Spoodle: the #1 Designer Dog (Literally)

The ever-adorable Spoodle is the world’s #1 designer dog breed. Quite literally – the Spoodle is the first designer dog breed ever to have been invented! This charming and good-natured pup was first invented in the 1960s in the United States.

Since then, the endearing breed has grown in popularity – everybody loves him! He’s good with kids, good with pets and just generally, well, good! He’s the kind of dog who loves sitting on your lap and bounding outside to walk and play.

Are you a Spoodle mum or dad (or thinking of becoming one)? Either way, find out more.

Spoodle fast facts

What are Spoodles anyway?

Spoodles are the progeny of the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle. Clearly the name Spoodle is a combination of both dog breeds.

You can totally see why these designer dogs are so good-natured… The two breeds it descends from each have a sunny disposition that’s irresistible.

Spoodles are considered to be low-allergy dogs. Dogs that cause fewer allergies are sometimes called hypoallergenic (there are hypoallergenic cats too), although strictly speaking any dog may still trigger allergies. The reason Spoodles have this natural talent is their poodle parentage.

Quite simply, Poodles are hypoallergenic(ish) because they have hair instead of fur. Whereas fur only grows to a certain length then sheds, hair actually never stops growing. For pet parents with hairy dogs, this means more trips to the dog barber yet potentially fewer allergens floating about the house.

Besides Poodles, Maltese dogs also have these luscious locks of hair (which some owners take the time to style fabulously).

Other names for Spoodle

Given this gorgeous and endearing dog’s personality and hybrid origins, the Spoodle is one dog with many names. In fact we’ve counted a total of four! In no particular order, here they are:

• Cockerpoo
• Cockapoo
• Cockerdoodle
• Clown dogs (wait, what!?)

OK that last name gets a place at the table simply because it describes the Spoodle’s endearing clownishness! Watch this video from Aussie pals (a Spoodle mum and a vet) who share their insights:

Mixed bred vs purebred health

Technically, Spoodles aren’t purebred dogs. They’re actually not even recognised as a breed by any of the major breeding clubs. (That said, they do have plenty of fan clubs 😊). Rather they’re considered mixed breed and if you’ve ever wondered ‘do mixed breed dogs have less health issues?’ the answer is yes… probably.

Purebred dogs need to exhibit the same physical and temperamental characteristics generation after generation. To get this desired outcome, dogs are bred from within a limited gene pool.

Sadly, this can result in hereditary conditions becoming more prevalent in certain breeds. For example, hip dysplasia in dogs is fairly common in the Labrador and German Shepherd. IVDD in Dachshunds and Beagle epilepsy are other ones many of us have heard of.

Spoodle fans claim this dog breed has better health due to outbreeding. Outbreeding – also known as hybrid vigour – is a widening or opening of a gene pool. That said, Spoodles can still inherit health issues from either one of their parents.

Spoodle health

Here are some common health issues Spoodles may be prone to:

• Heart problems
• Hip dysplasia
• Eye problems
• Ear infections (due to floppy ears)

You can reduce the probability of your dog having health issues by avoiding puppy scams and puppy mills and finding an ethical dog breeder.

Good dog breeders care for their breeding dogs and don’t force them to whelp too many litters. Importantly, they check their breeding dogs for health conditions and don’t breed dogs that may pass illness onto their puppies.

Dog insurance for a softer landing

Another way to keep your Spoodle healthy and happy is with a dog insurance plan. Get it while your pooch is still a pint-sized puppy and you’ll save on three fronts:

1. Your puppy will have a health plan for longer, supporting them (and your bank balance) across their lifetime
2. Your pet insurance will cover non-congenital conditions that start AFTER you get your plan, but not if they’re diagnosed BEFORE
3. When your puppy is younger than one year old, with us you’ll score eligible a certain amount of FREE pet insurance!

Why wait a moment longer, click below to get started on your pet’s plan