Dog
Pronunciation:
sil-kee kok-er
Breed Description:
The Silky Cocker breed of dog is a "designer" or mixed breed that was created by crossing the Cocker Spaniel with the Maltese. Because of this, a breed type has not been established and the looks and temperament of the dog can greatly change from one puppy to the next. Generally, the Silky Cocker will have qualities of both parents. They are generally a small sized breed of dog that look similar to their Cocker Spaniel parent, however, many look like their Maltese parent. They should have a slightly elongated body and should be delicate in appearance without appearing too fragile. The ears usually hang down the side of the head and the tail is usually medium in length.
The coat of the Silky Cocker is usually long and silky. It often resembles the coat of the Cocker Spaniel with feathering on the ears, chest and legs and should be soft to the touch. It can be found in any color that is common to the parent breeds, however, one of the most common coat color for the Silky Cocker is white.
Temperament:
The Silky Cocker breed of dog is a designer breed and because of this, their temperament can vary greatly. They are known for being a very sweet and gentle dog that usually gets along well with everyone. They can be quite energetic but usually they will fit into any lifestyle. The Silky Cocker does well with other dogs and pets and they are usually friendly with strangers. The breed is usually very playful and they love being with their owners, especially if they get to cuddle with them.
Height:
The average height for a Silky Cocker is between 10 to 13 inches.
Weight:
The average weight for a Silky Cocker is between 8 to 14 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Silky Cocker breed of dog has no known health problems, however, it is important to read up on both the Cocker Spaniel and the Maltese to be aware of the health problems your puppy may be at risk for.
Living Conditions:
The Silky Cocker breed of dog is versatile when it comes to living conditions and they can live in both apartments and homes with yards. They should not live outdoors and do best when they are inside with their family as a companion dog.
Exercise:
The Silky Cocker breed of dog is an active breed that requires between 20 to 30 minutes of exercise each day. Generally, two good walks will meet their needs but it is also important to give them an opportunity for off leash exercise as well.
Life Expectancy:
10 to 15 years
Grooming:
The Silky Cocker breed of dog usually has a coat that is similar to the Cocker Spaniel. It can be clipped to make grooming easier and if this is the case, you should expect to have it clipped once every six to eight weeks. If the coat is left long, daily brushing should be done to keep it free from tangles. Bathing should also be done once every month or two and the use of conditioners is recommended to keep the coat soft. Some trimming may need to be done around the ears and paws to prevent matting. The Silky Cocker should have nails trimmed once or twice a month and ears should be cleaned on a weekly basis.
Origin:
The Silky Cocker breed of dog is a designer `hybrid`breed that has become popular over the last decade or so. There is no actual origin for the breed and if you are interested in learning more about the Silky Cocker, it is important to read up on both the Cocker Spaniel and the Maltese. 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.
