The Vet’s Guide to Spoodles: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Spoodles, also known as Cockapoos, are a popular Oodle breed known for their affectionate nature, playful energy, and adorable curly coats. These dogs are a cross between a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel, combining the best traits of both breeds into one loveable companion. Spoodles are excellent family dogs, known for their adaptability and friendly temperament, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners and families alike.

Background: The Spoodle emerged in the 1950s in the United States during the rise of "designer breeds." By crossing the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the friendly and easy-going nature of the Cocker Spaniel, breeders aimed to create a dog that excelled as a companion while being suitable for people with mild allergies. Since then, spoodles have grown in popularity around the world, and they are beloved for their versatility and charm.

Appearance: Spoodles vary in appearance depending on the mix of traits they inherit from their Poodle and Cocker Spaniel parents. Typically, they have a medium-sized, sturdy build with a soft, curly coat. Their ears are floppy, inherited from their Cocker Spaniel side, and their round, expressive eyes often give them an irresistibly cute appearance. Spoodles come in a variety of coat colours, including black, cream, brown, red, and parti-colour (a mix of two or more colours).

Physical Characteristics: In terms of size, Spoodles can vary significantly, depending on whether they were bred from a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle. Typically, a Spoodle stands between 25 to 38 cm tall at the shoulder and weighs between 6 to 12 kg. Their soft, curly coats are often one of their most distinguishing features, and while some Spoodles have wavy fur, others may have tighter curls. Their coats are low-shedding, which is one of the reasons they are considered more hypoallergenic than many other breeds.

Temperament: Spoodles are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are social dogs that bond closely with their families, making them wonderful companions. They thrive on human interaction and are generally good with children and other pets. Thanks to their Poodle ancestry, Spoodles are intelligent and quick learners, while the Cocker Spaniel side adds a gentle, easy-going personality. This breed loves to please, and with proper socialisation and training, Spoodles are generally well-mannered and adaptable to different environments.

Activity Level: Though they are affectionate lap dogs, Spoodles have a moderate to high energy level and need regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Daily walks and play sessions are a must, along with mental stimulation to keep their sharp minds engaged. Without enough activity, Spoodles can become bored, which may lead to destructive behaviours. A mixture of physical exercise and brain games will help keep their energy in check.

Health: While generally a healthy breed, Spoodles can be prone to certain health conditions inherited from their parent breeds. Some of the more common health concerns include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and ear infections due to their floppy ears, which can trap moisture and lead to infections if not properly cleaned. Regular vet check-ups and early health screening can help prevent or manage these conditions.

Lifespan: Spoodles are known for their relatively long lifespan, often living between 12 to 15 years. With proper care, regular vet visits, and a balanced diet, many Spoodles can live even longer, enjoying a happy, healthy life well into their senior years.

Grooming a Spoodle is an essential part of their care, as their curly, low-shedding coats require regular maintenance to prevent matting and keep them looking their best. Grooming involves not only brushing and bathing but also attention to their nails, teeth, and ears to maintain their overall health and comfort.

Grooming Requirements: Spoodles have coats that can range from wavy to curly, and while they shed less than many other breeds, their fur can easily tangle or mat if not groomed regularly. Brushing their coat at least 3-4 times a week is crucial to prevent matting and remove loose fur. A slicker brush or a comb designed for curly coats works well to keep their fur in top condition. In addition to regular brushing, most Spoodles benefit from professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, which involves trimming their coat to a manageable length, especially around the eyes and feet.

Bathing: Spoodles should be bathed every 4-6 weeks or more frequently if they become particularly dirty or smelly. A gentle, dog-specific shampoo that nourishes their coat without stripping away essential oils is ideal. After a bath, it's important to thoroughly dry their coat to prevent moisture from being trapped, which can lead to skin issues. If your Spoodle has particularly tight curls, blow-drying on a low setting while brushing will help keep the fur smooth and mat-free.

Dental Care: Dental hygiene is essential for Spoodles, as they can be prone to gum disease and dental issues, particularly due to their small-to-medium-sized mouths. Brushing your Spoodle’s teeth 2-3 times a week with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste will help prevent plaque buildup and bad breath. In addition to brushing, dental chews or dental toys can assist in keeping their teeth clean. Regular dental checkups with your veterinarian will ensure your dog’s teeth and gums stay healthy.

Clean Ears: Spoodles have floppy ears, which makes them more prone to ear infections. Their ears can trap moisture, debris, and wax, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. It’s important to check their ears weekly and gently clean them with a vet-approved ear-cleaning solution to remove excess wax and prevent infections. Avoid pushing anything deep into the ear canal, and always be gentle to prevent irritation.

Nail Trimming: Nail care is an important part of Spoodle grooming, as overgrown nails can cause discomfort and even affect their walking posture. Trim their nails every 4-6 weeks or more frequently if you notice their nails clicking on the floor. Be sure to use dog-specific nail clippers and trim just the tip to avoid hitting the quick, which can cause bleeding and pain. Regular walks on hard surfaces may help wear down their nails naturally, but check them often to ensure they're at a comfortable length.

