Spoodle: The Social Butterfly of Dogs

Have you heard of the Spoodle, also known as the Cockapoo? We’re talking about the new-ish dog breed. Not to be confused with the new-ish kitchen utensil of the same name that’s half spoon, half ladle.

Dog breeders are always trying to combine the perfect parts of dog breed personalities to make the perfect pup for someone’s situation. In this instance, they really managed to strike gold with the Spoodle.

In this article, PD Insurance shares more about this designer dog breed. We look at health, history, personality and becoming a Spoodle mum or dad.

Is a Spoodle a good family dog?

The adorable Spoodle is the world’s #1 designer dog breed in many ways, including being the first designer dog breed ever to have been invented.

By combining the non-shedding coat and intelligence of Poodles with the devotion and outgoing nature of a Cocker Spaniel, the Spoodle breed has become incredibly popular – almost everybody loves them.

They’re great with kids, good with other pets and just an all-round pleasure to have around. Very similar to but not to be confused with their furry cousins, Cavoodles.

Spoodle fast facts

Life span	13 – 15 years
Coat	Curly, straight or wavy
Colour	All colours and colour combos
Litter size	Around 4 to 7 puppies
Height	36 – 38 cm
Weight	9 –11 kilograms
Grooming	Regular brushing (daily for curly/wavy coats and twice weekly for straight)

What makes a Spoodle a Spoodle?

This charming and good-natured pup was first invented in the 1960s in the US by combining the Cocker Spaniel and the Toy Poodle. Its cute name comes from similarly mashing the breeds’ names into one adorable word.

You can totally see why these designer dogs, also known as hybrid dogs, are good-natured. The two breeds they descend from are both lovely to be around so it’s no wonder Spoodles are irresistible. Take a closer look with this video of a Spoodle growing up!

Are Spoodles hypoallergenic?

Spoodles slash Cockapoos are low-allergy dogs because of the non-shedding Poodle heritage. Dogs that cause fewer allergies are sometimes called hypoallergenic (there are hypoallergenic cats too). Though that’s not to say they’ll never trigger allergies.

Fun fact: Poodles are hypoallergenic-ish because they have hair instead of fur. While fur grows to a certain length and then sheds, hair will actually never stop growing. This means more trips to the dog barber, but with the upside of fewer allergens about the house.

It’s not just Poodles; Maltese dogs have also been blessed with these luscious locks of hair. Some owners take great pride (and time) in making sure they’re always styled fabulously!

Speaking of taking your pooch to the barber, read why it’s not a good idea to shave your dog.

Psst … Is reading all about the Spoodle making you wonder which dog (or cat) YOU may be at heart? Find out what pet you are and share it with your friends – click below:

Spoodle? I thought it was a Cockerdoodle?

Sometimes dog breeders might feel the name another breeder gives to a dog can be improved upon. It seems this was certainly the case with the Spoodle. The Spoodle goes by more than one name. You’ve learned about Cockapoo, however we’ve counted three others with only a quick search.

In no particular order, here they are:

• Cockerpoo
• Cockerdoodle
• Cockapoodle

We’d like to think the name has settled on these few, but it’s impossible to know what the future holds for these naming conventions.

More cuteness incoming….

Mixed bred vs purebred health

If we’re gonna be technical, Spoodles/Cockapoos aren’t purebred dogs. They’re actually not even recognised as a breed by any of the major breeding clubs (watch this space). They might be a mixed breed dog, but they certainly have plenty of fan clubs. 😊

When it comes to professional breeding, purebred dogs need to exhibit the same physical and temperamental characteristics generation after generation. To get this desired outcome, breeders ensure their dogs come from a very specific gene pool. Unfortunately, breeding from a smaller gene pool can result in hereditary conditions being more prevalent in certain breeds. Common breed health conditions include hip dysplasia in Labradors, IVDD in Dachshunds and epilepsy in Beagles.

Read whether mixed breed dogs are healthier than purebred dogs for more insights. Know that, either way, the health of your pup is very dependent on good breeding (healthy parents), a good diet and plenty of age appropriate exercise.

