Breed Guides
Spoodle Grooming Guide: Expert Care for Your Cocker Spaniel Poodle Cross
Jan
Spoodles (English Cocker Spaniel crossed with Poodle) might be the most underrated doodles in Australia. While Cavoodles get all the attention, Spoodles are quietly stealing hearts with their curly coats and mischievous personalities.
That playful nature? It comes with a price. Spoodles are adventurous, which means more outdoor activity, more debris in the coat, and more grooming required. Plus, they inherit the Cocker Spaniel’s gorgeous long ears—and all the ear care that comes with them.
At WoofSpark, we’ve groomed thousands of doodles, including plenty of Spoodles. This guide shares everything we’ve learned about keeping these compact bundles of energy looking their best.
Understanding the Spoodle Coat
Spoodles inherit their coat from two curly-coated parents, which usually means… lots of curls.
The Cocker Spaniel Influence
English Cocker Spaniels have:
- Medium-length, silky coats
- Feathering on ears, chest, belly, and legs
- Moderate shedding
- Beautiful ear fluff that needs regular attention
The Poodle Influence
Poodles contribute:
- Single-layer, continuously growing coat
- Low to no shedding
- Curly texture
- High matting tendency
What Your Spoodle Gets
Most Spoodles end up with:
- Curly to wavy coats (more than other doodle types)
- Low shedding
- Feathering on ears and legs (from the Spaniel side)
- Those distinctive floppy, fluffy Spaniel-style ears
- A coat that comes in almost any colour
Spoodle Coat Types
Like other doodles, Spoodles come in different coat types:
Wool Coat (Very Curly)
Characteristics:
- Tight ringlet curls
- Dense texture
- Very low shedding
- Highest maintenance
Grooming Needs:
- Daily brushing required
- Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks
- Most prone to matting
Fleece Coat (Wavy/Curly)
Characteristics:
- Soft, wavy to loose curly texture
- The classic “doodle” look
- Low shedding
- Medium maintenance
Grooming Needs:
- Brush every 2-3 days
- Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks
- More forgiving than wool coats
Hair Coat (Straighter)
Characteristics:
- More spaniel-like texture
- May have feathering
- Higher shedding
- Lower maintenance for matting
Essential Grooming Tools
Spoodles are smaller than Labradoodles and Groodles, but they need the same quality tools.
Must-Have Tools
Slicker Brush: Your most important investment. Choose one with fine, flexible pins designed for curly coats.
Metal Comb: For checking your work. If the comb glides through, you’ve brushed properly.
Detangling Spray: Never brush a dry Spoodle coat. Spray lightly before each session.
Ear Cleaner: Spoodles inherit those gorgeous Cocker Spaniel ears—and the ear care requirements that come with them.
Rounded-Tip Scissors: For trimming around eyes, paws, and between the pads.
How Often to Groom Your Spoodle
Brushing Frequency
| Coat Type | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Wool | Daily | Daily |
| Fleece | Every 2-3 days | Every other day |
| Hair | Every 3-4 days | Every 2-3 days |
Professional Grooming Schedule
| Coat Type | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Wool | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Fleece | Every 6-8 weeks |
| Hair | Every 8-10 weeks |
The Complete Brushing Technique
Line Brushing Method
The same technique works for Spoodles as other doodles—brush to the skin, not just the surface.
- Spray with detangling spray
- Part the coat horizontally
- Brush from skin to tip in small sections
- Work systematically up the body
- Check with a comb to verify you’re done
Spoodle-Specific Trouble Spots
In addition to the standard doodle mat zones, Spoodles have extra areas to watch:
The Ears (Critical): Spoodle ears are gorgeous—long, fluffy, and very prone to issues. The hair inside and outside needs regular attention.
Ear Feathering: That beautiful ear furnishing mats easily. Brush the outer ear fluff every session.
Leg Feathering: Spoodles often have longer hair on their legs. This feathering tangles quickly.
Between the Pads: Hair grows quickly here and collects debris. Keep it trimmed.
Spoodle Ear Care (The Big One)
This deserves its own section because Spoodle ears require more attention than other doodle ears.
