Cock-A-Chon

Description: The Cock-A-Chon breed is a cross between the Bichon Frise and the American Cocker Spaniel. This small frame dog has a strong build and features found in both its parent breeds. Dark eyes, droopy ears and an almond shaped head are some physical features of this breed worth noting. Cock-A-Chon dogs are described as alert, charming, smart and friendly. Other Names: Bichon Spaniel, Cockachon Height: 11-16 in. Weight: 12-24 lbs. Colors: Cock-A-Chon dogs come in black, white, brown or color combinations like brown and white, brown and black, black and tan, or white and black. Coat: The coat of a Cock-A-Chon can be best described as medium to long in length with dense and wavy texture. Temperament: This breed is kind natured, loving and playful at all times. The Cock-A-Chon are considered people pleasing dogs who love to do new tricks, play games and spend time with as many people as possible. They are sensitive and do best when they are around people who compliment them. With Children: Children are a Cock-A-Chon’s favorite audience because they love those who will play games and pay attention to them. They get along with children of all ages and will shower kids of the family with love. With Pets: Cock-A-Chon dogs are great with other household pets and love spending time with dogs they’ve never met. They are very friendly, calm and patient with other animals. Watch-dog: While Cock-A-Chon dogs are described as loyal to their owners, they are also very friendly and would not see a strange person or animal as a threat initially. This trait makes this breed unable to be a successful watch dog. Guard-dog: Due to their size, the Cock-A-Chon breed would not be a good guard dog. Care and Training: Cock-A-Chon dogs should be bathed at least once a month and some coats may require frequent grooming to remove tangles and dead hair. This breed is known for their intelligent nature and excellence in trick training. They’re daily exercise can be fulfilled in quick walks and indoor play time. Learning Rate: High. Obedience: High. Cock-A-Chon are a people pleasing breed who excel at training. Problem Solving: High. This breed is known for being great at scent hound activities. Activity: Moderate. A few short daily walks will satisfy this breeds need for exercise. Living Environment: Cock-A-Chon dogs thrive in apartment living enviornments and are known for being quiet dogs. Health Issues: Cock-A-Chon dogs are considered healthy but can be prone to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, immune-mediated disease, canine glaucoma, inflammation of the ear canal and juvenile cataracts. Life Span: 10-14 years. Litter Size: 1-6 puppies. Country of Origin: United States of America History: The Cock-A-Chon is a hybrid breed, crossing the American Cocker Spaniel and the Bichon Frise. The Cocker Spaniel is a small frame, flushing dog from England while the Frise is an affectionate and entertaining companion animal. Since the Cock-A-Chon is a fairly breed, a lot of the history is dependent on the purebreds it came from. The Bichon Frise is the descendant of an Italian Water Spaniel, the same breed that sparked the popularity of the Poodle and the Maltese breeds. Bichon Frise were originally known as the Bichon Tenerife, known for their cheery and loving demeanor. They commonly traveled with sailors and used as items for trade. From the 1300’s to the 1800’s, this breed was known to be a favorite it royal families of the world. After falling off the grid, the breed was re-established after World War I, recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972. Cocker Spaniels are classified as a type of gun dog, but have been assisting hunters long before guns existed. In England, Land Spaniels were bred to retrieve fallen birds and weak animals to their owners. In the current climate, American Cocker Spaniels are bred to be companion animals and house pets. First Registered by the AKC: The Cock-A-Chon is not currently recognized by the AKC. Class: Hybrid Registries: DDKC, DRA, ACHC, DBR, IDCR