The Crested Cocker is a delightful and affectionate mix between the Chinese Crested and Cocker Spaniel. While their appearance may vary, they often resemble slim Cocker Spaniels with some features of the Chinese Crested. They typically stand between 12 to 15 inches tall, weigh 15 to 25 pounds, and can live up to 15 years. Some Crested Cockers may have patches of bare skin on their body and legs due to their Chinese Crested heritage.
Despite not requiring extensive exercise, this breed is still lively and enjoys the company of humans. They thrive on interaction and companionship. It’s important to note that the Crested Cocker is not officially recognized by the American Kennel Association as they are a relatively new hybrid compared to their parent breeds.
Below, we look at Crested Cocker dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Crested Cocker, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and much more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Crested Cockers!
| Dog Breed | Crested Cocker |
| Size | Small |
| Weight | 15-23 lbs (average) |
| Height | 12-14″ (average) |
| Location | United States, United Kingdom |
| Ancestry | Chinese Crested, Cocker Spaniel |
| Date of Origin | Unknown |
| Group | Companion |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years |
| Price | $800 – $1000 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Crested Cocker, also known as the Chinese Cocker, is a hybrid breed that has been bred in Europe and the United States since the early 20th century. It combines the Cocker Spaniel and Chinese Crested, two breeds with different histories. The Cocker Spaniel originated in England in the 1800s and was bred for hunting woodcocks. It later gained popularity in North America as a show dog, pet, and hunting companion. The American and English versions of the Cocker Spaniel are now considered separate breeds by the American Kennel Club. The Chinese Crested, on the other hand, is an ancient breed believed to have descended from hairless dogs from Africa and Mexico. It was commonly kept as a pet on ships and in port cities, and became popular in Chinese cities. The breed gained more recognition in Europe and the United States in the 1800s, and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991, although it is not widely popular among toy breed dog owners today.
🐕 Crested Cocker Appearance
The normal appearance of a Crested Cocker is that of a slim Cocker Spaniel with certain Chinese Crested characteristics, such as a delicate nose and ears. It is a little breed whose structure varies between the compact body of the Cocker Spaniel and the fine-boned appearance of the Chinese Crested. It features small, compact feet, a long tail, black eyes, and a nose. Crested Cockers weigh 15 to 25 pounds on average and reach heights of 12 to 15 inches. Their coats may be a broad variety of lengths and colors; some have a complete coat with more hair around the face, feet, and ears, while others have a shorter coat or bald regions around the torso and legs. With merle, spotted, or roan markings, heavily coated regions have straight and silky “hair” that can be any color combination of apricot, black, tan, blue, chocolate, cream, palomino, slate, white, brown, buff, red, or silver.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Black, Blue, Cream, White, Brown, Red, Silver |
⚡ Fun Fact: Crested Cocker 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 Crested Cocker
Crested Cockers are sensitive creatures who make loving, entertaining, and perceptive household pets. This breed loves to be adored and develops highly devoted to its owners. Additionally, Crested Cockers get along well with kids and love energetic indoor playtime with the family. They may take some time to warm up to new people and animals, though, and they might be wary around strangers. The breed is so people-oriented that if left alone for an extended amount of time, it will get restless and nervous. Additionally, although they occasionally bark and are very aware of their surroundings, Crested Cockers are not often “yappy” or unduly excitable. Nevertheless, they are clever creatures who take to instruction in obedience quite well. In fact, some dogs could be happiest while lounging indoors and listening to their owners. Because of this characteristic, Crested Cockers do well in cities or in apartments.
🤝 Are Crested Cockers Friendly or Aggressive?
Crested Cocker dogs are known for their friendly nature towards other pets, strangers, and children. They enjoy being in the company of kids and can get along well with cats and other dogs too. If you’re looking to expand your furry family or participate in dog meetups, the Crested Cocker can be an excellent choice due to its dog-friendly nature. Additionally, this breed is considered one of the best options for elderly individuals, as they can provide companionship and are well-suited for their needs.
