cockapoo or minature schnauzer

[cockapoolve]

hello all, i need help choosing my future dog. i would like a Dog that is energetic, has no "doggie odor" and sheds little to no hair, and i would prefer a Dog that is not refered to as a "lap dog" (like a shih-tzu). i also would like to choose from a cockapoo or minature schnauzer. so, i would like your opinions on which Dog is more energetic/active, playful, and more easy to housebreak. Also i would like to know which one grows bigger and which one is more better with children and other pets(cats).

Thank you.

[d'tails]

To me your post screams NO to the Mini Schnauzer. Doggie odor- Terrier, Yup. Hand stripping and diet will help. They shed. I don't care what anyone says, My bathtub at work tells me they shed. Because one is a Terrier, the other would be better with cats/kids. That however, can be dealt with by training. Neither one is a lapdog. I love Terriers, so i would go with the mini Schnauzer, but that is me. From what you said you want the Cockapoo would be the better of the 2. Go visit some breeders, daycares, groomers, and doggie parks to see both in action. Most of all have fun with your decision making process.

[Rottweilerlvr]

2. Go visit some breeders, daycares, groomers, and doggie parks to see both in action. Most of all have fun with your decision making process.

People who bred Cockapoos are not breeders, they are PUPPY MILLS!!!!!! :mad:

[d'tails]

I never said they weren't. Perhaps if they visit they will see it for what it is. Maybe the Mini Schnauzer breeder would do their part and educate the person as well. Never can tell. Spitting venom never works. I do not agree with this type of breeding,as I have stated in the other thread about them, but we were asked not to do this in another thread, so I stayed off my soapbox. I was just trying to give some friendly advice, as best I could. I'm not trying to sound b****y, it just isn't working in my favor. Nothing nasty aimed at you, promise. Sorry if I offended you.

[SmoothCollieluver]

hello all, i need help choosing my future dog. i would like a Dog that is energetic, has no "doggie odor" and sheds little to no hair, and i would prefer a Dog that is not refered to as a "lap dog" (like a shih-tzu). i also would like to choose from a cockapoo or minature schnauzer. so, i would like your opinions on which Dog is more energetic/active, playful, and more easy to housebreak. Also i would like to know which one grows bigger and which one is more better with children and other pets(cats).

Thank you.


I know exactly what you are looking for. OMG you will love it. Here is the link I hear the breeder is really good.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2323279&cp=2255956.2273442.2255964.2256694&parentPage=family

[SmoothCollieluver]

People who bred Cockapoos are not breeders, they are PUPPY MILLS!!!!!! :mad:

that's not a 100% true. They could be byb.

[ClarkFarm]

First I would like to say that to find a “reputable” breeder of cockapoos, you are going to have a hard time because it is a mixed breed dog. And if that is even possible, I am certain they come with a pricey tag. It’s all part of the “Designer Dog” scam imo.
Every dog sheds, some less than others but unless you want a Mexican hairless, you are going to deal with dog hair. It’s part of life to dog owners. If we were to mix two breeds so we could call them “hypoallergenic” then all the mixes waiting for new homes at shelters have gone undiscovered. I wonder why you haven’t considered adopting such a dog?

Why do you care what a dog is generally classified as? I group all small sized dogs as “lap dogs” just because to me it means they actually fit in your lap, not like my 60 pound Lucy who only thinks she does. It has nothing to do with energy levels. Believe me, I am fostering a chihuahua independently and he has bundles of energy yet he is a definite lap snuggler.
Each dog is different though some generic traits can be said but I still say how “good” a dog is with children and/or cats depends largely on how it is raised ... the age of children it is exposed to, socialization, whether the interactions are positive or negative, as well as its general temperament.

Every dog is playful. As far as “doggie odor” I am not entirely sure what you mean but I am sure regular grooming would diminish that concern as well as spaying or neutering.
As far as ease of housebreaking, you know who the easiest was of the dogs I own? My GSD, who was adopted as an adult. Adult dogs are much faster learners when it comes to house-breaking.
Generally, I would say by 6 months the typical dog is housebroken but I wouldn’t expect a 6 month old pup to be left alone and expected to control themself.

