There are countless dog breeds and each has unique properties. Therefore, it can be difficult for people to find out which breed is best for them. The spoodle is a well-rounded breed that will make an excellent dog for many households. The breed is a cross between a poodle and a cocker spaniel.
These dogs have become very popular in Australia thanks to their cute appearance and calm temperament. These dogs are available in three sizes. They can be expensive due to their popularity. Some will cost up to $6,500 in Australia.
Australians love spoodles because they’re cute, cuddly, loyal, and fun. Just remember that each breed has pros and cons. One of the biggest perks is the fact that this breed is hypoallergenic so they’re great for people with serious allergy problems.
They’re not going to shed as much so you won’t have to vacuum your home as often. On the other hand, spoodle dogs require more grooming than other breeds and must be walked daily.
Before bringing a spoodle into your home, make sure that you learn more about the pros and cons below.
Pros Of Owning A Spoodle
Spoodles are great for a handful of reasons. Their hypoallergenic coat means that they’re not going to inflame your allergies. They’re also very friendly so they will thrive around other dogs, cats, and children.
Since their temperaments are friendly, they can be taken on walks without having to worry about them starting fights with other dogs. These dogs are also very smart. With regular training, they’ll quickly adapt to your household’s rules. The pros will be explored in greater depth below.
1. Hypoallergenic Coat
Many Australians have decided to adopt spoodle dogs because they have hypoallergenic coats. Ultimately, this is one of the biggest pros. A spoodle hypoallergenic coat isn’t going to shed nearly as much as other breeds.
However, it is important to understand that there are several spoodle coat types. The amount of shedding will depend on the dog’s coat. Wool tends to be the best in this area. If the spoodle has a hairy coat, it will shed more frequently. You’ll also find that this breed is available in various colors, including cream, black, brown, and gold.
Since the spoodle is hypoallergenic, it makes a great dog for allergy sufferers. Just remember that the breed needs regular grooming to keep the shedding to a minimum.
2. Friendly And Social Temperament
Most people want to adopt a dog that they can take to the local park. Some even want to take their dog to the grocery store with them. The spoodle has the perfect temperament for this because they’re friendly and social.
Spoodle behavior tends to be great, although some problems have to be eliminated through extensive training. However, it is hard to beat the spoodle temperament. Young spoodles have high energy levels so they’re going to need plenty of exercise.
You’ll love taking your spoodle for daily walks if you enjoy being outside. At the very least, a spoodle dog should go for a 20-minute walk each day. If you really want to drain its energy, try to walk for 30 minutes.
Thanks to their friendly temperament, spoodle dogs are going to make great pets for families. You shouldn’t have any issues if you get your spoodle used to other canines, felines, and kids.
3. Low To Moderate Shedding
As mentioned previously, spoodle dogs are considered hypoallergenic. As a result, they don’t shed as much as non-hypoallergenic dogs. Nevertheless, you’re probably wondering if spoodle shedding is a thing.
Do spoodles shed?
Despite being hypoallergenic, this dog is still going to shed to some degree. The amount of shedding will depend on the dog’s coat. Hair and fur tend to shed more than wool. If the dog isn’t properly groomed, it will shed more as well. Dogs that are exposed to highly stressful situations are more likely to shed excessively.
Even if you have a hypoallergenic dog, you have to take steps to minimize the shedding. Grooming properly, eliminating stress, and providing the dog with a healthy diet will help. Don’t expect to never have to clean up stray dog hair, though.
4. Adaptable To Various Living Situations
What are the required spoodle living conditions? Truthfully, spoodle dogs are pretty versatile so they can live in a variety of situations. Spoodle apartment living is even possible. However, you will need to take steps to cater to the dog’s needs to minimize the potential for problems.
If you live in a small apartment, your spoodle will have less space to run and roam. Therefore, you will need to make it a priority to take your dog for daily walks. Furthermore, you should probably try to get a smaller spoodle if you live in an apartment.
A bigger spoodle may have difficulty adapting to a smaller apartment. Still, these dogs are flexible. They can live anywhere as long as the owner gives them everything they need to thrive. This means they’ll need plenty of exercise, a healthy diet, and regular trips to a professional groomer.
5. Intelligent And Easy To Train
Some dogs tend to be harder to train because they’re not as intelligent. Thankfully, spoodle dogs are very smart. When it comes to spoodle intelligence, few dogs rank higher. Even then, spoodle training can be a lengthy, trying process.
You’ll have to put in long hours to ensure that your spoodle is going to follow the rules of your household. In particular, spoodles require extensive obedience training. If they don’t receive enough training, they’ll quickly become disobedient.
They can become bossy and start barking all the time. Thanks to their poodle genes, these dogs are easy to train. On the other hand, they have cocker spaniel genes that make them wary.
When training your spoodle, keep your training sessions short and straight to the point. Be consistent and provide rewards when the dog does something right. With a little work, you’ll have no trouble making your spoodle behave.
Cons Of Owning A Spoodle
Spoodle dogs are great in some areas but have issues in others. Therefore, it is essential to learn more about the cons as well. For instance, these dogs are going to require many groomer visits during their lifetime. They can also experience health issues that other dogs won’t. Separation anxiety is a serious issue that can quickly become destructive if it isn’t dealt with.
