Spoodles are loved for their friendly, sociable nature and irresistibly cute looks. A cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, Spoodles (aka Cockapoos) inherit a mix of traits that make them exceptional family pets.
Whether you already share your life with a Spoodle, or thinking about welcoming one into your life, this go-to guide has everything you need to know about parenting these pups.
Our holistic approach covers all the ins and outs of your pup’s health, from choosing the best food for Spoodles to supporting their physical and mental health.
Top breed takeaways
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Breed history
Spoodles were originally bred in the mid-20th century to create a highly trainable and hypoallergenic dog. Fast-forward to today and they’re the third most popular Oodle breed in Australia.
Key characteristics
Spoodles are gentle with a playful spirit, making them endearing companions. They thrive on social interaction, developing strong bonds with their families and great with children.
Health considerations
Spoodles are generally healthy but can be prone to specific health issues such as skin allergies, joint issues, and eye conditions. A balanced diet rich in omega fatty acids, ingredients with antioxidant properties, and high-quality protein can help support their joint, eye, and overall health.
Appearance
With round faces, expressive eyes, and floppy ears, their adorable teddy bear appearance is hard to resist. They inherit a distinctive curly or wavy coat from their Poodle and Spaniel parents, which comes in various colours like apricot, cream, chocolate, black, or a mix of several shades.
Spoodle personality and temperament
Bubbly, outgoing, and spirited, Spoodles make instant friends with dogs and humans wherever they go.
Their intelligence from the Poodle side combined with the Cocker Spaniel’s sensitivity makes them eager to please and easy to train. Affectionate and adoring, these perceptive pups are often attuned to the emotions of those around them. Spoodles are also very gentle, so they’re great with children and other pets.
Spoodles 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.
Real insights from a Spoodle parent
For a real glimpse into life with a Spoodle, this is what Natalia has to say about her experience being a dog-parent to Winston.
"Winston isn’t just a dog – he’s the ultimate family member. Full of energy and affection, he’s always ready to hang out, whether it’s at the beach or the local pub. He’s the life of the party, constantly seeking attention and making friends with everyone – humans and dogs alike. There’s nothing he won’t do…except let you brush his teeth! "
– Natalia, Winston’s dog parent (he’s on Lyka).
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Size guide
A full-grown Spoodle's final weight and height vary depending on their gender and whether a Cocker Spaniel is crossed with a Standard, Miniature or Toy Poodle.
They typically weigh between 4-16 kg and can grow between 25-46 cm tall, with Toy Spoodles on the smaller end of the scale, and Standard Spoodles on the higher end.
Spoodles tend to stop growing in height by 12 months when they reach adulthood and physical maturity.
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How long do Spoodles live?
Spoodles have a lifespan of up to 16 years.
As dog parents, we want our pups to live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible – and there’s a lot we can easily do to help them thrive. Every dog deserves a long, vibrant life, and it begins with a thoughtful, holistic approach to their wellbeing.
A nourishing real food diet (like Lyka), regular exercise, mental stimulation, training, grooming, and regular vet check-ups all work together to help your pup feel their very best.
Read more: The real cost of chronic illness in dogs and how you can prevent it →
"Spoodles need a complete and balanced diet and benefit from real food to promote a healthy gut microbiome. They also benefit from ingredients containing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, like omega-3 fatty acids, to support skin, coat and joint health. Lyka’s real food is vet-formulated to put your Spoodle’s health and wellbeing first."
— Dr Alexander England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)
Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience.
What does a Spoodle eat?
Spoodles have a zest for life that deserves to be fuelled with nutritious food.
The best diet for a Spoodle is made with real food ingredients like high-quality protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats. Just like us, dogs thrive on fresh, nutrient-dense meals that can boost their energy levels and support their overall health.
Lyka’s human-grade, real food meals are gently cooked to retain the tastes, textures, and nutrients of each carefully selected ingredient. They’re easy to digest, help keep your pup hydrated, and delicious – perfect for even the fussiest eaters.
Maintaining the right weight and body shape is crucial for a Spoodle’s health and wellbeing. Excess weight or obesity can lead to other diseases and affect their joints, mobility, quality of life, and lifespan.
