Are Schnoodles healthy dogs?
Schnoodles are a generally healthy breed, but they can suffer from some common health issues. Schnauzers and Poodles are prone to health conditions, including luxating patella (slipped knee), epilepsy , diabetes , and more. Other health problems they are at higher risk for include:
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA is a genetic disease that causes blindness in both eyes. There is no effective treatment to stop PRA.
- Von Willebrand disease (VWD): VWD is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in dogs. It’s diagnosed when a dog doesn’t produce enough of a specific protein that helps the blood clot, which can lead to poor clotting, hemorrhages, or other bleeding issues.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia: Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are skeletal diseases that cause abnormal development of the joints, leading to grinding and pain. In dogs with hip or elbow dysplasia, joints rub or grind instead of sliding smoothly. It can cause pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery may be needed in serious cases.
It’s important to remember that though this breed might have an increased risk for certain health conditions, they won’t necessarily develop them. Mixed-breed dogs are often healthier than purebred dogs because of greater genetic diversity. Your veterinarian can help you watch for health problems with regular checkups.