Springerdoodle

Sporting Dog Histories

The English Springer Spaniel was first bred centuries ago in England. Described as a sporting breed, these dogs derive from years of intentional breeding of British land spaniels. The English Springer Spaniel assisted hunters by detecting game birds and driving them out from cover.

When the breed became popular in North America, these dogs were well known as bird dogs with powerful noses and high trainability.

The Poodle’s history begins in Germany over 400 years ago. The Standard Poodle started out as a duck hunting dog. Because of this, Poodles make great retrievers. They were bred to be smart, easily trainable and have a distinct curly coat that kept them warm when swimming in near-frozen lakes.

The distinct lion cut of Poodles allowed for better movement and protection when they were working. The leg joints, chest, and hips remained covered to keep joints warm even in the winter. In early 20th century, Miniature and Toy Poodles were bred from the Standard. As of 2019, the three sizes of the poddle are officially recognized by Kennel associations around the world.

Springerdoodle Appearance

In general these Springerdoodle pups have wavy to curly hair, in a variety of colors that can be solid or mixed. Their ears are usually floppy and medium sized with dark and round eyes.

As a mix, the appearance of Springer Doodle puppies can be quite unexpected. You will never know which “side” they will lean towards, and even two pups from the same litter can look vastly different as grown dogs.

On the one hand, we have English Springer Spaniels. These pups have drooping ears and a proud, sturdy body. Although available in a variety of patterns and colors, the preferred one is white and dark brown. Spaniels have soft, elegant facial features that frame their dark round eyes.

On the other hand, Poodles also boast a strong, muscular body. The have a moderately rounded head with round, kind eyes. Poodle coat colors come in white, black, or apricot tone on the hallmarked curly fur.

Coats and Grooming

Contrary to popular opinion, this crossbreed needs grooming and clipping to be healthy. Because of its parent breeds, Springerdoodles inherit the grooming requirements of both.

English Springer Spaniels require occasional grooming to avoid mats in their wavy, long coat. Brushing the coat regularly helps with seasonal shedding. Constant trimming is necessary to keep healthy nails.

It’s important to check their ears for wax buildup. Their long ears heavily covered in fur can cause the ear canal to become moist, resulting in ear health issues.

A Poodle’s ears require the same attention as a Spaniel’s. It’s best to keep the fur trimmed around the ears to help air flow: this will lessen the chance of moist ear canals.

Poodles with longer hair need daily brushing to avoid matting. If the coat is kept short, once or twice a week will suffice. Springerdoodles will exhibit the same grooming and care requirements as either parent breed or a mix of both.

Are Springerdoodles Hypoallergenic?

Even though much has been said about Poodles being non-shedding dogs (making their mixes non-shedding as well) this is simply not true. All dogs shed. Curly-haired dogs simply keep the shed hairs inside the curls, making brushing essential to avoid matting.

Although Poodles are well known for having low shedding coats, Springerdoodles are not guaranteed to have the tight curls that holds the dander at bay. And it’s dander, not fur, that causes a reaction in allergic humans. You can’t be sure that any dog will be allergy free as a potential owner, so if you are living with someone with a dog allergy then proceed carefully.

A Variety Of Sizes

Being a mix, the size of a Sproodle will depend on both of its parents. You will never be completely sure of its size until your Springer Poodle puppy has fully grown.

An English Springer Spaniel is generally 19 to 20 inches in height. Thanks to its sturdy, muscular build, the medium-sized Springer Spaniel normally weighs between 40–50 pounds.

On the other hand, Poodles come in three distinct sizes. Standard Poodles are usually taller than 15 inches from the shoulder. Miniature varieties are between 10 to 15 inches and Toy varieties are less than 10 inches in height.

Of course, the weight and build of Poodles varies greatly depending on their height. Miniatures will range between 10 and 15 pounds; female Standards are generally 40–50 pounds and male Standards 60–70 pounds. Toy Poodles can be as small as 5-7 pounds.

Mini vs Standard Springerdoodles

The size of your Springerdoodle will largely depend on the size of its poodle parent. Standard Springerdoodles result from crossing a Springer Spaniel and a Standard Poodle. These pups will be on the larger size, tending to weight between 35 and 45 pounds. Most Springerdoodles are this size.

Nevertheless, there are also Mini springerdoodles available! These come from crossing with either a Toy or Miniature poodle.

More variable in size than the Standard type, Mini springerdoodles can weigh anything between 5 and 25 pounds.

Springerdoodle Temperament

Springerdoodles will be energetic, intelligent, loyal and affectionate, just like their parent breeds. They will love spending time together, and struggle with being alone. They will also need a lot of attention, and focus on training and exercise too.

