How to Choose Grooming Supplies for a Schnoodle Dog

Schnoodle dogs, a schnauzer and poodle mixture, inherit fur that is a cross between two breeds. Schnoodle coats range from a soft, wavy fur to a coarse, curly coat. Whatever the combination, most schnoodles have low maintenance fur. You can groom your schnoodle dog at home with the right grooming supplies. Here is a guide to help you select quality grooming tools.

Things You'll Need

• Slicker brush
• Metal dog comb
• Natural bristle brush
• Dog nail trimmer
• 7 1/2 inch pet grooming straight scissors
• 7 1/2 inch pet grooming curved scissors
• 4 inch pet grooming scissors for the ear and nose area
• Pet grooming clipper
• Mild dog shampoo
• Moisturizing dog conditioner or cream rinse
• Olive oil
• Pet dryer
• Enzymatic pet toothpaste
• Pet toothbrush

Instructions

1. 

   Determine your schnoodle dog’s fur type. Examine the fur to see if the strand texture is fine or coarse. Fine fur has thin strands and feels silky. Coarse fur is thick in diameter and may feel soft, rough or wiry. The texture and the degree of curl or wave in the schnoodle’s coat determine the type of grooming tool needed.

2. 

   Select a slicker brush with smooth, tapered ends to avoid scratches. Many schnoodles have a fine, wavy coat. Fine fur requires a slicker brush with gentle metal pins designed for sensitive skin. If your schnoodle has a coarse coat or a lot of curls, use a regular slicker brush with stiff metal pins. Before you purchase a slicker brush, carefully run the brush across the back of your hand to check for scratchy pins.

3. 

   Choose the appropriate type of metal dog comb. A schnoodle with a fine coat needs a fine-tooth metal comb to effectively comb thin fur. Dogs with coarse or extremely curly coats require a wide-tooth metal comb to detangle fur.

4. 

   Look for a natural bristle brush with stiff bristles. Natural bristles are gentle to a schnoodle's sensitive skin and distributes natural oils through the coat to add moisture and create shine. You can use a natural boar bristle brush designed for humans on your schnoodle dog.

5. Buy a professional pet grooming clipper. You can safely create many different fur styles with a grooming clipper. Choose professional grooming clipper with two speeds, a self-cooling unit and requires detachable and rust-free blades.

6. 

   Pick a dog nail trimmer compatible with your dog’s nail size. Use a guillotine style nail trimmer on puppies and toy and miniature schnoodles. The trimmer’s metal loop head makes it easier to grip and trim small nails. Standard schnoodles require large dog nail trimmers that are sharp and strong enough to cut thick nails.

7. Purchase a mild dog shampoo and a moisturizing cream rinse. Schnoodles often have sensitive, dry skin that is easily irritated by harsh shampoos. Hypoallergenic shampoo is the gentlest type of shampoo available. Always follow a shampoo with a moisturizing conditioner or cream rinse to moisturize your dog’s fur and skin.

8. Use extra virgin olive oil to moisturize your dog’s fur and skin between groomings. Pour a pea-size amount of olive oil in your palm and rub your hands together. Smooth the olive oil into your schnoodle dog’s fur and skin. Brush his fur to distribute the oil thoroughly.

9. 

   Buy pet grooming scissors with blunt tips. To create a variety of cuts and styles, purchase a 7 1/2 inch straight scissor, a 7 1/2 inch curved scissor and a 4-inch ear and nose fur trimmer.

10. Consider a blowdryer designed for pets. They have quiet engines and dry with cool to warm air. Pet dryers may be gentler to a schnoodle’s sensitive skin. If you prefer to use a regular blowdryer, select a low wattage to avoid injuring the dog’s skin.

11. Choose an enzymatic pet toothpaste. Small schnoodles have tiny teeth that are hard to reach during a toothbrushing session. Pet toothpastes with cleaning enzymes clean all teeth completely even if your dog will only allow you to touch the back teeth with the brush. Select a toothbrush that is compatible with the size of your dog's teeth. Finger brushes are best for small schnoodles.

12. Wash combs and brushes after four groomings or whenever they get dirty. Pour a capful of dog shampoo in a bowl of warm water. Soak the combs and brushes in the solution. Remove shed fur from the brushes with a comb. Rinse out any shampoo residue. Lay combs and brushes, facedown, on a towel to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy a styptic powder for nail bleeding emergencies. These types of products soothe the pain from a cut nail quick and stop bleeding.

• Brush your schnoodle daily to minimize tangles. Brushing also helps a schnoodle’s dry skin because it distributes natural oils through his coat and skin.

• Never use shampoos and conditioners designed for people on a schnoodle. Canine skin has a different pH than human skin.

• Be careful using scissors to groom your dogs. Only use blunt-tipped scissors to avoid injuries.