Cockador: Cockerspaniel and Labrador Cross Breed

We thought we had heard of it all here at Cockapoo HQ, but then we came across another curious and intriguing designer dog known as a Cockador, or Spanador, depending on what you prefer.

As you’ve probably guessed, a Cockador is the resulting puppy of a Cocker Spaniel crossbred with a Labrador.

If you want an active dog with a soft and loyal side, the Cockador may be what you are after. Let’s look at some key considerations you need to factor in before you go ahead and buy one of these beautiful animals.

Origins of The Cockador

The Cockador is a hybrid breed developed by crossing the Cocker Spaniel and Labrador Retriever. This hybrid first appeared in North America in the late 1980s and was initially used for hunting. In recent years, The Cockador has gained popularity as a family pet due to its friendly personality, intelligence, and resilience.

Cockador Temperament

Although Cockadors will inherit the sociable side of both parent breeds, you also need to remember that Labradors are gun dogs and have a strong instinct to retrieve things so they will need lots of exercise. They are also very playful and intelligent; if you have young children, they will be the perfect companion dog, especially if you take on a Cockador puppy from a very young age and socialise with them appropriately.

Are Cockadors Good Family Pets?

Yes, Cockadors make great family pets! They are friendly, intelligent, and loving companions that can be a great addition to any family. Due to their social nature, they get along well with children and other household pets.

Cockadors make loyal and protective guardians for the home but will always be gentle with their owners. They are easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement methods such as treats or praise. As long as they get enough physical activity and mental stimulation, Cockadors can make beautiful additions to any family looking for a lovable companion.

Cockador Size

If one thing that has put you off owning a Labrador in the past is its size, a Cockador may be a reasonable compromise, as a Cockador fully grown is not quite as big as that parent breed.

How Long Does a Cockador Live For?

The typical lifespan of a Cockador is between 12 and 15 years, with some living into their late teens. However, proper care and nutrition are essential for your Cockador to reach its full life expectancy. Different types of Cockadors may be more prone to specific health issues, which can decrease their lifespan. To ensure your Cockador lives a long, healthy life:

• Provide a balanced diet that meets the nutritional needs of your dog
• Make sure they get plenty of exercise
• Have regular checkups at the vet
• Stay up to date on vaccinations and parasite control

Grooming Requirements

Cockadors require regular grooming to stay healthy and look their best. Grooming requirements vary based on the type of coat your Cockador has but generally include:

• Brushing: Brush your Cockador’s coat twice weekly to remove dirt and keep their fur healthy.
• Bathing: Use an appropriate shampoo for dogs when bathing your Cockador. The frequency will depend on the type of coat they have – some breeds may need to be bathed as often as once a week, while others can go several months without needing a bath.
• Nail Trimming: Keeping your Cockador’s nails trimmed prevents them from snagging or breaking when running or playing. Talk to your vet or groomer about how often you should trim your dog’s nails and how to do it properly to avoid injury.
• Ear Cleaning: Regularly check and clean your Cockador’s ears with an appropriate solution and cotton balls, taking care not to insert anything too deeply into the ear canal.
• Teeth Brushing: Brushing your dog’s teeth helps prevent plaque buildup, gingivitis, and other dental problems and should be done regularly.

Challenges With Owning a Cockador

Owning a Cockador can bring many rewards. However, it can also present some challenges. The most common challenges with owning a Cockador are:

• Grooming: Cockadors require regular brushing and grooming to keep their coat healthy and tangle-free.
• Training: Cockadors can be challenging to train due to their strong personalities. They need consistency and patience when training them.
• Barking: Due to their highly social nature, Cockadors may frequently bark to communicate. This can be problematic in certain situations, such as when they are alone at home or in an apartment building.
• Exercise: Cockadors need plenty of exercises to stay physically and mentally fit. This includes daily walks, playing fetch, dog park trips, or beach trips.
• Separation Anxiety: As mentioned previously, Cockadors have solid social needs, meaning they may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. It is essential to provide them with companionship whenever possible.

Cockador Colours

Many colours are available, with black, blond, chocolate and brown among the most popular and common tones. However, the Spaniel influence means reds, roans, and brindles are also likely to. The length of their coat depends on what parent they take after more, whether they have a long and wavy coat or a shorter Labrador-like coat.

How to Find Cockador Pups

As they are still a relatively new breed, you will only likely find F1 Cockador pups available now. The good thing is that both parents will be registered with the Kennel Club and should have checkable records. You should always ask to see those records to make sure you know there are no inherent problems that are likely to be passed onto subsequent litters.

While we understand that it is exciting getting a new dog and you want to go to a proper breeder, we would be irresponsible if we didn’t mention the worthwhile option of rescuing/adopting an abandoned dog.

Unfortunately, we can’t say you would get a Cockador, so if you have your heart set on that breed, you will be best sticking to a breeder.

We’ve previously covered tips and rules for getting dogs from breeders on this site. We would encourage you to read this post.

Based on the pictures alone, we’re not surprised you are interested in owning a Cockador. We hope our guide to this fresh and fledgling breed helps you find the dog of your dreams.