Spoodle | Mixed Breed Information, Pictures, Traits & Facts

The Spoodle is a very popular hybrid in the United States, which is brought about by its charming physical attributes and its upbeat and perceptive personality.

The Spoodle also goes by another name that reveals more about its parent dogs. It is also known as Cockapoo, which suggests that it is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. 

If you’re interested in learning more about this dog, keep reading. Everything you need to know about the Spoodle, including its history, appearance, temperament, needs, and more, is in this guide!

Breed Overview

What Is a Spoodle? 

A Spoodle is a hybrid dog created by crossing an American or English Cocker Spaniel with a Poodle. It is also known as the Cockapoo, Cockerpoo, Cockerdoodle, or Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix. This puppy has a teddy bear-like appearance and a cheerful, high-spirited demeanor that make it a great pet. 

The Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix is one of the more popular Doodle dogs. However, considering that the Spoodle is a crossbreed, like the rest of the Doodles, it isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

However, it may be enrolled in the AKC Canine Partners program so it can be allowed to join different sporting events, but not with conformation. 

Spoodle Origin and History

It is unknown when or where exactly the Spoodle came from. In fact, there are numerous theories as to how this dog came to be. 

The earliest reference to a Spoodle dates back to the early 1600s. This dog was called a “Spaniel-Poodle” at the time and was utilized as a hunting dog in Germany. 

Following that, another theory suggests that this pup was first developed in the United States in the 1960s when a breeder mistakenly mixed the genetic material of a Cocker Spaniel with a Poodle. 

Lastly, the idea of the “doodle” dog in the 1980s is also thought to be the beginning of the Spoodles. During this time, Poodles are crossed with other breeds to produce dogs with little to no shedding. 

However, despite various arguments, none of them were substantiated. Therefore, the Spoodle’s past remains a shadow of its present.

Spoodle Appearance 

The appearance of the Spoodle can vary considerably depending on which parent the puppy takes after. 

However, in general, a Spoodle puppy resembles an incredibly cuddly teddy bear. This dog has long, floppy ears like a Cocker Spaniel and wide, brown eyes like a Poodle.

It also has a long tail that is constantly wagging, demonstrating how happy this breed is. Almost all breeders do not dock the tail of Spoodles.

The Spoodle dog has a naturally long coat that most owners cut to keep short. The color of its coat can be solid black, tan, white, brown, red, silver, cream, silver beige, or any of these colors with white markings.

Take a look at this video to see how a Spoodle puppy looks:

Spoodle Size and Weight

A Spoodle is a small to medium-sized dog. The actual size of this dog will vary due to the size differences between its two parents, the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle.

Although both parents may contribute to the size of this dog, its Poodle parent will ultimately determine its size, as it comes in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy.

The height and weight of a fully-grown Spoodle are as follows:

The final size of this dog will be apparent when it reaches 9 to 12 months old. However, some Spoodles may grow more above this age.

Spoodle Temperament and Personality

Spoodles make wonderful and affectionate pets. They have a friendly character that can get along well with people of all ages and other animals, earning them the nickname “social butterfly” from several owners. 

However, Spoodles also need early socialization, just like all other dogs. Early exposure to a variety of sounds, people, and sights will help your Spoodle develop into a well-rounded dog as they get older. 

These mixed-breed dogs are considered self-sufficient, yet they prefer to live with their human family. They may develop separation anxiety if you leave them alone for a long time. 

Spoodles are intelligent as well. They are easily trainable and have a high level of obedience. However, it will take patience and time, so positive reinforcement is the best approach to training a Spoodle.

Spoodle Lifespan and Health Issues 

In general, Spoodles are healthy dogs. They can live for at least 10 to 18 years and can be extended through proper care. 

However, Poodles and Cocker Spaniels have breed-specific issues that could be passed on to the Spoodle. 

