Springer Spaniel Poodle Mix: 20 Things to Know Before Adopting a Springerdoodle (Sproodle)
Considering adding an English Springer Spaniel Poodle mix to your family? While this breed is absolutely adorable, there are some important things you should know beforehand!
Let’s go over some of the most frequently asked questions potential owners have about Springerdoodles. At the end, you’ll be able to make an informed decision as to whether this breed is a great fit for you!
What’s the difference between a Springerdoodle and a Sproodle?
The English Springer Spaniel Poodle mix is called a Springerdoodle, though Sproodle is a common alternative name. Other less common names for the same breed include, Springerpoo, Springerdoodle Retriever, and Springerpoo Retriever.
Is the English Springer Spaniel Poodle mix a rare breed?
Although Poodle crosses dominate the top intentional mixed breeds, the Springerdoodle is a more rare variety.
While there is no official adoption or puppy sales data, we can get an estimate of a breed’s popularity based on how frequently people search Google for information about it.
As you can see from the chart above, Springerdoodles are quite rare compared to many other types of Poodle mixes. Sproodles are only 1% as popular as Goldendoodles, 3% as popular as Bernedoodles, 5% as popular as Cockapoos, and about the same popularity as Newfypoos.
This relative rarity means it may take a little extra effort to find a Springerdoodle puppy. That being said, Sproodles are still an intentional mix which mean they’ll be easier to come across than many other more obscure Poodle mixes which tend to occur accidentally.
How big do Springerdoodles get?
The size of a Springerdoodle can range between 10-60 pounds with a height of 5-25 inches. It is considered a medium-sized breed.
These measurements can fluctuate significantly depending on whether you have a miniature or standard Springerdoodle.
Here is a comparison table between these two Springerdoodle sizes:
Springerdoodle Size
Full Grown Weight
Full Grown Height
Mini Springerdoodle
10-25 Pounds
5-15 Inches
Standard Springerdoodle
25-50 Pounds
15-24 Inches
Wondering why there isn’t a toy Springerdoodle size? While a third, “toy” category is common in many Poodle mix breeds, since Springerdoodles are so rare, there isn’t much of a distinction given between the small sizes of the toy vs mini Springerdoodle.
How do you know when your Springerdoodle is done growing? Springerdoodles typically take between 12-18 months to reach their full-grown size.
What’s the difference between an F1 Springerdoodle, an F1B Springerdoodle, and an F2 Springerdoodle?
A Springerdoodle’s generation describes their lineage. It also gives us an estimate of how much DNA a particular dog shares with a purebred English Springer Spaniel compared to a purebred Poodle.
The most common generations are F1 Springerdoodles, F1B Springerdoodles, and F2 Springerdoodles. However, there are other generations to consider as you can see from the table below.
An F1 Springerdoodle is 50% Springer Spaniel and 50% Poodle. An F1B Springerdoodle is 25% Springer Spaniel and 75% Poodle. An F2 Springerdoodle’s DNA split can vary, but the most common is 50% Springer Spaniel and 50% Poodle.
Why do generations matter? Knowing what generation your Sproodle is can be a good indicator of characteristics such as your dog’s coat type, propensity for shedding, potential health issues, and more!
We’ll go into more details about these characteristics later in the article!
Do Springerdoodles shed?
While typically considered a low-shedding breed, you should still be prepared for your Springerdoodle to shed at least a little bit.
Being a mix of one non-shedding breed and one shedding breed means that it’s a gamble as to whether your Sproodle will shed.
If you want to put the odds in your favor for a low- or non-shedding dog, opt for a Springerdoodle with a higher percentage of Poodle DNA such as the F1B generation.
Photo courtesy of Ruth Prideaux.
Are Springerdoodles hypoallergenic?
Springerdoodles are NOT guaranteed to be hypoallergenic. That being said, many Springerdoodles are allergy-friendly and this breed can be a good choice for those with mild or moderate symptoms.
As is the case with shedding, an F1B Springerdoodle is likely your best choice of the common generations. If you can find an F1BB Springerdoodle, even better!
Keep in mind that dog allergies aren’t just limited to dander. Many people experience symptoms due to dog urine or saliva which is not any different in hypoallergenic breeds. Additionally, all dogs can track in grass, pollen, and other seasonal allergies.
Are Sproodles high maintenance?
Springerdoodles typically have a dense, wavy coat that takes a decent amount of upkeep. Plan on bathing your Sproodle monthly while brushing them at least weekly, but ideally every other day. Grooming appointments will need to be scheduled for every 6-12 weeks.
Sproodles with curlier Poodle-like coats will be more high maintenance than those with coats that more closely resemble the English Springer Spaniel. The curlier your dog’s coat, the more frequently they’ll need to be brushed and groomed.
Poodle mixes like the Sproodle are notorious for getting matted hair extremely easily. However, having the right brush makes a world of difference in preventing the dreaded shave-down.
A favorite recommendation amongst doodle owners is the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush. Yes, it costs more than your generic brush, but it’s worth every penny as it gets through your dog’s thick coat all the way down to the base of their skin!
