Spoodle or a Cockerpoo? Whatever you call them, they’re bundles of energy and love!
The Spoodle is a crossbreed between a Cocker spaniel and a miniature Poodle. The result is a dog who looks like a teddy bear, with the smarts and charm of both parents.
Given the Spoodle’s status as a crossbreed, there can be some variation in appearance from dog to dog, but typically they have a medium to long coat that can be straight, wavy or curly. Colours include tan, brown, black and cream.
Spoodles can vary in size, depending on whether they are bred from a Miniature or Standard Poodle. They are usually a small to medium dog with weights around 9 to 11kg and height to the shoulder of 36 to 38cm. Their life expectancy is around 10 to 15 years.
Spoodle Facts & Characteristics
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA, 1960’s - Cross between Cocker Spaniel and Poodle (usually miniature) |
| Bred for | Companions |
| Size | Small-medium, 36 to 38cm |
| Weight range | 9 to 11kgs |
| Colours | Cream, black, brown, tan |
| Life expectancy | 10 to 15 years |
| Coat | Long – might be straight, wavy or curly. Typically, low shedding |
| Temperament | Affectionate, active, intelligent |
| Exercise requirements | High, enjoy playing |
| Best suited for | Couples, families |
| Apartment friendly | Yes |
Personality
They tend to be friendly, energetic and intelligent, making them well suited to an active couple or family.
Their small size makes them appealing to people in apartments or without backyards but bear in mind that they will still like frequent exercise, play and lots of company to keep them happy and healthy.
They are incredibly social dogs, thriving on interaction with their human families and often getting along well with other pets. Their playful nature makes them great companions for children, though they can sometimes be a little excitable. Spoodles are also eager to please, which generally makes them easy to train, although their intelligence means they need mental stimulation to keep them from becoming bored.
Grooming
Due to their Poodle heritage, a Spoodle's coat may be low to no shedding (which can be a plus for allergy sufferers) and will need regular brushing at home and frequent trips to the groomers for clipping. They generally have floppy ears with hairy ear canals so regular cleaning is necessary to prevent infections, which they are prone to due to moisture build-up.
Feeding
When it comes to feeding your Spoodle, choose a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Since Spoodles can vary in size depending on whether they are bred from a Miniature or Standard Poodle, it’s important to adjust their portion sizes accordingly. Regular meals and portion control are key to maintaining a healthy weight. As always, ensure your Spoodle has access to fresh, clean water at all times to stay hydrated.
Common Health Concerns
Spoodles are typically healthy dogs but can be prone to a few common health issues. Hip dysplasia is a concern, where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis. They may also face ear infections due to their floppy ears, which can trap moisture and bacteria. Eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts can affect their vision. Additionally, they might be at risk for allergies, causing skin problems. Regular vet visits and proper grooming can help manage these concerns and keep your Spoodle healthy
Popular Spoodle names
- Charlie
- Archie
- Milo
- Alfie
- Luna
- Poppy
- Ruby
- Coco
- Daisy
- Rosie
Did you know?
American pop star Ariana Grande reportedly has a Spoodle called Sirius in her pack of nine dogs as well as a pet pig.
Spoodle FAQs
What is a Spoodle crossed with?
A Spoodle is a crossbreed between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. This mix combines the best traits of both parent breeds, resulting in a dog that is affectionate, intelligent, and often hypoallergenic.
Is a Cockapoo the same as a Spoodle?
Yes, a Cockapoo is the same as a Spoodle. The names are used interchangeably in different regions, with "Cockapoo" being more common in the United States and "Spoodle" more frequently used in Australia and other parts of the world.
Do Spoodles shed?
Spoodles tend to be low-shedding dogs, thanks to their Poodle heritage. While they do shed some hair, it’s usually minimal compared to other breeds, making them a popular choice for people with allergies. However, the amount of shedding can vary depending on the generation of the crossbreed. For example, an F2 Spoodle (a second-generation cross) is generally less likely to shed compared to an F1 Spoodle (a first-generation cross), as the Poodle traits often become more dominant in later generations.
Do Spoodles bark much?
Spoodles are generally moderate barkers. They may bark to alert you of visitors or if they are bored, but with proper training and enough mental and physical stimulation, excessive barking can usually be managed.
How much exercise do Spoodles need?
Spoodles are an active and energetic breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They typically need around 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily, which can include walks, playtime, and mental stimulation activities.