Cockalier

Description: The Cockalier dog breed is a hybrid, crossing Cocker Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These small framed dogs are known for having a similar body type as their parent breeds topped with a curly, soft coat. The Cockalier are described best as easygoing, gentle, loving breed that is energetic and easy to train.

Other Names: Cockalier

Type: Crossbreed

Height: 12-14 in.

Weight: 10-25 lbs.

Colors: Cockalier coats are typically black, red, white or brown in color.

Coat: The coat of a Cockalier is medium length with a curly appeal.

Temperament: Cockalier dogs are known for being relaxed and sweet by nature. They are quick learners who are ready to play at all times but can easily shut off their hyper ways and cuddle next to their owners at the end of the day. They are very family-friendly and thrive best in group environments. They are a people pleasing breed who are loyal to their owners and trust worthy around all members of the family.  With Children: These dogs feed off of the energy of kids, making them trust worthy and compatible with younger members of the family. They are patient with children of all ages and are always up for a game of fetch and playing with other doggie toys. With Pets: Cockalier dogs love spending time with other breeds and are very friendly. They thrive in the dog park environment. When it comes to Cockalier, every pet they haven’t met before is approached as a new friend.

Watch-dog: This breed is vocal when they realize something is not right, which makes the Cockalier a good watch dog.

Guard-dog: Although they are alert at all times, Cockalier dogs are not good guard dogs due to their petite size and friendly nature.

Care and Training: Cockalier dogs are recommended to be brushed once to twice a week along with getting their ears wiped, teeth brush and nails clipped. When it comes to exercise, these dogs can fulfill their need to work out with daily runs on a secured leash.

Learning Rate: High. Obedience: High. Cockalier dogs are very good at learning tricks and taking commands from their owner.  Problem Solving: High. They have a very keen sense of smell and are in touch with their hunting abilities.

Activity: High. To keep this breed happy and healthy, Cockalier dogs must go for a run on a daily basis.

Living Environment: Cockalier dogs can equally adapt to a house with a yard and an apartment, as long as they get to go outside daily.

Health Issues: The Cockalier breed is prone to ear infections, hip dysplasia and patellar luxation.

Life Span: 12-15 years.

Litter Size: 2-6 puppies.

Country of Origin: Europe, United States of America

History: The Cockalier has yet to develop its own history because it is a fairly new crossbreed between the Cocker Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The Cocker Spaniel is a small frame, flushing dog from England. 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. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was named after King Charles I of Britain who ruled in the 1600’s and favored the breed for their gentle nature. The breed crossed with Pugs and the Japanese Chin during the Victorian era, becoming what is now called the King Charles Spaniel (“Charlies”) in the United Kingdom and the English Toy Spaniel in the United States. The breed received recognition by the Kennel Club (KC) in 1944 and since then, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel became a very popular breed.

Registries: ACHC, DBR, DDKC, DRA AND IDCR.