Spoodle Basic Information
Also known as a Cockapoo or Cockerpoo, the Spoodle is a mixture between the Miniature or Toy Poodle and the American or English Cocker Spaniel. The Spoodle is the social butterfly of the Designer dog world. These happy dogs want to say hello to everyone and everything they meet and have a play with them.
Spoodle Parent Breeds
The Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel is usually 13 – 15kg or 29-32 pounds and 38 – 41cm (15-16 inches) tall, but the American Cocker Spaniel is smaller at 11 – 13kg (24-30 pounds) and 33 – 38cm tall (13-15 inches). Over time the American Cocker Spaniel was bred to be smaller and more delicate. The Cocker Spaniel temperament is described as being friendly, affectionate, playful, quiet, trainable, and faithful. The one caveat to the Cocker Spaniel’s temperament is the prevalence of a condition known as “Cocker Rage” where some Cocker Spaniels suddenly lash out at the nearest person to them and bite. This condition has not been documented in Spoodles to date.
The Poodle
Poodles are well known for being intelligent, and they are also trainable, instinctual, alert, active, and faithful. They are often reserved with strangers but they are frequently affectionate within their own families, although Poodles are also very sensitive. The Toy Poodle is slightly smaller than the Cocker Spaniel, generally weighing 8-10 pounds and not exceeding 25 – 28cm (10 – 11 inches) in height at the shoulder, however the Miniature Poodle may be 25 – 40cm (10-16 inches) tall. They have athletic bodies and come in cream, apricot, blue, gray, silver, cafe au lait, and brown. They are often shown in dog shows with stylish haircuts, but for many owners the Miniature/Toy Poodle is simply a loving and faithful companion or lap dog.
Spoodle Appearance
What does a Spoodle look like?
Like both the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle, the Spoodle is a likewise small-medium dog, perfect as a companion animal. Most Spoodles stand 30 – 45cm in height and weigh 6- 11kg (12-24 pounds). The size of the dog could vary from small to medium depending on its parents (ie. which size Poodle was it’s parent). The Spoodle is bred from two distinct purebred parents, both with their own strict genetic makeup and appearance standard for the breed. A designer dog, such as the Spoodle, will not always fall perfectly between the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel; that is to say, each Spoodle may vary in appearance. Some Spoodles may more closely resemble the Poodle and others may look more like a Cocker Spaniel, and others find a more harmonious balance between both parents.
They may either be a solid color or they could have patches or ticking (freckles of color) and the color may vary. A Spoodle may be black, white, silver, cream, tan, sable, brown, red, apricot, merle, or roan. Like the overall appearance of each individual Spoodle, their coat texture will also vary from dog to dog, and may be either feathered or curly. Their bodies are most often short but strong, and they have round heads and relatively long muzzles. Their ears are long and well set, generally extending past the point of the chin. The neck and tail of the Spoodle are both fairly long and the tail hangs freely. Overall they will resemble both the Cocker Spaniel and the Toy/Miniature Poodle.
Spoodle Temperament
What is a Spoodle’s personality like?
Spoodles make loving and affectionate companion dogs—they are most frequently described as being intelligent, loving, and outgoing. They have a gentle disposition and are wonderful family pets because they tend to get along well with all types of people and animals alike. They are usually well-behaved and patient with children, but they also enjoy playing and interacting with them. Of course, it is also important to teach children how to respectfully treat an animal. It is wise to socialize them—as with any dog—by taking them to a dog park at an early age to make friends with other dogs.
A Spoodle can be happy with a family, a couple, or with a single adult. Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle are generally sociable dogs, the Spoodle is likewise known to be outgoing and friendly. They love to please their human companions and are known for being loyal and faithful to their families. Spoodles are often social butterflies, but it is important to be wary of the sometimes attention-seeking characteristics inherited from the Poodle side of the line.
Spoodle Health
Are Spoodles a healthy breed?
Generally speaking the Spoodle will be the most vigorous and healthy if it is a first-cross dog, meaning it is not the product of another Spoodle parent, but a purebred Cocker Spaniel and a purebred Poodle. There have been relatively few health problems known to affect Spoodles, and they have been around for many years. For the most part the Spoodle is a healthy breed, and there are few if any inherited conditions that have become intrinsic in the breed. Generally mixed breeds are healthier than purebreds. It is true and unfortunate, however, that the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle are both known to suffer form certain eye conditions. Because it is a common problem in both parents of the Spoodle it is quite possible that the Spoodle may develop eye problems. Fortunately, the most common of these is PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) which can now be tested for with the use of a DNA test. Before buying a Spoodle puppy, the breeder should have had one of the parents tested for this eye disease.
The Spoodle has floppy ears, and ears that don’t have good ventilation can sometimes develop certain health problems, including fungal issues, mites, and infections. By simply giving your Spoodle’s ears a little attention a lot of these problems can be avoided or easily detected. Make sure to ask about PRA testing of one of the parents before purchasing and take your dog to the vet on a yearly basis to reduce the chances of health issues with your Spoodle.
Spoodle Lifespan
How long do Spoodles live for?
The average lifespan of a Spoodle is 11-13 years, with some dogs living longer than 16 years.
Spoodle Exercise
How much exercise does a Spoodle need?
For the most part Spoodles are a fairly active breed of dog. It depends slightly on the size of the dog, but they are often better suited in a home that has a yard and they should be walked daily. Spoodles love to play and they are known for having a lot of energy. They do well with a family or owner that doesn’t lead an active life, or one that does. They do desire mental stimulation as they are a very intelligent and social breed.
Spoodle Grooming
How much grooming do Spoodles need?
Many Spoodles have a low to non-shedding coat that is between the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle, in fact, that is generally considered the ideal coat. It is best if it is wavy, dense, and close to the body. A Spoodle may have a longer or shorter coat, depending on how often it is clipped, and if they have a longer coat they will need more upkeep and brushing. It is also important to dry their ears after bathing them to keep them clean and free from infection.