Springerdoodles come in a variety of colors and patterns! Some of these options include:
Black
Red
Chocolate
Cream
Black and White (Parti or Tuxedo)
Chocolate and White (Parti or Tuxedo)
Tri-Colored Phantom
While solid color puppies are available, most Springerdoodles will be multi colored. Often breeders recognize the popularity of these unique bi- and tri-color patterns and will charge a higher price for them.
Photo courtesy of @lady_the_springerdoodle on Instagram.
What is the lifespan of a Springerdoodle?
The average lifespan of a Springerdoodle is 10-15 years. This can vary depending on your dog’s size, habits, and health issues.
How much exercise does a Springerdoodle need?
Springerdoodles are a very active breed and will need 60-90 minutes of daily exercise to live a happy, healthy life.
This figure can range slightly depending on the size, age, and personality of your dog. This breed is not recommended for those who live a sedentary lifestyle.
Keep in mind that a standard Springerdoodle will typically need more exercise than a mini Springerdoodle based on size alone.
To avoid damaging their developing bones and joints, be careful not to over-exercise your puppy. As a rule of thumb, a Springerdoodle puppy should get about 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, 1-3 times per day.
Once they are fully grown at 12-18 months, your Sproodle is ready for their full 60-90 minutes of exercise.
Are Sproodles good apartment dogs?
Sproodles are not an ideal breed for those who live in an apartment or small house.
This breed will be much happier with more space, particularly if you have a large, fenced backyard…and maybe even a doggie door!
If you live in an apartment but your heart is set on a Sproodle, at minimum it’s best to opt for the miniature size. Mini Springerdoodles need slightly less exercise and are more likely to fit within the weight limits that many apartment buildings have.
Photo courtesy of @sproodle_freddy on Instagram.
Is the Sproodle a healthy breed?
Springerdoodles are generally considered to be a healthy breed. While mixed breeds tend to be healthier overall than purebred dogs, they are still susceptible to health issues from both parent breeds.
Some common illnesses seen in the English Springer Spaniel Poodle mix include elbow dysplasia, otitis externa, progressive retinal atrophy, and epilepsy to name a few.
One way to protect your Springerdoodle from accidents and illnesses is to enroll them in a quality pet insurance plan as early in their life as possible. This will ensure that even if health issues come up throughout their life, you’ll be financially prepared to give them the best treatment possible.
I personally have my dog covered with Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. While there are a variety of reimbursement options to choose from, I personally selected the 90% coverage. This means that after my deductible, I’ll only be on the hook for 10% of veterinary bills!
The cross between two very intelligent breeds, Sproodles tend to be smart and easy to train.
Springer Spaniels can be seen competing in hunting, agility, and obedience tests. Poodles are often selected to be highly-trained service animals.
While every dog’s personality is different, the Springer Spaniel Poodle mix tends to be willing to learn and easy to train.
Are Springerdoodles good with kids?
Springerdoodles, in general, tend to be good with kids of all ages.
English Springer Spaniels have an average tolerance of kids while Poodles are excellent with them. Crossing these two breeds results in a dog that will likely have a good relationship with the children in your family!
Photo courtesy of Pat Patterson.
Are Springerdoodles good with other pets?
Springerdoodles tend to get along with other dogs fine but may not do well in families that have a cat.
While the personality of every dog is different, the natural prey drive of the Springer Spaniel breed can be tough to overcome. However, it’s not impossible with early and frequent socialization as a puppy.
Are Sproodles aggressive?
Overall, Sproodles are not an aggressive breed.
That being said, English Springer Spaniels are one of the more common breeds affected by “Rage Syndrome.” This condition is thought to be seizure-related and results in uncontrollable aggression in dogs. However, this is extremely rare overall.
Do Springerdoodles bark a lot?
Springerdoodles are average barkers and are not overly quiet or overly vocal.
Do Sproodles make good watch dogs?
Sproodles tend to make average watch dogs. While they’re certainly alert to potential threats, they are also extremely friendly and open to strangers.
Photo courtesy of Ruth Prideaux.
Where can I find a Springer Spaniel Poodle mix?
Finding a Springer Spaniel Poodle mix can be a challenge seeing as how rare this breed is.
If you’re looking for Springerdoodle puppies for sale, your best bet is finding a reputable breeder in your area. To learn how to identify a good breeder while avoiding puppy mills and backyard breeders, check out our article here!
Pet stores are best to avoid. Not only will you pay a much higher price, but many people question the ethical standards of the breeders they source their puppies from.
Finally, you can choose to rescue a Springer Spaniel Poodle mix from a shelter! While this may prove to be like finding a needle in a haystack, we’ve compiled a list of reputable doodle rescues to start your search.
How much do Springerdoodles cost?
On average, expect to pay between $1,000 to $2,000 for a Springerdoodle puppy from a reputable breeder. Mini Springerdoodles and puppies with more sophisticated color patterns will usually fall on the higher end of this range.
If you’re able to adopt a Springerdoodle, the cost Is usually a $200-500 donation to the rescue organization.
If you choose to go to a pet store, your Springerdoodle puppy will likely cost upwards of $3,000, perhaps even as high as $4,000.
