The Cockalier is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
This small designer breed has many perks, but there are also some important things you should consider before bringing one home.
You need to be ready to commit 12 – 15 years with this highly intelligent and active pooch.
Cockalier puppies a lot of strenuous exercise every day and are not designed for extremes in temperature.
The Cockalier quickly becomes a part of the family. Unfortunately, that means he/she doesn’t want to be left alone which can cause some separation anxiety issues.
This post is focused on some excellent reasons for bringing home a Cockalier puppy, including a few extra things you might not have thought about or even known about the designer breed.
1. Cockalier Puppies are Highly Intelligent
Every dog needs some kind of training, but there are a few that are comparatively easier to train. This breed is highly intelligent, making the Cockalier Puppy especially easy to train. Combine the intelligence with the need-to-please and you’ll have your puppy doing basic commands in no time.
This breed excels in both obedience and sophistication,
2. Eager to Please
Cockalier puppy is a good-natured and eager to please dog.
It has a sweet temperament and will do anything to grab the attention of its owner. Be it the demonstration of their cute antics or crawling in your laps, Cockalier pups will try everything in their arsenal to grab your attention.
A very strong desire to please their owner runs in Cockalier’s blood, and they will even do well in exercise just for the sake of pleasing their owner.
3. Expect a Long Life Span in the Cockalier Breed.
The Cockalier breed will live anywhere from 12 to 15 years with relatively few health problems.
The caveat, of course, is ensuring the dog is provided quality food, given adequate exercise, and has regular check-ups with a veterinarian.
In terms of health conditions, there haven’t been a lot of identified health conditions. Any health problems that do arise will be the same as those that come from its parent breeds – the Cocker Spaniel and King Charles Cavalier.
Some issues could include the following:
Ear Infections
Dogs with long, flappy ears are prone to ear infections because of the moisture that gets trapped inside.
Be sure to wipe down the ears after a swim and keep the area clean with gentle ear cleansers and a soft swab.
Note: Gently sweep around the outer-ear and never attempt to clean near the inner ear itself. This can cause pain and injury.
Eye Conditions
Eye conditions like glaucoma or cataracts can plague just about any breed, especially as they begin to age.
Eye conditions in young healthy dogs is unlikely. That said, if you believe there is a problem with your dog’s vision or eyes, always seek veterinarian help.
Heart Problems
Common heart problems in dogs include:
Congestive Heart Failure
This is means the heart is no longer able to function normally.
Because it is unable to adequately pump blood throughout the body, the dog will become extremely week and tired. This is more likely to be a problem in older dogs, smaller dogs.
Patellar Luxation
A luxating patella involves the knee joint on a dog. The patella (kneecap) can dislocate and move from its normal location.
This tends to be more common in small or miniature breeds and is more evident between the ages of 4 and 6 months.
Obesity
Obesity can occur in any dog that isn’t exercised or fed appropriately. Avoid feeding your Cockalier puppy from your plate and provide nutritious food made specifically for the breed.
You likely won’t find a specific Cockalier breed food on the shelves, so look for food that has been designed for Cocker Spaniels and/or the King Charles Cavalier.
Bloat
Bloat is a serious condition where the stomach overfills with gas, food, or fluid.
The stomach then expands to dangerous proportions and puts pressure on the internal organs. Bloat is a medical emergency because it blocks blood flow to the heart, can cause tears in the stomach wall, and makes it difficult for the dog to breath.
4. The Cockalier Puppy Requires Regular Exercise
As small puppies, the Cockalier will likely be able to exert enough energy in the house or the yard. It’s important to keep them close to home until they are vaccinated for things like parvo, leptospirosis, and rabies.
As your puppy grows, however, he/she will require at least an hour of exercise a day.
Consider walking with your dog, playing fetch with a ball or frisbee, or anything that gets his legs and heart pumping.
The important thing is consistency. It can be a fine line between getting enough exercise and over-doing it. Your dog will need about an hour of exercise per day, but that doesn’t have to be all at once.
Keep your Cockalier safe on a lead or watch him/her carefully. Unfortunately, they do have a strong prey-drive that could lead them away from home and into trouble.
5. Perfect for First Time Owners
No doubt, the Cockalier puppy is one of the most adorable and gentlest breeds you can find.
They are goofy dogs who will keep you entertained all day long. They are also quick in developing and strengthening the bond with all the family members.
Cockalier puppy is a low-maintenance breed and thus an ideal candidate for first-time owners. Cockalier puppy also loves Children, and keeping in view their low-exercise requirements, they make a great family dog.
Summing it Up For You
If you are looking for an entertaining, loving, family-friendly dog, the Cockalier is a good choice. The first place to look for a Cockalier puppy is at the shelter. People who are unable to care for their pets anymore (due to age, finance, or sickness) may surrender their beautiful puppies to a shelter.
If you are looking to buy a Cockalier puppy, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1500 to over $3000. Also ensure you are dealing with a respected breeder by following these tips.
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