Breed Characteristics:
Apartment Friendly
?How well will this breed adapt to apartment living? Is the apartment size the most important factor when it comes to proper living conditions? Is the breed suitable for apartment living?
Good For First-Time Owners
?Some dogs aren't suitable for first-time dog owners. Is this breed a good match for someone with no dog experience? Can training help them be on their best behavior with owners with no dog experience? Are they suitable to be handled by someone who is just entering the canine world?
Overall Sensitivity
?Some dogs are sensitive. Certain breeds are rough on the outside, while having the softest heart on the inside. In other words, some dogs are 'thick-skinned' while some are 'easygoing.' Is this breed prone to sensitivity?
Tolerates Being Alone
?Separation anxiety in dogs is a serious condition that can affect a dog's life quality. Is this breed prone to this condition? Can you leave him alone for hours? How destructive this breed can become when bored, neglected, or not loved enough?
Affectionate With Family
?How affectionate this breed will be around his humans? Will he welcome new family friends easily or he will choose to be shy? Some breeds can be clingy with owners, while others don't attach a lot. Will this breed act as the family's best friend?
Kid-Friendly
?Some dogs will tolerate children, while others will adore well-behaved ones. Dogs and children should always be supervised, no matter how well trained the dog might be. Will this breed act as a nanny dog or he will stay away from children?
Friendly Toward Other Dogs
?Some dog breeds cannot wait to run to the dog park and run with others. Others prefer to be with their humans, and not to be a part of a multi-pet household. Is this breed dog lover or not? How friendly this breed will be toward other dogs?
Friendly Toward Strangers
?Some dog breeds tend to be reserved toward strangers and highly suspicious. Others are fast to walk away with them easily. How welcoming this breed is toward strangers?
Drooling Level
?If you love to clean all the time drooling level in dogs is a trait that you should mind. Is this breed less likely to drool, or you will always need a towel on hand?
Easy To Groom
?Heavier shedding during the shedding season is something that every dog needs to go through. However, some dogs shed just a bit all year round. Is this breed one of them? How often should you groom this dog?
Overall Health
?What can you expect from this breed in terms of health? Are there any genetic conditions to vary about? Is obesity a major issue in this breed? By knowing more about the dog's health, you are learning how to help him live a longer and healthier life.
Prone To Obesity
?Treats are a great addition to training sessions. Dogs love sweet bites of dog treats but they should be served in moderation. Treats can lead to obesity, next to poor nutrition. Can this breed gain extra weight from treats? How prone to obesity this breed actually is?
Trainability Level
?Training some dogs is easier than others. How easy this dog will be to train? What can you expect? Some dogs are huge people pleasers and they will master commands easily, while others will try to outsmart you.
Intelligence Level
?Dogs are smart beings. We do our best to train them, but they do still end up training us to adapt to their needs. How intelligent is this breed? Will he try to outsmart you? Or he will need multiple training sessions to master basic commands?
Prey Drive
?Dogs were bred for a specific purpose. Those who were bred to hunt have natural instincts to hunt, even today. This is why many dogs, like Terriers, will chase other animals. They will also have a hard time concentrating on your commands when there is something small moving. Is this breed prone to following his prey instincts?
Barking Level
?How vocal this breed is? Can you expect neighbors to ring you often to calm your dog? Or you can sleep without worries of hearing your Fido bark? Some breeds are highly vocal, others have unusual sounds, and some are silent. Is this breed prone to barking?
Energy Level
?Low-energy dogs are happy with regular walks and indoor chill times. High-energy dogs are always ready for action. Is this breed a couch potato, energetic dog, or somewhere in between?
Exercise Needs
?Some dogs are more than happy with a slow stroll down the street. Others need hours of active time to stay happy and fit. Is this breed demanding in terms of exercise? How much exercise this breed needs to stay happy and healthy?
Playfulness Level
?Some dogs never lose that puppy spirit, not even in their senior years. Others are more serious and prefer having a job to do. Is this breed demanding in terms of playfulness? Can you expect playfulness in their senior years as well?