Education is vital to have a successful canine partnership as well as dedication. When the going gets tough, you stick with it. This is a decision that affects a fellow animal’s life, not to mention your own.

I had a so-called cockapoo while growing up. My mother agreed to take in a dog over a phone conversation in which the owners had suddenly decided after 5 years they no longer wanted to be bothered with. The dog was a cockapoo. I will never forget the day we picked her up. She weighed about 65 pounds, curly black hair. She may well indeed have had those breeds in her but she was definitely not some small dog one would imagine. For the next 7 years, she was my best friend and followed me everywhere. And, oh yeah, she shed like crazy!

Education is the key and we need to conduct ourselves in a positive manner in order to enlighten others.

[DiggityDogs]

As far as “doggie odor” I am not entirely sure what you mean but I am sure regular grooming would diminish that concern as well as spaying or neutering.
All dogs have a certain amount of smell to them. You can't expect to get a dog that never smells like a dog. Also, cockers are KNOWN for having bad ears, which usually smell horribly, so it is entirely possible that if you get a mix that has cocker in it that this will happen.

I have a couple of breed suggestions for you. 1st off, I would stay away from ANY thing -doodle or -poo. No reputable breeder will be breeding these dogs. If you are really interested in getting one please look for one in shelters in your area. There are a lot of homeless designer dogs, as has already been mentioned. A couple of other good breeds for you- maltese, very cute, small lap dogs, but they do require regular brushing or hair cuts to maintian the coat. King Charles and Cavalier King Charles spaniels, very cute, usually laid back, and the perfect size for lap snuggling. They have long hair on their ears, tail and legs, but do not require tons of haircutting like some other breeds. They do need a good brushing a couple of times a week to keep the feathering from matting. A yorkie would probably be another good choice for you, or even a silky terrier. Both have the same grooming needs as a maltese, but stay pretty small. A Japanese chin would be another- very cute little pug noses, but have a little lenght of coat. Not long like a shih tzu, but still needs brushing. If you aren't familiar with these breeds I would do a google search and read about them each as much as you can if there are any that appeal to you. If you have questions after reading about the breeds, find some breeders online and email them. A good breeder is always happy to point out the positives and negatives of their breed.

[Rottweilerlvr]

When I used your quote I wasn't "calling" you out, it was a way for me to inform the OP on her uninformed person...

[poketmouse]

My best friend has a mini schnauzer who is really adorable. She has a huge amount of energy, and if she doesn't walk her for at least half an hour every day, she becomes a little demon. She's a really cute girl, but definately more high maintenance than other small dogs I've known.

[cockapoolve]

actually d'tails, i searched on google out of interest, " mini shnauzer odor" and it said they dont have that doggie odor, but i do understand that they will smell from time to time but not as bad as a shih tzu for example.

[poketmouse]

My friend gets her girl groomed regularly, and bathes her every other week. I have noticed a slightly "ripe" puppy smell from her when it's about time for her bath though. Not the smelliest dog I've ever known, but definately gets the doggy smell.

[d'tails]

