Scoodle
A small Scottish Terrier and Poodle cross blending terrier independence with Poodle smarts. Coat, temperament and trainability vary a lot between individuals, and a stubborn terrier streak can show through.
Scoodle scorecard
Overview
The Scoodle is a small companion crossbreed created by mating a Scottish Terrier with a Poodle (usually a Miniature or Toy Poodle). Typically around 25–36 cm tall and 6–11 kg in weight, it blends the bold, dignified character of the Scottie with the intelligence and wavier, lower-shedding coat of the Poodle. The result is usually a sturdy, characterful small dog with a strong personality.
The Scoodle is a designer crossbreed, not a recognised breed: there is no Kennel Club or FCI standard, no registry and no guarantee of appearance or temperament. Coat type, size and character vary depending on which parent dominates, and some Scoodles are decidedly more terrier while others are softer and more Poodle-like. Both parents must be understood to know what to expect.
Good to know — a Scoodle is best with a garden and manageable for committed beginners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Scoodle has no documented history, founding breeder or lineage; it is a modern designer cross best understood through its parents.
The Scottish Terrier originates from the Scottish Highlands, where it was bred as a tough, determined earth-dog to hunt vermin such as rats and foxes, giving it a bold, independent character. The Poodle began as a German/French water-retrieving gundog, prized for intelligence and a dense, low-shedding curly coat. The Scoodle therefore combines a feisty, self-possessed working terrier with one of the most trainable breeds in the world, and the appeal often lies in a terrier personality with a coat that sheds less.
Temperament & family fit
Scoodles are typically confident, loyal and spirited, often combining the Scottie's bold, somewhat independent character with the Poodle's brightness and affection. Many are devoted to their families, alert, and full of personality, making lively and entertaining companions.
Temperament varies by individual. The Scottish Terrier influence can bring stubbornness, a strong prey drive and a reserved attitude towards strangers, while the Poodle side tends to add trainability and sociability. Both parents form close bonds with their people. Early, thorough socialisation is important to temper any terrier aloofness or feistiness and to encourage a friendly, well-balanced adult.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Homes with a secure garden
Training & intelligence
With Poodle ancestry, many Scoodles are intelligent and quick to learn, though the Scottie side can bring independence and stubbornness. Reward-based training with treats, toys and praise works best, and consistency is key, as a terrier-influenced dog will exploit inconsistent rules.
Recall can be a particular focus because of the terrier prey drive; secure areas for off-lead play and reliable training are sensible, and a Scoodle may not be trustworthy around small pets. Early socialisation reduces wariness of strangers, and positive, patient handling avoids creating a frustrated or reactive dog.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Scoodle typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat type varies and ranges from wiry (Scottie-influenced) to soft and curly (Poodle-influenced), with most needing regular brushing several times a week to prevent matting and periodic clipping or hand-stripping every few weeks. 'Hypoallergenic' or 'non-shedding' is a marketing claim, not a guarantee, since coat type cannot be predicted in a crossbreed. Routine nail trimming, ear cleaning and dental care complete the grooming routine.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete, good-quality food appropriate to the dog's size, age and activity, measured to maintain a healthy weight. Small to medium dogs can gain weight if overfed or under-exercised, which strains the joints and reduces quality of life, so portions should be controlled and treats kept modest and accounted for, especially as terriers can be persuasive beggars. Follow the manufacturer's and your vet's guidance, split the daily ration into appropriate meals, and monitor body condition regularly so you can adjust feeding before any excess weight becomes a problem.
Scoodle health & costs
Before bringing a Scoodle home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£250–400 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£15–32 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£400–700 / year
Regular professional grooming
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
As a crossbreed, the Scoodle can inherit conditions from either parent, so prospective owners should be ready for any problem common to Scottish Terriers or Poodles. Crossbreeding does not guarantee better health, and parents should be health-tested.
