Spoodles, also known as Cockapoos, are loved for their friendly, sociable nature and irresistibly cute looks. As a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, Spoodles inherit a mix of traits that make them exceptional family pets.  

Whether you’re thinking about adding a pup to your pack or already have a dog, this is your go-to guide to Spoodles. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about these adorable companions – from holistic health to training tips – so you and your Spoodle can make the most of every moment together. 

Top breed takeaways

• What does a Spoodle look like? Spoodles are typically small to medium in size. They inherit a distinctive curly or wavy coat from their Poodle parent, which can come in various colors such as apricot, cream, chocolate, black, or a mix of several shades. Their round faces, expressive eyes, and floppy ears give them an adorable, teddy bear-like appearance that’s hard to resist.  

• Spoodle temperament: one of the Spoodle’s best traits is its friendly and outgoing nature. They are affectionate and eager to please, making them easy to train. Their intelligence from the Poodle side combined with the Cocker Spaniel’s sensitivity makes them perceptive, often attuned to the emotions of those around them. Spoodles thrive on human interaction and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods, so they’re best suited for families who can give them the time and attention they crave. 

• What is a Spoodle mixed with? Spoodles are a designer breed; a cross between an English Cocker Spaniel with a Poodle (Toy, Mini, or Standard size). 

• How long does a Spoodle live for? Spoodles have a lifespan of up to 16 years. You can support your pup’s long, healthy life with a holistic approach to health, including nutritious food, and plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

How big does a Spoodle grow? 

Spoodles reach maturity by the time they’re 12 months old. Their mature height and weight depend on their gender and the size of their parents. 

Toy Spoodle: 
Height: 25-30cm 
Weight: 4-6kg 

Mini Spoodle: 
Height: 30-38cm 
Weight: 7-11kg 

Standard Spoodle:
Height: 38-46xm 
Weight: 11-16kg 

Caring for a Spoodle puppy 

Whether you’re welcoming your first puppy or adding another to your pack, raising a Spoodle is a journey of love, laughs, and learning together. With the right guidance, you’ll be well-equipped to help them thrive. 

Feeding a Spoodle puppy 

Spoodle puppies benefit from a diet rich in high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low glycaemic load carbohydrates for sustained energy. 
 
Puppies don’t need special puppy food if they’re getting the right proportion of nutrients to support their development. With Lyka’s custom-portioned, nutrient-dense meals, mealtime is no longer a guessing game – it’s an easy step toward a happier, healthier Spoodle.  

Read more: Puppy vs adult food: what our experts want you to know →

How to train a Spoodle 

Thanks to their intelligence, Spoodles tend to be quick learners who love learning new tricks. With the right nutrition to fuel their clever minds, you’ll find your Spoodle picking up on cues and commands with ease. Lyka’s real food meals help maintain energy, mood, and memory for training success. 

How to train a Spoodle puppy 

When you first bring home a Spoodle puppy, toilet training is usually first on the list. Puppies can hold their bladder for one hour for every month of age, so they’ll need bathroom breaks throughout the day and night. View each visit as an opportunity to reinforce your routine – even the 2am trips in your pyjamas! There’s bound to be a few accidents along the way, but with patience and consistency, they’ll get the hang of it in no time.  

Spoodles are quick learners with a heart for fun – from nailing their first trick to bouncing happily toward their next. With positive reinforcement, you’ll see how eager they are to connect and please. Enrichment activities and early socialisation build your puppy’s confidence and cognitive skills. Obedience classes are also a fun way to bond with your pup and keep them mentally sharp. 

The gold standard of training is force-free training, focusing on building a strong and respectful relationship. 

How much exercise does a Spoodle need?

Spoodles are an active breed that loves playtime and plenty of mental stimulation. Daily walks or runs, interactive toys, or a friendly game of fetch are ideal to keep them happy and healthy. They can be prone to boredom which may lead to destructive behaviour, so give them positive outlets for their energy. 

How to groom a Spoodle

One of the main appeals of the Spoodle is their low-shedding coat – great for allergy-sensitive households. Their thick and curly hair requires regular brushing to prevent matting, along with professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to maintain their teddy-bear good looks.  

Regular ear cleaning is essential, as their floppy ears can trap moisture, making them prone to infections. Teeth brushing and nail trimming should also be part of their regular grooming routine. 

If you'd like the fuss-free option, you can always take your Spoodle to a groomer. However, if you'd like to take care of grooming yourself, here's what to look out for: 

How often should I wash my Spoodle? 