Just from my experience as a groomer, I have seen many more stinky schnauzers than shih-tzu. But that is just my personal experience. Is probably different in different areas. You can not always believe what you find on the internet. One of the reasons they can be stinkier is that they have a coat that is MEANT to be pulled. By not having this done problems such as overproduction of oil can occur. I can't tell you how many oily, greasy, stinky coats/skin have improved with stripping alone. Now this is Obviously not going to work with all of them and there are the ones that are just fine being a clippered dog. Bottom line is there is a 'stink" risk with any pet.
I do believe there are "breeders" of cockapoos who think they are doing the right thing. All outward appearances would say they are great breeders. I have no doubt they love their pets. I will not condemn anyone for doing something out of love no matter how misguided they may be. I will however try to educate them and others as to what I believe. I will never ram my beliefs down any ones throat, nor will I be rude. ( I have had my moments in the heat of hte moment and I always feel awful afterwards) I understand your wanting a cokapoo as they are very cute. All I ask is that you take what we are all giving you and do your research with your head as well as your heart. Take some with a grain of salt, take some to heart, but most importantly take all we give you knowing we all love animals and only want to see the best for them.
If you would like to talk to me personally, feel free to email me. I am not saying this to be slaughtered here, but I was one of those BYB they speak so horribly of. I did not know better and thought I was doing it for the right reasons. I was producing pups that were cute as could be and healthy. It was kind breeders, handlers, groomers, and so many others helped me to see that although my intentions while good were wrong. I was socializing from day 2 and all my pups were exposed to all kinds of stimuli. They were super well adjusted and potty trained to a point. (litterbox) They all went to a new home with 2 vet visits and all shots, a large bag of food, toys galore, dishes, and a litterbox. They also had 2 future visits to my vet for check up and shots. I kept them til 12 weeks. They came groom ready and totally at ease with being groomed. No stress on the first visit to the groomer, I had lovingly been doing that from week 4. i did everything right. I was a breeder, and a damn good one. I did all I should and more for the love of my puppies. It was the guidance and kindness of those who knew structure, genetics, lines, coat types, ... that opened my eyes and helped me to realize putting out cute well adjusted pups was only the fluffy outer layer of breeding.
I truly wish you luck in your quest for a new puppy or dog. I hope the information you learn here will help quide you.

[SmoothCollieluver]

Schnauzers tend to have skin problems. Allergies cysts ect. Espically as they age. And I too have seen them be very oily.

[cockapoolve]

thank you for your input d'tails. as 1 final straight forward question, i would like you or anyone to just answer, which dog is better a minature schnauzer or cockapoo. the answer i am looking for covers the temperant, exercise and health problems/ shedding/odor.

i hope i am no being too anoying or anything, i am just looking for a straight forward answer.

thank you all...

[cockapoolve]

sorry, d'tails also i would like your e-mail if you are willing to give it to me.

[DiggityDogs]

thank you for your input d'tails. as 1 final straight forward question, i would like you or anyone to just answer, which dog is better a minature schnauzer or cockapoo. the answer i am looking for covers the temperant, exercise and health problems/ shedding/odor.

i hope i am no being too anoying or anything, i am just looking for a straight forward answer.

thank you all...

There really isn't a straight forward answer to that question. That's like asking if chocolate or vanilla is better- it's personal preference. Each breed has it's upsides and downsides, you just have to decide what is best for YOU. I suggest you go and meet a few in person, maybe speak to a rescue so you can get some hands on experience with adult dogs of each breed, that way you can see first hand that there is a wide range of possibilites temperament/exercise/healthproblems/shedding and odor wise. You cannot guarantee what a dog will be like just because of it's breed- while some breeds are known for certain behavior or physical traits, that does not mean that every dog of that breed will posess those traits, just that it's common within the breed. I think you're looking for someone to make a decision for you and in the end that may make you very unhappy- you should decide which breed you like best for yourself, so that you are better prepared to take care of the dog for life and won't later feel as though you've made a mistake.

[d'tails]

My email is dtails.spa@gmail.com

Diggity has nailed it.

I do not like the min schnauzers, but i don't think my conscious would allow me to buy a cockapoo. I could rescue one with a clear conscious. I would have an easier choice with chocolate or vanilla. Answering about the cockapoo is difficult as they have no type. They are a mix of 2 entirely different dogs(height, weight, body type, structure, coat, personality...) so the pups are going to vary at best. The look, coat, size, temperment, and personality are not going to have any consistency to speak of.
I look forward to your email.

[Nancy]

I have 2 mini schnauzers and a shih tzu. One of the dogs I grew up with was considered a cockapoo. And I've had a lot of different breeds over the years from golden retriever, lab, German shepard, queensland blue heeler, and lots of mixed breed rescues.

Looking at "the temperant, exercise and health problems/ shedding/odor".

