You’ve probably heard of Cockapoos but you know about the Cockalier?
The Cockalier is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Cocker Spaniel.
While the Cockapoo designer breed has proven extremely popular thanks to the Poodle’s hypoallergenic coat, Cockaliers can excel as companion pets.
Cavaliers are often considered as a quintessential lap dog given they love to give and receive affection.
You can find Cockalier breeders or you may find some members of these hybrid dogs in rescue shelters needing a forever home.
In this article, we’re going to touch upon Cockalier size, Cockalier temperament, Cockalier separation anxietey, Cockalier training as well as whether Cockaliers are hypoallergenic.
We’ll learn more about Cockaliers from owners of these wonderful cross breeds, including Goose (@goose_the_cockalier) and Lunar (@lunar_the_cockalier).
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What is a Cockalier?
Goose the Cockalier (Photo: @goose_the_cockalier / Instagram)
A Cockalier is a cross between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel. They’re often described as a designer breed.
They can go by a variety of different names, although Cockalier is the most common way to refer to this cross. They can be dubbed Cockalier Spaniels or Cavalier King Charles Cocker Spaniel mix.
While the American Kennel Club recognizes the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel, the organization hasn’t granted the Cockalier status as a breed.
However, the Cockaliers do have status with a number of organizations, such as American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America and International Designer Canine Registry.
Cockalier size
The Cockalier is usually a relatively small dog given neither the Cavalier or Cocker Spaniel breeds are particularly big. They’ll usually grow to be between 12 and 15 inches tall, while they can weigh anywhere between 10 and 28 pounds.
Emily, Goose’s mom, gave us an insight into her Cockalier’s size.
Goose is 10 weeks old and about 8lbs. He grows every single day and has already outgrown one harness!
Lunar is similar in size to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Lunar is the size of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, 34 cm. However, Cockaliers can be bigger.
Cockalier appearance
Lunar the Cockalier (Photo: @lunar_the_cockalier / Instagram)
Cockalier can vary in appearance depending on whether they take after their Cavalier or Cocker Spaniel parent. The Cockalier will usually have a coat color that is either black, brown, red or white. These are all colors associated with both of the parents. Their coat length tends to be medium in length, as well as having a slight curl or wave. Other physical traits include a stocky appearance with short legs. Their ears are usually long and fluffy.
Cockalier temperament
Cockalier temparament can be slightly different with each member of the breed. They’ll usually have a friendly and outgoing nature so they’ll like meeting new people and new dogs. They’ve smart dogs that are eager to please their pet parents. They can make excellent family pets, especially as they’re robust enough to deal with life with energetic children. Cockaliers will enjoy some downtime on the sofa with their pet parents.
Goose is still a young Cockalier dog so Emily gave us some early indications about his temperament.
He is a puppy so he has a spurt of energy and then sleeps for hours afterwords. He is very loyal to his owner and very kind to new people and dogs.
Lunar is older so we got an insight from Amandine about her.
They love meeting new people but do prefer playing with dogs. They will happily sit in your lap for a cuddle because they love the attention but will also fetch a ball and play for hours on end. Cockaliers are never aggressive towards unknown people if socialised right because they see new people as friends. This does mean that they need a lot of attention.
Do Cockaliers suffer from separation anxiety?
If you’re a long-term helloBARK! reader, you’ll know that we’ve touched upon separation anxiety in the past. Separation anxiety is a chronic canine condition that can affect dogs. It occurs when a dog is left at home alone without their pet parents. The symptoms are usually incessant barking, chewing, howling as well as destructive chewing or digging. In some extreme circumstances, it could result in defecating and urinating.
Do Cockaliers make great family pets?
Lunar the Cockalier (Photo: @lunar_the_cockalier / Instagram)
Cockaliers have seen a surge in popularity thanks to their suitability as family pets. They’ve got the energy of the Cocker Spaniel to keep pace with a hectic family life but the friendly and patient nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They like to interact with their fellow family members, whether it’s receiving love inside or playing fetch in the garden.
Amandine gave us an insight into Lunar’s interaction with children.
I think that Cockaliers make great family pets because they are very good with children. They can sit calmly on someone’s lap but are also great fun to run around with.
While Goose is still a young dog, Emily can already see why Cockaliers have a reputation for being excellent family pets.
I think Cockaliers are great family pets because they love play and snuggles. They are a member of a pack and look to have someone take the lead. They are so sweet and happy to please!
Are Cockaliers easy to train?
If you’re looking for a smart Cavalier mix, a Cockalier could be a good option for you. While the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is ranked at number 73 in The Intelligence of Dogs, Cocker Spaniels make the list at number 24. They tend to be quite quick to pick up new commands and tricks. Cockaliers have an underlying desire to please their pet parents.
