The Cock-A-Tzu is a delightful mix between the American Cocker Spaniel and the Shih-Tzu. Originally bred for different purposes, the Cocker Spaniel as a hunting dog and the Shih-Tzu as a royal companion, these two breeds were intentionally crossed to create a loving and intelligent hybrid. The Cock-A-Tzu has a beautiful coat that is usually curly or wavy, with a silky, double-layered texture. They come in various color combinations, adding to their charm.
While the Cock-A-Tzu does require daily grooming and some extra care, they have a calm and quiet nature, making them a great choice for apartment living. They also have modest activity requirements, which means they don’t need excessive exercise to be happy. This makes them an ideal pet for families or individuals looking for a companion that is both lovable and low-maintenance.
Ahead, we look at Cock-A-Tzu dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Cock-A-Tzu, characteristics, and must-see facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Cock-A-Tzus!
| Dog Breed | Cock-A-Tzu |
| Size | Small |
| Weight | 25-35 lbs (average) |
| Height | 11-14″ (average) |
| Location | Unknown |
| Ancestry | Cocker Spaniel, Shih Tzu |
| Date of Origin | Unknown |
| Group | Companion |
| Life Expectancy | 10-16 years |
| Price | $900 – $1200 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Cock-A-Tzu is a designer dog that combines the American Cocker Spaniel and the Shih-Tzu. The American Cocker Spaniel was originally a hunting dog and the Shih-Tzu was a companion and watchdog for Asian royalty. The Shih-Tzu is an ancient breed from China, believed to have been developed from the Lhasa Apso and small Chinese dogs like the Pekingese. It was favored by Chinese royalty for its hypoallergenic coat and friendly nature. Spaniels, in general, were originally bred to assist hunters in flushing out prey and retrieving game. The earliest Spaniels were divided into water Spaniels and land Spaniels, and later, land Spaniels were classified as either Springers or Cockers based on their size. When Cocker Spaniels were developed in America, they changed significantly to become more suitable as companions rather than game dogs. This led to the formation of a group dedicated to preserving the traditional English Cocker Spaniel. In 1946, the American Cocker Spaniel was recognized as a separate breed and it is this breed that is used to create the Cock-A-Tzu hybrid.
🐕 Cock-A-Tzu Appearance
The Cock-A-Tzu is a little but stout dog that is somewhat longer than it is tall. It has a wide cranium that is slightly domed and a square, short, and deep nose. Their ears are either lobular or petal shaped, and they are often situated quite high on the head and dangle, but the ear lengths may vary. They typically have the dark, round eyes of the Shih-Tzu, however the eye form may tend toward almond. Like the Cocker Spaniel, they may carry their tails straight out from their bodies, or they can carry them over their backs like the Shih-Tzu. Although the Shih-Tzu’s coat is far longer than the Cocker Spaniel’s, both parent species have double-layered coats made up of a strong undercoat and straight hair with a slight wave. The majority of Cock-A-Tzus have a silky medium-length coat that can range from wavy to curly and comes in several color variants, typically with white markings, even though this crossbreed may more closely resemble either parent bred.
| 👀 Eye Color | Varies |
| 🐽 Nose Color | N/A |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Ranges |
⚡ Fun Fact: Cock-A-Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Cock-A-Tzu
This specific crossbreed’s disposition is most frequently described as cheeky. Since they have a tendency to be nice, they get along with just about everyone. Although they are very bright and typically simple to educate using positive training methods, they can be extremely sensitive to severe reprimands. They are also rather calm dogs who often only bark to alert you to anything. Even though they get along well with kids, interactions with the very young need to be under adult supervision to ensure the safety of both the kid and the dog. While some of these dogs may be a little more reserved, the majority of these dogs get along quite well with strangers. They are often kind and patient with other animals as well. They struggle when left alone for protracted periods of time, and they may be slightly more likely to have separation anxiety.
🤝 Are Cock-A-Tzus Friendly or Aggressive?
