Cocker Spaniel Pitbull mix: everything about this mixed breed
The Pitbull Cocker Spaniel mix is a unique dog from two very different breeds. They tend to be easy to train and incredibly wonderful with children.
Here is everything that you need to know about this fascinating mix.
Cocker Spaniel Pitbull mix history
Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is an old breed that was initially conceived as a hunting dog even before the gun was invented, originally used to hunt birds with nets.
As time went on, spaniels divided into several different breeds specializing in different kinds of prey. The Cocker was often used for hunting woodcock, hence the Cocker in the name.
As time went on, Cockers became popular as pets, even more so than as working dogs. The Cocker temperament lends itself to life as a family dog.
The Cocker breed was divided into two types: the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. Both dogs were very similar, but the English Spaniel was taller and had a longer head, while the American Spaniel had a thicker coat.
Pitbull
The American Pitbull Terrier is very similar to the American Staffordshire Terrier. It is not a recognized breed in the American Kennel Club, although it is recognized in the United Kennel Club. This breed was developed from old bull-baiting dogs, which were used to fight large animals such as bulls and bears in a ring.
Once bull baiting was outlawed, dogs were used to fight one another. The old bull-baiting breeds were mixed with smaller, quicker terriers, resulting in the powerful but smaller and highly athletic Pitbull Terrier.
American Pitbull Terriers were popular as general farm dogs. The Pit Bull is equally good at driving livestock, chasing away predators, and entertaining children. Unfortunately, over time, they have also continued to be used for fighting, despite this activity being illegal.
Temperament and personality of the Cocker Spaniel Pit mix
Both Pitbulls and Cocker Spaniels tend to get along very well with all people and be good-natured and easy-going. However, when it comes to other dogs, this hybrid dog may take after the American Pitbull Terrier and have some tendency towards dog aggression.
It may also be like the Cocker and get along well with other dogs. Unfortunately, you probably won't know which of the purebred parents your dog will take after until they are mature, usually at about 2 or 3 years of age.
Appearance of this mixed breed
The Pitbull Cocker Spaniel mix isn't a distinct breed but a mixed breed. Any Pitbull Cocker Spaniel mix may take after either parent breeds to a surprising degree since both breeds are medium-sized dogs, except your mix also to be medium-sized.
Your dog may look much more like the Cocker or more like the Pitbull. Many inherit the big head and muscular body of the Pitbull and the fluffy coat of the spaniel, resulting in a unique and rather attractive mixed breed dog.
Training and Exercise needs of a Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull mixed dog
Both of the parent dog breeds tend to be pretty high-energy. Cockers are working dogs at heart, running all day after birds without getting tired. Like most terriers, Pitbulls tend to have exuberant energy and love working and playing.
These distinct breeds tend to be quite eager to please, making training them a pleasure. However, Pitbulls can be headstrong and need consistency to perform well.
The mix is a breed well-suited to all kinds of competitive activities. They tend to do well in agility, dock diving, and all kinds of other sports. Most have an off switch, enabling them to be calm and relaxed inside but active outside.
It's an excellent idea to reinforce this off switch by not encouraging your Pitbull Cocker Spaniel mix to play exuberantly inside. Both of these dogs love being with their people. They are likely to experience separation anxiety if not trained to tolerate and enjoy periods of separation from when they are young.
Grooming a Cocker Spaniel Pitbull mix
Depending on the coat that your mix inherits, you may end up with a very low-maintenance dog or one that needs a fair amount of grooming. Whatever coat they have, you can expect some level of shedding.
If your dog inherits a Cocker coat, expect lots of shed hair, mainly seasonal. If they have a longer coat, it will need to be brushed regularly to avoid forming mats and get most of the shed hair out somewhere other than on your furniture.
Dogs with short coats do not need to be brushed as regularly. Some individuals may benefit from having the coat trimmed to reduce the overall bulk of hair and provide a polished look.
Health and life expectancy of this breed
Both the American Pitbull Terrier and the Cocker tend to be fairly healthy dogs. Both breeds can be prone to hip dysplasia, so it is important to have your dog's hips checked regularly by your vet.
The long, droopy ears of the Cocker are prone to ear infections, so if your dog has inherited these ears, having the ears checked regularly is a good idea.
Pitbulls are somewhat more prone to allergies and skin infections than other breeds, so if you notice your dog scratching or licking a lot, be sure to check for allergies.
Fun Facts about this mixed dog
- Pitbull terriers typically have pretty short, triangular ears, while Cockers have very long, droopy ears, so your puppy could end up with either type of ear.
- Although they look very different and have been bred for different jobs, these breeds are highly trainable and intelligent.
- The longer coat that is often inherited in this breed will make it look less like a Pitbull, so if you are worried about breed legislation but want a Pitbull-type dog, this may be an excellent breed to consider
How much does this breed cost?
It is doubtful that you will find Cocker Spaniel Pitbull mix puppies available for sale from deliberate breeding since these dogs are usually the result of accidental breeding. There is a fair chance that you may find one available at your local shelter for a minimal adoption fee.
Do they make good family pets?
Both parent breeds of the Pitbull Cocker Spaniel mix are excellent with people and have a special affinity for children. Therefore, the Pitbull Cocker Spaniel mix is generally a wonderful family dog. Expect this mix to be even-tempered and patient with the family.
Are they easy to train?
The Cocker Spaniel Pit mix is typically eager to please, willing to work, and overall very simple to train. This tends to be a sensitive breed that responds well to gentle handling and plenty of encouragement and affection.
Thanks @notalab.lana for these beautiful pictures! Go follow her!
My experience as the liaison of integrative medicine, neurology, and zoo medicine at UF Small Animal Hospital gave me valuable insight into the challenges faced by pet owners with animals who have medical conditions. My time there also gave me the opportunity to care for a disabled dog and write a book about the experience.
As manager of a dog daycare, I learned about how dogs play and interact, warning signs for aggression, and how to rehabilitate dog-reactive dogs. During my time there I was under the mentorship of two groomers, from whom I learned grooming essentials.
I currently work with high-risk shelter dogs and manage a blog to help other volunteers and foster families. I have two dogs of my own, a Maltese and a Standard Poodle.