Springerdoodles are popular for being great companions, family pets, and friendly towards other furry friends and people.

While Springerdoodle breeders cannot predict specific characteristics, the Springer Poodle mix will likely exhibit the same smart, friendly, energetic eagerness as the Springer Spaniel and Poodle.

English Springer Spaniels are very active, friendly, and also obedient. They love to be with their people and are unhappy when spending large amounts of time alone. On the other hand, Poodles are athletic, eager and companionable. They enjoy being part of the family and dislike being alone as well.

Both breeds tend to be patient towards children, especially when they are socialized at a young age.

Of course, the natural instinct of your pup need to be properly trained to ensure they are a companionable pal.

Exercise Is Important

Both the Springer Spaniel and the Poodle are highly trainable and active breeds.

They require regular exercise which can include long walks, fetching, and swimming.

Springer Doodles are intelligent, active, and often require daily outdoor activity.

Because of this, your Springer Spaniel Poodle mix will need ample space to run and play, preferably outside. Keeping plenty of toys for your dog to play with when they are inside is also ideal to avoid unwanted attention on household items.

Positive Training

As for training, this mix will quickly learn new cues and tricks. The English Springer Spaniel and Poodle are both intelligent, which makes them easily trainable, especially if started at a young age.

Both of these breeds respond better to positive reinforcement in training, and your Springerdoodle will as well. Because they are smart, a little variety in your pup’s training routine will keep them engaged and eager to learn.

Are They Good Pets?

Springer Spaniel and Poodle are both very active dogs, so the ideal home for the Springerdoodle will be one with the energy to keep up! If you love being active, Springerdoodles make great companions for a single owner or a family with children and other pets.

This cross doesn’t like being alone for long periods of time, so make sure you have the time to dedicate them before getting a lifelong commitment.

Springerdoodles usually get along with kids and other pets after being properly socialized. They are loyal and enjoy family activities and pleasing their human companions. While these breeds are good family dogs, supervision is suggested when interacting with young children.

Potential Health Problems

English Springer Spaniels were the first American-bred dogs to be diagnosed with fucosidosis, a fatal autosomal recessive neurological disease. The breed should also be checked for phosphofructokinase deficiency, which can cause chronic anemia, an enlarged spleen, and acute hemolytic crises.

In addition, these other conditions could affect a Springer Spaniel: otitis externa, progressive retinal atrophy, and retinal dysplasia. Before getting a pup, talk to the breeder and ask for genetic testing.

Poodles of all sizes are prone to idiopathic epilepsy and sebaceous adenitits. The latter can be easily misdiagnosed as a Tyroid problem, so make sure to ask for tests and have a chat about health with your breeder.

Toy and Standard Poodles can get a clotting disorder known as Factor XII deficiency, which is an inherited bleeding disorder. Standard Poodles should also be tested for Addison’s disease and granulomatous sebaceous adenitis that affects the sweat skin glands resulting in hair loss.

Poodle owners must keep an eye out for orthopedic problems in Toy and Miniature varieties, as well as gastric dilatation and volvulus in Standard sized pups.

Springerdoodle Puppies

The Springer Spaniel Poodle mix is a popular crossbreed, so finding Springerdoodle breeders online should be relatively easy.

A responsible breeder will want to make sure you can provide a safe and healthy environment for your new puppy, so they will ask questions about you and your home. Because this is a mix from two breeds with some serious health conditions, it’s important to ask for genetic testing.

Recommended health tests for the English Springer Spaniel include hip, elbow, and an ophthalmologist evaluation as well as a PRA Optigen DNA test and a PFK disorder DNA test. These tests are also recommended for Poodles, in addition to knee evaluations and a skin biopsy.

Springerdoodle puppies can inherit any aspect of either parent dog, which makes it essential for them to receive the same health tests as the parents!

Adult Shelter Dogs

Rescuing a Springerdoodle can be a very rewarding experience for everyone involved. On one hand, you will be offering a second chance to a pup, gaining a lifelong friend in the process. On the other, you avoid promoting careless breeding practices while still enjoying the crossbreed you wanted!

Of course, adoption has its drawbacks. You will usually get a pup or adult dog that has been abandoned and neglected at some point in their life.

This can cause certain scarring and traumas that you will need to address. Training and socialization is also vital: your rescue needs to understand that they are in a safe place and nobody will hurt them.

All of this can be a handful for first-time dog owners. It’s recommended you talk to the people at your local rescue and let them offer their advice. Because they know their dogs the best, they will match you with pups that fit your home, abilities and expectations.