Are you thinking of getting a dog as a family pet? Have no idea where to start looking or what breed is going to suit you best?
Then allow me to suggest a Spoodle.
After many pet photography sessions with all types of dog breeds, they are the one reliably happy and gentle dog I keep encountering.
Sure, all breeds have their positive points but they have more plus points than most! Read on…
The spoodle is a special breed of dog that loves attention, family activities and humans in general. These dogs are low to non-shedding, making them a favourite for those owners who are prone to allergies.
Spoodle puppies take on the intelligence of poodles as well as the devoted and outgoing nature of the cocker. In general, the spoodles are either first generation, which is a pure Mini Poodle crossed with a pure Cocker Spaniel OR a second generation, a spoodle crossed with a spoodle.
What Is The Physical Appearance of a Spoodle
The appearance of spoodles can vary depending on which parent the puppy will take after and the main goal is to breed for great temperament instead of a certain look.
BUT… there are several characteristics of the appearance of spoodles that are very common. The coat of spoodle may be feathered or curly. The spoodle’s body is very strong.
Most of the time, spoodles have a very reasonable muzzle and very rounded head. They have soft and long ears, usually set well above their eyes, hanging low past the chin.
These cute dogs are of medium size, typically 35 to 40 centimeters in height with a weight of around 10 to 15 kilograms fully grown. They are semi-longhaired dogs with a beautiful long tail.
What is a Spoodle’s Temperament?
Spoodles are known for being very affectionate, intelligent and outgoing dogs. More often than not, these dogs are very willing to please.
If you are considering a spoodle as a pet, you possibly already know that the spoodle is a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle.
These two breeds both love attention and people so you can expect that spoodle will expect a double dose!
Spoodles expect to be treated as part of your family and you have to make sure that you let them participate in the everyday activities of the family.
In terms of sociability, we see how sociable they are on our pet photography shoots, always wanting to participate and play with whoever is nearby. These sessions always turn out to be a bucketful of fun and the photos are always playful.
Overall, spoodles have a great temperament and are really great dogs for families with children.
How Often Do Spoodles Require Grooming?
Spoodles need to be combed and brushed regularly.
Spoodles are also low to non-shedding dogs but clipping is needed every now and then.
The amount and frequency of grooming needed for a spoodle is going to depend on the coat’s length.
Every coat type will need some form of grooming although spoodles that have longer coats must be brushed more often compared to dogs with clipped coats.
These dogs also need their ears to be properly dried after taking a bath to best avoid infections.
It is also great to introduce grooming to your dog from an early age to make this a pleasant experience for you and your pet at the same time.
Do Spoodles Have Good Health?
Just like most cross breeds, the spoodle benefit from the hybrid vigour, making them less susceptible to health issues associated with the narrow gene pools which is commonly the case with pure breeds. You need to pay special attention to their ears which might get infected and you also need to watch out their eyes for weeping. Ears and eyes should be kept dry and clean. Like other dogs with long ears, they can also be prone to infections of the ear. Spoodles might also suffer from PRA or progressive retinal atrophy, a genetic eye disease.
How Much Space Do Spoodles Need?
These medium sized dogs with a life span of 12 to 15 years can adapt well to average sized backyards. However, remember that they have loads of energy and it is recommended to take them for a daily walk.
Most dogs won’t complain about having more than one walk a day so taking them out before you leave for work is a great idea too.
Where Can I Buy a Spoodle?
As you know, the Pupparazzi always prefer people to try rehoming or adopting a dog rather than going out and buying a puppy, but sometimes that isn’t always possible due to individual circumstances.
While we can’t recommend any particular breeder, we do strongly suggest that you do plenty of research before making a decision.
Outlets such as Pines Pets in Doncaster East gets talked about alot in various forums and in reviews, but not always for good reasons. You be the judge!
For spoodles close to Melbourne, we’ve heard of spoodle breeders in the Yarra Valley and Macedon Ranges but since we don’t have any first hand experience with them we are reluctant to post links to them. A quick Google search should help you out!
As always, RSCPA are great for tips on what to look for and take into consideration before committing to a dog, and their puppy buyers guide is definitely worth a read.
Click here to check out our other other suggestions of dog breeds
If you like Spoodles, you might like Cavoodles and Groodles too!