Spoodles need a bath every 6-8 weeks, unless they’ve rolled in something particularly unpleasant. Always use dog-friendly shampoo, as human products can irritate their skin. 

Why does my Spoodle smell? 

All clean and healthy dogs have a slight doggie aroma. But if your pup has a pungent odour, it may be caused by one of these issues: 

Ear infections. Ear mites leave a malodorous dark brown, waxy discharge. Speak to your vet about treatment. 

Oral health. If your dog has bad breath, they may have a dental issue, like gingivitis, requiring further investigation by your vet. Remember to clean their teeth regularly. 

Skin infections or allergies. All dogs can suffer from skin allergies. If hives are scratched, they can become infected and smell if left untreated. 

Digestive issues. High-wheat, corn, or legume diets can lead to unpleasant gas or anal gland issues. Instead, fuel them with fresh, digestible food like Lyka, which promotes overall digestive health.  

 

Feeding your Spoodle 

This bubbly breed needs real, nutritious food to fuel their busy minds and active bodies. The best Spoodle diet is rich in high-quality protein, nutrient-dense ingredients, and healthy fats. Lyka’s meals are designed to meet the needs of every Spoodle, from curious puppies to wise seniors. 

Maintaining the right weight and body shape is crucial for a Spoodle as excess weight can affect their mobility, quality of life, and lifespan.  

Every dog is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Lyka calculates your pup’s portions based on their age, weight, and activity level. 

Common health concerns for Spoodles

Spoodles from reputable breeders are generally healthy. Like all dogs, they can still develop health issues or inherit conditions from their parents. 

Skin allergies 

Spoodles can be prone to skin allergies, often triggered by food or an environmental allergen. Dogs who experience allergies typically have red, itchy, and inflamed skin, hives, or recurring ear infections. For dogs prone to allergies, choose food formulated to be free from common allergens.  

Read more: Dog food allergies vs intolerances: our experts explain the difference →

Arthritis 

Spoodles can develop joint conditions like arthritis — a painful condition that can impact your dog’s mobility and quality of life.  

Read more: Arthritis in dogs: tips to naturally help your pup's sore joints →

IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) 

Chronic digestive upsets, like IBD or Chronic Enteropathy, can affect Spoodles. Gastrointestinal symptoms can include vomiting and diarrhoea.  

Speak to your vet for expert advice if you’re concerned about any of these conditions. 

Read more: Sensitive stomachs in dogs: how to relieve your pup's discomfort →

How much does a Spoodle cost?

If the thought of sharing your life with an adorable Spoodle fills you with joy, we’re right behind you: the bond between a pup and parent is very special. But it’s a lifelong commitment that shouldn’t be taken lightly. 

If you’re wondering how much a Spoodle is, a puppy from a reputable breeder can cost up to $6,000. Along with the cost of buying or adopting a dog, there’s the ongoing cost of ownership like healthcare, food, training, exercise, and equipment. Veterinary bills can be expensive and unexpected, so it’s worth considering pet insurance too.  
 
Maintaining your dog’s health with a holistic approach, including nutrition from fresh food, is essential for their wellbeing and can be a preventative measure against common health concerns, like skin conditions. 

Read more: How much does a dog cost? The real price of dog ownership →

Spoode FAQs 

Are Spoodles hypoallergenic? 

Yes, Spoodles are considered hypoallergenic because of their low-shedding coats, thanks to their Poodle genes.  

Do Spoodles get along with cats and other pets? 

With early socialisation and training, this breed can get on with other family pets.  

Is a Spoodle a good family dog? 

Absolutely! Their friendly and fun personalities make them excellent family dogs.  

When should I desex my Spoodle? 

If you want to desex your dog, speak to your vet who will consider your dog’s age, size, health, and behaviour to determine the right time for the procedure. 

For how long is a Spoodle pregnant? 

A Spoodle is pregnant for 63 days. 

Where should my Spoodle sleep? 

Give your pup a cosy bed to sleep in: their own, or yours, whichever you prefer. Crate training is a great way to give them a safe place to enjoy throughout the day, and a dedicated den for the night. But be consistent with your expectations from day one.  

Should Spoodles be left alone? 

Spoodles develop strong bonds with their pack and can become sensitive to separation if left alone for long periods.  

 

Parenting a Spoodle comes with many decisions. Lyka exists to make mealtimes easy, with tailored meal plans delivered to your door. We’re proud to be fueling Spoodles across Australia — from energetic pups, all the way through to dogs in their golden years.  

Join our pack of proud Spoodle parents today.