Below are some of the most common diseases that a Spoodle might develop:

• Patellar luxation: This happens when the patella’s bones are not properly aligned, resulting in pain and an abnormal walk. Patellar luxation in mild cases usually does not need treatment and has little to no effect on the dog’s quality of life.
• Hip Dysplasia: It is a hereditary disorder that impairs movement and causes pain and lameness. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint develops incorrectly, causing the femur to fit improperly in the hip socket. 
• Cataracts: This occurs when the lens, a transparent component of the eye, becomes opaque and cloudy. Cataracts cause hazy vision at first and eventually lead to blindness. 

These are just a few of the most common Spoodle health issues. Luckily, the majority of these are both curable and avoidable. A healthy diet and an active lifestyle will help your dog avoid these issues and live a healthy life.

Medication, on the other hand, is quite costly. So it’s a good idea to get pet insurance to help you with any pricey procedures that may be needed if your Spoodle ever gets sick.

Spoodle Shedding and Grooming 

Spoodles require little care in many areas, but grooming isn’t always one of them. These dogs shed all year, so regular grooming is necessary to keep their coats in good shape.

Even so, grooming requirements will vary depending on the breed and length of the dog’s coat.

Either way, you should give your Spoodle a good brushing a couple of times per week, especially if they have long fur. 

These dogs may also require trimming every six weeks or so. However, if you want to retain their medium-to-long hair, make sure it is tangle-free. 

Cleaning your Spoodle’s ears regularly will help keep them healthy and free of infection. To avoid tear stains, you will also need to gently wipe the area around your dog’s eyes each day. 

You should also trim your Spoodle’s nails every three weeks or as needed to ensure that it can move around comfortably. 

Finally, to maintain your dog’s teeth clean and fresh, brush its teeth at least once a day or give it dental chews.

How to Take Care of Your Spoodle

Every responsible pet parent wants to provide the greatest care for their beloved dog. If you want to be like that, there are a few things you need to consider in order to properly care for your Spoodle.

Food and Diet

Providing Spoodles with a balanced diet is vital. Getting the right amount of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals is essential for their overall health. 

However, you must take into account their age, size, activity level, and other individual requirements to get the right meals for them. 

It should be noted that not all dogs will respond to a certain food in the same way, nor will all dogs have the same needs. 

For instance, a Spoodle puppy would need between ¼ and 3 cups of puppy food every day, whereas an adult dog might need between ¾ and 3 ¾ cups of adult dog food. 

Cleaning and Grooming

Cleaning and grooming a Spoodle doesn’t only boost its appearance. These can also ensure that your dog is free from matting, infections, ticks, and other parasites.

That said, you must ensure that you have the time and means to devote to learning how to groom a Spoodle. 

Here are some of the basic steps in grooming your Spoodle:

1. Begin by brushing your Spoodle’s neck gently with the appropriate brush, working your way down to the tail. 
2. Soak your Spoodle in water and use a bath shampoo designed exclusively for dogs.
3. Rinse your Spoodle’s coat thoroughly, moving from head to tail, until the water runs clean and the coat is no longer soapy.
4. Dry your Spoodle with a clean, soft towel and brush them again.
5. Check and gently wipe your Spoodle’s ears with a towel or clean paper towels to get rid of the ear wax (if any).
6. Brush your Spoodle’s teeth to remove plaque accumulation at the tooth’s base.
7. Trim your dog’s nails short, but be cautious of the quick, which can cause significant difficulties if damaged or removed.
8. Give your Spoodle a haircut to get rid of split and damaged fur and promote healthy hair growth.

Again, the list above only includes the basic steps. If you feel it is necessary, you can add some extra between each step.

Training and Exercise

Spoodles are highly intelligent canines that are reasonably easy to train. Like other dogs, they respond best to calm guidance rather than harsh discipline. 

If you can positively reinforce them with treats and verbal praise, they will respond much more favorably. 

Additionally, to keep your dog engaged and ensure it remembers what it has learned with each lesson, keep these training sessions short and interesting.

Additionally, it is recommended to take your Spoodle for at least 30-minute walks twice a day. This would not only get rid of its pent-up energy but also give it a chance to interact with other dogs.