You’ll also need to make sure your spoodle gets plenty of exercise. Otherwise, it will unleash its energy in unproductive ways.
1. Regular Grooming Needs
It is often said that spoodle dogs can be expensive. Usually, this isn’t talking about their toys, clothes, or food. Instead, the issue is that spoodle dogs are going to need extensive grooming.
Spoodle grooming frequency is very high because the dog’s coat can tangle if it isn’t properly cared for. Required spoodle grooming includes daily brushing, regular baths, and at least two or three professional groomer visits per year. At the very least, your spoodle should have its coat trimmed by a professional every six months.
The dog’s coat can be brushed at home using a dog brush. Try brushing its coat for 10 minutes at a time. Doing so will help prevent matting. Most spoodle owners can bathe their dogs every month, but some dogs will require more regular baths. It depends on whether the dog has walked through mud. If you put in the effort caring for your spoodle’s coat, it will look better and it won’t shed as much.
2. Potential Health Issues
Some spoodle health problems can be serious so it is pertinent to be aware of these potential issues. While there are others, some of the most common include ear infections, hip dysplasia, glaucoma, rage syndrome, skin allergies, patella luxation, skin allergies, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Some of these issues can be avoided through preventative care, but others are caused by genetics. It is wise to take your dog to the vet regularly to check for these spoodle health issues.
If the vet diagnoses the problem sooner, you can start dealing with it. Treating the issue right away can make a difference and help increase the likelihood that the dog will survive. Tests can help determine whether the dog has epilepsy.
If your dog is diagnosed with this problem, rest assured, knowing it can be treated. While it is a life-long disease with no cure, it can be managed. Usually, the spoodle will require daily medication. Be consistent to decrease the risk that your dog will have another seizure.
3. Can Develop Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is common among many dogs. If you are at home with your dog most of the time, this will likely be an issue for your dog. Spoodle separation anxiety is more common than you might believe.
In fact, this may be one of the biggest spoodle behavior problems. Spoodles develop separation anxiety because they become so attached to their owners. When you leave home, they’re going to become anxious. They may attempt to escape or they may turn to destructive behavior to calm their nerves.
Separation anxiety can be difficult to stop, but getting your dog used to being alone is possible. It is best to start dealing with this potential issue during the dog’s puppyhood. Leave it alone to ensure that separation anxiety doesn’t become permanent. Proper training can stop this issue before it leads to an injured dog or damaged belongings.
4. Need For Regular Exercise
All dogs require exercise. Otherwise, their energy levels are going to remain high. Then, they’ll turn to bad behaviors to reduce their energy. Ultimately, this means that the dog may bite someone, bark nonstop, or chew up something valuable.
Suffice to say, you don’t want to encounter any of these problems. Therefore, you have to cater to the spoodle exercise needs to keep the dog’s energy levels low. The required spoodle activity level is higher than other dogs.
Senior spoodles won’t need as much exercise as younger dogs. Still, your older spoodle needs exercise to keep the muscles and joints healthy. Exercise can also help reduce the risk of obesity and its diseases. For young spoodles, they’ll need to go for 30-minute walks every day. At the minimum, 20-minute walks are required.
5. Can Be Vocal
The Spoodle is the cross between a purebred poodle and a purebred Cocker Spaniel. Getting to know the Spoodle should always start with the purebreds responsible for crossbreeding.
As far as vocality, the Spoodle is a notorious barker. The Cocker Spaniel and Poodle are both excessive barkers. It is to be expected that the Spoodle inherits this annoying trait. Obedience training can help minimize Spoodle barking in all settings. Spoodle vocal behavior will get out of control without proper disciplinary measures and training.
Conclusion
The Spoodle offers endless benefits to seniors, singles, and families. The sociable, endearing, friendly, and caring canine knows no end to pleasing its master. The fleece and wool coats are classed as hypoallergenic, making the breed a fitting companion for asthmatics and people with severe allergies.
The biggest con of owning a Spoodle is the trips to the groomer. The curly, wavy, and straight coats need to be clipped at least eight times a year. It is recommended to shave the coat to 9 millimeters in length in the hottest months of the summer season. This will give the coat enough time to grow before the cooler season sets in.
The breed has a high intellect with a superior ability to learn disciplinary measures and fun tricks. Spoodles find themselves in heavily competitive dog shows because they are so intelligent and agile.
In addition to a high intellect, the Spoodle is an eye-appealing breed. Its teddy bear face, floppy ears, dark eyes, and longer snout make the Spoodle irresistibly adorable.
The special traits are not enough to make an informed adoption decision. Every Spoodle has a unique personality that may or may not match your own. In-depth research and exposure if possible are the best way to determine if a Spoodle will be a good fit for you and your family. Canine adoption should be a joint decision with every household member having an opinion.
Reference :
- https://www.pdinsurance.co.nz/blogs/spoodle-breed-profile/
- https://www.cockapoohq.com/cockapoo-pros-and-cons/
- https://www.petbarn.com.au/petspot/dog/dog-breeds/spoodle/