Bocker Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

9-13.5 kg

Height

30-38 cm

Lifespan

10-12 years

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About the Bocker

Reviewed by:

Dr. Charlotte Francesca Stiles

Veterinarian

The Bocker is a mixed breed dog that is the product of mixing a Beagle with a Cocker Spaniel. They have inherited some of the most desirable traits from both parent breeds. As a result, they are fun and affectionate dogs that enjoy exploring the outdoors with their family nearby.

The Bocker dog is another one of these mixed breed dogs that have been labelled as a designer dog. Despite this, the Bocker has been found in shelters and rescues so if you think you might be interested in this breed make sure to check them out first. These affectionate dogs deserve a loving home so it is better to adopt them rather than buy them if you can.

Because these dogs are relatively small, they do well in both apartments and larger houses. They get on well with children as well as the elderly and make a great addition to any family willing to reciprocate their love.

These are curious little dogs so it’s best to have them somewhere you can keep an eye on them such as a fenced garden. If something catches their eye or they get a scent, they do tend to wander off.

Once you have read through this extensive guide, you should have enough information to decide if the Bocker dog is the right breed for you.

What is the history & origin of the Bocker?

The Bocker dog had likely been around for a while but it wasn’t until the 1990s that people started purposefully breeding cocker spaniels with beagles. It is thought that this interest in the Bocker as a designer dog started in North America.

The Cocker Spaniel mix had desirable traits from both their parents that appealed to many people looking for a new companion that had fewer health issues than those which existed in the purebred dogs. As the demand for the Bocker Spaniel increased, breeding also increased.

Although the Bocker is a hybrid dog labelled as a designer breed, its presence in shelters and rescues has soared over the years. This may be due to people being initially attracted to the dog’s appealing looks but not being ready to be responsible dog owners. This is a common problem with designer dogs so make sure to look at shelters near you to see if they have any of these dogs.

The beagle and cocker spaniel are both recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Bocker, however, is not because it is a mixed breed dog. Instead, the breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the International Designer Canine Registry, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club and the Dog Registry of America.

What is a Bocker breed?

The Beagle Spaniel mix is a sweet dog that is small in size and enjoys spending using up its large stores of energy playing games with its family. Because they have traits similar to the Cocker Spaniel breed, they can inherit some of the behaviours found in hunting dogs. As a result, they tend to follow scents and chase things that run.

It is important to train these hybrid dogs when they are young so they learn to listen to your commands instead of running away chasing birds in the park. If your Bocker dog has more Beagle than Cocker Spaniel in them then it may be a bit more tricky to train them. Nevertheless, with the right obedience training, you should have no problem getting them to follow your orders.

These dogs are very receptive to noises, which makes them great at alerting the household to strangers approaching the property. They are very affectionate dogs that form a strong attachment to their owners. For this reason, they shouldn’t be left alone for long periods as they can develop separation anxiety and display destructive behaviours such as howling and destroying furniture.

Who is a Bocker best for?

These sweet dogs are best suited in a house with people that are prepared to shower them with love and attention. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation which means daily walks and games to engage their brain.

If you enjoy walking and have the time to take this dog out daily then this could be a suitable dog for you. These dogs are happiest when they are with their owners and will enjoy snuggling up on the couch after a long walk. This family pet will even get along well with other pets and other dogs.

It is important for this hybrid breed not to be left alone for long periods. If you have a job that requires you to be out of the house all day then this might not be one of the best dog breeds for you.

Bocker Grooming & Shedding

Interestingly, the type of coat this dog can have can differ quite a lot depending on which of the parent breeds’ coats has been inherited. It can be more curly and similar to the Cocker Spaniel coat or it can be more coarse like a beagle’s coat.

Nevertheless, the grooming requirements are similar for both types. A good brushing a few times a week will maintain the coat in good condition and a bath once a month will help keep them clean. As with all dogs, it is important not to wash them too often as this removes the natural oils which protect the coat.

Do Bockers bark a lot?

These dogs do have a strong tendency to bark so this is something to consider if you have neighbours close by. This behaviour can be controlled with proper training so you shouldn’t rule the friendly dog out as an option because of this.

What is the average weight & height of a Bocker dog?

On average, this dog can weigh between 9-13.5 kg and stands around 30-38 cm tall.

Are Bockers easy to train?

Because these dogs are considered quite intelligent, training them is relatively easy. They respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy pleasing their owners by following commands. The trick is to train them at an early age so they don’t develop bad habits which are harder to stop when they are older.

How do Bockers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Bocker Dog can be described as a high-energy and playful small dog. They are quite gentle by nature and enjoy playing with their owners and being showered with love and affection. These dogs form strong bonds with their owners and don’t enjoy being left alone for long periods.

Does the Bocker have any common health issues?

There are some health concerns that these dogs can have, including:

Hypothyroidism: This thyroid condition can lead to skin problems like hyperpigmentation and infections, and may also cause hair loss and seizures.
Sebaceous Adenitis (SA): Common in Akitas, this condition causes dry skin and hair loss, especially on their heads.
Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (Bloat): This serious condition occurs when the stomach expands and twists, which can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Hip Dysplasia: This genetic issue involves a poorly fitting hip joint, which can lead to arthritis as the dog ages. It’s important to adopt from reputable breeders to reduce this risk.

What is the lifespan of a Bocker?

On average these dogs have a life expectancy of around 10 to 12 years.

How much does a Bocker need to be fed?

The diet plan for this dog should be similar to that of a small high-energy dog. They should be given high-quality food and be wary not to overfeed them as they can gain weight quite easily. It is recommended that they get between 2 and 3 meals spread throughout the day.

Of course, as they grow up from a puppy to fully grown dogs, their diet will need to change. You should consult your vet for recommendations on the type of food to feed them and how much they should have. This will vary depending on size, activity levels, and age.

How much can you expect to pay for a Bocker in Australia?

The average price of a Bocker puppy ranges between $400 and $600. It is important to find a reputable breeder that can provide a full medical history of both purebred parents.

Bocker FAQs

Are Bocker dogs good swimmers?

Yes, these dogs are great swimmers and will happily jump in the water to cool down or chase a ball. They are friendly dogs that will follow you into the water if you decide to go in for a dip.

Do Bocker dogs suffer from separation anxiety?

Because these dogs form strong attachments to their owners, they can develop separation anxiety if they are left on their own for too long. For this reason, it is recommended that one member of the house stays at home to keep them company.

If left alone for long periods, they can become stressed and develop antisocial behaviours such as barking and destruction of property. And no one wants to come home to a sofa that has been ripped apart.

Is the Bocker breed hypoallergenic?

No, unfortunately, this breed is not considered a hypoallergenic dog. If you do suffer from dog allergies then you might want to opt for a breed that doesn’t cause an allergic response. There is lots of information online about the different breeds that are suitable for those suffering from dog allergies so have a look and see what type of dog might suit you.