Spoodle Breed Guide

Contents:

• Spoodle at a Glance
• History of the Spoodle
• Spoodle Characteristics & Traits
• Spoodle Life Stages
• Caring for a Spoodle
• Common Spoodle Health Conditions
• Cost of Owning a Spoodle
• Spoodle Name Ideas

The Spoodle at a Glance 

• Breed size: Small (5–14kg)
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Exercise needs: Around 45–60 minutes of daily exercise, combined with training, play and mental enrichment to keep their active minds engaged
• Space needs: Adaptable to apartments, units and larger homes, provided they receive sufficient daily exercise, companionship and opportunities for enrichment
• Grooming needs: Moderate to high maintenance, with regular brushing, routine ear and dental care, and professional grooming often recommended every 6–8 weeks
• Shedding: Low shedding compared to many breeds, though regular brushing is still important to help manage loose hair and prevent matting
• Hypoallergenic? No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but many Spoodles are considered more allergy-friendly due to their low-shedding coat
• Barking tendency: Naturally alert and observant, often quick to let their family know when visitors arrive or something catches their attention
• Trainability: Highly intelligent and eager to please, typically responding very well to positive reinforcement and reward-based training
• People-friendly? Affectionate, social dogs that generally enjoy spending time with people and being involved in everyday family activities
• Other pets? Many Spoodles get along well with other dogs and household pets when socialised early and introduced appropriately
• Family-friendly? Playful, gentle and people-oriented, making them popular companions for families with children
• Suitable for first-time dog owners? Often a good choice for first-time owners thanks to their trainability, adaptable nature and desire to work closely with their people
• Best suited to: Families, couples and individuals looking for an affectionate, intelligent companion that enjoys companionship, training and being part of everyday life

Remember that every Spoodle is an individual with their own personality and behaviours which may differ from the breed's stereotypical characteristics

What people love about Spoodles

Spoodles have become one of Australia's most popular companion breeds for many reasons:

• Friendly, affectionate personalities help them form strong bonds with their family.
• A highly intelligent nature often makes training enjoyable and rewarding.
• Their adaptable size suits a variety of living situations, from apartments to larger homes.
• Low-shedding coats can mean less hair around the home compared to many other breeds.
• Many enjoy making friends with both people and other pets.
• Playful, social temperaments mean they're often just as happy joining family adventures as they are curling up on the couch afterwards.

Important things to consider

Spoodles can make wonderful companions in the right home. Before bringing one into your family, it's worth considering the following to ensure you're a great match for each other:

• Regular grooming and coat maintenance are important to keep their coat comfortable and tangle-free.
• Strong bonds with their people mean they generally thrive when included in family activities.
• Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for this intelligent breed.
• Early training and socialisation help channel their enthusiasm into positive behaviours.
• Naturally alert personalities can sometimes make them enthusiastic commentators on household activity.
• Long ears benefit from regular cleaning and monitoring as part of a routine grooming schedule.

History & Origins of the Spoodle

The Spoodle is a relatively modern designer breed created by crossing a Cocker Spaniel with a Poodle (usually a Toy Poodle or Miniature Poodle).

Like many popular "Oodle" breeds, Spoodles were developed to combine the best-loved qualities of their parent breeds. The goal was to create a friendly, intelligent companion that paired the Poodle's trainability and low-shedding coat with the Cocker Spaniel's affectionate and outgoing nature.

Common Traits & Characteristics of Spoodles

Physical Appearance

Spoodles are compact, sturdy dogs with expressive eyes, floppy ears and soft coats that often give them a teddy bear-like appearance.

Size

Most Spoodles reach their full adult size between 10-12 months of age. They’re typically small breed dogs, though size can vary depending on what type of Poodle the parent is.

Height (to withers)	25 – 38cm
Weight	5 – 14kg

Coat

A Spoodle’s coat texture can vary between individuals depending on their genetic make up. Some inherit a curlier Poodle-like coat, while others have a softer wavy coat that more closely resembles a Cocker Spaniel.

Coat Trait	Details
Colours	Gold, cream, apricot, chocolate, black, red, parti-colour and combinations with white markings
Coat Length	Medium to long
Coat Type	Wavy, fleece-like or curly
Hypoallergenic?	Many Spoodles are considered more allergy-friendly due to their low-shedding coat, though no dog breed is entirely hypoallergenic
Shedding Level	Low

Personality and Temperament

Spoodles are often described as social butterflies. Affectionate and people-focused, they usually enjoy being involved in everyday family life and thrive on companionship. Many inherit the Poodle's intelligence alongside the Cocker Spaniel's loving nature, creating a dog that is both clever and eager to connect with people.

