Cockaliers

(Cocker Spaniel X Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)

Other names:

Cockerlier, Cocalier, Cockaleir

Introducing the Cockalier:

The Cockalier is a designer breed that is a mix between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and a Cocker Spaniel. They are an easily trained breed that has a sweet disposition. Cockaliers can be short and stocky or can have a body shape that is taller and quite slender. Cockaliers are great swimmers and quickly learn to retrieve balls or toys. The tail is usually wagging happily at everyone Cockaliers meet.

Description of the Cockalier:

The Cockalier is a designer breed that is a mix between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and a Cocker Spaniel. For the most part, the Cockalier will tend to take on more of one of their parent’s shape than a combination of both. As a result, some Cockaliers tend to be somewhat short and have bodies that are stocky; similar to that of the Cocker Spaniel. There are also other Cockaliers that will have a body shape that is more similar to that of the Cavalier.  The coat can be shorter like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or longer like the Cocker Spaniel, as well as a medium length. They can be a variety of colours from tans through to black and tan and tri-colors are also possible. White is very common on the body of Cockaliers and may also appear on their face and chest.

Temperament of the Cockalier:

The Cockalier breed is known for being easy-going and having a disposition that is sweet. Cockaliers are also well known for being easily trained and get along well with children and make good family pets. Cockaliers also get along well with other animals in the home as well. Their intelligence allows them to be quick learners and they typically have a strong desire to please their owners. Generally, Cockaliers are easy to housetrain. Cockaliers are very loyal dogs that do not usually display any signs of aggression. Puppy Cockaliers should be supervised when playing with young children because they may be easily injured by energetic play by the children. Cockaliers do love to play and should be provided with ample opportunity to play, especially with balls and ropes which they can tug on.

Cockalier activity level:

The Cockalier needs routine exercise time and space to run. They can live in apartments or units as long as they have regular walks and time to play. Cockaliers are great swimmers and love the water and will retrieve balls or toys from water once they are accustomed to swimming.

Cockalier colours:

Cockaliers are often multi coloured. Most often the Cockaliers predominant colour is light brown to reddish-brown and white markings but they can come in any colour combination that Cavaliers or Cockers can be found in.

Grooming your Cockalier:

The coat, if left long, needs regular grooming. Clipping the coat in the style of a Cocker Spaniel will reduce grooming requirements of the body of Cockaliers, but will still need regular grooming of their ears. The Cockalier is an average shedder year round but regular grooming and clipping will minimize the hair left on furniture in the house. Cockaliers, like all breeds with floppy ears, need to have their ears properly dried after their bath to avoid infections. The Cockalier, like the Cocker Spaniel is susceptible to ear mite due to their very long ears.

Training your Cockalier:

Cockaliers are highly intelligent and do well in obedience classes. Cockaliers are quick to learn new commands and tricks. The Cockalier tends to be a very playful dog, excellent at games of fetch or just romping around in the yard with the kids. Some Cockalier owners report that it can sometimes be difficult to keep their puppy’s attention for long periods of time so try to make training times short and fun. Also make sure your Cockalier puppy will come when called in the backyard before going out to an unfenced area.

Cockalier size:

Most Cockaliers will grow to between 30cm to 38cm at the shoulder as adults.

Cockalier life span:

12 – 15 years

Finding Cockalier puppies for sale from Cockalier breeders

Cockaliers are fairly rare at this stage and locating a Cockalier breeder can be a little difficult but one of the best ways is to go through a breeders agent. They will have contact with many different breeders and will usually be informed first of when litters are planned or available. A reputable breeders agent will also be able to provide you with further information on the care of your Cockalier puppy as well as ensuring that the puppy has had the appropriate vaccinations, worming etc and is the right age to go to their new home. We have found Chevromist Kennels to be exemplary in their level of knowledge and service both before and after adopting a puppy and have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone wishing to adopt a Designer breed puppy. You can visit their website with photos of their beautiful puppies at www.chevromist.com