A Springerdoodle is an intentional cross between an English Springer Spaniel and a Poodle. They are athletic and highly-trainable, which sets them apart from other Doodle breeds.
If you are considering a Springerdoodle puppy but want to find out more about the breed first, you’ve come to the right place!
Here, I discuss everything Springerdoodle, from their origin to their appearance, temperament, and how easy they are to train.
Introduction to Springerdoodles
The Sproodle, Springerpoo, or Springerdoodle is becoming an increasingly popular designer dog breed. They combine the cheerful, loyal English Springer Spaniel and the intelligent, fluffy Poodle.
Springerdoodles are exactly what you picture when you imagine the perfect family dog: adorable teddy bear looks and a friendly, gentle, sweet personality.
Popularity
Doodle dogs have grown in popularity recently as more and more people learn about the advantages of hybrid breeds. They have greater genetic diversity than purebred dogs, making them healthier and more robust. Their hybrid vigor makes them less predisposed to diseases and health issues.
Springerdoodles are trendy dogs for families and people with active lifestyles. They are fantastic with children and have abundant energy for playing and goofing around.
Origin of Breeds
Springerdoodles started being bred in the 1980s in the United States. This was when hybrid breeds of designer dogs first began gaining popularity. The International Designer Canine Association first recognized the Springerdoodle in 2009.
Not a lot is known about the history of Springerdoodles besides that they were bred to be companion dogs. However, English Springer Spaniels and Poodles have histories that go back hundreds of years. Springerdoodles, therefore, have a rich heritage.
English Springer Spaniel
Spaniels have a long history that reaches as far back as 300 AD. Spaniel breeds have been used for hunting since the 16th century [1]essfta.org/english-springers/spaniel-manual/a-short-history-of-english-springer-spaniels/.
English Springer Spaniel became official in the early 1900s. English Springer Spaniels were first recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1910. They crossed their way into North America in 1913 [2]essfta.org/english-springers/spaniel-manual/a-short-history-of-english-springer-spaniels/.
Springer Spaniels were bred as hunting dogs to flush or “spring” game fowl. They have a unique hunting style different from other Spaniels, such as the Cocker Spaniel. They run in a zig-zag pattern throughout the hunting field to spook the game. This allows the hunters to take aim at the birds and the beasts as they scramble.
Today, English Springer Spaniels remain a popular breed of gun dog. They are excellent at flushing and retrieving birds. They are among the best pheasant hunting dogs thanks to their incredible nose and prey drive.
Springers are natural hunters. Take it from one Springer Spaniel owner who said:
“I grew up with a springer.. loved him! . . . he was an excellent city dog though, but God help any bird or possum that landed in our backyard.”
Their intelligence and obedience make them great working dogs as well. They are often trained as sniffer dogs to detect explosives, illegal substances, and blood.
They are excellent hunting and working dogs and make a great addition to any family home. They are affectionate and seek to establish a close bond with their owners.
These traits make Springers an excellent breed to mix with, which is why the Springer Spaniel-Poodle mix is becoming so popular!
Poodles
Poodles, or “Pudels,” originated in Germany in the Middle Ages.
Poodles were bred to be water dogs –hunting dogs specifically good at swimming to retrieve game birds. The name “Pudel” comes from an old German word for “to splash.”
Poodles are often associated with France instead of their native country of Germany. This is because the French nobles took a particular liking to these talented dogs, which earned them the status of France’s national dog.
Their athleticism, intelligence, and obedience made them popular performers in French circuses. In 1907, the Miniature Poodle was bred for the circus but soon became a popular companion breed.
Mini is now the most popular Poodle size [3]vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-breeds/miniature-poodle. In America, Mini Poodles were bred down even smaller to create the Toy Poodle.
No matter the size, Poodles are a staple breed across the world. A hypoallergenic coat paired with excellent qualities makes them highly sought after by many households. This is also the reason behind the surge of Poodle mixes, or Doodles, in recent years.
Appearance
Springerdoodles do not all look the same. Because the parents are different breeds, the offspring can inherit various characteristics from Poodles and Springer Spaniels.
Generally, Springerdoodles look like teddy bears. Their fluffy coat can be curly or wavy and varies in length. Perfect for snuggling!
Springerdoodles have a thick, double coat that is not prone to shedding. Depending on a Springerdoodle’s pedigree, they can be completely hypoallergenic, like Poodles.
Springerdoodles come in a wide range of coat colors: black, grey, chocolate, cream, red, bicolor, or tricolor.
