If you’re not used to designer dogs and the exotic breed combo that they come in, you probably might not have heard about the Cocker Spaniel Lab mix breed.
Well, for starters, they’re not at all too different from all the lovable designer breeds; they’re affectionate enough to be your best friend, so they’re not bad at all.
These designer breeds are often bred for the assortment of appearances that they can give; I mean, who doesn’t love a multi-colored dog with a nice coating texture.
Anyways, the reason for breeders making designer hybrids is not the subject of discussion in this article. We’re focussing on a particular designer dog; the Cocker Spaniel Labrador Mix.
We’ll cover all you need to know as a designer dog enthusiast who loves the Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix and give enough information maybe you’re hearing about the dog for the first time.
I mean everything from appearance, temperament, diet, exercise, and training requirements. We’ll even go as far as potential health issues and how to solve them.
Who knows, maybe in the end, you might finally decide that this dog is the one for you.
Contents
- 1 What is Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix?
- 2 History — Overview of Cocker Spaniel
- 3 History — Overview of the Labrador Retriever
- 4 The Appearance of a Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix
- 5 The Temperament of a Cocker Spaniel Labrador Mix
- 6 Health Problems of a Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix
- 7 Grooming Requirements of a Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix
- 8 Dietary Requirements of a Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix
- 9 Exercise Requirements of a Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix
- 10 Training Requirements Of A Lab Cocker Spaniel Mix
- 11 Determining If A Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix Is For You
- 12 How Much Does Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix Puppy Cost?
- 13 Final Takeaway- Spanador
What is Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix?
Cocker Spaniel Labrador Mix is an intelligent and energetic designer hybrid dog gotten from crossing the Cocker Spaniel and the Labrador Retriever.
They inherit the best of traits from both parents, giving them a fantastic personalities.
They always aim to please their owners, and their instinct usually channels them towards playing the “good dog” role in the house. They’re also called “Spanadors” by breeders, so don’t be surprised if you hear a name like that in public.—
They can get very playful even with strangers, especially if they’re well trained to socialize from a young age.
So don’t be surprised if you see a Spanador that wants to play fetch with you even when you just met them for the first day.
Let’s talk briefly about both parents; it’ll help get a good idea of what to expect from Spanadors.
| Stats | American Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix |
| Height |
Male: 22.5-24.5 inches Female: 21.5-23.5 |
| Weight |
Male: 65-80 pounds Female: 55-70 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Temperament | Playful/Loyal/Loving/Alert |
| Colour | Black, White & Buff, Brown, Tan, Tri-color. |
| Best Suited For | Singles and families with kids |
History — Overview of Cocker Spaniel
Ranking #30 on AKC’s most popular dog breed list, this dog is quite popular around neighbourhoods in the UK. They’re not new to American homes too, so don’t be surprised if you see one or two in your street.
Like most dogs, they were initially bred as work dogs for hunting purposes. This particular breed, “Cocker Spaniel,” was developed to hunt the Eurasian woodcock; that’s where the “Cocker” part of their name comes from.
However, as time passed, they began to grow in people’s hearts, now becoming one of the famous companion dogs out there. Although they still retain their athletic stature and are grouped under sporting dos because of this quality.
The American Cocker is one of the 9 Spaniel breeds, and the breed history dates back to fourteenth-century Europe, where they were bred to retrieve game for their owners and hunt to flush.
The American Kennel Club officially recognized the American Cocker as a separate breed in 1946.
In the United States today, cockers are referred to as the American Cocker Spaniels, while outside the USA, they are referred to as the English Cocker Spaniels.
Generally, an adult Cocker Spaniel will weigh 20-30 pounds and measure 10-15 inches from the shoulder; I guess this relatively small body size is where they get their athleticism form.
They’re coated in very long fur, which sometimes grows even to touch the ground if they’re not appropriately groomed.
Their needy appearance can’t be passed, especially if you look at their long fluffy ears. This goes hand in hand with their temperament as they’re very affectionate and interact well with people.
They can be the best-controlled dogs around strangers with proper socialization and training.
Like most dogs, they don’t like being left alone for too long, so you’ve got to make sure you’ve got enough time to give them the attention they demand. They’re generally a healthy dog breed, with a life expectancy of 10-15 years.
| Stats | American Cocker Spaniel |
| Height |
Male: 37-39 cm Female: 34-37 cm |
| Weight |
Male: 7-14 kg Female: 7-14 kg |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Temperament | Joyful/Merry/Even Tempered/Sociable |
| Colour | Black, White & Buff, Brown, Tan, Tri-color. |
History — Overview of the Labrador Retriever
According to AKC rankings, the Labrador has been up there for over a decade as one of the most popular purebred dogs in the UK and USA. A Labrador Retriever is also known as Lab.