The majority of Spoodles, however, are highly active and might even need more regular exercise. Therefore, it’s best for a Spoodle to be adopted by an owner or family with an active lifestyle.

How Much Does a Spoodle Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

The cost of the Spoodle varies from breeder to breeder. To get this dog, you should expect to pay between $2,500 and $5,500. This price is based on the standard rate offered by an experienced or well-known breeder. 

On the other hand, if you get them from a shelter or a rescue, they often cost $300 to $1,200. 

As you may have noticed, there is a huge price range when purchasing a Spoodle pup or dog. This is because their health, parental ancestry, coat colors, age, and genetics all play a part in what makes a Spoodle special.

On top of the Spoodle’s price, here are other initial expenses you need to prepare for:

Note that the prices indicated above are just estimates. Depending on your supplier, this may increase from a few hundred to a thousand.

Places to Find Spoodle Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Once you’ve decided to add a Spoodle to your household, you’ll need to conduct some research on where to find one. While there are many trustworthy Spoodle breeders, it is unavoidable that you may also run into a fraudster.

Here are some reputable Spoodle breeders for your reference:

• AKC Marketplace – AKC Marketplace is a reliable source for the most reputable and trustworthy breeders. Though they mostly concentrate on brewing purebred dogs, you may want to reach out to Cocker Spaniel and Poodle breeders to take a chance of finding a Spoodle in their listings.
• Puppies Up North – Puppies Up North is a licensed, reputable breeder of Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Cavadoodles, Spoodles, and Havadoodles in the state of Minnesota. Because of the love and dedication they have for these lovely animals, their inspector and vet have declared them “a terrific home for dogs and puppies.”
• Crockett Doodles – Crockett Doodles is a group of exceptional professionals dedicated to giving forever families the best experience possible with Doodle mixes such as the Cockapoo, also known as the Spoodle. They have an A+ rating and hundreds of five-star reviews with the Better Business Bureau.

If you want to adopt a Spoodle, you can also look at the following list of rescue and adoption websites:

• Arizona Poodle Rescue – Founded in 2003, Arizona Poodle Rescue has taken in and placed 4,520 dogs. They are a “go-to” organization of local shelters, as well as for owners or breeders who can no longer care for Poodles and mixes such as Spoodles. Go to their Petfinder profile to find out whether they have a Spoodle. 
• Carolina Poodle Rescue – Carolina Poodle Rescue is a team of passionate staff and volunteers committed to rescuing and rehabilitating Poodles, Poodle mixes, and small dogs in need. Bring extra patience when you decide to submit an application for a Spoodle through Carolina because they regularly receive 150 applications each week.
• Oldies But Goodies Cocker Rescue (OBGCR) – OBGCR, which was founded in 1996, aims to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome Cocker Spaniels and Spaniel mix dogs of all ages. All of their canines, including the Spoodle, are $358 each, inclusive of an $8 transfer fee.

If you’re looking for more possible options for adoption, check out Facebook groups dedicated to this mixed breed. You may also want to talk to a few veterinarians because they usually have connections to breeders and rescues.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Spoodle

Spoodles make wonderful pets. But just like other dogs, They may have their imperfections. So if you’re considering getting one, it’s crucial to be aware of both its advantages and disadvantages.

Have a look at some of the pros of a Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix:

• Ideal playmate for kids: A Spoodle is a gentle, small to medium-sized dog that loves to be with its human family. This means your Spoodle dog can play, run, and even cuddle with your child without resulting in any physical harm.
• Easy to train: Spoodles are extremely intelligent canines. During potty training, sleep training, and recall training, they will have no trouble remembering what you taught them. You can teach them a lot of fun skills, too, if you put in the time and effort.
• Loyal companion: The Spoodle is a very loyal dog and would be happy to accompany its owner wherever it goes. Further, its positive disposition also tends to bring a happy mood to the person it decides to follow.