While Spoodles are generally healthy dogs, they can inherit certain health conditions from their parent breeds, the Poodle and the Cocker Spaniel. Being aware of these issues will help you monitor your dog's health and seek veterinary care as needed.

Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common condition in many breeds, including Spoodles. This condition occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and pain over time. Symptoms include difficulty rising, limping, or reluctance to exercise. While hip dysplasia is often hereditary, maintaining a healthy weight and ensuring your Spoodle gets regular, moderate exercise can help manage the condition. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited eye condition that affects the retina and can lead to gradual vision loss and eventual blindness. Spoodles may be prone to this condition due to their Poodle ancestry. Unfortunately, there is no cure for PRA, but regular eye checkups can help catch it early, and adapting your home environment can make life easier for a dog with limited vision.

Cataracts: Spoodles are also at risk of developing cataracts, which cause cloudiness in the eye’s lens and can impair vision. Cataracts are more common in older dogs, but they can sometimes occur in younger dogs as well. Surgery is an option for treating cataracts in cases where the condition significantly affects the dog’s quality of life.

Ear Infections: Due to their floppy ears, Spoodles are prone to ear infections. Bacteria and yeast can thrive in the warm, moist environment of their ears, particularly if their ears aren’t cleaned regularly. Symptoms of an ear infection include head shaking, scratching at the ears, a bad smell, or redness in the ear canal. Regular ear cleaning and drying their ears after baths or swims can help prevent infections, but if an infection does occur, it’s best to visit your vet for treatment.

Patellar Luxation: Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slips out of place, causing pain and difficulty walking. This condition is common in small and medium-sized dogs, including Spoodles. Dogs with mild cases may show occasional signs of lameness or skipping during movement, while more severe cases may require surgery to correct the issue. Regular check-ups and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent or manage the symptoms of patellar luxation.

Allergies: Spoodles can sometimes suffer from skin allergies, which may be caused by environmental factors (like pollen or dust mites), food sensitivities, or contact with certain substances. Symptoms of allergies include itching, redness, or recurrent ear infections. If you notice your Spoodle scratching excessively or developing skin issues, your vet can help identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatments, such as changes in diet or medication.

Spoodles are intelligent and eager-to-please dogs, making them relatively easy to train when approached with consistency and positive reinforcement. Thanks to their Poodle ancestry, they are quick learners and thrive on mental stimulation, while their Cocker Spaniel side gives them a playful and affectionate nature. When training a Spoodle, it’s important to start early, using clear commands and setting consistent boundaries to ensure they develop good habits from the start.

Positive Reinforcement: Spoodles respond best to positive reinforcement training methods, where desirable behaviours are rewarded with treats, praise, or toys. Using treats as a reward can be especially effective, as Spoodles are highly food-motivated. Start with basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” rewarding your dog each time they successfully follow a command. Consistency is key, so use the same word or signal for each behaviour and reward them immediately to reinforce the connection between the command and the action.

Keep Sessions Short and Engaging: While Spoodles are intelligent, they can also be a little excitable, so keeping training sessions short—around 10 to 15 minutes—can help maintain their focus. Incorporate games and play into training sessions to keep them engaged, and be patient. If your Spoodle gets distracted, gently bring them back to the task at hand without frustration. As they progress, they gradually introduce more challenging commands or tricks to keep them mentally stimulated.

Socialisation and Obedience: Socialisation is an essential part of training a Spoodle. Expose your pup to different environments, people, and other animals from a young age to help them become a well-rounded and confident dog. Spoodles typically enjoy meeting new friends, but early socialisation will help prevent any shyness or anxiety. Puppy training classes are also a great way to teach obedience and social skills in a controlled setting, allowing them to learn in a structured environment with other dogs.

Spoodles are energetic dogs that need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Keeping your Spoodle active not only helps burn off their energy but also prevents boredom, which can lead to undesirable behaviours like chewing or digging.

Fetch and Playtime: Playing fetch is one of the best ways to engage your Spoodle in physical exercise. Their natural agility and enthusiasm make them excellent fetch players, and this activity also allows them to run and burn off energy in a controlled setting. You can use a ball, frisbee, or toy to get them chasing after and returning objects. This game not only keeps them fit but also provides bonding time between you and your dog.

Interactive Toys: Spoodles are highly intelligent and love mental challenges, so providing them with puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys is a great way to keep them entertained. These toys require your dog to solve a problem or work for their reward, which helps stimulate their mind and prevent boredom. Look for interactive toys that challenge their problem-solving skills, like food puzzles or toys that encourage them to figure out how to release a treat.

Agility Courses: Given their Poodle heritage, many Spoodles excel in agility training and activities. Setting up a simple agility course in your backyard or taking them to a local agility class can be a great way to keep them active both mentally and physically. Agility courses challenge their body and mind, helping to improve their coordination, strength, and obedience while also providing a fun and exciting activity.

