Spoodle

Crossbreed: Spoodle (Cocker Spaniel x Poodle)
Temperament: intelligent, active
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Recommended for: active families

Dishevelled blonde locks, big dark eyes and puppy-like enthusiasm - who could resist a spoodle? Could this be the dog of the millennium? The spoodle is one of the new types of designer dogs. These are crosses between purebred dogs aimed at producing better pets. Purebred dogs are bred for show competition and increasingly they have developed body and temperament problems due to emphasis on breeding show attributes at the expense of basic pet qualities. Designer dogs represent a vast improvement for the pet owner. They are cheaper to own and much more fun for the family. They are also safer with the kids.

Appearance

Can vary considerably depending on which parent the pup takes after, but generally spoodles are medium-sized, semi-longhaired dogs and most breeders leave the tail undocked. The coats usually have some curl, and the ears are soft and often long. As to be expected, there is considerable variation between spoodles as the aim is to breed for good temperament rather than a particular look or type.

The best spoodle puppies get the intelligence of the poodle and the devoted, outgoing nature of the cocker - although it's not guaranteed! Pet owners report their spoodles are friendly, outgoing, and loving. One breeder of spoodles says he chooses cocker spaniels which are friendly but docile to cross with bright, intelligent poodles. Some owners say the dogs can be excitable.

Health

Only first-cross spoodles reap the full benefit of hybrid vigour. Owners report their spoodles to be quite healthy without any particular problems so far. Both poodles and cocker spaniels can have problems with their eyes, and spoodles may develop weepy eyes which this should be watched as it may indicate an infection.

Breeding

As a rule, purebred poodles are mated with purebred cocker spaniels to produce a spoodle. There appear to be few breeding problems.

Space, exercise and training

These are usually medium-sized dogs which adapt well to an average backyard, however, they seem to have enormous energy and a regular walk or play in the park is highly recommended to burn off that excess spirit! Their boundless enthusiasm and outgoing nature could make spoodles harder to train, although persistence, as usual, should succeed.

Ideal owner

A spoodle is not a pet for a poser. And it isn't a pet for people who want to leave their dog in the backyard and ignore it. Spoodles have parent-breeds who love humans and attention, and they have a double dose! This dog needs to be included with family activities and have regular exercise. Training is important and may be challenging for individual dogs.

Grooming

Depending on the look of the spoodle, grooming can take between 5 minutes a week to 15 minutes daily. The coats on many spoodles are thick and wavy and many owners use a 'slicker' brush (rectangular with pin-type tines) which should take out loose hair and matts.Those that more-closely resemble a Poodle may need clipping. The eyes should also be watched for weeping

Further information

 
Dogs NSW
http://www.dogsnsw.org.au/breeders-directory
Email: info@dogsnsw.org.au
Phone: 1300 728 022 (NSW only) or (02) 9834 3022
Fax: (02) 9834 3872

Dogs Victoria
http://www.vca.org.au
Email: office@dogsvictoria.org.au
Phone: (03) 9788 2500
Fax: (03) 9788 2599

Dogs ACT
http://www.actca.asn.au
Email: info@dogsact.org.au
Phone: (02) 6241 4404 - Fax: (02) 6241 1129.

Dogs West
http://www.cawa.asn.au
Email: k9@dogswest.com
Phone: (08) 9455 1188
Fax: (08) 9455 1190

Dogs SA
http://dogssa.com.au
Phone: (08) 8349 4797

Canine Control Council of Queensland
http://www.cccq.org.au
Email: dogsqld@powerup.com.au
Phone: (07) 3252 2661
Fax: (07) 3252 3864

Tasmanian Canine Association
http://www.tasdogs.com
Email: tca@iprimus.com.au
Phone: (03) 6272 9443
Fax: (03) 6273 0844

Dogs NT
http://www.territorydogworld.com
Email: naca3@bigpond.com
Phone: (08) 8984 3570
Fax: (08) 8984 3409

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