Spoodle
Origin
The spoodle is a hybrid of a cocker spaniel (English or American) and a Poodle (toy or miniature). They have become increasingly popular over the last 10 years. The aim of crossbreeding is to minimise the genetic diseases that can be present in purebred dogs. First-cross spoodles will have the maximum genetic benefits associated with a hybrid dog – in other words, a spoodle with one parent purebred cocker spaniel and one parent purebred poodle will have less genetic diseases than second or third cross spoodles.
Description
The spoodle is a handsome dog with long shaggy to wavy hair and large brown eyes. Being a crossbreed, their appearance can vary significantly from dog to dog.
| Size | Small |
| Colour | Gold, Blonde, Brown, Black - with or without white markings. |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Weight/Height Range | 5- 14kg and 25- 38cm depending on the breed of the parents. |
| Ailments | Luxating patellas (dislocating knee caps), allergic skin disease, ear infections, cataracts, epilepsy. |
| Breed Classification | Known as a group of crossbred dogs called ‘oodles’ or poodle-crosses. |
Feeding & Ownership
It is best to feed the spoodle dry food as this breed is prone to tartar build up on their teeth.
| Food Cost | $5 to $10 |
| Other Expenses | Whilst feeding is not expensive, it must be remembered, that this breed will need visits to a professional groomer every six weeks, thereby incurring more expense. |
Personality
The spoodle is a lively and affectionate family dog. They are very sociable and often have outgoing personalities. They can adapt to living in a small home or apartment as long as they receive adequate daily exercise. Spoodles can be good guard dogs as they may bark when visitors arrive, however are not aggressive.
| Intelligence | Their intelligence and eagerness to please can make them easy to train. |
| Energy | High |
| Suitability for Children | Medium |
| Tendency to Bark | High |
| Overall Exercise Requirement | Daily walks and regular trips to the dog park will keep help keep a spoodle’s energy levels under control. They often enjoy socialising with other dogs and can be trained to retrieve a ball. |
| Suitability as a Guard Dog | Medium |
| Ease of Transportation | Low |
| Level of Aggression | Low |
| Other Animal Compatibility | High |
Grooming
Spoodles usually do not shed and are often tolerated by allergic people. Their coats do take a great deal of care though, generally requiring professional grooming, as well as regular combing and brushing at home. The spoodle should be taken to a groomer about every six weeks for a clip of your choice. The spoodle’s ears need frequent cleaning or they may become infected and, daily teeth brushing is recommended or tartar will build up rapidly and lead to gingivitis. The eyes should be cleaned daily to prevent a build-up eye discharge and tear staining.
| Grooming Requirements | More than once a week |
| Amount of Hair Shed | None |
MAKE SURE YOUR PET IS EASILY IDENTIFIED 