Daily Walks: In addition to active play sessions, daily walks are essential for Spoodles. Aim for at least 30-60 minutes of walking per day, depending on your dog’s energy levels. Walks provide not only physical exercise but also mental stimulation, as your Spoodle will be exposed to new sights, sounds, and smells, helping to keep their mind engaged.

By incorporating a variety of activities, you can ensure that your Spoodle stays happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated, making them a well-balanced and content companion.

Spoodles, being a mix of the intelligent Poodle and the affectionate Cocker Spaniel, generally have well-rounded temperaments. However, like any breed, they can develop behavioural issues if their needs for physical activity, mental stimulation, and socialisation aren’t met. Understanding these potential issues can help you address them early on and ensure a happy, well-behaved companion.

Separation Anxiety: Spoodles are social dogs that thrive on companionship and can become overly attached to their owners. This close bond can sometimes lead to separation anxiety, where the dog becomes distressed when left alone for extended periods. Symptoms of separation anxiety in Spoodles may include excessive barking, destructive behaviour, or attempts to escape. To minimise this, it's important to gradually get your Spoodle used to being alone by leaving them for short periods and providing distractions like toys or treats. Crate training can also help create a safe space for them when you're away.

Barking: While Spoodles are generally not known to be excessive barkers, they can become vocal if they are bored, anxious, or seeking attention. If your Spoodle is barking frequently, it’s important to identify the underlying cause. Often, ensuring they get enough physical exercise and mental stimulation can significantly reduce excessive barking. Training your dog to respond to the "quiet" command and rewarding calm behaviour can also help curb this habit.

Boredom and Destructive Behaviour: Due to their high intelligence, Spoodles need plenty of mental engagement to prevent boredom. If left without enough stimulation, they may resort to destructive behaviours such as chewing furniture, digging, or inappropriate barking. Providing puzzle toys, regular play sessions, and interactive games can keep their minds occupied and prevent boredom-related problems. Keeping them engaged with positive activities will also help prevent bad habits from forming.

Resource Guarding: Occasionally, Spoodles may develop resource-guarding behaviour, especially around food or toys. This behaviour can manifest as growling or snapping when they perceive a threat to their possessions. Early socialisation and training to teach your Spoodle that sharing is safe and rewarding can help mitigate this issue. Using commands like “leave it” or “drop it” during play and meal times can also prevent resource guarding from becoming a problem.

Spoodles, like any dog, require a balanced diet to support their active lifestyle and maintain overall health. Try to to find a Spoodle or Oodle specific dog food to make sure that their needs are being met. The type and quantity of food you feed your Spoodle will also depend on their size, so be sure to consult package directions or specific instructions from your vet.

Puppy Nutritional Needs: Spoodle puppies need a nutritious diet to support their quick growth and development. Puppy food is packed with extra protein, fat, and essential vitamins and minerals to help them build strong muscles, bones, and a healthy immune system. In their first year, Spoodle puppies should have 3-4 small meals a day to maintain steady energy levels. Look for puppy foods designed for small to medium breeds, as these will contain the proper balance of nutrients for your growing pup. DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in some puppy foods, is especially important for cognitive and visual development.

Adult Nutritional Needs: As Spoodles transition into adulthood, their nutritional needs shift from growth support to maintenance. A high-quality dog food rich in lean proteins (like chicken, fish, or lamb) and healthy fats will help support their muscle mass and energy levels. Spoodles are energetic dogs, so it’s essential that their diet provides sufficient calories to fuel their active lifestyle, without leading to weight gain. Adult Spoodles typically do well on two meals a day, and their portion sizes should be adjusted based on their activity level and size.

Special Nutritional Considerations: Spoodles, like many small to medium breeds, can be prone to obesity if they’re overfed or not getting enough exercise. Monitoring their calorie intake, including from treats, is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. If your Spoodle shows signs of weight gain, you may want to switch to a lower-calorie dog food or increase their physical activity. 

Some Spoodles may also develop food sensitivities or allergies, particularly to common ingredients like chicken, beef, or grains. If your dog exhibits signs of allergies, such as itching, ear infections, or gastrointestinal issues, consult your vet about switching to a limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic diet.

For joint health, particularly in older Spoodles, adding supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids to their diet can help support mobility and reduce inflammation. 

By providing a balanced diet tailored to your Spoodle’s age and activity level, you can ensure they remain healthy, active, and full of life well into their senior years.

Whether you already have a Spoodle or are thinking about getting one, we hope this guide has provided valuable insights into caring for this wonderful breed. While this is a great starting point for understanding Spoodle ownership, it's always important to continue learning from reputable sources. Share your experiences with other Spoodle owners, and keep expanding your knowledge about their unique temperament, care needs, and how best to ensure they live a happy, healthy life.

This article was written by Dr Jack Ayerbe