This consistency comes with no surprise as they’re great family dogs for companionship with enough strength to double as working dogs.
They were used initially as work dogs, hunting dogs, performing tasks like search and rescue, sniffer dogs, guide dogs, and canine sports. This is because of their high energy levels, athleticism, and impressive level of intelligence.
They can do anything if the trainer dedicates their time to teach them properly.
Although we’re sure that they came from Newfoundland, there’s a lot of speculation concerning how they got their name.
Some schools of thought claim that they were given “Labrador,” which is Spanish for laborers.
Others believe they were named as relating to the dogs owned by Portuguese fishermen who worked around the coast of Labrador and the Newfoundland neighbourhood.
A third opinion claims that they were imported from Newfoundland to England by the Earl of Malmesbury, then his family bred them and named them Labrador.
Whichever way you want to take as they got their name doesn’t matter. What we know for sure is that they’re called the Labrador Retrievers; they’ve got the perfect temperament combo for a great family dog.
They’ve got high energy levels making them capable of performing virtually any task, they’re very athletic, allowing them to perform excellently in sporting activities, and lastly, they’re excellent swimmers.
| Stats | Labrador Retriever |
| Weight |
Male: 29-36 kg Female: 25-32kg |
| Height |
Male: 57-62 cm Female: 55-60 cm |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Temperament | Intelligent/Outgoing/Even Tempered/kind |
| Colour | Black, White, Brindle, gray etc |
The Appearance of a Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix
Suppose you are a regular follower of designer dog breeds. In that case, you’ll notice that one thing that’s common and relatively consistent among them is the fact that you really can’t give a pinpoint description of their appearance.
Aside from size and height, other stuff like colour, coating, or even teeth set can’t be totally predicted.
Perhaps, this is part of the fun of it, not knowing what the parents will give you till the puppies arrive.
However, it has been a real struggle for people who hope to learn about these designer breeds.
Another challenge is that the appearance of puppies from the same parents may vary.
Yes, they’re a combo of both parents’ appearance, but this combo’s nature varies from puppy to puppy.
However, records from experienced breeders and owners of these dog breeds show that the appearance of Lab Cocker Spaniel Mix’s body is solid and athletically built with large padded paws, strong legs, broad and deep chest.
They have muscular necks that support their wedge-shaped head and pointed muzzles.
Also, this dog breeds has ears flopping over the side of their faces but set high. The American Cocker Spaniel may influence this dog breed ears.
They have large round eyes, and their nose is usually glossy black.
Read Also:
Coat and Colour of a Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix
Spanadors often have more of the Cocker Spaniel trait regarding color and coating. Usually, you’ll see them with a white, black, red, or brown coat with medium to long fur.
Well, that’s not to say that it’s impossible to get the Labrador traits to dominate the puppy’s coat and colour appearance. However, their coat texture is smooth and coat length is medium
Size of a Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix
Spanadors take a perfect combo of this trait from both parents. They’re usually small to medium size dogs. An adult Cocker Spaniel Lab mix is usually 15-20 inches tall from the shoulder and weighs 40-65 pounds. On certain occasions when there’s not an even distribution of these traits by both parents, the Labrador’s trait seems always to be dominant.
The Temperament of a Cocker Spaniel Labrador Mix
The Spanador becomes a dog you would love to have as a pet and family member when it comes to temperament.
They’re very intelligent, friendly, and loyal, the type of dog you want to have as a companion.
They’ve got incredible energy levels, the type that makes them demand 2-4 hours of play every day to burn out some of that power.
Of course, they also love calm cuddles, but nowhere close to how much they love to play or participate in physical activities.
Their high level of intelligence makes them relatively easier to train, and it’s even better when training is started from a young age.
They’re quick to pick up dog commands and usually take some time to adapt to socialization.
Like most dogs with high energy levels, they do not like being left alone. They need that attention from their owner to have a sense of purpose.
If left alone for too long, they can quickly become frustrated, which is not good for the dog’s mental health.
Health Problems of a Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix
Spanadors are generally healthy dogs. However, there’s also the possibility of developing some genetically related illnesses. Not necessarily your fault as an owner, or the breeder’s fault, just that some dog breeds are susceptible to certain diseases.
