Sproodle

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Good with Children:

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Height: 36 - 41cm M | 33 - 38cm F

Weight: 11 - 16kg M | 10 - 15kg F

Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 Years

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Introduction

The Sproodle, also known as Springerdoodle, Springerdoodle Retriever, Springerpoo, or Springerpoo Retriever, is a medium-sized crossbred canine. It is a hybrid of the English Springer Spaniel and the Poodle (Miniature or Standard). Its reputation as one of the most popular crossbreeds in the UK is due to its enthusiasm, affectionate nature, intelligence, and loyalty. As such, the Sproodle is a great choice for families and even first-time canine owners.

Being of mixed parentage, the Sproodle is still not acknowledged by The Kennel Club as a dog breed of its own. However, the American Canine Hybrid Club accepts such registrations.

History

The Sproodle is a relatively new hybrid, first emerging in the 1980s in the USA. It is the result of crossing a Standard or Miniature Poodle with an English Springer Spaniel. Its crossbreeding was due to breeders’ desire to develop an active, smart, and charming canine breed with a low-shed coat. The Springerdoodle eventually gained a lot of fans beyond the US because of its well-balanced and friendly nature. In the UK, it has ranked among the top 100 popular dogs.

Whilst the Springerpoo is still not recognised as a breed by international breed groups, there are local clubs focused on this hybrid canine. Such groups were formed with the aim of ensuring the Sproodles produced are well-bred and healthy. Setting a breed standard for future recognition is also on the agenda for these clubs.

Appearance and Grooming

On average, the Sproodle stands at a height ranging from 45-56 cm. Its average weight is anywhere between 22-32 kg.

This designer breed has a medium-sized body with typically dark eyes that have an intelligent and mischievous glint to them. It has a strong jaw, moderately long muzzle, and ears set wide and flopping down the sides of the head. This dog has a well-sprung ribcage and muscular hindquarters and back legs. Its feet are firm and compact with strong, dark-coloured nails. The Sproodle’s tail is mounted high on its rear.

The Springerdoodle’s soft, double-layered coat is medium to long, hypoallergenic, and weather-resistant. The coat can be curly or wavy like one of its parents or straight. Some may have feathering on the ears, front legs, and body.

Shedding can range from low to moderate, and colours can vary. If the dog has more of a Poodle coat (curly), it sheds far less than if it inherited the English Springer Spaniel parent’s coat. As such, grooming depends on the type of coat it inherits. The most often seen hues are brown, dark brown or chocolate, brown and white, black, black and white, and cream or white.

The Sproodle takes a number of its physical attributes from one of its parents. However, a Sproodle litter can consist of different looking puppies. This is because the pups can get their features from either parent breeds.

Temperament and Intelligence

What kind of dog is a Sproodle? It is playful, funny, intelligent, energetic, affectionate, gentle, loyal, and eager to please. This is no surprise considering its parent breeds are both good-natured and smart.

The Sproodle loves human company and is good with children and other domestic animals, making it an ideal family pet. It is also a suitable dog for individuals who are active in the outdoors, considering its high energy. This breed likes to play in the water and even swim.

Since this crossbreed has a high energy level, it needs considerable exercise. Though a good first dog, the Sproodle owner must give enough time to put this dog through its paces physically and mentally. This breed may be given to barking without real reason, though. However, it can tolerate being left alone but not for far too long.

Being a smart canine, the Sproodle is easy to train. This breed has been used for performing tricks and has engaged in dog competitions involving agility and obedience. With enough socialisation and firm direction, the young Springerdoodle will develop into a confident and well-adjusted pet.

Nutrition and Feeding

A high quality diet that supplies necessary nutrients keeps the Sproodle healthy. Sudden shifting to a new menu should be avoided as this may cause gastrointestinal issues.

It is recommended to feed the Sproodle twice a day. Sproodle pups should be fed small portions but with more frequency. For 2-month old puppies, 240-260 grams of food should be supplied daily, depending on size and activity level. For 3-month old pups, 290-310 grams. At 4 months, it should be fed 315-340 grams of food daily. From 5-10 months, the portion ranges from 325-280 grams.

When a Sproodle pup turns 12 months old, it can be given adult dog food. The ones weighing 23 kg can be given 250-330 g daily, depending on size and activity level. The ones at 25 kg may be given 275-360 of food. Those tipping the scales at 30 kg can eat up to 392 grams of food.

Health and Exercise

A Sproodle can live up to 10-15 years old, depending on the quality of care and food. This breed can be affected by hereditary health problems inherited from either parent, as follows:

Bloat
Melanoma
Addison’s disease
Cancer
Liver shunt
Autoimmune disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Ear disorders
Hip dysplasia
Epilepsy
Rabies vaccine sensitivity

Not all Sproodles will inherit any of the conditions mentioned. Being a high energy dog, the Sproodle needs its share of daily exercise (40-60 minutes). It does not require wide spaces although walking it in open areas is enjoyable for the Sproodle. It should also be allowed to exercise off-lead as much as possible to allow it to explore. Fencing in homes with a yard should be reinforced to keep this energetic pooch from escaping.

Cost of Ownership

When acquiring a Springerdoodle puppy from a breeder, ensure that the canine parents have been health checked. This helps avoid complications later in the pup’s life.

A well-bred Sproodle puppy can cost around £400 to £1000. Prospective owners will need to register and put on a waitlist. The insurance cost can range from £26 (basic) to £47 (lifetime) monthly. Quality dog food can range from £20-30 every month. Veterinary expenses, including vaccinations, health checks, and spaying/neutering, may reach £900 annually.

Overall, the average expense in caring for a Sproodle is about £60--£80 per month. This cost is dependent on the insurance coverage. Lifetime ownership cost estimates can range from £7,200 to £14,400.

Sproodle Breed Highlights

The Sproodle is a friendly, gentle, well-adjusted, and energetic dog ideal for families and first-time owners.
This canine’s fur is hypoallergenic and weather-resistant. Shedding volume depends on which parent the Sproodle inherited its coat’s features.
Its high intelligence makes this dog breed easy to train. It also needs much mental stimulation.
The Sproodle or Springerdoodle is good with children and other pets in the home.
Its high energy level requires much physical exercise.
This dog can be left on its own but not for very long periods.
The Sproodle is exposed to hereditary health conditions of both its parental breeds.