10 Things You Didn’t Know about the Springerdoodle
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The Springerdoodle is one of the hybrid breeds that have become popular in recent decades. Interested individuals should have no problem guessing its heritage using its name. On one side, the Springerdoodle comes from the English springer spaniel; on the other side, the Springerdoodle comes from the poodle. The combination of these two breeds have resulted in an outstanding household companion. Here are 10 things that you may or may not have known about the Springerdoodle:
1. Less Consistent than Purebred Dogs
Hybrid breeds such as the Springerdoodle are less consistent than their purebred counterparts. This is because they haven’t been subjected to generation after generation of breeding for certain characteristics. In fact, a lot of Springerdoodles are first-generation Springerdoodles rather than subsequent-generation Springerdoodles, which is something that can make a surprising amount of difference. Regardless, the important point is that interested individuals should pay increased attention to what a particular dog is like rather than what the hybrid breed as a whole is like.
2. Descended From the English Springer Spaniel
Spaniels are gun dogs meant for flushing game out of the brush. As such, the springer in English springer spaniel can seem rather redundant. However, it is worth mentioning that the English springer spaniel is a very close relative to the English cocker spaniel, so much so that the ancestors of the breed would have come from the same litters. The bigger dogs of the litter would have been trained to flush out game. Meanwhile, the smaller dogs of the litter would have been trained to hunt woodcock.
3. Can Come From Two Lines
There are some pure breeds that have both a show line and a working line. The English springer spaniel is one of these pure breeds. However, it stands out in that its show line and its working line have seen so much divergence over the course of multiple decades that they have become similar to separate breeds with separate characteristics. As such, it is a good idea for interested individuals to learn whether a particular Springerdoodle is descended from the show line or the working line.
4. Descended From the Poodle
The other side of the Springerdoodle’s heritage is the poodle. It is no exaggeration to say that this is one of the best-known breeds in the entire world. However, this is something that has had negative consequences for the public perception of poodles in some respects. After all, these dogs are often seen as selfish, snobbish, and obnoxious, which is rather unfair to such intelligent animals. Still, poodles have much to recommend them, which is why they show up so much in the backgrounds of hybrid breeds such as the Springerdoodle.
5. Can Come From Different Sizes
Poodles are famous for coming in different sizes. Generally speaking, it is believed that the standard-sized poodle came into existence before the others. However, there is evidence that suggest that it didn’t take long before the other sizes came into existence. In any case, this means that Springerdoodles can see a fair amount of variation in their size. Something that interested individuals should keep in mind when planning for their future canine companion.
6. Needs Regular Exercise
Neither English springer spaniels nor poodles can be considered lazy dogs. Naturally, this means that Springerdoodles need regular exercise. The exact requirement can see variation from dog to dog. There have been reports of Springerdoodles being content with just 30 minutes on a daily basis. However, others have been reported needing two hours on a daily basis, which is a sizable jump. In any case, interested individuals should also make sure to provide their Springerdoodle with plenty of playtime, particularly since it is such an affectionate breed.
7. Some Dogs Need More Grooming than Others
For proof of the lack of consistency in hybrid breeds, look no further than the fact that some Springerdoodles need more grooming than others. Essentially, some have a coat similar to that of English springer spaniels, while others have a coat similar to that of poodles. In the first case, interested individuals should expect more shedding while providing brushing three times a week. Meanwhile, in the second case, interested individuals should expect less shedding while providing brushing every single day. Having said that, Springerdoodles tend to be more similar to one another when it comes to other grooming needs.
8. Very Trainable
The intelligence of the poodle is one of the main reasons that it has winded up in such a wide range of roles. Meanwhile, English springer spaniels are no slouched either in this regard because working dogs need to be smart to perform their intended function well. On top of this, both breeds get along well with humans, thus making them very trainable. Springerdoodles tend to be the same in this regard, which should come as welcome news to would-be Springerdoodle owners who are concerned about their future behavior. Having said this, it is still a good idea to start early for the best results.
9. Gets Along Well with Others
Speaking of which, Springerdoodles tend to get along well with others. There is a potential exception in that some of them might chase other pets because of their hunting instincts. However, this is something that can be overcome through the right training as well as the right socialization. Once again, starting out early can help out a lot in the long run.
10. Regular Checkups Are Helpful
Regular checkups are very helpful for protecting a Springerdoodle’s wellbeing. This is particularly as they get older because older dogs have higher chances of developing various kinds of medical issues, meaning that it is important to catch these as soon as possible. Generally speaking, Springerdoodles are like other hybrid breeds in that they tend to be hardy animals. However, that doesn’t guarantee that every Springerdoodle will be 100 percent free of health issues. In particular, interested individuals will want to watch out for health issues such as bloat, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia that can show up in their parent breeds.
