Springerdoodle

What do you get when you cross the sporty English springer spaniel with the sassy poodle? The fun-loving springerdoodle! These hybrid dogs, which are often referred to as designer dogs, reflect the best traits of both parent breeds. Like springer spaniels, springerdoodles are active, energetic, loyal, and easy to train; like poodles, they are smart, fun-loving, and have a mischievous streak. Sproodles, as they are also called, are among the most popular of the 44 different types of poodle mixes affectionately known as “doodles.”

Depending on the size of the parent poodle line, springerdoodles can be standard- or mini-sized. The breed is thought to have originated in the U.S. sometime in the 1980s or 1990s, when hybrid dogs first became popular. The International Designer Canine Association first recognized the breed in 2009. If you’re looking for a pet that’s easygoing, intelligent, and active, and that just loves being around people, the springerdoodle is your dog.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Springerdoodle

Evolution and History

As with many hybrid dog breeds, there is little information about exactly when the springerdoodle was first bred. It’s thought the dog was introduced in the late 20th century, and there’s a high probability it was developed during the 1980s-1990s, when there was a demand for “designer dogs” and a surge in popularity for dogs that were crossed with the poodle.

The springerdoodle’s parent breed, the springer spaniel, originated in Spain. It’s likely the “spaniel” part of its name comes from its country of origin, and the “springer” refers to the technique of flushing or springing to chase birds and game up into the air when assisting hunters.

The dogs were imported in the late 12th century into England and in the 1810s, the Boughey family in Shropshire began to develop the breed that would become what we know today as English springer spaniels. By the 1920s, these dogs became popular in the U.S. and are now used as K-9 operatives due to their intelligence, ability to focus, and keen sense of smell.

The springerdoodle’s other parent breed, the poodle, was also originally used as a hunting dog and was an excellent dog to retrieve waterfowl due to its intelligence and gentle bite. Some believe that the poodle has French origins on account of its popularity in France, including being named the country’s national dog in 1786, and famous poodle fans being French royalty, such as King Louis XVI. But it’s more likely that the poodle was first introduced in Germany.

A smaller breed of the standard poodle, the miniature poodle, was also used for hunting, although its target was often truffles in the woods. The smallest variety of the poodle, the toy poodle, was bred to be even more compact. It was popular as a lapdog to nobility as well as with circus performers, who incorporated the dogs into their acts due to their smaller size and their obedience, trainability, and intelligence. In 1874, the Kennel Club in England registered its first poodle, and the American Kennel Club registered its first in 1886. By the 1950s, the poodle had become one of the most popular breeds in the U.S.

Size and Weight

Springerdoodle size depends upon the size of the poodle line from which it was bred. Standard sproodles can weigh anywhere from 30 to 60 pounds and stand up to 24 inches in height. Mini springerdoodles weigh between 5 and 25 pounds and are 10 to 15 inches tall. They will typically reach their full-grown weight and height by 18 months of age. Females are slightly smaller than males.

Common Health Issues

In general, the springerdoodle is a hardy dog. However, springerdoodles can be susceptible to all the health conditions that affect their parent breeds, particularly if the parent stock was highly inbred. That means your sproodle may be at risk for developing hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, Addison’s disease, and thyroid issues.

If at all possible, it’s advisable to have genetic testing done on any puppy you’re interested in buying before you take it home. Regular vet visits throughout your dog’s lifespan should also help keep health conditions under control.

Temperament

Springerdoodles are highly intelligent and very rarely display overtly aggressive behavior. Sproodles are easy to train and thrive on mental and physical stimulation. They are likely to learn new tricks far more quickly than many other breeds, particularly if you use positive reinforcement, because they bask in the praise of their owners. The breed is a natural at agility and other canine sports. These dogs are also well-suited to be therapy dogs and emotional support animals.

Sproodles do best in large houses with a lot of space, but so long as you keep up with your dog’s need for exercise, they can thrive in apartments, too. This dog has a loyal and sociable personality that makes him or her a great fit for single individuals, first-time dog owners, and senior citizens, as well as for the traditional large family with children.

How to Take Care of A Springerdoodle

Springerdoodles are not a one-size-fits-all kind of dog. Every sproodle puppy is unique, so owners need to pay close attention to get a handle on their pet’s specific needs. In general, though, these dogs are characterized by energy, intelligence, and a need to stay emotionally close to their humans.

The Best Dog Food for Springerdoodles

For the most part, springerdoodle owners who get a dog from a responsible source can rest assured that their dog will likely stay healthy for a long time. Although there aren’t many prevalent health problems to worry about for guiding your dog’s nutritional needs, you still want to feed your dog the most wholesome food around. Organic dog food is an excellent start.