We asked Emily about her experience training 14-week old Goose so far.
Goose has been very easy to train, learning to sit and shake after just a few sessions. He is already potty and crate trained as well after only two weeks of having him. We only have had a few inside accidents so we consider that a win!
It’s a good idea to start training your Cockalier – or any puppy – from a young age with puppy manner classes.
Lunar is older than Goose and Amandine has found her red and white Cockalier easy to train.
I would say that Cockaliers are very eager to please dogs, which makes them very easy to train. They pick up tricks very quickly and, in my experience, are very easy to toilet train.
How much exercise do Cockaliers need?
Goose the Cockalier (Photo: @goose_the_cockalier / Instagram)
While Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are dogs that like to relax so they don’t require a lot of exercise, Cocker Spaniels have lots of energy to burn. The Cocker Spaniel were traditionally used as retrieving dogs, which explains their high exercise needs. Wag Walking recommend walking your dog around 75 minutes a day to ensure they get sufficient physical and mental stimulation.
Goose requires a lot of exercise.
As a puppy he requires enough exercise to entertain him. If he is bored he will chew on hands, feet, clothes, and furniture. When he is properly exercised he will nap after and wake up rested and calm.
This doesn’t change with age, as Amandine informed us.
Cockaliers do require quite a lot of exercise, an hour a day should keep them happy. However, they can go all day: after a 4 hour walk my dog will still be sprinting around, wagging her tail and having the time of her life!
Are Cockaliers hypoallergenic?
Unlike the Cockapoo, the Cockalier isn’t a hypoallergenic breed. Although no dog is completely hypoallergenic, some have coats that are less likely to trigger allergies.
Do Cockaliers shed?
Cockaliers are dogs that will shed moderately. Every Cockalier will be different where shedding is concerned.
For example, Lunar’s dog mom Amandine told us her canine companion sheds midldy.
Cockaliers aren’t massive shedders but they do shed mildly. Brushing them regularly reduces the shedding and keeps their fur from getting matted.
But Emily hasn’t experienced any shedding with Goose – yet.
No he doesn’t shed a lot. I have severe allergies and he does not trigger them.
Do Cockaliers need regular grooming?
Lunar the Cockalier (Photo: @lunar_the_cockalier / Instagram)
Cockaliers will require a good brush once or twice a week to maintain the health and quality of their coat. By doing so, you can remove any debris or dirt stuck in their fur. It’s important to have a regular grooming routine to prevent their hair from becoming matted.
Do Cockaliers have any health problems?
Although there’s a conception that mixed breeds have less health problems, any dog – irrespective of breed or cross – can suffer from health issues. Cockaliers can be prone to the following problems:
• Syringomyelia
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Canine Glaucoma
• Cherry Eye
• Otitis Interna and Media
Are Cockaliers fussy eaters?
Some dogs can be picky eaters. It’s something I’ve experienced firsthand. There’s nothing worse than your dog refusing to eat their food, resulting in stomach problems. I’ve found that dog food delivery companies can provide a solution for dog owners with their home-cooked meals. I’ve reviewed the best dog food delivery companies in the USA and the best dog food delivery companies in the UK. Alternatively, if you prefer feeding your Cockalier dry food such as kibble, you can still find some great options here.
Cockalier price
If you’ve got your heart set on getting a Cockalier, you may want to consider contacting your local rescue shelter to see if they’ve got a member of the breed up for adoption. Alternatively, you could search out a Cockalier breeder. The price of a Cockalier can appear to vary from $750 to $1,500. If you decide to get a Cockalier puppy from a breeder, you should ask to see the parents, proof of health and vet checks, as well as relevant documentation.
Are Cockaliers expensive?
While you may have saved enough money to pay for your Cockalier puppy, you’ll need to consider other costs that will arise on a monthly or yearly basis. Some of the extra costs can include dog food, pet insurance, grooming, vet checks and operations. You can check out the best pet insurance options in the USA and the UK
Cockaliers to follow on Instagram
We often find the best way to learn more about a dog is to contact owners of the breed. In our experience, pet parents are more than willing to shed light on their experience owning a member of the breed. Here are two Cockaliers to check out on Instagram.
• Goose (@goose_the_cockalier)
• Lunar (@lunar_the_cockalier)
In conclusion
Goose the Cockalier (Photo: @goose_the_cockalier / Instagram)
We’ve reached the end of our feature on the Cockalier mix breed.
They’re friendly and sociable dogs that like to be around their fellow family members.
Cockaliers are smart dogs so they can quickly pick up new commands and training, while they’re eager to please.
Overall, based upon our research and testimonials from the owners of Goose and Lunar, Cockaliers can make excellent family pets.