However, the chances of your dog being afflicted can be significantly reduced if you take caution from the dog’s puppy stage.
The breeder should have the parent dogs tested and given health clearance for certain diseases, and it’ll go a long way in helping the puppies.
It’s a red flag without a breeder providing these health clearances, and they’re probably not reputable.
The major health problems common among Cocker Spaniel Lab are;
- Joint dysplasia
- Gastrointestinal issues (bloat)
- Obesity
- Dry skin
- Eye problems
- Allergies
Don’t be frightened by this many possible illnesses. You’re getting a healthy dog and wouldn’t need to worry much if you give them the necessary vaccines at the puppy stage.
They have a 12-15 years lifespan, more reason for you not to worry.
Grooming Requirements of a Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix
Spanadors is one dog breed you want to be patient with when grooming. They’re pretty heavy shedders and require you to have a level of consistency with your grooming routine before they can look nice and fresh.
Their shedding rate depends on the season, although they shed throughout the year. You must brush their fur at least once every week to avoid having them shed all over the house.
Technically, this doesn’t stop the shedding; it just gets rid of the loose hair so that they don’t fall around everywhere in the house.
Also, a vacuum cleaner will come in handy in handling the issue.
When it comes to bathing, it’s something that should be done just once a month. Except for special occasions where the dog gets messy, you need to bathe him right away.
Mind you, it’s always advised that you use a proper dog shampoo, so your dog doesn’t end up having dry skin.
They’re already predisposed to dry skin; regular shampoo worsens the issue.
Dietary Requirements of a Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix
This is one area where you really want to thread with caution. These dogs are already predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia, the last thing you want is to overfeed them, and they are overweight.
This is quite tricky because a Spanador will usually eat everything served on his dog plate at a fast pace, making you second guess if you gave enough in the first place.
Again, you want to make sure you monitor the number of treats he’s getting daily, both from you and other family members.
Not to say giving your dog treats is bad, but don’t overdo it so that they become obese.
Ideally, you always want to have them be on a raw food diet and back it up with supplements like fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Exercise Requirements of a Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix
Spanadors are dogs with a high level of energy, you as an owner of one, will also need to live up to that expectation.
They require frequent exercises, and you’ll have to help them go through with it the best way you can.
They would require long walks daily; you should spend between 2-4 hours walking sessions.
Aside from being a companion, they can double as excellent workout partners, so making them work out as you do your workout in the house is helpful.
If you live in a house with a large backyard, it’s even better because the dog can run all day, and you guys can play games together. We’re talking about a breed with the two parents being primarily hunters, so don’t expect anything less when it comes to the amount of activity they require before their energy is drained.
Training Requirements Of A Lab Cocker Spaniel Mix
The Cocker Spaniel Lab mix is an intelligent dog breed, and they are effortless to train. They naturally have behaviour that aims to please the owner, so you won’t have a lot of trouble getting them to listen to commands.
Training and socialization are best started when the dog is still very young, and it’ll help them get used to you being the leader of the pack for a young age and the know-how to react appropriately in public.
Also, do well to encourage them with favorable reinforcement treats. It’ll greatly help their dedication and focus when performing other drills.
Determining If A Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix Is For You
The Spanador is a loveable dog breed, the type you’d want your kids to grow and play with.
They’re intelligent, loyal, affectionate, and friendly. Their attitude, which generally aims to please, makes them the ideal obedient dog you want to have in your home.
They’ve got incredible amounts of energy and are often busybodies in the home. They thrive excellently in homes with a wide compound or back yard where they can run and play all day freely.
Even though their size will make you think they’re compatible with apartment living, the truth is that they aren’t; there’s not enough space for them to express themselves.
They’re compatible with little kids, especially when introduced at a young age. They don’t easily get provoked, so you can leave your kids with them with minimal attention.
These dogs are arguably the best fit for any young growing family looking for a dog.
How Much Does Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix Puppy Cost?
A Lab Cocker Spaniel Mix puppy can cost between $600 and $2000, with averaging around $800. However, the puppy’s quality, its availability and residential location can influence the price.
Final Takeaway- Spanador
Well, there’s not much left to be said. If you’re a jolly fellow and need a pet who matches up to your energy, then getting a Spanador is a great idea to consider.
This dog inherits all the amazing traits from both parents, giving a perfect combo of loyalty and agility. High energy levels and intelligence translate to ease in a training routine suitable for every dog owner.