Many Spoodles retain their playful, puppy-like enthusiasm well into adulthood, bringing plenty of fun and energy to everyday life. Whether it's joining a walk, learning a new trick or simply spending time with their favourite people, most Spoodles enjoy being part of the action.

Trainability and Behaviour

Thanks to their intelligence and willingness to please, Spoodles are generally considered highly trainable. Positive reinforcement techniques, including treats, toys and praise, tend to deliver the best results. Short, engaging training sessions often keep them motivated and focused.

 Some common behavioural challenges seen Spoodles include:

• Excessive barking
• Jumping up when excited
• Separation anxiety related behaviours
• Pulling on lead

Early training and socialisation can help build confidence and encourage positive habits from a young age.

Sociability

One of the Spoodle's biggest strengths is its friendly, outgoing nature. Many enjoy meeting new people and exploring new environments, and their cheerful disposition often helps them adapt well to a variety of social situations.

Early socialisation plays an important role in helping Spoodles grow into confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. Positive exposure to different people, animals and environments from a young age can help them feel comfortable in unfamiliar situations and support positive social skills throughout their lives.

Do Spoodles get along with...

Children?

Many Spoodles make wonderful family dogs and often enjoy the company of children. Their playful nature and affectionate temperament can make them excellent companions when interactions are supervised and respectful. 

Other dogs?

Most Spoodles enjoy socialising with other dogs, particularly when introduced to them through positive experiences from a young age.

Cats and other pets?

When raised alongside other animals or introduced thoughtfully, many Spoodles live happily with cats and other household pets.

Strangers?

Friendly and outgoing personalities often mean Spoodles are quick to make new friends, although individual preferences can vary.

What to Expect as Your Spoodle Grows

Spoodles go through several developmental phases, each with their own unique needs.

Puppyhood (0–12 months)

The first year of a Spoodle’s life is full of learning, growth and discovery. During this stage, you may experience:

• Curious and playful behaviour
• Teething and chewing
• Rapid growth and development
• Early socialisation opportunities
• Learning household routines and manners

This is the ideal time to establish training foundations, social skills, and positive experiences that can benefit your Spoodle throughout life. Puppy School, positive reinforcement training and safe socialisation experiences can all help set them up for success.

Adulthood (1–7 years)

Once fully grown, Spoodles enter their prime years. During adulthood, you may notice:

• A more settled personality
• Continued enthusiasm for play and learning
• Strong attachment to family members
• Ongoing need for exercise and enrichment

These are typically their most active years, making regular exercise, training and social interaction especially important.

Senior Years (8+ years)

As your Spoodle enters their golden years, you may notice:

• More time spent resting
• Reduced energy levels
• Changes in mobility
• Increased need for veterinary visits

Senior dogs often continue enjoying exercise and enrichment, although activities may need to be adapted to suit their changing needs. Regular health checks, appropriate nutrition and supportive care can help them remain comfortable and active.

Caring for a Spoodle

Food & Nutrition 

Spoodles should be fed a complete and balanced small breed diet appropriate for their size and life stage.

Spoodle Age	What to Feed
8 weeks - 11 months	Small breed puppy food
1–7 years	Small breed adult dog food
8+ years	Small breed senior dog food

Exercise & Mental Stimulation

Spoodles are playful, energetic dogs that generally enjoy being active and involved in family life. Most benefit from around 45–60 minutes of daily exercise, though individual needs can vary depending on age, health and personality. A balanced routine that combines physical exercise, mental enrichment and plenty of social interaction can help keep a Spoodle happy, confident and content.

Activities Spoodles enjoy include:

• Daily walks
• Learning new tricks
• Puzzle toys and interactive enrichment
• Scent games

 Their intelligence and eagerness to please often make training an enjoyable way to provide both mental stimulation and quality bonding time.

Space Requirements

One of the reasons Spoodles have become such popular companion dogs is their adaptability. Their relatively small size means they can live comfortably in apartments, townhouses or larger homes, provided their exercise and enrichment needs are met.

While access to a secure outdoor area is always a bonus, the most important factor is ensuring your Spoodle receives enough daily activity, companionship and opportunities to engage their mind. Many are happiest when they can spend plenty of time with their family and be included in everyday activities, whether that's joining you on walks, accompanying you on outings or simply curling up nearby at the end of the day.

