Table of Contents
What Do you Get When you Cross a Spaniel with a Poodle?
No, I don’t have a cheesy joke for you. What you get actually depends on the type of Spaniel. – Yes, there really are different types of Spaniels.
In this article, we will set out the differences and similarities between the two breeds, and whether these differences and similarities will make or break your decision as to which of these beautiful crossbreeds will be best for you.
What is a Cockapoo?
A Cockapoo is a crossbreed between the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle, most often, the Miniature Poodle. They are small to medium sized dogs and are usually low to non-shedding. The Cockapoo is also known as a Cockadoodle, Cock-a-Poo, Cockerpoo, and a Spoodle.
The Cocker Spaniel is one of the oldest types of Spaniel breeds and was used as a hunting dog. Its name “Cocker” is taken from the hunting role they performed. Because they were so nimble, they were trained in the specialized job of hunting woodcock.
There are two types of Cocker Spaniel – The American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. The American Cocker Spaniel is slightly smaller than the English Cocker Spaniel and the American breed has a thicker build. Both versions can have a mixture of all or just one of the following colors: Black, tan, liver, white, gold, and red.
What is a Sproodle?
A Sproodle is a crossbreed between the Springer Spaniel and the Poodle, usually the Miniature or smaller Standard Poodle. They are medium sized dogs and are also usually low to non-shedding. The Sproodle is also known as a Springerdoodle or a Springerpoo.
The Springer Spaniel was originally used as a hunting dog. Its name “Springer” doesn’t relate to their bounce though, it takes its name from the hunting role they performed. Their job was to “spring” game out of the fields.
There are two types of Springer Spaniel – The English Springer Spaniel and the Welsh Springer Spaniel. The Welsh Springer Spaniel is slightly smaller than the English Springer Spaniel. The Welsh version comes in a bright rich red and white color, whilst the English version comes in a combination of black, red, white, and liver.
What Size Poodle is Used for Cockapoo & Sproodle?
As Poodles come in different sizes, this wonderful breed can be used to cross with almost anything! When breeding two different breeds, it is important to match up the sizes of the parent breeds equally.
As the Cocker Spaniel is a small to medium dog and depending on if it is the American or English version, these are usually bred with Miniature Poodles to ensure a good physical match and a healthy litter.
The Springer Spaniel is slightly larger than the Cocker Spaniel and can be bred with a Miniature Poodle or a smaller Standard Poodle, depending on whether the English or Welsh version is used.
We have a fantastic informative article on different Poodle sizes where you can learn all about the Teacup, Toy, Miniature, and Standard Poodle differences.
Is There a Difference in Coat Type, Maintenance and Color?
Both the Cockapoo and the Sproodle will inherit different characteristics from their parent breeds and there is no way to determine which litter will inherit what and in what quantities from either of the parent breeds without DNA testing. However, this will still only give you a guide and can very rarely correctly predict all coat attributes.
Both the Cockapoo and Sproodle will usuallu have medium to long hair and will have anything from a cascade of soft curls, through to almost flat and straight.
Understanding the parent breed’s coat types will help to explain why these crossbreeds can be such a gamble, if you have your heart set on a particular coat type.
Spaniels (both the Cocker and Springer) have a double coat. This consists of a soft dense thick coat, underneath a shiny soft waterproof topcoat. This will be a shedding type coat.
Poodles have a single dense coat of curls, that sheds within itself, thus the need for regular brushing to de-tangle and remove the dead hair.
So, to put the cat amongst the pigeons, this will mean that the Cockapoo and the Sproodle may shed, may not. They may be curly, they may not. They may have a double coat, they may not.
Maintenance of these types of coats will therefore vary from a quick weekly brush, through to a daily brush and bi-monthly grooming appointments, depending on what your pup’s coat type is.
Color is a little easier to predict. Cocker Spaniels can be block colored or multicolored. They can be parti, open marked, tri-color or roan.
Springer Spaniels can also come in different colors and patterns, although more limited. This breed comes in several colors, and a Springer will have 2 or 3 colors in any combination.