That’s why Lyka meals are custom portioned to meet your pup’s specific needs, helping you keep them at their healthiest and happiest.
Read more: The life changing benefits of real food for dogs →
Do Spoodle puppies need special food?
Contrary to popular belief, puppies don’t need special puppy food if they’re getting the right portion of nutrient-dense real food.
Spoodle puppies need a diet containing high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low GI carbohydrates for slow-release energy, like Lyka.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development →
Read more: Puppy vs adult food: what our experts want you to know →
Spoodle health issues
1. Skin allergies
Spoodles can be prone to skin allergies. While food may be the cause, so can environmental factors like grass or pollen.
Addressing allergies starts by removing the trigger. If it’s food-related, an elimination diet is the only way to identify the problematic ingredient. Environmental allergies can be harder to control, but a thorough wipe-down after outdoor exercise can be beneficial.
A real food diet can help to reduce skin sensitivities by promoting a healthy immune response to allergens and strengthening the skin's defence against irritants.
Look for real ingredients full of skin-loving properties, like:
🌱 Hemp seeds: rich in omega-3 with anti-inflammatory properties to calm skin irritations.
💛 Safflower oil: full of Vitamin E for nourished and moisturised skin.
🐟 Fish oil: contains potent omega-3 to address inflamed and dry skin.
Read more: Dog skin allergies: triggers, symptoms and itch relief treatment →
2. Joint conditions
Spoodles can be prone to inherited developmental conditions like hip dysplasia, which is an abnormally shallow hip socket that causes the joint to slip.
Rapid growth as a puppy (caused by too much dietary calcium or protein) can also be a factor. Some dogs can develop arthritis because their joints have tried to compensate for the unstable movement.
You can support your Spoodle’s joints with ingredients that have anti-inflammatory properties, like omega fatty acids at the optimal ratio.
Lyka meals are rich in omega-3 from fish oil and sardines. We also use fresh Aussie produce like vegetables and plant superfoods (full of phytochemicals and antioxidant properties) to help maintain strong and supple joints.
Look for these other joint-loving ingredients in Lyka meals:
🥥 Coconut: full of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to support supple joints
🌱 Fennel Seeds: a superfood that’s great for swollen joints and arthritis
Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog's diet help →
3. Eye conditions
Eye conditions, like progressive retinal atrophy, can affect Spoodles. This is a degenerative disease that impacts the photoreceptor cells in a dog’s eye, eventually leading to blindness.
It’s an inherited disease, so speak to your breeder about how they have mitigated the risks by selecting their breeding pairs.
Although you may not be able to change your dog’s genetics, you can support their eye health through nutrition.
Meals containing ingredients with antioxidant properties may help, though more research needs to be done to confirm the benefits.
Look for these ingredients in Lyka meals:
🧡 Turmeric: contains curcumin, an active ingredient with antioxidant properties to help fight cellular damage.
🥕 Carrots: packed with beta-carotene that can promote eye health.
Spoodle coats, grooming, and hygiene tips
Grooming your Spoodle is about more than just a neat coat – it’s essential for their overall health.
A consistent grooming routine helps maintain healthy skin, trim nails, and clean teeth. By investing a little time in their hygiene, you ensure your dog stays healthy and happy.
Coat types and shedding
Spoodles have a curly or wavy single coat. They’re usually low shedding and allergy-friendly, but if they’ve inherited more dominant Spaniel genes, their coats may shed.
Grooming
Spoodles need to be brushed and clipped regularly to keep their thick coats from matting or cording.
If your Spoodle’s coat is more Spaniel in nature, use a pin brush to remove the loose, dead hair and minimise shedding.
They only need a bath every 6-8 weeks, unless they’ve rolled in something particularly dirty or smelly. Remember to use dog-friendly shampoo, as human products can irritate their skin.
Hygiene
Your pup’s nails can grow surprisingly fast. They need to be trimmed regularly, or they can cause discomfort and affect how your dog walks.
Introduce your Spoodle to nail trims from an early age so they’re used to the sensation and the tools. Don’t forget to reward them with a high-value treat at the end, so they develop a positive association with the process.
Brushing your dog's teeth a few times a week helps reduce tartar buildup and supports healthy gums.