The Cock-A-Tzu breed is known for being extremely friendly and sociable. They are generally friendly towards strangers and are also great with kids, making them an excellent choice for families with children. Additionally, Cock-A-Tzus get along well with cats and other dogs, making them a suitable choice for multi-pet households or those interested in joining dog meetups. Due to their friendly and gentle nature, Cock-A-Tzus are often recommended for elderly individuals who may benefit from the companionship and low-maintenance needs of this breed.
This breed is known for being:
- Active
- Playful
- Happy
- Courageous
- Intelligent
- Friendly
- Outgoing
- Affectionate
- Lively
- Gentle
- Trainable
- Quiet
- Faithful
🐩 Cock-A-Tzu Care & Maintenance
Every six to eight weeks, the Cock-A-Tzu should be washed to keep the coat healthy and shining. In certain situations, they may also require a trim to balance out any uneven feathering. On the other hand, brushing and combing must be done every day. In spite of the fact that their soft, curly or wavy coats don’t often shed much, they are highly prone to matting and tangling, which can cause pain for your pet if ignored over an extended period of time. This kind of damage may result in an infection in some circumstances. Regular tooth brushing may help prevent new cavities from occurring in dogs since they may be more susceptible than usual to acquiring cavities and other dental conditions.
Cock-A-Tzu dogs are known for being low shedders, meaning they do not lose a lot of hair. This is a natural part of their hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss can vary depending on the dog’s overall health and breed type. It is recommended to bathe Cock-A-Tzu dogs every 6-8 weeks to keep them clean and maintain their coat.
🍖 Food: We recommend few cups daily, costing you about $0.49 – $1.49 daily, or roughly $30.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Cock-A-Tzu dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly few miles per week, which equates to about 15 – 35 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Cock-A-Tzu dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn’t the perfect choice for you.
❤️🩹 Cock-A-Tzu Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Cock-A-Tzu Dog Breed can be:
- Patellar Luxation
- Intervertebral Disc Disease
- Eye Problems
While minor concerns include:
- Heart Problems
- Cleft Lip or Palate
- Urinary Crystals and Stones
🤧 Important: Is Cock-A-Tzu hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Cock-A-Tzu.
⚡ Cock-A-Tzu Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Cock-A-Tzu a great choice for families with young children?
The Cock-A-Tzu is a great choice for families with young children because they are known to be on the sweet side and get along well with almost anyone. They are friendly and gentle with children and interactions should be supervised to ensure the safety of both the child and the dog.
Is the Cock-A-Tzu breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
Yes, the Cock-A-Tzu breed is considered suitable for apartment living. They have relatively low exercise needs and their size makes them adaptable to smaller living spaces.
How much exercise does a Cock-A-Tzu require compared to other breeds?
Cock-A-Tzus require a moderate amount of exercise compared to other breeds. While they do not have high energy levels, they still need daily walks and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Is the Cock-A-Tzu breed known for being good with other pets?
The Cock-A-Tzu breed is known for being good with other pets. They are typically friendly and gentle with other animals.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Cock-A-Tzu?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Cock-A-Tzu are the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise.
What are the common health issues that Cock-A-Tzus are prone to?
Common health issues that Cock-A-Tzus are prone to include ear infections, dental problems, and eye issues such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.
Are Cock-A-Tzus known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Cock-A-Tzus are generally easy to train compared to some other breeds. They are intelligent and respond well to positive training techniques.
Are Cock-A-Tzus more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Cock-A-Tzus can be more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds. They do not do well when left alone for extended periods of time and may require extra attention and care in this aspect.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Cock-A-Tzu that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the Cock-A-Tzu that are suitable for people with allergies include the Bichon Frise and the Maltese, as they have hypoallergenic coats.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Cock-A-Tzu are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller-sized dogs similar to the Cock-A-Tzu would be the Maltese, the Shih Tzu, or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Is the Cock-A-Tzu breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Cock-A-Tzu breed is known to be good with children, but their suitability for children with special needs would depend on the specific needs of the child and the individual dog’s temperament. It is important to introduce any dog to a child with special needs in a controlled and supervised manner.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Cock-A-Tzu?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Cock-A-Tzu are moderate. They have soft, double-layered curly or wavy coats that require daily attention and brushing to prevent matting. They do shed, but not excessively, and regular grooming can help manage their shedding.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Cock-A-Tzu dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