Why Spoodle Ears Need Extra Care
Those floppy Spaniel-style ears create a warm, dark, moist environment. Perfect for:
- Bacteria
- Yeast infections
- Ear mites
- General irritation
Signs of Ear Problems
Watch for:
- Head shaking or tilting
- Scratching at ears
- Redness inside the ear
- Brown or black discharge
- Unpleasant odour
- Sensitivity when touched
Weekly Ear Maintenance
- Lift the ear flap and look inside — The ear should be pale pink, not red or inflamed.
- Sniff — Healthy ears don’t smell. Any odour indicates a problem.
- Check for discharge — Some wax is normal. Excessive wax, or dark/smelly discharge, isn’t.
- Wipe the outer ear — Use a damp cloth or ear wipe on the visible parts.
- Brush the ear feathering — Keep the outer ear fur mat-free.
When to See the Vet
Don’t wait if you notice:
- Persistent scratching or head shaking
- Bad smell that doesn’t resolve
- Visible discharge
- Redness or swelling
- Any signs of pain
Bathing Your Spoodle
Before Bathing
Brush first. Mats tighten when wet. If you bathe a matted Spoodle, you’re making the problem worse.
Bathing Steps
- Thorough brush and comb — No tangles should remain
- Wet completely — Curly coats take time to saturate
- Apply shampoo — Work through entire coat
- Rinse thoroughly — Residue causes itching
- Condition — Helpful for curly coats
- Final rinse — Until water runs clear
Ear Protection During Bathing
Spoodle ears are vulnerable to water getting trapped inside the canal.
Prevention:
- Place cotton balls loosely in the ear openings during bathing
- Be careful not to spray water directly into ears
- Dry ears thoroughly after bathing
Drying
Never air dry a Spoodle. Their dense, curly coat stays damp for hours, and those ears trap moisture.
Proper drying:
- Use a blow dryer on cool setting
- Brush while drying to prevent tangles
- Pay special attention to drying inside the ear flaps
- Lift the ear and let air reach underneath
Popular Spoodle Grooming Styles
The “Teddy Bear” Cut
- Medium length all over (1-2 inches)
- Round face
- Fluffy ears
- Classic cute doodle look
- Requires consistent brushing
The “Puppy Cut”
- Shorter version of teddy bear
- Even length throughout
- Lower maintenance
- Popular choice
The Short Clip
- Short all over
- Minimal home maintenance
- Practical for active dogs
- Good choice if brushing is challenging
Honest advice: If your Spoodle has a very curly coat and an active lifestyle, a shorter clip might be the practical choice. A well-maintained short coat beats a long coat full of mats and debris.
Seasonal Considerations (Australian Climate)
Summer (December – February)
- Summer clip for comfort
- Dry ears thoroughly after swimming
- Check for grass seeds after every walk
- Keep coat shorter if heat is an issue
Winter (June – August)
- Maintain brushing frequency
- Dry thoroughly after wet walks
- Pay extra attention to ear drying
- Consider belly clip for mud management
Spring (September – November)
- Check for grass seeds after every walk (ears are vulnerable)
- Increase brushing
- Watch for allergy-related ear issues
- Book pre-summer groom
The Bottom Line
Spoodles are wonderful companions with beautiful curly coats—but those coats (and especially those ears) need commitment.
The winning formula:
- Regular brushing with proper technique
- Extra attention to ear care
- Quick brushes after outdoor adventures
- Consistent professional grooming schedule
- Choosing a style that matches your maintenance commitment
The reality check: Spoodles aren’t low-maintenance dogs. Their curly coats mat. Their spaniel ears need watching. Their adventurous personalities mean debris collection.
But if you commit to the care, you’ll have a healthy, gorgeous, mat-free Spoodle who looks (and smells) fantastic.
Worth it? Spoodle owners will tell you: absolutely.
Related Reading
Continue exploring our grooming guides:
- Cockapoo Grooming Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Cocker Spaniel Poodle Mix Care
- Schnoodle Grooming Guide: Expert Care for Your Schnauzer Poodle Cross
- Poochon Grooming Guide: Expert Coat Care
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