Routine ear checks are important as their floppy ears can trap moisture, making them prone to infections. You can give them a gentle wipe with a clean, damp cloth, but be careful not to reach too far into their ear, as this can cause damage.
And don’t forget to inspect your dog’s paws frequently, checking for cuts, debris, or irritation between their pads.
Spoodle exercise requirements
Spoodles are an active breed that loves exercise and plenty of mental stimulation. Give them at least 60 minutes of daily walks or runs to keep them fit. Interactive toys or a friendly game of fetch are also ideal enrichment activities to keep their minds and bodies occupied.
They can be prone to boredom which may lead to destructive behaviour, so give them positive outlets for their energy.
A high-protein, low-glycaemic index diet, like Lyka’s real food meals, provides steady, nutritious energy to complement their active lifestyle.
Training your Spoodle
Both Poodles and Cocker Spaniels were originally bred as sporting dogs to support the hunt, making Spoodles clever and capable with a cooperative demeanour.
For puppies, toilet training requires frequent breaks (expect one hour of bladder control per month of age), while crate training offers a safe space and helps with house-training. Controlled socialisation through puppy school or meet-ups is essential for building confidence and social skills.
Training should continue throughout their life, with enrichment activities and routines to keep them stimulated. Your pup’s receptivity to training can be improved with the right nutrition that helps support consistent moods, steady energy levels, and cognitive development.
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training →
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How to choose a reputable Spoodle breeder
If you’ve decided that a Spoodle is the perfect pup for you, we’re here to support you all the way! The next step is to find a reputable breeder.
What do we mean by ‘reputable breeder’?
Reputable, ethical breeders establish programs, planning a limited number of litters from breeding pairs carefully selected for their health and temperament. They believe the health and wellbeing of their dogs and puppies are paramount.
Ethical breeders often have an application and selection process and may even have a waitlist. They should be receptive to scheduled visits so you can see their facilities and meet their dogs in person.
It’s also a great opportunity to ask them questions about their program and enquire about how they’ve addressed common health conditions, like scoring for hip dysplasia.
A puppy farm (factory, or mill) often operates in poor conditions and on a large scale to maximise their profit. Health and wellbeing are of secondary importance, if at all, leading to puppies that often have long-term health and behavioural issues.
How do I find a reputable Spoodle breeder?
Often each state has a recognised breed club that can provide a list of reputable breeders that will usually have a website, social media channels, and direct contact details. RightPaw is also a helpful site to support you on your puppy journey.
Another approach is to speak to other dog parents. It’s a great way to gain invaluable insight into their first-hand experience and give you even more of a taste of what life is really like with a Spoodle.
How much is a Spoodle puppy?
You can expect to pay around $3,500 to $5,800 for a Spoodle puppy from an ethical breeder in Australia. But remember that the ongoing cost of parenting a dog is a significant commitment of money and time. Veterinary bills can be expensive and unexpected, so it’s worth considering pet insurance too.
If you want to adopt a dog from a shelter, we’re right behind you. Try to find out as much information about them as you can but recognise that a lot of their history will be unknown.
When you bring them home, show them love, patience, and consistency to help them settle into a new and secure life with you.
Read more: How much does a dog cost? The real price of dog ownership →
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FAQs
Still got some unanswered questions about the Spoodle breed? Check out our FAQs for more information.
Are Spoodles hypoallergenic?
Yes, Spoodles are generally considered hypoallergenic because of their low-shedding coats.
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 warm and comfortable bed to sleep in. Be consistent with your expectations from day one, so they know where to go. Crate training is a great way to give them a safe place to enjoy throughout the day, and a dedicated den for the night.
Should Spoodles be left alone?
Spoodles develop strong bonds with their pack and can become sensitive to separation if left alone for long periods.
What’s the difference between a Spoodle and a Cavoodle?
A Spoodle is a Poodle + Cocker Spaniel hybrid, while a Cavoodle is a Poodle + Cavalier King Charles Spaniel hybrid.
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Parenting your Spoodle comes with many decisions, like choosing the best diet for your new best friend.
Designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, and made with real, human-grade ingredients, our meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Spoodles across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.
