Spoodle Breed Information Puppies and Breeders Australia

Breed Type: Cross Breed
Country of Origin: United States
Size:  Small
Also known as: Cockapoo
Males and Females: Height: 25-38 cm Weight: 5.4 to 11 kg
Exercise Requirements:  Medium
Care Requirements: Medium
Lifespan: 15-20 Years
Best Suited as:  Family Pets

The Spoodle is a mix between an American Cocker Spaniel or English Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. In other parts of the world, this breed is referred to as a Cockapoo but Australians have found their own special name for this pet. Whatever you call it, this wonderful breed takes from the Poodle its keen intelligence and low shedding coat and gets its kind, patient disposition from the Cocker Spaniel.

Appearance
Spoodles will inherit the characteristics of either or both their parent breeds. Some will exhibit more poodle traits, while others will look more similar to Cocker Spaniels. Spoodles come in a large variety of colors including black, beige, tan, white, cream, brindle, sable, silver, phantom, brown (light or dark) and red. The coat pattern differs widely from solid colors, solid colors with white markings, or a merle coat. The coat texture may be silky like the Cocker Spaniel or curlier like a Poodle.

Temperament
Spoodles are intelligent and active, and do particularly well when they receive regular exercise. Like their appearance, their overall temperament will vary depending on what traits each has received from their parents. In general, most Spoodles are loyal, curious, friendly, social and make terrific companions. To learn about specific characteristics your puppy may display, make sure you get a full and accurate description of her parents from your breeder.

Some Spoodles that have been bred with English Cocker Spaniels may have some aggression. Early training should help from seeing this trait in your pet. Like any pet, the Spoodle needs to be socialized and trained as soon as possible. Introduce your Spoodle to lots of people and practice your training techniques while you are out meeting new dogs and people. Spoodles learn best from positive reinforcement and are sensitive to criticism. The Spoodle is most comfortable near you and is happiest when he has his own special place in the house. Treat your Spoodle like a trusted companion and he will happily return the favor.

History
While most designer dogs did not come into fashion until recently, the Spoodle was ahead of his time. The first one to arrive on the scene did so in the 1960’s in the United States. It is unknown if the first breeding was intentional, but the result was well received. The puppies exhibited some of the best traits of each of their parent breeds - easygoing, intelligent and low shedding. The Cockapoos (what they were originally named in the United States) became increasingly popular with Americans through the decades. They have not been able to gain status as a true breed, however, because they have not been able to breed a consistent standard, even in multigenerational crosses. Some groups are currently advocating for the Spoodle to be accepted as a true breed.

The Cockapoo Club of America is one of those groups. It was formed in 1999 and has worked tirelessly to create a breed standard. The club promotes breeding multigenerational Cockapoos instead of using new first generations, because this technique is supposed to help puppies maintain the desired qualities of the breed. The Club also serves as a dog registry for the breed, offers information on dog and puppy care, and provides breeder certification and referrals.
The Spoodle is also currently popular in Australia and Sweden.

Care and Grooming
The easy-going Spoodle is not exactly low maintenance in the grooming department. The good news is that after several generations, they are mostly non-shedding and great pets for allergy sufferers. When you adopt your Spoodle, make sure you also purchase a brush. Your Spoodle may have soft tight curls or big looping curls or possibly even wavy or straight hair. Whatever her fur type, she will need to be brushed daily to prevent matting and to keep her looking her best. Make sure you get to the under layer as well - many owners make the mistake of only brushing the top.

Whether you take your Spoodle to a groomer or attempt the cut yourself, they can be made to look like a Poodle or a Cocker Spaniel. They can also be given a shorter haircut on the top with a more fur left on their legs. Spoodles need to be bathed occasionally and should always be brushed before their bath. Make sure to keep their ears dry though - bacterial infections can result from their ear canals getting wet. Spoodles also need to have their teeth brushed regularly.

Spoodles need regular exercise and a short daily walk will suffice. They love to eat and are prone to obesity when they are overfed and get too little exercise. 

Health
Spoodles, in general, have lower incidence of genetic defects than both the Poodle and the Cocker Spaniel. There are some health problems that are seen more commonly, however. These include eye disorders such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and glaucoma. Hip dysplasia and luxating patellas may also affect the Spoodle.  The Spoodle is also at risk for heart disease, liver disease, and epilepsy through his purebred relatives.

Suitability as a Pet
Most Spoodle owners consider themselves lucky to have such a loving and affectionate pet. Most make wonderful family pets, being equally loyal and enthusiastic with all family members including small children. They are an especially good choice for someone who wants to dog that sheds very little or who suffers from allergies. The Spoodles’ low odor coat is also a plus.

Spoodles do very well in families that have other dogs, cats and even smaller furry animals. They love to play and need daily exercise. Some Spoodles even do well in agility contests. Spoodles can thrive in many different environments and the smallest ones do very well in apartments with enough exercise.

Most of all, Spoodles thrive on love from their owners and should be adopted by those who have the time to dedicate to this special dog. If left alone for long periods of time, they may become bored and destructive.