

It is recommended to start training your dog the moment you bring it home. Teach it basic house training, obedience training, and potty training so it grows up to be a well-rounded pet. You can either choose to train it yourself or hire a professional.

Looking to register as a Schmoodle breeder? Download the RPBA guide on responsible breeding practices.

This is basic information, and it should not be used to make adoption or purchasing decisions. Be sure to consult an expert if you’d like to learn about the breed’s care and requirements.