The Spoodle: A Comprehensive Guide

The Spoodle is a crossbreed between a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel, resulting in a friendly, outgoing, and affectionate companion.

They typically weigh between 20-40 pounds and stand between 14-17 inches tall at the shoulder.

Spoodles are known for their low-shedding coat, making them a great choice for those with allergies.

Their intelligence and trainability make them a breeze to teach and learn from.

With proper care and attention, Spoodles can live up to 12-15 years.

A Spoodle is a crossbreed dog that's a combination of a Poodle and another breed, typically a Cocker Spaniel.

Spoodles are often considered a hybrid breed, but they're not recognized as a purebred by traditional kennel clubs.

They generally inherit the low-shedding coat of the Poodle parent, making them a popular choice for people with allergies.

The physical attributes of a Spoodle are quite varied, but they all share some common characteristics. They typically have floppy, long ears like a Cocker Spaniel and big, brown eyes like a Poodle.

Spoodles come in three main varieties: Toy, Miniature, and Standard, which can weigh anywhere from 6 to 25 pounds. The height and weight ranges for each variety are as follows:

Their coats can be curly, wavy, or straight, and come in a wide variety of colors, including solid colors like red, cream, and chocolate, as well as patterns like parti and brindle. They generally have a long, soft, and wavy coat that sheds very little to no hair, making them a great choice for people with allergies.

The Spoodle breed has a rich history that dates back to the 1960s. This makes it one of the first "designer dogs" ever created.

The Spoodle is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, with the exact type of Cocker Spaniel used varying between the two breeds. The Cockapoo is commonly bred from the American Cocker Spaniel, while the Spoodle is usually the offspring of the English Cocker Spaniel.

Spoodles have a longer history than other Poodle hybrids, such as the Moodle, Cavoodle, Labradoodle, and Groodle. The breed became popular due to its gentle and loving nature.

The first Spoodles were likely accidental crosses, but their popularity grew as their characteristics became known. The breed was formally established and recognized by the formation of The Cockapoo (Spoodle) Club of America in 1999.

The club's mission is to establish the Spoodle/Cockapoo as a true breed and create a breed standard.

Worth a look: Spoodle Cockapoo

Spoodles are generally a very healthy dog breed, thanks to the benefits of crossbreeding which reduces the likelihood of genetic diseases.

However, like all breeds, Spoodles can be prone to certain health issues. Cataracts, for example, can cause vision impairment and are often treated with surgery.

Spoodles can also experience patellar luxation, where the bones of the patella don't align properly, leading to pain and an abnormal gait. Mild cases may not require treatment, but severe cases can be surgically corrected.

Hip Dysplasia is another potential issue, where the thighbone and hip joint don't fit together properly, causing pain and lameness. Treatment can range from medication to surgery, depending on the severity of the case.

Allergies can also affect Spoodles, including food allergies, contact allergies, and inhalant allergies. Treatment typically involves removing the allergen from the dog's environment or administering medication.

If you notice any of the following symptoms in your Spoodle, such as weight loss, loss of appetite, increased thirst, blood in feces or urine, seizures, instability, vomiting, or diarrhea, it's essential to take them to the vet as soon as possible, as these could be signs of liver disease.

Some common forms of liver disease in Spoodles include copper toxicosis and chronic active hepatitis.

Health issues can be a concern for any dog owner, and Spoodles are no exception. Cataracts can form in Spoodles, causing a cloudy membrane to cover the eye and impair vision, so if you notice your Spoodle running into walls, take them to the vet.

Spoodles can also be prone to patellar luxation, where the patella bones don't align properly and slip in and out of place, causing pain and an abnormal gait.

Some Spoodles may experience hip dysplasia, where the thighbone and hip joint don't fit together properly, leading to pain and lameness. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

Allergies can also affect Spoodles, including food allergies, contact allergies, and inhalant allergies. Treatment usually involves removing the allergen from the dog's environment or prescribing medication.

If you notice your Spoodle experiencing weight loss, loss of appetite, increased thirst, blood in feces or urine, seizures, instability, vomiting, or diarrhea, it could be a sign of liver disease, such as copper toxicosis or chronic active hepatitis. Take your Spoodle to the vet if you notice any of these symptoms.

Here are some common health issues in Spoodles:

First-generation Spoodles can inherit the shedding gene from their Cocker Spaniel parent, which means they could shed anywhere from none to as much as a Cocker Spaniel.

The best breeders DNA test their stock for coat traits and quality, which helps produce non-shedding, fully furnished coats in their puppies.

Spoodles require daily brushing to keep their coat in top condition.

Their eyes need regular cleaning to prevent tear stains, and their floppy ears need to be kept clean and dry to avoid ear infections.

Spoodles are low shedders and produce minimal pet dander, making them a good option for allergy sufferers.

You'll need to brush and comb your Spoodle every day or at least 3-4 times a week, and bathe them once a month.

Spoodles need regular grooming, just like any other dog. Brushing and combing should be done daily or at least 3-4 times a week.