From the Scottie side, concerns include von Willebrand's disease (an inherited bleeding disorder), 'Scottie cramp' (a movement disorder), craniomandibular osteopathy (abnormal jaw-bone growth in puppies) and a raised risk of certain cancers reported in the breed. From the Poodle side, watch for progressive retinal atrophy, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia and epilepsy. Buy only from breeders who screen both parents.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Von Willebrand's disease — an inherited Scottie-side clotting disorder; DNA-testable in breeding stock
- Scottie cramp — a movement disorder causing temporary stiffness during excitement or exercise
- Craniomandibular osteopathy — painful abnormal jaw-bone growth seen in young Scottish Terriers
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — an inherited Poodle-side eye disease leading to blindness
- Patellar luxation — slipping kneecaps causing lameness
- Hip dysplasia — joint malformation leading to arthritis, a Poodle-side concern
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Scoodle; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Scoodle puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Scoodle
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Often low-shedding and apartment-suited
- Clever and characterful companion
Things to consider
- Terrier stubbornness can make training inconsistent
- Coat and traits vary widely between pups
Compare the Scoodle
See how the Scoodle measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Scoodle?
The Scoodle is a small companion crossbreed created by mating a Scottish Terrier with a Poodle, usually a Miniature or Toy Poodle. Typically around 25–36 cm tall and 6–11 kg, it blends the Scottie's bold, dignified character with the Poodle's intelligence and wavier, lower-shedding coat. It is a designer crossbreed, not a recognised breed.
What is a Scoodle's temperament like?
Scoodles are typically confident, loyal and spirited, combining the Scottie's bold, somewhat independent character with the Poodle's brightness and affection. Many are devoted, alert and full of personality. The terrier influence can bring stubbornness, a strong prey drive and reserve towards strangers, so early, thorough socialisation is important.
How long do Scoodles live?
Scoodles typically live around 12–15 years. As with any dog, lifespan depends on genetics, a healthy weight, good diet and regular veterinary care. Buying from a breeder who health-tests both parents and keeping the dog fit give the best chance of a long, healthy life.
Are Scoodles hypoallergenic?
Not guaranteed. 'Hypoallergenic' and 'non-shedding' are marketing claims, not facts, because coat type cannot be predicted in a crossbreed. Scoodle coats range from wiry, Scottie-influenced fur to soft, curly, Poodle-influenced coats. Most need regular brushing several times a week and periodic clipping or hand-stripping, with shedding varying between individuals.
How much exercise does a Scoodle need?
Scoodles are moderately active and need daily walks plus play and mental stimulation, with around an hour of activity suiting many individuals. Both parents are intelligent and benefit from enrichment such as training games and puzzle toys. A securely fenced garden helps, given the terrier digging and chasing instincts.
Are Scoodles good with other small pets?
Care is needed. The Scottish Terrier influence brings a strong prey drive, so a Scoodle may not be trustworthy around small pets such as rabbits, cats or rodents. Reliable recall, secure areas for off-lead play and early socialisation all help, but supervision around small animals remains sensible.
Are Scoodles easy to train?
With Poodle ancestry, many Scoodles are intelligent and quick to learn, though the Scottie side can bring independence and stubbornness. Reward-based training with treats, toys and praise works best, and consistency is key, as a terrier-influenced dog will exploit inconsistent rules. Recall deserves particular focus because of the prey drive.
What health problems can Scoodles inherit?
From the Scottie side: von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder), 'Scottie cramp', craniomandibular osteopathy (abnormal jaw-bone growth in puppies) and a raised cancer risk reported in the breed. From the Poodle side: progressive retinal atrophy, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia and epilepsy. Crossbreeding offers no guarantee, so choose health-tested parents.
Are Scoodles good with children?
Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Scoodles tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Scoodle need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Scoodle needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Scoodles shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Scoodles easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Scoodles are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Scoodles bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Scoodles good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Scoodles suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Scoodle is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Scottish Terrier and Poodle breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/
- PDSA — Crossbreed and terrier care advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice
- Blue Cross — Choosing and caring for a crossbreed: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice
- RSPCA — Responsible dog buying and welfare: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.