Springerdoodle Sizes
Springerdoodles come in a range of sizes. This is dependent on the size of the Poodle parent. It can be a Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle, or Standard Poodle.
Standard-size Springerdoodles grow about 22 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 30 to 60 pounds. Springerdoodles are fully grown at around 18 months of age. Males are slightly larger than females.
Mini Springerdoodles only grow to around 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 5 and 25 pounds when fully grown.
Toy Poodles have been used with other purebred dogs to create Toy Doodles. Although I haven’t come across it yet, there is a possibility of a Toy Springerdoodle. It would be in the 5-15 pound range and stand no taller than 10 inches.
Your Springerdoodle size will also depend on other factors such as diet, health, and exercise routines.
Temperament
Springerdoodles share all the best qualities of their parent breeds. They are intelligent, sociable, people-oriented, and eager to please. They have high energy levels and love being active. They are happy as long as they are by your side.
A properly socialized Springerdoodle is well-mannered, gentle, and tolerant overall. They are fantastic with children of all ages, as they are playful but not boisterous. Springerdoodles are loyal, affectionate family dogs.
If you want a guard dog, a Springerdoodle is a terrible candidate. They are friendly and non-aggressive around new people, so they will more likely greet a burglar with a wagging tail than chase them away.
Springerdoodles usually get along well with other dogs. They are easy-going around new dogs and will want to play within seconds of meeting. Socializing Springerdoodle puppies with other dogs from an early age is vital.
Smaller pets, like cats, can trigger Springerdoodles’ prey drive (both the parents were bred as hunting dogs), and they can quickly get into a habit of chasing. Introducing them responsibly and socializing the puppy from as young as possible is critical.
Traits and Characteristics
Below is a visual summary of the Springerdoodle’s different traits and characteristics.
Training
Their intelligence, good memory, and temperament make Springerdoodles an easy breed to train. These pups usually breeze through obedience school, and they can be taught to do impressive tricks. They are agile and athletic, making great sporting dogs.
To ensure that training goes smoothly, beginning as young as possible is important. Be firm, consistent, and kind. All dogs learn quicker when you use positive reinforcement! Spingerdoodles are generally eager to please their owners, so praise and treats go a long way.
If you are getting a dog for the first time and are worried if you have what it takes to train one properly, a Springerdoodle is a wonderful option.
Health
Hybrid dog breeds, like the Springerdoodle, are healthier than purebred dogs overall. However, it is always possible for them to inherit genetic diseases from their parents. Some of these conditions are more serious than others.
Poodles and English Springer Spaniels are both prone to:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Patellar luxation
- Bloat
- Skin issues
- Eye problems
- Ear infections
- Cushing’s disease
- Addison’s disease
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- PFK deficiency
Genetic testing of both parents can help rule out these diseases in the litter. A reputable breeder will always test their dogs for these diseases and should be able to show you the medical reports of both parents. If puppies are responsibly bred, then the likelihood of your Springerdoodle developing any of these problems is low.
It would be best if you took your dog to visit the vet regularly, especially as they get older. Identifying and treating any issues as soon as they arise will ensure your dog lives a healthy, long life.
What is the lifespan of a Springerdoodle?
Springerdoodles are hardy dogs that generally live for 10 to 15 years. Miniature-sized Springerdoodles tend to live longer than standard-sized ones.
Diet
Feeding your Springerdoodle a balanced diet will keep them healthy and full of energy. They need to eat good quality, high-protein dog food for their development stage. Your Springerdoodle will benefit from a homemade or raw diet if they get all the necessary nutrients.
Springerdoodles are not gluttons, like Labradors, so there is less risk that they will overeat. However, to ensure your Springerdoodle maintains a healthy weight, you need to pay attention to their portion sizes and adjust according to their age, size, and activity levels.
If you are unsure about your Springerdoodle’s diet, speak to a veterinarian.
Exercise
The Springer Spaniel Poodle mix has heaps of energy, but this is not to say that they cannot live in apartments or smaller homes. They can adapt to less space if you give them the necessary exercise.
Full-grown Springerdoodles need at least an hour of exercise every day. If they do not have a mental and physical outlet for their energy, they can develop behavior problems and become destructive. Daily walks, runs, and visits to the dog park are a must!
Springerdoodles enjoy a wide range of activities. They love to swim, go for runs and walks with their family, play fetch, and goof around. Agility courses are great for exercising these athletic dogs.
Grooming
Springerdoodles’ coats vary a lot in length and texture. Their fur can be straight, wavy, or curly, and they can have a long or medium-length, double-layered coat.