This breed is known for being:
- Playful
- Happy
- Alert
- Intelligent
- Friendly
- Affectionate
- Lively
- Tempered
- Sweet
- Trainable
- Quiet
- Faithful
🐩 Crested Cocker Care & Maintenance
Despite not being entirely hypoallergenic, Crested Cockers release less allergens because to their coat that is similar to that of Chinese Cresteds. Although they only moderately shed (at most), if they have a longer coat, they will need to be groomed frequently. Owners should clip around the dog’s ears, face, and paws during grooming to prevent infection or obstruction of the dog’s mobility. Like all dog breeds, Crested Cockers should have their teeth brushed every day and have their nails cut once to twice a month in addition to receiving a monthly wash. To prevent skin infections or irritation, owners should take every precaution to cover their dog’s hairless regions with clothes or other skin care products.
Crested Cocker dogs are known for being low shedders, meaning they don’t 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 factors such as the dog’s overall health and the specific breed they belong to. When it comes to bath time, these dogs typically require bathing every 6-8 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend 2 cups daily, costing you about $1.00 – $1.20 daily, or roughly $30.00 – $36.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Crested Cocker 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 7 miles per week, which equates to about 45 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: Crested Cocker 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.
❤️🩹 Crested Cocker Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Crested Cocker Dog Breed can be:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Hip Dysplasia
While minor concerns include:
- Deafness
🤧 Important: Is Crested Cocker hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Crested Cocker.
⚡ Crested Cocker Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Crested Cocker a great choice for families with young children?
The Crested Cocker is a great choice for families with young children because they are known to be affectionate, playful, and alert family pets. They get along well with children and enjoy spirited indoor play sessions with family members.
Is the Crested Cocker breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
Yes, the Crested Cocker breed is considered suitable for apartment living. They do not require heavy exercise and are relatively low-energy dogs. They are well-suited to urban or apartment living.
How much exercise does a Crested Cocker require compared to other breeds?
Compared to other breeds, the Crested Cocker requires moderate exercise. While they are not highly active dogs, they still need regular walks and playtime to stay healthy and mentally stimulated.
Is the Crested Cocker breed known for being good with other pets?
The Crested Cocker breed is generally good with other pets. However, they may be timid around strangers and take a while to warm up to new animals. Proper socialization from a young age is important to ensure they get along well with other pets.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Crested Cocker?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Crested Cocker include the Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Maltese. These breeds have similar temperaments and grooming needs.
What are the common health issues that Crested Cockers are prone to?
Common health issues that Crested Cockers are prone to include dental problems, allergies, and skin conditions due to their Chinese Crested ancestry. Regular dental care and grooming can help prevent these issues.
Are Crested Cockers known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Crested Cockers are known to be intelligent and responsive to obedience training. They are generally easy to train compared to some other breeds. Consistent positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods work well with them.
Are Crested Cockers more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Crested Cockers can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. They are highly people-oriented and thrive on human attention and companionship. Proper training, socialization, and gradually increasing alone time can help prevent separation anxiety.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Crested Cocker that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the Crested Cocker that are suitable for people with allergies include the Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. These breeds are hypoallergenic and have hair instead of fur.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Crested Cocker are best for individuals or families with limited space?
Smaller sizes of dogs similar to the Crested Cocker, such as the Toy Poodle or Maltese, are best for individuals or families with limited space. These breeds are compact and can adapt well to small living spaces.
Is the Crested Cocker breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Crested Cocker breed is generally known to be good with children. However, it is important to supervise interactions between the dog and children, especially those with special needs, to ensure safety and prevent any potential issues.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Crested Cocker?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Crested Cocker are moderate. They have a coat that can come in many color variations and may be bare in areas due to their Chinese Crested ancestry. Regular brushing, occasional bathing, and keeping their ears and teeth clean are important for their overall grooming needs. They are considered to be low to moderate shedders compared to some other breeds.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Crested Cocker dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