Wondering if your mixed breed dog might be prone to some of these disorders? A dog DNA test might help shed some light on their parentage.

Spoodle health

Spoodle parents and fans far and wide claim that this dog breed has better health due to outbreeding. Outbreeding, or hybrid vigour, is the widening or opening of a gene pool. While that sure is great news to hear, Spoodles can still inherit health issues from their parents, just like any other animal.

Although Spoodles tend to be healthy overall, as a breed they may still be prone to the following health conditions:

• Heart problems
• Hip dysplasia
• Eye problems
• Ear infections (due to floppy ears)

To help yourself make sure you get the healthiest Cockapoo possible and you’re not supporting cruel and unhealthy breeding practices, we fully endorse buying from ethical dog breeders or adopting a dog.

Ethical professional dog breeders take extra care of their breeding dogs and thoroughly check them for health conditions. They’re also not likely to be forcing their breeding dogs to whelp too many litters. This means they’re less likely to pass illnesses onto their pups.

Taking tip-top care of your Cockapoo

These pawsome pups deserve the utmost love and affection. Here’s how to make sure your Spoodle is living their best life:

Proper nutrition

Provide a balanced diet that meets your Spoodle’s nutritional needs. Choose high-quality dog food that’s appropriate for their age, size, health and activity level. Be sure to chat with your vet for specific dietary recommendations. Our Pet Nutrition 101: Feeding Your New Puppy Right article will guide you on the right path.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Spoodles are generally active and intelligent dogs. Regular exercise, such as daily walks, playtime, and interactive toys, is super important to keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated. Be sure to check in on dog breed exercise requirements to make sure your pup is getting the right amount of activity.

Grooming

Your Spoodle’s curly coat is their crowning glory. Keep it looking fab by including in your routine pet care schedule brushing it a few times a week to avoid tangles and messes. Pamper them with spa-worthy baths, nail trims, and ear cleaning. They’ll be the talk of the dog park (as long as you action our tips for safe dog park trips).

Socialisation

Introduce your Spoodle to new pals, both furry and human, from an early age. Let them strut their stuff and mingle like a superstar. Positive reinforcement training with treats and praise is the secret sauce!

Vet care

Keep those tails wagging by scheduling regular check-ups with your vet. They’ll keep your Spoodle in tip-top shape with the right pet vaccinations, preventive treatments and wellness checks. Healthy and happy, guaranteed!

Dental care

For dog teeth cleaning, brush your Spoodle’s teeth regularly using dog-specific toothpaste and a toothbrush. This helps maintain oral hygiene and prevents dental issues. Bonus points for dental chews and toys that make their mouth sparkle!

Love and attention

Shower your Cockapoo with tons of love, snuggles, and belly rubs. They thrive on affection and being part of the family fun. They’ll be your forever best friend! Read some great ways to pamper your pet.

Keep learning

You can never learn enough about being a responsible pet parent. Our blog has more articles like these to keep you going:

• 7 Pet Parenting Mistakes to Avoid
• Pet Ownership Research Reveals Changing NZ Trends
• High, Mid and Low Energy Dogs – Which Woof is Your Match?
• How to Stop Your Dog Chasing Birds and Other Wildlife
• How Do I Fix My Dog’s Broken Dew Claw?

Responsible pet parenting with dog insurance

Another way to keep your Spoodle healthy (and happy, of course) is with a dog insurance plan. Bonus – if you get it while your pooch is still a heart melting puppy, you’ll save on three fronts:

1. Your puppy will have a health plan for longer because you’re supporting them (and your bank balance) across their lifetime
2. Your pet insurance will cover hereditary conditions that start after you get your plan, so you’re covered if you start early
3. You’ll be able to give pup your full attention with fewer worries knowing they have the soft landing of pet insurance should they get into a pickle

Get award winning cover with PD Insurance and we’ll give you one or more months of FREE pet insurance. Click below to get a quote today.