I've seen really hyper schnauzers & cockapoos that need a lot of attention and exercise. My schnauzers are less so, but most feedback from others is that it is pretty unusual to have them as calm as mine. They do have a mind of their own at times, but they're very smart, trainable, and understand who is in charge. They can walk for miles and love it. I walk them as much as possible. They love to chase anything that moves fast so they are constantly running after squirrels in my yard. I have lived in areas where they could run off leash, but they always listened to my commands. Their personalities are of course different - one is very independent & one needs to be in the same room as me. Both are very sweet girls who love to be loved then want their space. They are both very smart - can learn most things after 1 or 2 tries, unless it's something they are just not wanting to do! I took me 2 weeks to get 1 of them to use a doggie door.

I have asthma & allergies, and I have no problems with the schnauzers (or shih tzu). They do not shed. They do not have skin problems. One used to itch a lot, but when I changed her dry food to no wheat, it stopped. You do have to brush or comb out their hair often depending on the length of their beards, leg and chest hair. Their beards will retain smells (better for their sense of smell) and food so clean up after eating helps. And be prepared to have lots of water on the floor near the water bowl due to a dripping beard and the resulting footprints. My dogs can drink from water bottles (like used for guinea pigs), but I don't mind them using a bowl. I just have them on a mat. They are groomed every 8-12 weeks depending on the weather & how short I get them trimmed (it gets over 100 in the summer here).

Schnauzers do have genetic health problems & tendencies. You need to read up on them & find a breeder who is responsible about breeding due to this. A well balanced meal without a lot of fat & lots of exercise & dental care helps with some of their potential problems.

The standard schnauzer is another option. Also the giant - but they are in need of a LOT of exercise and can be aggressive. It's best to see as many dogs as you can ahead of time and talk to the owners.

The cockapoo we had when I was a child was a wild, spoiled dog. She never listened to anyone & was very hyper. We had a german shepard at the same time who was very well trained, so it was like night & day. She was cute and sweet, and probably why she was so spoiled. That's about all I remember about her. The shepard was my buddy. The cockapoo was my mom's.

I'm obviously partial to the schnauzer over the cockapoo. They do require some maintenance but the rewards are so great. BTW, our shih tzu is not a lap dog. She is a happy, active, independent dog. She can entertain herself with toys, has a lot of curiosity, needs an occasional hug or tummy rub, but will run & walk with the pack. She can be very stubborn but she will give in and follow commands. Very smart dog. This is my first experience with this breed. They are a lot of fun.

Do I seem biased about my dogs...LOL!

[Nancy]

My schnauzers do not get their hair stripped, and their hair is soft and not oily. One of my dogs "father" had very wiry hair, but hers didn't come out that way.

[d'tails]

Hand stripping is not for everybody(owners that is). I think it is healthier for them tho. There are many that do just fine without stripping. Whe I see a stripable dog with skin issues, I get up on my soap box. People often freak at the price, but if you average it out, it is the same as regular grooming.
All dogs shed, even Schnauzers and Shih tzu. Just come look at my bath tub wall after I dry them. LOL I LOVE grooming the Terriers, but I don't think I could live with one. I had a wirefox and she was 2 until she was 15. She went to live with my mom several months after I got her. Well she went to recover at mom's away from the akita pup who she taught to play her way. Mom said 2 weeks only!!! 2 weeks turned into 10 years.

[BelovedJuggernaut]

I am not a fan of designer dogs at all, but before deciding on any one breed I would spend some time with a professional/reputable breeder and get to know that breeds traits.

Also, if you are interested in a mix, like a cockapoo, try going down to the shelter and meeting some of the ones they get down their. Who knows, you just might find a match!

Good luck in your dog search, I hope you make the choice that is best for you.