Grooming Needs

A Spoodle's soft, often curly or wavy coat requires regular maintenance to keep it healthy, comfortable and free from tangles. While their low-shedding coat is one of the breed's most appealing traits, it does mean grooming becomes an important part of their routine care.

Most Spoodles benefit from:

• Brushing several times per week to prevent tangles and matting
• Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks to help maintain coat length and condition
• Regular ear cleaning and checks, particularly after swimming or bathing
• Regular dental care to support dental health
• Routine nail trimming and eye cleaning as needed

Consistent grooming not only helps keep your Spoodle looking their best, but also provides a valuable opportunity to monitor their skin, coat, ears and overall health. Introducing grooming from puppyhood can help build positive associations and make grooming sessions easier throughout life.

Common Health Conditions in Spoodles

Spoodles are generally considered healthy dogs and often live long, happy lives, especially when their needs are well met and owners are proactive with preventative health care. However, like all dogs, they can still be predisposed to certain inherited and breed-related health conditions, including:

• Ear infections: Long ears can reduce airflow and increase moisture retention.
• Skin allergies and sensitivities: Can cause itching, irritation or recurring skin issues.
• Patella luxation: Dislocation of the kneecap that can result in intermittent lameness.
• Hip dysplasia: Abnormal development of the hip joint that can lead to discomfort, lameness, stiffness over time
• Cataracts and other eye conditions, including inherited eye disorders seen in some lines.
• Gastrointestinal upsets

These are some of the more common conditions, but they're not the only health issues your Spoodle may experience. Many illnesses are not breed-specific, so it's important to be familiar with the common signs of pain and illness in dogs and know when to contact your vet.

Routine health checks, preventative care and monitoring changes in behaviour, appetite, skin, ears or eyes can help identify problems early.

How Much Does a Spoodle Cost?

Before bringing a Spoodle home, it's important to understand the ongoing costs involved in caring for a dog. While Spoodles are relatively small dogs, their regular grooming requirements, long lifespan and active, social nature mean you'll need to budget for their care throughout every stage of life.

Initial Costs

Purchase or adoption fee: The cost of a Spoodle puppy can vary depending on whether you purchase from a reputable breeder or adopt through a shelter or rescue organisation. Adoption fees are generally lower and help support animal welfare organisations.

• Desexing: If not already desexed, this is an important one-off cost to consider.
• Microchipping: A legal requirement of dog ownership in many areas. If your new Spoodle is already microchipped, make sure you transfer the details into your name.
• Vaccinations: Protect your dog for some common infectious diseases. After the initial puppy vaccination course, vaccinations will become an ongoing annual expense.
• Basic supplies: Bed, crate or playpen, bowls, lead, harness, toys, enrichment items and grooming tools. Investing in quality equipment from the beginning can help set your new puppy up for success.

Ongoing Costs

• Food: Spoodles require a complete and balanced small breed diet appropriate for their age and activity level. As an active and intelligent breed, maintaining a healthy weight through appropriate nutrition is important.
• Health care: Includes routine preventative healthcare such as annual health checks, vaccinations and parasite prevention, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of unexpected illnesses or injuries.
• Grooming: Regular grooming is one of the more significant ongoing expenses for many Spoodle owners. Professional grooming appointments every 6–8 weeks are commonly recommended, alongside routine brushing and coat maintenance at home.
• Training and enrichment: Puppy School, obedience classes, puzzle toys, enrichment games and ongoing training activities can help keep a Spoodle mentally stimulated and support positive behaviours throughout life.
• Pet insurance: Can help manage the financial impact of unexpected veterinary expenses and provide added peace of mind throughout your Spoodle's life.
• Registration: An annual fee from your local council. Varies with region.

Best Names for a Spoodle

When choosing a name, you might consider:

• Teddy bear-inspired names
• Names inspired by their curly coat
• Playful names that reflect their personality
• Human names that suit their friendly nature
• Names inspired by their colour or markings
• A meaningful name shared by the whole family

Find Everything Your Spoodle Needs from Puppyhood to their Golden Years

Whether you already share your home with a Spoodle or are preparing to welcome one into your family, understanding their unique needs is key to enjoying many happy years with this playful, affectionate and people-loving companion.

Find everything you need to care for your Spoodle – from premium dog food and training essentials to toys, beds, grooming supplies and enrichment products – at Petbarn.