Spoodle
Spoodles are cute small-sized low-shedding dogs that are a hybrid of the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle breeds. Affectionate, sweet, loving, easy-going, patient and loyal, they love and accept everyone, rarely showing aggression or shyness. They can be very active and enjoy romping with larger dogs, but also love to cuddle up on the sofa and can live happily in an apartment.
| Recommended for | Families, people with allergies |
| Breed Classification | Hybrid |
| Other names | Cockapoo |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Size | Small |
| Temperament | Gentle, playful, friendly |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to bark | Moderate |
| Maintenance Level | Medium |
| Health Risk | This breed has an around average probability of having health issues in its lifetime, hence it is one of the more affordable breeds to insure. |
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Breed history of Spoodles
Dating back to the 1960’s, the Spoodle / Cockapoo is one of the first “designer dogs”. This hybrid breed is the result of cross-breeding the Cocker Spaniel with the Poodle. Although the names Cockapoo and Spoodle are used somewhat interchangeably, they are generally bred with different types of Cocker Spaniels: the Cockapoo is commonly bred from the American Cocker Spaniel while the Spoodle is usually the offspring of the English Cocker Spaniel.
Spoodles therefore have a longer history than other Poodle hybrids, such as the Moodle, Cavoodle, Labradoodle and Groodle. While the first Spoodles may well have been accidental crosses, they became very popular when their gentle and loving nature became known, and the breed was established.
In 1999, The Cockapoo (Spoodle) Club of America formed to formally acknowledge this beautiful dog breed and create a breed standard. Their mission is to establish the Spoodle / Cockapoo as a true breed.
Physical description of Spoodles
Spoodles are generally a sturdy, well-balanced breed, which they get from their Cocker Spaniel heritage. They are compact with a square appearance and large, round brown eyes with an endearing and intelligent expression.
Spoodles / Cockapoos vary in size because they can be bred from two different types of Cocker Spaniels (the American and the English) and a number of sizes of Poodles. For the most accurate estimate of the adult size of a puppy, it is recommended to look at the sizes of its two parents.
This breed has a long, soft and wavy coat which comes from a mix of the two very different hair types of their parent breeds – the tight curls of the Poodle and the straight hair of the Cocker Spaniel. The Spoodle generally sheds very little to no hair, making it an ideal pet for people with allergies. They come in a wide variety of colours and may be one solid colour or a combination of different colours, have white patches or other patterns.
| Weight range | 5 - 11 kg |
| Height range | 25 to 40 cm |
| Colours | Black, tan, cream, white, silver, roan, beige, red, spotted, and mixed colours |
| Coat length | Long |
Spoodle personality and temperament
Taking the best traits of the Cocker Spaniel – loving and outgoing personality – and mixing it with the best traits of the Poodle – energetic and intelligent – it’s not surprising that the Cockapoo has become a popular pet. Spoodles are described as being affectionate, sweet, loving, easy-going, patient and loyal. They love and accept everyone – the young, the elderly and other pets, rarely showing aggression or shyness.
Very intelligent dogs with a high level of curiosity, Spoodles can be very active and enjoy romping with larger dogs, but also love to cuddle up on the sofa with their owner and watch a movie or three. The adaptable Spoodle is just as happy living in an apartment, on large acreage or anything in between, as long as their social needs are met by spending lots of time with their families.
Spoodles with kids and other pets
The Spoodle has a gentle, patient nature and can play well with children. While they may prefer the company of older and more mature children who won’t play rough with them, unlike some other small breeds, they are usually very tolerant of small children.
Spoodle’s also get on well with other pets in the household, including cats and even small, furry animals.
Spoodle training and exercise
Spoodles have moderate to high exercise needs and fairly high energy levels, requiring a short to medium daily walk or play session in the backyard. They also thrive from being mentally stimulated with a variety of activities and games.
They are very intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. Positive reinforcement is key to successful training.
| Energy level | Medium to high |
| Exercise requirements | Moderate to high |
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Spoodle feeding and nutrition
The Spoodle / Cockapoo should be fed a premium, high-quality dog food appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior), size and activity level.
They love food and have a high tendency of weight gain. Watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level and don’t overfeed them or overindulge in the treats department.
Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your Spoodle’s weight or diet.
Spoodle care and grooming
While not requiring the same level of coat care that Poodles do, the Spoodle’s coat does require daily brushing, and regular professional grooming and clipping are also recommended to keep the coat in top condition.
Their eyes require regular cleaning so that they don’t develop ‘tear stains’, and their floppy ears need to be kept clean and dry to prevent ear infections.
Two of the many reasons that made this breed so popular are the fact that they shed very little and don’t have a strong odour. The fact that they are low shedders and produce minimal pet dander makes them a good option for allergy sufferers.
Health issues for Spoodles
- Cataracts are a cloudy membrane forming over they eye causing vision impairment. If your Spoodle is suddenly running into walls and has trouble seeing, take them to the vet. Cataracts can be removed surgically.
- Patellar luxation occurs when the bones of the patella are not aligned properly and as a result slip in and out of place, causing pain and an abnormal gait. Mild cases generally do not require treatment and do not impact too much on the dog’s life, but severe cases may require surgery.
- Hip Dysplasia is a condition where the thighbone and hip joint do not fit together properly, causing pain and lameness. Less severe cases can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications, but surgery may be required for serious cases.
- Allergies can occur in the Spoodle, including food allergies, contact allergies and inhalant allergies. Treatment usually involves removal of the allergen from the dog’s environment or medication.
- Liver Disease. The Spoodle can suffer from disorders that affect the proper function of the liver. The Spoodle is experiencing higher levels of the disease in two forms: copper toxicosis and chronic active hepatitis. Symptoms include weight loss, loss of appetite, increased thirst, blood in feces or urine, seizures, instability, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Take your Spoodle to the vet if you notice any of these symptoms.
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American Cockapoo Club: https://americancockapooclub.com/
