Dog
Group:
Sporting 
Pronunciation:
(kok-a-LEER)
Breed Description:
The Cockalier breed of dog is not a recognized breed of dog. Instead it is a cross of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and an American Cocker Spaniel. This makes it a hybrid dog or a designer dog. The difference between a designer dog and what people commonly refer to as mutts or mixed breeds is the fact that designer dogs are usually bred intentionally. The parents are purebred dogs, often registered. They may even have been health-tested. The ancestry of the designer dog is known, unlike with most mutts and mixed breed dogs. The breeder is trying to produce a certain kind of dog for some reason.
The Cockalier breed of dog may combine traits of its Cavalier and Cocker Spaniel parents or it may resemble one parent more than another. It’s also possible for a breeder to breed two dogs that are Cockaliers together. This means that the dogs are the result of previous breedings of Cavaliers and Cocker Spaniels. However, the puppies may still resemble either Cavaliers or Cocker Spaniels.
If you are interested in a Cockalier breed of dog then you should gather information about both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel. There’s no way to tell exactly how the puppies will turn out or to what degree they will resemble which parent.
In the case of the Cockalier breed of dog, these small dogs can look like larger Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, although they usually have a face that is more like a Cocker Spaniel. However, some dogs may have the more pushed in face of the Cavalier. In coloring they often resemble the Cavalier, with many dogs having the Blenheim (chestnut and white), black and tan, or tricolor coat. They have long, drop ears and long hair. They are very much a small spaniel in appearance. The only question is whether they will resemble the Cavalier (Toy) or the Cocker (Sporting) Spaniel more.
Temperament:
These are sweet, gentle, loving small dogs who are devoted to their families and usually good with children. They are intelligent and eager to please. They may be shy unless they are well-socialized at a young age.
Height:
The Cockalier breed of dog may stand up to 15 1/2 inches tall at the shoulder.
Weight:
The Cockalier breed of dog may weigh up to 30 pounds.
Exercise:
Although these are small dogs they still need regular daily exercise. At least a long daily walk is called for. They can have a tendency toward destructive chewing and other behavior problems if they don’t get enough exercise.
Life Expectancy:
The Cockalier breed of dog has a lifespan that ranges from 9 to 15 years.
Grooming:
Frequent regular grooming is necessary for the Cockalier breed of dog. Their long coat should be brushed and combed several times per week and the hair on the bottom of the paws should be trimmed. Keep the hair between the toes combed and free of mats. Ears MUST be cleaned regularly to avoid ear infections as Cocker Spaniels and their crosses are very prone to ear infections.
Origin:
Great Britain, United States. More information is not known.
Comments
The standards for all the breeds accepted to the AKC are used here for breed information, and those not part of the AKC are resourced from FCI standard information, where it is written and coded into the club rules for those breeds.