[FoxiRoxxi]

Just from my experience as a groomer, I have seen many more stinky schnauzers than shih-tzu. But that is just my personal experience. Is probably different in different areas. You can not always believe what you find on the internet. One of the reasons they can be stinkier is that they have a coat that is MEANT to be pulled. By not having this done problems such as overproduction of oil can occur. I can't tell you how many oily, greasy, stinky coats/skin have improved with stripping alone. Now this is Obviously not going to work with all of them and there are the ones that are just fine being a clippered dog. Bottom line is there is a 'stink" risk with any pet.
I do believe there are "breeders" of cockapoos who think they are doing the right thing. All outward appearances would say they are great breeders. I have no doubt they love their pets. I will not condemn anyone for doing something out of love no matter how misguided they may be. I will however try to educate them and others as to what I believe. I will never ram my beliefs down any ones throat, nor will I be rude. ( I have had my moments in the heat of hte moment and I always feel awful afterwards) I understand your wanting a cokapoo as they are very cute. All I ask is that you take what we are all giving you and do your research with your head as well as your heart. Take some with a grain of salt, take some to heart, but most importantly take all we give you knowing we all love animals and only want to see the best for them.
If you would like to talk to me personally, feel free to email me. I am not saying this to be slaughtered here, but I was one of those BYB they speak so horribly of. I did not know better and thought I was doing it for the right reasons. I was producing pups that were cute as could be and healthy. It was kind breeders, handlers, groomers, and so many others helped me to see that although my intentions while good were wrong. I was socializing from day 2 and all my pups were exposed to all kinds of stimuli. They were super well adjusted and potty trained to a point. (litterbox) They all went to a new home with 2 vet visits and all shots, a large bag of food, toys galore, dishes, and a litterbox. They also had 2 future visits to my vet for check up and shots. I kept them til 12 weeks. They came groom ready and totally at ease with being groomed. No stress on the first visit to the groomer, I had lovingly been doing that from week 4. i did everything right. I was a breeder, and a damn good one. I did all I should and more for the love of my puppies. It was the guidance and kindness of those who knew structure, genetics, lines, coat types, ... that opened my eyes and helped me to realize putting out cute well adjusted pups was only the fluffy outer layer of breeding.
I truly wish you luck in your quest for a new puppy or dog. I hope the information you learn here will help quide you.

Appreciate your honesty! You have great advice from a non judgemental standpoint. We can't tell ppl what to buy and what not to buy...we can try to educate. The tricky deal is...if we can't get dogs from these ppl...where are the dogs supposed to go? If everyone said "You know what, lets not "support" these ppl anymore" an stopped buying cockapoos,shihpoos,labradoodles, etc...what happens then? Where are they supposed to go? Who will love them? I do not think it is their faults they were brought into this world.
That said...
You can find a cockapoo and the pound. I promise you that. I've seen them. We got our yorkie and sibe mix (and she looks purebred) from there.

[Rottweilerlvr]

If everyone said "You know what, lets not "support" these ppl anymore" an stopped buying cockapoos,shihpoos,labradoodles, etc...what happens then? Where are they supposed to go? Who will love them? I do not think it is their faults they were brought into this world.

That sounds exactly what someone said to who responded to my The Truth about Puppy Mills video... Was that you?

Unfortunately, you can't save them all... I know this just as well as any of the folks here... If everyone like you kept that same attitude, then the puppy millers/pet stores will always be in business... Their would be no end to the abuse/neglect that breeding dogs took to support you-- Can you really live with yourself nowing that to make YOU happy, you need a designer mutt, and the mother will suffer for it? I hope that you will consider getting your designer mutt at the shelter instead of supporting puppy mills and pet stores.

[DiggityDogs]

Until there's a way to legally shut down puppy mills and save the dogs that live there, every dog you ''save'' by purchasing from a puppy mill supports another litter. You make the problem exponentially worse. You cannot be led by your emotions when you are looking at coming up with a real solution for a real problem. You can feel bad for the loss of the current dogs that are being bred and live in horrible conditions while they suffer, waiting for americans to ''get it'' OR you can feel bad for years to come for those dogs, plus all of the puppies that will be sold, dumped, euthanized, neglected, and turned into more breeders. I'll take the former.