Their coat requires daily brushing to prevent tangles, and regular professional grooming and clipping every six weeks is also recommended.

Spoodles have a moderate-to-high-maintenance breed, so be prepared to spend some time on their grooming. Brushing their teeth daily is also a must, especially since they're prone to dental problems.

You can avoid brushing their teeth by feeding them raw meaty bones to chew on, weekly. This will help keep their teeth clean and healthy.

Their floppy ears need to be kept clean and dry to prevent ear infections, so make sure to clean them out often. Regular cleaning of their eyes is also necessary to prevent tear stains.

Spoodles shed very little and don't have a strong odor, making them a great option for people with allergies. However, they still require regular grooming to stay healthy and looking their best.

Spoodles need to have their hair washed, trimmed, nails cut, and tear stains wiped from their eyes every six weeks. You can do this yourself or take them to a professional groomer.

Exercise is a crucial part of Spoodle care. They need several short walks around the block and a few play sessions indoors every day.

Spoodles are high energy dogs, especially the standard sized variety, so they'll need a daily walk to help wear them out both physically and mentally.

The amount of exercise your Spoodle needs will depend on its size variation - smaller Spoodles need slightly less exercise than bigger ones.

Taking your Spoodle to the dog park is a great way to exercise it and allow it to interact with other dogs.

Spoodles are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement.

If you have a busy lifestyle, consider getting a smaller Spoodle, as they need slightly less exercise.

Here's a quick rundown of Spoodle exercise needs:

Spoodles can thrive in apartments if exercised enough, but they do need a living space that suits their size variation - a bigger Spoodle will need a larger backyard.

Spoodles weigh between 5-14kg and stand 25-38cm tall, so make sure you have enough space for them to move around comfortably.

Feeding your Spoodle the right food is crucial for its health and well-being. Feed your Spoodle puppy the same kibble or raw puppy food it was eating at the breeder, and soak the kibble in water before feeding.

As your Spoodle grows into an adult, you can switch to adult dog food, but it's best to consult with your vet or breeder for guidance. Most Spoodles do well with 2 meals per day, but this can vary based on their activity levels and overall health.

Spoodles have a tendency to gain weight easily, so it's essential to monitor their calorie consumption and weight level. Don't overfeed them or indulge in too many treats.

High-quality dog food is a must, and look for food free from preservatives, dyes, colours, and fillers. Some Spoodles may be allergic to dairy, gluten, and certain proteins, so consider switching to a hypoallergenic, grain-free food and novel protein sources.

A pet spoodle puppy will cost between $2,500-5,500 from a reputable breeder.

Most breeders require a deposit and a waitlist due to high demand for spoodles.

It's essential to do lots of research on breeders and choose one that is registered.

Visit the home where the puppies live and ask plenty of questions to ensure the breeder treats their dogs well.

Spoodle puppies are typically sold when they are 8-12 weeks old, by which time they should have already seen a vet and received their first vaccinations.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Spoodle Puppy

Spoodles are known for their wonderful temperament and loving nature, making them a great fit for families with children and the elderly. They're outgoing dogs that enjoy interacting with other pets, including cats, as long as they're socialized with them from an early age.

Spoodles have a high tendency to bark when they see a stranger, making them good guard dogs, but they're too affectionate to ever be aggressive. They're also very intelligent, which makes them highly trainable.

Spoodles are highly intelligent and highly trainable, which means they can learn many tricks and do well in obedience. They naturally don't like to be left alone for long periods of time, so it's essential to train them to be by themselves early on to prevent separation anxiety from developing.

Spoodles are known for their cheerful and confident demeanor, making them delightful companions.

They are highly intelligent dogs, which makes them highly trainable. With patience and positive reinforcement, they can learn quickly and easily.

Spoodles are naturally affectionate and loving, but they don't like to be left alone for long periods of time. This can lead to separation anxiety and destructive behavior if not addressed early on.

To prevent separation anxiety, it's essential to train your Spoodle to be alone from an early age. This can be done by gradually increasing the time you leave them alone and providing them with plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied.

Spoodles have moderate to high energy levels and require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. A short to medium daily walk or play session in the backyard is ideal, along with mental stimulation through various activities and games.

Here are some key temperament and behavior traits to keep in mind when owning a Spoodle:

Spoodles are generally calm and affectionate dogs, but they can be wary of strangers and may bark when they see someone new. With proper training and socialization, they can become confident and friendly companions.

As with any dog, it's essential to select a reputable breeder who prioritizes temperament and socialization. Ask to meet the parent dogs and observe their behavior to ensure you're getting a well-adjusted puppy.

Some Spoodles do bark excessively, while others may not bark at all.

Barking can be a problem if you live in a home with neighbors close by.

Your Spoodle might bark to warn you about strangers or intruders, or simply about something amiss in your surroundings.

Not all kinds of barking are bad, and training your dog to bark on cue can be a good idea if you're not fond of excessive barking.