Golden Cocker Retriever is also known as a Golden Retriever hybrid. This breed is recognized for being extremely loving and very playful. Moreover, they are extremely intelligent. This lovely breed is a huge human and animal lover. Even more, this breed is known as the third-most popular household choice in the world.
Quick Facts
Real name: Golden Cocker Retriever
Other names: Golden Retriever hybrid, Cogal, Mini Golden Retriever, Miniature Golden Retriever
Breed type: Crossbreed
Weight: 30 to 60 lb
Height: 12-24 inches
Lifespan: 11-14 years
Color: Red, Golden, and Fawn
Coat: Medium, straight, and soft coat
Golden Cocker Retriever: History
There is still so much that we can learn about this breed’s history. There is still no firm knowledge about the exact origin of this sweet and loyal dog. There are some thoughts that this breed was developed as a result of designer dog trends that’s on the rise in the last two decades.
But what we know for sure is that Golden Cocker Retriever is a cross between Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel. Yet, we know for sure historical information about Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP4NWjP8Wio
Golden Retrievers: Brief History
Golden Retrievers were originally developed in Scotland, at the estate of Lord Tweedmouth, who was fond of breeding all types of animals. He wanted to create the perfect Golden Retriever with a strong and loyal personality, together with an excellent nose.
Somewhere between 1868 and 1871, Tweedmouth bred female Tweed Water Spaniel to a Golden Retriever. With time dogs were bred to produce yellow puppies. Therefore, in 1911 the Kennel Club in England officially recognized the Golden Retriever, as ‘Retriever – Yellow or Golden’. The breed becomes officially recognizes as ‘Golden Retriever’ in 1932.
Cocker Spaniel: Brief History
On the other hand, Cocker Spaniel was bred to be a hunting dog, back in the 14th century within the borders of then Spain. This breed was originally used to sniff out fowl and send flocks into the air by startling them. By 1936, the breed was the most popular dog in the States.
Moreover, there are two classifications of Cocker Spaniel:
- English Cocker Spanies: taller with a narrow head.
- American Cocker Spaniel: smaller with a shorter black muzzle.
Golden Cocker Retriever – Physical Appearance
Just by the first look on this breed, you can come to the conclusion that its a mix of Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel. Very often they may significantly inherit their parents’ traits. Both of their parents, of course.
Some even claim that this dog is ‘forever puppy’, claiming it will constantly maintain the appearance of a golden retriever puppy. Although this may be true, cross-breeding means that each litter will be different. Overall, this is a dog with floppy ears, smaller stature that the Golden Retriever and with a medium length golden coat.
In addition, Golden Cocker Retriever may vary in size, color and general appearance. Their coat is non-water-repellent. Both females and males are usually between 20 to 24 inches, and between 30 to 60 pounds when it comes to their weight. However, if they end up looking more like their Spaniel parent, they might be slightly smaller than 20 inches.
The most similar body part to Golden Retriever is their tail. The tail has a minor curve and is thick. Paws are strong, while its legs are parallel. Eyes are inherited from both parent breeds.
Forever Puppy or Not?
This dog comes with this unique trait of having forever young and fresh kind of puppy-look. But, you should bear in mind that with cross breeds you can’t predict the appearance of your dog. Simply said, it’s unpredictable. So, if you are worried about your pets physical appearance and its a major deal with, just maybe you should pass on this breed, and find yourself the perfect dog by other traits.
In addition, both Spaniel and Retriever have plenty of hair. So, be sure that this dog is going to shed, and you will need to spend additional attention to grooming. Regardless, this is definitely the dogs who’s personality matches its fluffy and gentle look.
Personality
Although this lovable breed will be a great family member and an amazing choice for first-time dog owners, Golden Cocker Retriever’s personality may vary depending on which dominant traits are inherited from the parents. But overall, this breed is social and energetic. There is a piece of love in their heart for everyone.
They are outgoing and friendly toward other dogs, so if you have more pets in your family you can expect some love, and fun moments. Also, they are great for city life, because they are not intense barkers. However, they may bark at visitors. After all, they are dogs and they are protective.
