Springer Spaniel or Sproodle?

[perhapstomorrow]

For a long time both my husband and I have wanted a Springer spaniel. We are now at the point where we are ready to commit to having a dog. However, I have a cat allergy so am thinking perhaps a sproodle may be better.

Has anyone one got any advice on either of these breeds? Differences in temperament and needs? Also, how do I go about finding a decent breeder?

Just as background. We have a family and the youngest is 9. We are around all day so dog won't be left for long periods alone. We have a big garden and access to plenty of space for dog walking.

Any advice would be greatly received. TIA

A sproodle isn't a breed - it's a cross. It could have a spaniel coat, a poodle coat or any mixture of anything in between.

What's wrong with just getting a poodle?

Tbh I don't know much about poodles, but will do some more research. The reason I thought about a sproodle is that my dh has always wanted a springer and I was a little bit worried whether I'd be allergic to it.

Thing is there's no guarantee you'd not be allergic to a poodle cross. I've met poodle crosses will all sorts of coats and I have to say the vast majority of them shed because they're mixed with shedding breeds (labs and spaniels).

Schnauzers are supposed to be good for people with allergies as well as Bichons.

An unclipped poodle doesn't really look any different to a cockapoo and poodles are great dogs - smart, quick learners, love to swim and highly intelligent.

I agree with adaline. Forget about getting a springer, or any other shedding dog if you have allergies. Poodles are fantastic dogs and don't have to be show clipped or have shaved faces and feet.

Think about what it is that you like about springers and then do some research on non-shedding dogs to see what breeds may have similar characteristics.

Why don’t you just get one from the dog pound? So many lovely dogs are desperate for homes.

Portuguese Water Dogs don’t shed either, they have hair rather than fur. They look like sproodles & cockerpoos but have very different personalities.

Allergies aside - as you've had some good avice on those - what it is specifically about springers that attracts you?

That can help people guide you (because a springer and a schnauzer are VERY different temperaments, for e.g.). Though both are lovely in their own ways.

Springers and poodles are closer in temp. but there are still some differences. The main one being a greater chance of sensitivity in a poodle than a springer.

I’m after a Spanish water dog or Portuguese for this very reason

We have a springer x toy poodle (she was a rescue puppy) and she's fab. Very affectionate and sweet, very chilled at home - loves to laze on the sofa - but full of life on a walk.
That said, she is a bit nervous around men and bigger dogs, not sure if that's anything to do with her genetic make up or if something happened in the 12 weeks of her life before we got her.
Anecdotally, other dog walkers keep referring her nervousness to the fact that she's part poodle, saying they're very clever but anxious dogs. I don't know if there's anything in that?
She's a lovely size for us (would find toy poodle too small and standard poodle too big for us). She looks just like a cockapoo, except her coat is a little curlier than most cockapoos, so if your husband just likes the look of springers there's nothing to gain from getting a sproodle.
We adore her!

What about a sprocker? Springer cocker cross. Fantastic dogs!

I think poodles have a reputation for being nervous because often they are chosen by people who want a fashion accessory and who treat them as ‘babies’ by picking them up if there is a bigger dog, etc. Kind of baby them. So they become anxious dogs due to how they are treated. They also tend to be the poodles that are obviously poodles (shaved nose and feet, Pom Pom take etc). I don’t mean all fancy cut poodles are nervy and anxious though.

We have a mini poodle. He’s not nervous really. He’s clever and does like to investigate something ‘weird’ sometimes (first time he saw a wheely bin, pram, the sea ) but if we show him it’s fine he quickly accepts it and moves on. I think a lot of young dogs do that anyway. Just don’t be precious with them.

Ours loves a paddle, muddy bog, ramble in the woods, playing with the ball etc. Great dogs.

They can look however you want.

Also a mini poodle comes around knee height. Toys are smaller. Standards are huge!

We have standards and have had for the last 20 odd years. I had, and other family members had, poodles as I was growing up. They are not naturally anxious or nervous dogs. As has already been suggested, I would agree that the smaller sizes may have been owned by people wanting a cute lapdog. I can only imagine that being forced into behaving in this way would make some poodles anxious out of plain boredom and lack of stimulation. They are sturdy, active, intelligent dogs, originally bred for hunting. They have active minds and enjoy being challenged. So I don't think your dog's nervousness stems from her poodle side Delia. Much more likely to be down to socialisation, either lack of or inappropriate.

Springers come in two varieties: work and show. Working line springers are lovely, but driven and energetic. They need off-lead time every day and flourish with regular, consistent training. If you do go down the Springer route, thing hard about which variety you can cope with. I've known of situations where a family already had a dog, added a working Springer and were overwhelmed.