Springerdoodle pups should be fed specially formulated puppy food three or four times a day. A pup younger than a year old should be fed about 1 cup of food a day, depending on the size and age. By a year old, your sproodle puppy will be ready for adult food.

Full-grown dogs typically eat between 1 ½ and 3 cups of high-quality kibble divided into two meals every day. If you augment this with wet dog food, you will need to cut back on the kibble. Since no two springerdoodles are ever quite the same, there’s some variation in what constitutes the optimal sproodle diet, too, so it’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian if you have any questions about your pet’s specific dietary needs.

Maintenance and Grooming

Depending on what kind of parents your springerdoodle had, your dog’s coat can be curly, wavy, or straight. Some sproodles’ soft, double-layered coats are medium, while others are long. Daily brushing will prevent mats from forming. A trip to the groomer every six weeks or so for a clipping will help keep your dog cool in the warmer months. Springerdoodles don’t need to be bathed regularly, but their ears should be checked for dirt every day, and their coats should be checked for twigs, leaves, and other detritus, especially if they spend time in a yard unsupervised. As with all dogs, their teeth should be brushed once a day.

Training

Like their poodle and springer spaniel parent strains, springerdoodles are remarkably easy to train. They often grasp tricks after just a few repetitions, especially if you use rewards to reinforce what they’ve just learned. Sproodles thrive on mental stimulation; the more tricks you can teach your dog, the happier your dog is likely to be.

Springerdoodles need lots of exercise, so plan on at least one long walk every day and frequent visits to the dog park where your sproodle can chase balls and run around with other dogs off-leash. Begin leash training with a new puppy as soon as you can. These pets love to swim, too. For full-grown dogs, strive for 60 minutes of exercise a day and walking distances of at least 15 miles a week.

Puppies

Springerdoodle pups aren’t bred from springerdoodle parents, so no two springerdoodle puppies are ever identical in appearance or temperament. Two pups from the same litter can grow up into adult dogs that look completely unalike depending upon whether they reflect the physical characteristics of the springer spaniel or the poodle parent. There’s a certain amount of the unknown when you decide to adopt a sproodle pup.

This is why it’s very important to make sure you’re dealing with a reputable breeder. A responsible breeder is one who keeps clean premises, invests in vet services and genetic testing, is hands-on with early socialization and training activities, and asks you questions to make sure you’re bringing your pup into a good home. Check with your vet or a local chapter of the International Designer Canine Association for recommendations.

Springerdoodles and Children

Springerdoodles get along fabulously with children. After all, they both love to play. These dogs are loyal and forgiving, and they are not big barkers. Of course, sproodle puppies should not be left unattended around young children who don’t yet know their own strength. Similarly, older dogs should be chaperoned when they’re in the presence of toddlers.

Springerdoodle vs. Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles are another poodle hybrid and a mix of poodle and golden retriever lines. Both breeds are cheerful, outgoing animals who are rarely aggressive and who make great companions for young and old alike.

They both have a double-layer coat composed of wavy, dense fur that sheds minimally. Both breeds come in a spectrum of colors that range from white through cream, apricot, and brown to black — though on the whole, goldies are lighter in color than sproodles. Like springerdoodles, goldies range in size from mini to standard, depending upon the size of the poodle bred to the golden retriever. In the same way golden retrievers are larger than springer spaniels, so the typical goldie tends to be larger than the typical springerdoodle.

Other Dogs Similar to A Springerdoodle

Springerdoodles are similar to other poodle hybrids, such as the cockapoo, the Labradoodle, and the Irish doodle:

• Cockapoos: Cockapoos, which are a cross between poodles and cocker spaniels, are the original designer dog. Like sproodles, they are super smart, kid-friendly, and hypoallergenic. If you’re not interested in raising a pup, check with doodle or poodle-mix rescue organizations, as they sometimes have adult springerdoodles available for adoption.
• Labradoodle: Labradoodles combine the athleticism and work ethic of their poodle and Labrador retriever parents. If they are slightly more hyper than springerdoodles, proper training will make them tractable. Again, many labradoodle rescue nonprofits can help you find a suitable adult pet.
• Irish doodles: The Irish doodle is a relatively recent mix of poodle and Irish setter lines. They are known for their wavy red hair and their long, floppy ears. Responsible Irish doodle owners know they have to get serious about grooming, but these smart, sassy, showpiece dogs make it worth the extra trouble.