Regardless of their friendly nature, early socialization and early training should be provided. That way you will prepare your dog to strangers and unknown surroundings. Also, when you an intelligent dog as Golden Cocker Retriever is, you need to create fun and engaging activities.
Bear in mind that this dog is a mixed breed and you can’t know 100% how any puppy will turn out. However, in this case, you can somehow rely on parents traits. Fortunately, Cocker Spaniels and Golden Cocker Retrievers are one of the friendliest dogs ever.
Grooming
You can expect to invest significant time when it comes to maintaining your dog’s external look. The first thing that you should know it that your Golden Cocker Retriever is not considered a hypoallergenic breed, but he will shed moderately throughout the year. By just investing 10 to 15 minutes a day you will save yourself time on a long run and prevent mats and tangles.
Professional grooming may be included every 6 to weeks. Its recommended to bath your dog every 6 to 8 weeks. This breed is not considered to drool. Also, ears should be cleaned weekly, and always check for yeast or bacteria growth.
Trim the nails every 2 to 3 weeks, and brush tooth daily to prevent any disease in your dogs gums.
This breed comes with a long fluffy coat and it can easily become tangled and matted. Therefore, the best would be to brush our ears, trousers, and chest on a daily level. You should add to that a thorough body brushing at least once a week (more if necessary) when your dog is shedding heavily.
In addition, be ready to have set towel or cleaning wipes after rainy-walk.
Training
This intelligent dog won’t be too much of a trouble when it comes to proper training and learning tricks. Just like any other dog, Golden Cocker Retriever needs training and early socialization.
Early socialization and exposure to different sounds, experiences, sights and different people will teach your dog how to still be a protective dog, but how to act around strangers that are your friends and family. Simply, a well-trained dog is a well-rounded dog.
If you feel that you need support when it comes to training this dog you can hire a professional to speed up your training period. Keep regular daily walks and spare that time for only you and your dog.
Health
Mixed breed dogs tend to be healthier than pure breed dogs when it comes to inherited conditions. Moreover, they are known for living much longer then pure breeds.
Therefore, there are no specific health problems that are attributable to this breed. However, they are fighting with common health issues like allergies, back leg weakness, and much more.
If you are expecting that this breed will be much healthier than their parents, it may come as a surprise as they may still inherit some disorders.
Therefore, it’s known that Golden Retrievers are prone to cancer. Moreover, there is a way for you to prevent this. However, you can always check your puppy’s father age. The older male could be a sign that he never encounter this vicious disease.
On the other hand, Cocker Spaniels are prone to a range of health conditions. The most common is loss of vision due to progressive retinal atrophy.
Next, you should treat this dog just like any other dog. Have a regular check-up with your veterinarian and make sure that you go through proper vaccination. After all, thats the best way how you can protect your dog.
Furthermore, once you welcome your new dog into your home you will have the opportunity to protect him from one of the most common health problems lately – obesity.
Frequently Asked Questions: Golden Cocker Retriever
1. How Big Do Golden Cocker Retriever Get?
In general, Golden Cocker Retriever’s are known for being rather medium than large dogs. Once they reach their full-grown phase both females and males are around 13.5 – 15.5 inches (34 – 39 cm) and a weight of 20 – 30 pounds (9 – 13.5 kg).
2. Does A Golden Cocker Retriever Shed?
Long story short, yes. After all, both of the parents are long-haired dogs. Furthermore, Golden Cocker Retriever shed moderately throughout the year and even more in shedding season. Therefore, make sure that you stay on point when it comes to grooming your dog on a daily level. Moreover, reach out to professional groomer every 4-6 weeks.
3. What Kind Of Dog Is A Forever Puppy?
Ever since miniature dogs like Maltese or Yorkie’s were the go-to dogs. However, it slightly changed when a bigger breeds start showing traits of small dogs. In addition, Golden Cocker Retriever is considered to be forever young and to have that puppy-look.
4. Are Golden Cocker Retriever’s Aggressive?
So far no records about aggressive behavior of Golden Cocker Retriever’s could be found. After all, their parents are originally one of the friendliest dogs toward humans and other animals ever.
5. How Much Is A Golden Cocker Retriever?
The average price goes between $500 – $1000, per puppy.
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