The generation affects coat type. A first generation, or f1 Springerdoodle, will have a coat that is medium to long in length. It will be curly or wavy. Due to the backcross, an f1b Springerdoodle will have a very curly coat (similar to the Poodle coat).
Springerdoodles with very soft fur are prone to getting tangles and mats. Therefore, it is essential to groom them consistently to maintain their coat. How frequently you need to brush them depends on their fur type. Poodle-like fur requires more effort than Spaniel-like fur.
Brushing their coat daily keeps mats and knots at bay, removes twigs and debris, and minimizes shedding. A Springerdoodle with a well-kept coat may not shed at all!
Their fur can be thick, so to keep them cool during summer, it helps to clip their coat. Springerdoodles do not require frequent bathing, but you should brush their teeth regularly and clean their ears. Like all dogs, their nails should be clipped short.
How much do Springerdoodles cost?
The price of Springerdoodle puppies is generally between $1000 and $3000. This depends on size, coat type, coloration, gender, and generation.
Possibly the only negative thing about Springerdoodles is their price. If you want a Springerdoodle puppy, you must be willing to pay a hefty amount.
As a relatively new and fashionable breed, Springerdoodle puppies are rare. There are not many breeders in the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia.
Miniature Springerdoodles are more expensive than standard-sized ones. Female Springerdoodles are slightly more expensive than male Springerdoodles.
A female Springerdoodle may be more expensive due to breeding potential.
Coat color and pattern make the most significant difference in the price of a Springerdoodle puppy.
- Black or grey ones with a straight are most common and cost around $1000.
- Wavy or curly-coated puppies cost around $200 more.
- Puppies with a red or chocolate-colored coat cost around $300 extra.
- A bicolor or “parti-color” coat costs around $400 more.
- Tri-colored puppies are the rarest and cost up to $800 extra.
- Merle Springerdoodle puppies are expected to be some of the highest priced.
- Unique coat patterns like phantom, tuxedo, or parti will increase the price.
Springerdoodle Breeders
Finding a good breeder is the most important step in getting a new puppy. Avoid pet shops and puppy mills at all costs! Family-raised puppies are of a higher quality and are far more ethical to buy.
But where does one even begin looking for a Springerdoodle breeder?
The best places to start searching are the kennel clubs that recognize Springerdoodles. The American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), or the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) can refer you to a good breeder.
Doing your homework before committing to a breeder is important. Always ask to see the puppy’s entire medical record and the parents’ pedigrees and medical reports. Reputable breeders should have no problem providing this information.
FAQs
Here, I try to answer some common questions about this breed.
Are Springerdoodles hypoallergenic?
No dog is actually hypoallergenic. Depending on the nature of the coat they inherit from their parents, Springerdoodles can be low-shedding.
Springerdoodles with a straighter, more Spaniel-like coat tend to shed a little. However, if you brush them often, you can minimize shedding to the extent that they are almost hypoallergenic.
What is the difference between Springerdoodles and Goldendoodles?
Goldendoodles and Springerdoodles look very similar and have the same sweet personality. Goldendoodles are a mixture between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Compared to Springerdoodles, Goldendoodles are a little larger in size, and they are lighter in color.
Can I adopt a Springerdoodle?
Unfortunately, Springerdoodles can rarely be adopted because few dog shelters specialize in designer dog breeds. Due to the high demand of Doodles, these dogs rarely end up in regular dog shelters.
Are Springerdoodles good with young children?
Yes, they are pretty good with children. They are rated 8/10 in compatibility with young children. However, it is recommended to supervise your Springerdoodle when they play with children and babies. Their energy and strength can sometimes be overwhelming to young ones.
Do Springerdoodles like water?
Yes! Springerdoodles love water. They are naturals when it comes to swimming. They inherit their love for water from both parent breeds: the Poodle and Springer Spaniel. Be careful near pools, ponds, or lakes because your Springerdoodle will want to jump right in!
Final Thoughts
In this article, I covered:
- History of the parent breeds
- What a Springerdoodle looks like
- Personality and Traits
- Health of a Springerdoodle
- Price of a Springerdoodle puppy
Springerdoodles are one of the best breeds for a family dog. They have all the qualities you could hope for in a canine companion – an endearing expression, a loving, gentle nature, and the playfulness and energy to keep up with the kids.
If you want an active, social, and intelligent dog, a Springerdoodle is the dog for you! Depending on the size of your home, you can get a Mini Springerdoodle or a standard Springerdoodle. The only drawback to these stunning dogs is how expensive they are.
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