A big question a lot of parents will be asking is ‘do Springerdoodles shed?’ The answer is some do, some don’t. This will depend on which coat they inherit from the parent breeds.
The Poodle is hypoallergenic and doesn’t shed much at all, while the English Springer Spaniel has a double coat which can be wavy and have feathering. They shed moderately all year and need regular brushing to prevent mats from forming.
Your Springerdoodle might also need a clip in the summer if their coat is especially thick. Bathing, however, is only rarely needed.
As well as caring for the coat, parents should carry out the essential tasks required for every breed — this means checking the ears for signs of infection, brushing teeth and clipping nails.
And that leaves exercise. You’ll soon find out this is a dog with bags of energy, so you’ll be looking at an hour’s activity a day and around twelve miles of walking a week. Why stop at walking, though? Springdoodles also enjoy chasing after balls, playing with toys and even going for a swim.
Springerdoodle Health Risks
As the Springerdoodle is a relatively new entity, it’s still early days when it comes to identifying the health conditions more commonly associated with the hybrid breed. That being said, it seems there are some afflictions that appear more often in Springerdoodles.
These can include:
- Eye issues
- Skin Conditions
- Hip Dysplasia
- Mitral Valve Dysplasia
Eye Issues
Both English Springer Spaniels and Poodles would have relied heavily on their sharp eyesight during their stint as hunting animals, but eye conditions have occasionally been spotted in their hybrid offspring.
Entropion and ectropion are just two of these. The first is when a dog’s eyelid folds inwards and the second is when it droops downwards, exposing the inner tissue. Both can cause inflammation and lead to corneal complications, and even blindness in severe cases.
Fortunately, entropion and ectropion can both be treated with a surgical procedure and the secondary conditions that develop can usually be cured with medication.
Sadly, there’s another eye issue that’s occasionally seen in Springerdoodles that can’t be so effectively treated — retinal dysplasia. This hereditary condition leads to an abnormal development of the retina, which, in turn, causes impaired vision.
If your dog is diagnosed with this, the only thing you can do is make their life as easy as possible, perhaps by adapting their environment to remove any potential threats.
Skin Conditions
Springerdoodle parents should also keep an eye on their pet’s coat for signs of something not quite right. There are two main ones to watch out for. The first, sebaceous adenitis, is a complaint that’s easy to spot — the main symptom is patches of hair loss, scaly skin, dandruff and occasionally lesions.
The good news is that it’s pretty rare, but the not-so-good news is that it’s incurable. Parents can apply treatments and supplements, and this will be a lifelong commitment.
By comparison, the second frequently observed skin complaint, seborrhea, can often be successfully treated (although not if it’s hereditary). When this arises, you might notice your dog’s skin being overly dry, oily, or itchy. There’s sometimes an unpleasant odor with it, too.
This can be a secondary condition and consequently, treatable — say if it’s caused by allergies or endocrine disorders. However, it can also be hereditary and this can’t be cured. The very worst symptoms can be alleviated over the course of the dog’s lifetime, though.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is often diagnosed in larger dogs, but it can occur in Springerdoodle-sized pets. It happens when the hip bone becomes misaligned with the joint, leading to friction between the two and a great deal of pain.
As it’s a comparatively common disorder, there are lots of treatment options that your vet can recommend. This includes medication and supplements for mild cases, to physiotherapy and surgery for more severe instances.
Mitral Valve Dysplasia
Just as the hip bone can be displaced, so can a dog’s mitral valve. This heart abnormality is always present at birth — if at all — and pets won’t develop it later on in life.
If your dog is unlucky enough to be born with mitral valve dysplasia, they might appear weak or often out-of-breath, or a vet might spot a heart murmur at an observation.
There’s no easy cure, unfortunately — instead, a vet will come up with a treatment plan to manage the worst of the symptoms. This may include dietary changes, lifestyle modifications or an array of medications.
Regular observations and testing can be vital in catching diseases at an early stage — these form part of a wellness plan, along with annual shots and grooming.
What to Feed a Springerdoodle?
Springerdoodles do best on a diet high in protein, vitamins and minerals that will keep them replenished after their long walks. It’s important to keep fat levels low, too — the hybrid breed can be prone to diabetes, so it’s extra important to avoid obesity.
We know it can be overwhelming to find the perfect recipe for your pet. Luckily, our partner Dog Food Advisor scours through the available choices and picks out the very best.