Mixing either of these breeds with the Poodle will result in a very different array of puppies often with very different colors and marking to each other, even in the same litter.
Cockapoo Colors / Markings
- Solid – one color all over
- Roan – a main color with other color(s) thickly interspersed with another color
- Parti – at least 50% white and one other color
- Tri – three easily distinguishable colors in any combination or quantity
- Open marked – clear white between patches of color
- Ticked – similar to open marked but with speckles of color on the white part
Colors can be black, tan, red, gold, light gold, liver, sable, white, blue, lemon, apricot, and chocolate.
Sproodle Colors / Markings
- Roan – a main color with other color(s) thickly interspersed with another color
- Ticked – similar to open marked but speckles of color on the white part
- Spotted – base color with small patches of another color all over
Colors can be black, white, tan, liver, lemon, orange, red, chocolate, and apricot.
How Big do Cockerpoos and Sproodles Get?
This of course depends on the size of Poodle used and which of the Spaniel types are used. Some breeders can get a very small dog due to multi-generational breeding, using a different sized Poodle every time to gain the desired size.
Here is a rough guide as to how big the Cockapoo and Sproodle can get.
| Breed | Height | Weight |
| Cockapoo – Teacup | Below 10” | Under 12lbs |
| Cockapoo – Mini | 10”-14” | 13lbs to 18lbs |
| Cockapoo – Standard | 14” and above | Over 19lbs |
| Sproodle – Mini | under 16” | 20lbs to 25lbs |
| Sproodle – Standard | up to 24” | 25lbs to 60lbs |
Which Breed is Best for Families? Sproodle or Cockapoo?
Both breeds are fantastic with families. Both parent breeds are intelligent, energetic, sensitive, and loving.
The Cockapoo and the Sproodle love to be involved with family activities and get along well with children and other pets.
Both breeds are incredibly trusting and non-aggressive. This does mean, however, that they would make really lousy watchdogs!!
Cockapoos live between 12 years and 18 years. Sproodles live between 10 years and 15 years.
If you have young children and want them to have a companion until they leave home, either breed would easily fill that role, but Cockapoos tend to be around for that little bit longer than the Sproodle.
Cockerpoos and Sproodles – Exercise Needs
Both breeds will need a good amount of exercise as they are both descended from working parent breeds. Cocker Spaniels tend to be smaller than Sproodles, therefore, will need a little less exercise.
Sproodles will need around 2 hours or more of exercise per day but Cockapoos, needing a little less exercise, between 1 and 2 hours of exercise a day.
Both breeds will thrive on off-leash time where they can run their mad little socks off. They both really like swimming too and most will take to water really well.
Cockerpoos and Sproodles love to learn and work for their rewards. Lots of training games, tricks, and problem-solving games will keep your pooch very happy.
Are Cockerpoos and Sproodles Healthy Dogs?
With a good, conscientious breeder, these breeds are very healthy dogs. However, no matter how much health testing, there is always a chance that your dog will inherit a health issue from either parent breed.
Both Cockapoos and Sproodles can occasionally suffer from certain issues including, but not limited to:
- Eyes – Progressive Retinal Atrophy; Cataracts
- Joints – Elbow Dysplasia; Hip Dysplasia, Luxating Patella
- Ears – Ear Infections; Yeast and Bacteria Build Up
- General – Bloat; Epilepsy; Skin Issues; Lip Fold Dermatitis; Obesity
Sproodles in particular – Dental Disease; PFK (phosphofructokinase)
Cockapoos in particular – IVDD (Intervertebral disc disease); Pancreatitis
How Much do Cockapoos and Sproodles Cost?
The growing popularity of these two wonderful breeds, due to both their cute appearance and their accommodatable size, means prices can be extremely high. Unfortunately, some breeders are not performing the correct health testing needed in order to produce the healthiest litter possible so do be sure to check everything out beforehand.
Sproodles usually cost less than Cockapoos but prices will vary depending on country, state and demand.
ALWAYS REMEMBER – a healthy well-bred and socialized puppy will give you over a decade of joy. A puppy born without health testing, love, or care will give you nothing but heartache.