Spoodle (Cockapoo)

The Spoodle, also known as the Cockapoo, is a crossbreed between the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle. This hybrid originated in the United States during the 1950s and quickly gained popularity due to its friendly temperament, low-shedding coat, and intelligence. The Spoodle is recognized for its charming appearance, often sporting the curly or wavy coat of the Poodle combined with the expressive eyes and floppy ears of the Cocker Spaniel. Known as one of the first "designer dogs," Spoodles are cherished for their versatility as family pets, thriving in various living environments and being well-suited for both novice and experienced dog owners.

Fun Fact!

Did you know that Spoodles are sometimes called "forever puppies" because they retain a youthful and playful demeanor throughout their lives? Their energetic and loving nature makes them feel like puppies even as they grow older!

Overall

Spoodles are friendly, adaptable, and loving companions that fit well into various types of households. They do best with owners who can meet their social and grooming needs while providing them with the love and attention they crave.

Essential information

  • Qualities

    Low-Shedding Coat

    Thanks to their Poodle lineage, Spoodles are low-shedding and can be a good choice for people with mild allergies.

    Friendly and Social

    Spoodles are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, making them great with children, other pets, and even strangers.

    Intelligent and Trainable

    They inherit intelligence from both parent breeds, making them relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement methods.

    Versatile Size

    Available in various sizes depending on the Poodle parent (toy, miniature, or standard), Spoodles can adapt well to different living environments, including apartments.

  • Considerations

    Grooming Needs

    Their coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain their appearance, which can be time-consuming and costly.

    Potential for Separation Anxiety

    Spoodles form strong bonds with their families and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

    Energy Levels

    They have moderate to high energy levels, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

    Health Issues:

    As a crossbreed, Spoodles can inherit health problems from either parent breed, including hip dysplasia, ear infections, and eye conditions.

  • Exercise & Training

    Exercise Needs

    Spoodles have moderate exercise needs. They enjoy daily walks, playtime, and activities that engage their mind.

    Walks

    One to two walks per day, along with play sessions, are usually sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.

    Training

    They are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement. Consistent training and mental stimulation are important to keep them engaged.

  • Cost

    Purchase Price

    $2,000 - $5,000 AUD depending on breeder and lineage.

    Initial Setup

    Around $600 - $900 AUD. (crate, bed, toys, etc.)

    Food

    Approximately $600 - $900 AUD per year, depending on size and dietary needs.

    Grooming

    Regular grooming costs can range from $600 - $1,000 AUD per year, considering the need for professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.

    Vet Bills

    Initial vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing can cost around $500 - $1,000 AUD. Ongoing annual check-ups and preventive care could be around $300 - $500 AUD per year.

    Total Lifetime Cost

    Over a 12-15 year lifespan, the total cost of ownership can range from $20,000 - $35,000 AUD.

  • Characteristics

    Size and Weight

    Spoodles vary in size depending on the Poodle parent. They typically stand between 25-38 cm (10-15 inches) tall and weigh 5-12 kg (11-26 lbs).

    Coat

    Their coat can range from loose curls to wavy, with a texture that’s usually soft. The coat is typically low-shedding but requires regular grooming.

    Colour Options

    Spoodles come in a variety of colors, including cream, black, apricot, chocolate, red, and parti-color (two or more colors).

    Temperament

    Spoodles are affectionate, friendly, and highly social dogs. They are known for their gentle nature and eagerness to please, making them excellent family pets.

    Good with Children

    They are generally great with children and can be a good match for families with kids of all ages.

    Socialisation

    Spoodles are sociable and enjoy interacting with other dogs and people. Early socialization helps to enhance these traits.

  • Living Environment Suitability

    Indoors vs. Outdoors

    Spoodles are adaptable to various living environments, including apartments, as long as they receive sufficient exercise. They thrive indoors with their families and should not be kept outdoors alone.

    Apartment Living

    They are well-suited for apartment living but need regular walks and playtime to expend energy.

    Time Alone

    Spoodles prefer not to be left alone for long periods due to their social nature and may develop separation anxiety. They do best in homes where someone is around most of the day or with another pet for company.

    Climate Adaptability

    Spoodles do well in a variety of climates, but care should be taken in extreme heat or cold, as their coat can make them sensitive to temperature changes.

  • Healthcare

    Common Health Issues

    Spoodles can be prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, ear infections (due to floppy ears), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and allergies. Regular vet check-ups and preventive care are essential.

    Ethical Breeding Considerations

    Ensure you purchase from a reputable breeder who conducts health testing on the parent breeds to minimize the risk of hereditary health issues.

  • Additional info

    Guarding Ability

    Spoodles are not typically guard dogs, but they may bark to alert their owners of new visitors or strange noises.

    Affectionate Nature

    They are affectionate with both adults and children, making them excellent family companions.

    Suitability for Dog Parks

    They are generally friendly and enjoy playing with dogs of all sizes, making them suitable for dog parks.