Cockalier Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

4.5-12 kg

Height

30-38 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Cockalier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Charlotte Francesca Stiles

Veterinarian

The Cockalier is a mixed breed dog that is the product of mixing a Cocker Spaniel and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. A Cockalier has traits from the Cocker Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent breeds that are most desirable for a furry companion. They are kind, smart, and friendly dogs that have lots of love and affection to spread around.

The Cockalier is a cross-breed dog that also holds the label of a designer dog breed. However, despite this title, these dogs have been known to end up in shelters and rescues. For this reason, you should consider adopting one of these lovable dogs first before finding a breeder. Every dog deserves a loving home, and these cute canines are no exception.

These dogs are high-energy and need a decent amount of daily exercise. That being said, they are quite adaptable to living in smaller environments such as apartments. The Cockalier is an extremely affectionate dog that enjoys spending its time exploring outdoors and running around the park.

They are clever dogs that make training them quite easy and rewarding. They are gentle in nature and get on well with other pets. Overall these dogs are great for first-time dog owners. Once you have had a good read through this guide, you should have all of the relevant information to decide if this is one of the dog breeds for you.

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.

What is a Cockalier breed?

The Cockalier is a mix of two types of Spaniels, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel. They are sweet and gentle dogs that are instinctually friendly towards people, including children and other dogs. They are smart little dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement whilst training them, and they are eager to please.

Their coat is described as being medium length and somewhat curly. The coat can be in a range of colours from black and brown to red and white. Because these dogs are extremely friendly, they make great family pets, happy to be around children and other animals whether they are the same breed or not.

One of the advantages of the Cockalier is that it is a small dog that can adapt to fine living. They can live a happy life in an apartment as long as they are getting enough daily exercise. After a play in the park, they will gladly snuggle up on the couch with you and fall asleep.

Who is a Cockalier 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.

Cockalier Grooming & Shedding

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 Cockaliers bark a lot?

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.

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

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

Are Cockaliers easy to train?

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!

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

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.

Does the Cockalier have any common health issues?

Some of the most common health problems associated with Cockaliers include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and Syringomyelia.

It’s recommended to take your pet for regular check-ups, treat them for parasites and vaccinate them.

What is the lifespan of a Cockalier?

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

How much does a Cockalier need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Cockalier FAQs

Are Cockalier dogs good with small children?

Yes! These dogs make great family pets due to their kind and gentle nature. They get on well with small children as well as other animals, so you won’t have to worry about keeping an eye on what this dog is up to in your home.

Can Cockalier dogs swim?

The Cockalier is described as being an excellent swimmer. This means that they won’t hesitate once to jump into the pond to chase the ball you have thrown. It is also a great way for them to burn all of their energy, so don’t shy away from taking this breed of dog near water.

Is a Cockalier a good fit for first-time dog owners?

Yes! The Cockalier is not only a very friendly and gentle dog, but it is also very smart. This means that you won’t have a hard time training them up to follow your every command. They are relatively easy-going as long as they receive enough daily exercise during the day and love and attention at home.