To be fair, here are some of the cons of having a Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix:

• Susceptible to illnesses: The Spoodle may acquire genetic health conditions from both of its parents, much like other hybrid dogs. This includes patella luxation, skin allergies, ear infections, cataracts, and epilepsy.
• Requires regular companionship: The Spoodle dislikes being left alone. Even if it received crate training, it still needs the company to feel secure and protected. This dog will probably experience higher degrees of social anxiety if you’re gone from home for 4 to 8 hours.
• Lots of grooming upkeep: Although Spoodles don’t shed much, they still need a lot of cleaning and brushing, especially if they have extremely tight, curly fur that may easily become matted.

The pros and cons mentioned can help you gain a better understanding of the Spoodle. 

However, when choosing a pet, you should also consider your preferences, lifestyle, and environment to ensure you and the dog can get along.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Cockapoo the Same as a Spoodle?

Yes, the Spoodle and the Cockapoo are the same breeds. These dogs are both crosses of English or American Cocker Spaniels and Poodles. 

Many individuals mistakenly thought that the Spoodle and Cockapoo were not the same breeds, most likely because they were unaware that the term “Spoodle” is more widely used in other parts of the world.

Are Spoodles Barkers?

The Spoodle does bark like other dogs, but not excessively. Most of the time, this dog is just alerting you to any unfamiliar noise or movement it observes.

This quality makes it an effective guard dog because you can quickly be alerted. However, if its barking bothers you, teach this dog alternative alerting methods, such as ringing a bell, to minimize or eliminate its barking.

Can Spoodles Be Left Alone?

It is not recommended to leave your Spoodle alone. But if you have to, make sure to provide your dog with access to ample food and water, as well as a place to relieve itself.

However, even if its basic needs are met, you shouldn’t leave your pet unsupervised for more than eight hours a day because it can lead to separation anxiety.

Are Spoodles Cuddly?

Spoodles are widely known for being a loving and kind breed. The majority of them don’t have any problems giving or receiving cuddles.

However, it’s also normal if your dog doesn’t want to be cuddled. It’s possible that your Spoodle isn’t physically ready for any interaction.

Are Spoodles Smart?

Spoodles are highly intelligent canines. Their lineage is derived from two smart breeds, so they are most likely to exhibit the same trait.

The intelligence of Spoodles makes them simple to train and fond of mental challenges. However, avoid engaging them in strenuous activities because they are not muscular, which means they are prone to breaking their bones.

Are Spoodles Good With Cats?

A Spoodle can get along with cats depending on how it was raised and how the cat was introduced. A young Spoodle puppy that is socialized and trained at an early age will almost immediately get along well with a cat. 

Furthermore, gently and gradually introducing your Spoodle to a cat is an effective way to familiarize it with its feline companion and reduce its stress from interacting with it. 

Are Spoodles Aggressive?

Spoodles tend to react to any potential threat but are not aggressive. However, it is important to note that all dogs, regardless of breed, may be aggressive if not properly socialized and trained.

Fear, frustration, abuse, and a hostile living environment are just a few of the reasons that might make Spoodles aggressive.

Are Spoodles Good Apartment Dogs?

Spoodles can live well in apartments as long as they receive sufficient exercise. If not, these dogs may become bored or anxious, and they may let out their stored energy in destructive ways. 

Additionally, Toy and Miniature Spoodles are small dogs that don’t require a lot of space. In contrast to large-breed dogs, these canines can happily sit next to you or on your lap. 

Final Thoughts

Spoodle, Cockapoo, Cockerpoo, or Cocker Spaniel mix — whatever you name it, this puppy is full of love and enthusiasm! However, the Spoodle, like any other dog, requires specific owners who can meet its specific needs. 

The Spoodle has to be actively engaged to keep it happy. Its coat must also be brushed regularly to maintain a soft, tangle-free texture. Furthermore, since it is prone to anxiety, it requires constant attention.

Therefore, if you’re a busy person who frequently leaves the house, the Spoodle dog might not be the right fit for you.

Do you think you are ready to add this pooch to your family? Let us know what you think about the Spoodle in the comments section below!