Cockeranian (Cocker Spaniel & Pomeranian Mix): Info, Pictures, Traits & More
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Height:
10 – 15 inches
Weight:
15 – 25 pounds
Lifespan:
12 – 16 years
Colors:
Multiple
Suitable for:
Active families, apartment or house with a yard
Temperament:
Devoted, friendly, affectionate, stubborn, social, active
When you cross the Pomeranian with the Cocker Spaniel, you’ll have the Cockeranian, also known as the Cocker-Pom. The Pomeranian is a well-known and well-loved lapdog that is energetic, lively, and curious, and the Cocker Spaniel is a gentle, playful, and happy dog. The Cockeranian can only be the most adorable dog when they come from two such gorgeous and amazing parents.
The Cockeranian’s appearance will depend on which parent they will take after the most. They might be small or medium in size with a double coat of wavy and coarse fur on top and a dense and soft undercoat. They might have medium to long ears that may hang loosely like the Cocker or held erect life the Pom. They could range from the lightest to the darkest colors but might be more commonly black and white, light brown, or almost any color combination with black markings.
Cockeranian Puppies
The Cockeranian is a very energetic dog that, like most mixed breeds, is healthy and has a long lifespan. They can be easy to train, but be aware that they might also have a stubborn streak. The Cockeranian is a very happy and friendly dog that will get along well with everyone they meet, as long as they have been socialized well.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Cockeranian
1. The Cockeranian is very attached to their owner.
They won’t do well if they’re left alone for very long and are likely to suffer from separation anxiety.
2. The Cockeranian can make a great watchdog.
They can be very protective and devoted to their family and are known to stay by their loved one’s sides and bark at strangers.
3. The Cockeranian may do best in warmer climates.
Even though they have a double coat, your Cockeranian will probably prefer warmer temperatures.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Cockeranian 🧠
The Cockeranian is a very sensitive but friendly dog that might have a bit of a stubborn streak. They are also very social and will enjoy meeting people and other dogs. They are very devoted to their family.
Cockeranians are smart dogs as they come from two intelligent breeds, but look out for a little bit of a naughty side! They are very active and playful dogs that will prefer to be by your side and will love you absolutely unconditionally.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡
Yes, the Cockeranian is one of the best dogs for families thanks to their playful and affectionate natures. However, these dogs will do better with older children. Just be sure to supervise regardless of the child’s age for both the children’s and the dog’s safety. Always teach your children to respect dogs. There should never be pulling on tails or ears or riding your dog like a horse.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽
The Cockeranian gets along very well with all other pets, as long as they are socialized well as puppies. They are social and friendly dogs, and there are no known issues with this breed with other dogs or animals.
Things to Know When Owning a Cockeranian:
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
Start by finding a good quality dog food that is specifically meant for your dog’s size, activity level, and age (such as this one). You can find additional information on the quantity of food and how often you should feed your dog on the back of the dog food bag. You can also speak to your veterinarian if you need any extra information about your dog’s health or weight.
Exercise 🐕
The Cockeranian is a very energetic dog that requires more exercise than you might expect for a dog of its size. You should expect to provide your dog with a minimum of 1 hour of exercise every day. Long walks or hikes, as well as playing in the backyard or, are all good ideas.
Training 🦮
Training the Cockeranian can be somewhat of a challenge due to their high energy and a streak of stubbornness. Lots of patience and consistent and firm training with positive reinforcements will go a long way, so you’ll end up with a well-adjusted family member.
Grooming ✂️
Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Pomeranian require a fair amount of grooming, and the Cockeranian will need a fair bit of brushing as well. Expect to carefully brush your Cockeranian at least two to three times a week and bathe them about two times a month with a good dog shampoo. You might need to consider taking them to the groomers once every 2 months.
You should brush your Cockeranian’s teeth around two or three times a week, trim their nails every 3 to 4 weeks, and clean their ears at least once a month (or as often as you see fit).
Health and Conditions ❤️
The Cockeranian, as a Pomeranian Spaniel mixed breed, will not be as likely to inherit the same health conditions as their purebred parents. But there aren’t any guarantees that they will not be free from these hereditary health issues, so being aware of the serious and minor conditions the parents might suffer from is essential.
- Degeneration of the image forming part of the eye
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Lower eyelid droop
- Ear infections
- Hypothyroidism
- Skin problems
- Abnormal eyelid
- Cherry eye
- Allergies
- Urinary stones
- Degeneration of the image forming part of the eye
- Abnormal eyelid
Your vet will check your dog’s ears, eyes, and skin and will need to run urinalysis and blood tests to ensure your dog is in good health.
- Kneecap dislocation
- Elbow dysplasia
- Gastric torsion
- Epilepsy
- Heart disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Phosphofructokinase deficiency
- Liver disease
- Kneecap dislocation
- Collapse of the windpipe
- Heart defects
- Open fontanelle
- Shoulder luxation
- Low blood sugar
Your vet will need to give your Cockeranian a full physical exam and will pay special attention to their hips, elbows, and knees and will need to run cardiac, blood, and urinalysis tests.
Male vs. Female
The female Cockeranian will usually be smaller in size than the male, but this also depends on which parent they take after more. A dog that is closer in size to the Cocker Spaniel will always be larger than the one that takes on more of the Pomeranian physical attributes. In general, the Cockeranian might run about 10 to 15 inches in height and weighs around 15 to 25 pounds.
The next difference is neutering the male or spaying the female. Spaying is a more complicated surgery, which also means it will be more expensive and will take your female Cockeranian longer to recover from than neutering the male. This surgery has multiple benefits other than preventing pregnancy. It can reduce any aggressive behavior, stop your dog from wandering away, and help prevent future health problems.
Finally, many believe that there is a personality difference between female and male dogs. Males are thought to be a little less affectionate and more challenging to train than females, but there are debates about this. However, how a dog behaves and the kind of temperament they end up with will always be determined by how your dog was raised and socialized as a puppy, as well as how they have been treated as an adult.
Final Thoughts
At this time, the Cockeranians that people have brought into their homes primarily adopt one through a rescue group. Otherwise, you can talk to Cocker Spaniel and Pomeranian breeders, attend dog shows, and speak to people at local and national dog clubs. Posting your interest in the Cockeranian on social media might even be the best way to find one.
These dogs are sweet, loving, and loyal and will love playing with you just as much as cuddling. Perhaps the Cockeranian is the perfect family pet for your own family.