Cockalier Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Cockalier?

The Cockalier is a relatively new dog breed, and its origin is not well documented. What you can do is take a look at the history of the parent breeds to get an understanding of how this dog came to be.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were originally bred as companions of royalty. Some say that King Charles I and II gave them their name. Cocker Spaniels, on the other hand, were used for hunting. As a gun dog, the Cocker Spaniel's job was to chase birds so they would fly in the air, and hunters could then shoot them down.

It is likely that people started purposefully cross-breeding these dogs to make a breed that had the intelligence of the Cocker Spaniel and the loyalty of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Because the Cockalier is not a purebred dog, they are not recognised by the American Kennel Club. They are however recognised by the International Designer Canine Registry, the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club as well as the Dog Registry of America.

Who are Cockalier dogs best for?

The Cockalier is best suited to a family that enjoys exercising and walking. Although these dogs are relatively small in size, they have a lot of energy that they need to burn off each day. This means that daily exercise is a requirement and not a recommendation.

The training process for these dogs has been described as rewarding and quite easy due to being intelligent little canines. They are also eager to please their owners, which means that they actually enjoy following your commands and receiving positive reinforcement.

The Cockalier temperament can be described as being gentle and curious. They get on perfectly well with other pets and children as long as they receive proper training as a puppy. This makes them an ideal breed for first-time dog owners or for families with children.

These dogs form strong attachments to their owners and can develop separation anxiety if left on their own for long periods of time. Crate training at an early age can help prevent the Cockalier puppy from developing this behaviour.

How much grooming does a Cockalier need?

You will be happy to know that the Cockalier does not require any form of professional grooming. It is recommended that their coats are brushed a couple of times a week. It is important to take extra care to make sure that any matting of the fine fur is removed. This will help keep their coat in tip-top condition.

The Cockalier is described as being a mild shedder. Again, brushing them throughout the week will ensure any loose hair is removed and reduce the amount of fur that will end up on your furniture or floor.

Do Cockalier bark much?

The Cockalier is not described as having a strong tendency to bark. There are, however, a few reasons why they might start barking. These include if they feel the need to be protective, feel threatened, feel lonely, or if they are extra excited.

These habits can be prevented with proper training at an early age, so you shouldn't worry about this breed of dog keeping you up all night howling.

Do Cockalier bite?

The Cockalier is described as being anything but aggressive. These dogs are not known to display biting behaviour. Cockalier puppies may play-bite, but, again, they can be easily trained, so they understand that this is not okay.

What is the temperament & personality of a Cockalier?

The Cockalier has a gentle temperament and is affectionate and friendly in nature. It is extremely rare for this breed to display any aggressive behaviours. They will probably welcome strangers with a sniff and a lick which means they aren't the best guard dogs.

Because these dogs are so affectionate, they form strong bonds with their owners. This can lead to issues if they are left on their own for long periods of time. They might develop antisocial behaviours such as barking or, worse, the destruction of furniture. For this reason, it is recommended that they aren't left on their own for too long and, if possible, have someone stay at home and keep them company.

What is the weight & size of a Cockalier?

The Cockalier weighs, on average, somewhere between 4.5 and 12 kg and stands between 30 and 38 cm tall.

How much training does a Cockalier need?

These dogs are described as being easy to train. They are smart dogs that enjoy completing tasks and following orders. They respond well to positive reinforcement, so as long as you let them know they are doing a good job whilst training your Cockalier, it should be a breeze!

What are some of the most common health issues for a Cockalier?

In general, the Cockalier is a healthy breed of dog; however, there are some health problems that they are predisposed to. Some of the most common health problems include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and Syringomyelia.

What is the lifespan of a Cockalier?

The average life expectancy of the Cockalier is somewhere between 12 and 15 years.

How much should you feed a Cockalier?

The Cockalier should be given high-quality dog food, and the portion sizes should be similar to a breed of dog that is small in size but high in energy. It is important not to give too many treats and dog food to these dogs as they are susceptible to weight gain, which has other complications such as obesity.

What is the price of a Cockalier in Australia?

The average price for a Cockalier puppy is anywhere between $1800 and $3500. The most important thing to remember is that the Cockalier breeders you find have a good reputation and can provide a full medical history of both pet parents.