Cocker spaniel and pitbull mix: A Complete Guide

The Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull mix is a relatively popular and new family dog. It is a unique crossbreed between the American Pitbull Terrier and the Cocker Spaniel. The renowned watchdog, work dog, and companion boasts many nicknames, including the Pitbull Cocker, Cockerpit, Pit Spaniel Mix, Pitbull Spaniel Mix, etc.

Due to having a lineage of two purebred dog breeds, the Pitbull Cocker has the medium-sized, muscular body of the Pitbull Terrier. It also possesses the gentleness, intelligence, and trainability of the Cocker Spaniel. If you plan to get a Cockerpit soon, you will enjoy reading this detailed guide.

Origins of the Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull Mix

History of cocker spaniel Breed

Before describing the Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull mix puppies, let us discuss the history of each parent. The Spaniel breed’s existence began in the 14th century. Spaniels had no classification until the 19th century when they branched into big hunting dogs and toys for companionship.

Spaniels may have emerged in Spain because of their name. However, they were popular for years in England. In 1982, Mr. James Farrow’s Obo Kennel recognized the Cocker Spaniel. It was a remarkable bird hunter before the emergence of guns. It could flash woodcocks in nets. Today, we have the bigger English Cocker Spaniel and the smaller American Cocker Spaniel.

History of Pitbull Breed

The American Pitbull Terrier is among the “Pitbull” dogs. It originated in England, Ireland, and Scotland in the 19th century. It came from a lineage of bull-baiting and hunting dogs that fought with bears and bulls in a ring. Then, the bull-baiting sport ended, and people turned these dogs into bullies against one another.

Simultaneously, they crossbred the bull-baiting dogs with smaller and agile terriers. The resulting dog was the American Pitbull Terrier. These terriers were more docile farm dogs, but people have illegally turned them into ruthless fighters like their ancestors. Well-trained Pitbulls are protective of children and livestock.

Overview of cocker spaniel and pitbull Mix

Physical Characteristics – The Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull mix brings forth a beautiful progeny with varying characteristics. Puppies in the same litter can look like either purebred parent. Cockerpits can weigh twenty-five to forty-five pounds and attain a height of fifteen to twenty inches. Their coats can be short and fine or long and wavy.
Temperament and Personality – Which dog parent does a Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull mix resemble? It is harder to pick until your puppy is two to three years old. They can be calm and friendly like the Cocker or slightly aggressive like the Pitbull Terrier. However, training can straighten out any undesirable personality traits they have.
Health Considerations – Hybrids tend to be more disease-resistant than their purebred parents. Thus, your Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull mix puppy will be a healthier canine. It can inherit a condition like hip dysplasia from both parents. It might also have ear infections like the Cocker Spaniel or catch skin infections and allergies from the Pitbull.
Training and Exercise – The Cocker Spaniel is a work dog that loves hunting fowl. The Pitbull Terrier is a hard worker with tons of energy. Therefore, you can expect the Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull mix puppy to be an energetic exercise lover. Their training is relatively easy unless they are stubborn like Pitbulls.
Grooming – Your hybrid can inherit the Pitbull or Cocker Spaniel’s coat. If it gets the Pitbull genes, it will be a pretty low-maintenance pet. On the other hand, if the mix breed gets the Cocker Spaniel’s coat, it will be a high-maintenance dog. This pet will require regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats.
Activity Requirements – Regardless of the parent a puppy takes after, it will be an active and energetic pet. That is because both parents are rigorous workers and hunters. Thus, a Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull mix will require thirty to sixty minutes of exercise daily.
Feeding and Diet – If you get a Cockerpit, be ready to feed it well. This pet is highly energetic and a stable feeder. It will require high-protein (up to 25%) dry kibble with lamb, salmon, or beef. This diet will allow it to build sturdier muscles, grow a healthier coat, and stay healthy.
Suitability as a Family Pet – A Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull mix puppy will most likely make a good family pet. First, both parents dogs love human company and are happy, kind, and affectionate. They make perfect family pets even when kids are around. One can expect the hybrid to be as even-tempered, tolerant, and loyal as the parents.

How to Take Care of Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull Mix: Tips

Nutrition – A Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull mix requires a wholesome diet with more protein. As it may be allergic to poultry, its best protein sources are fish, lamb, and beef. This meat will make it stronger enough to function as a working dog. Feeding the dog a good diet will prevent sicknesses.
Exercise – This is a suitable dog for an active owner. Pit Spaniels are muscular dogs with lots of muscle strength. You need to engage them in running, biking, walking, and fetch games at home. Thirty minutes are fine, but an hour of exercise will be the best interval for these dogs.
Grooming – Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull mix puppies are easy to groom only if they take after the Pitbull. Their flat and fine coat requires occasional brushing. Cocker Spaniels have flat and silky coats that can get long and thick. They need daily brushing. Baths after four to six weeks are necessary.
Health Care – Due to having hybrid vigor, your Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull mix might be less susceptible to the same diseases that attack their parents. Nonetheless, it can still get sick and might die. The right thing is to take your Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull mix pet to a veterinarian for examination, diagnosis, and treatment.
Behavioral Considerations – Behavioral training is necessary to ensure obedience and discipline. This will teach your Cockerpit how to relate with others and stay calm when you are not around. Because of inherited Pitbull genes, the Pit Spaniel can develop an aggressive attitude. You can prevent this via socialization while maintaining positive reinforcement.
Living Environment – As a Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull mix is a medium-sized dog, it can live in a condo, apartment, or flat. Remember to take it out for 30 to 60 minutes of outdoor fun. Take your dog out in the morning or evenings to avoid hot weather, as it can destroy it.
Managing Weight and Body Condition – Cockerpits are compact, muscular, and energetic. They love working the same way they love eating. You should not feed them excessively or give them a sedentary lifestyle. This may increase their weight and trigger some health issues. You must love the outdoors and exercising as Cockerpits do to make them happy.
Hydration – A Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull mix puppy requires water. According to AKC, weaned puppies need one-half cup of water every one hundred and twenty minutes because they are no longer breastfeeding. Water is essential because it can improve digestion, support the removal of toxins, eliminate thirst, and regulate body temperature.

Conclusion

When breeders mate a Cocker Spaniel and a Pitbull Terrier, they create a mixed breed dog called by different names. This hybrid dog can be more disease-resistant than its parents. Regarding physical appearance, temperament, and personality, the dog can take after either parent or both.

A Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull mix makes a perfect family dog though. If you give it different training types, including behavior, socialization, and obedience, it will be fun to live with. Additionally, your Cockerpit will be as energetic and active as its parent dogs. Thus, set aside time for daily exercise, play, and fun.

FAQ

Do Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull mixes do well with kids?

If you are looking for a family dog that cannot mishandle your children, the Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull mix is an option. However, give your dog enough training to handle kids and respond to them when playing.

Do Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull mixes shed a lot?

If you need a hypoallergenic dog, do not choose a crossbreed between a Cocker Spaniel and a Pitbull Terrier. The Cocker Spaniel is a heavier fur shedder than the Pitbull. Their offspring will equally be a fur-shedding dog.

How big does a Cocker Spaniel and Pitbull mix get?

These are medium-sized dogs that weigh around twenty-five to fifty-five pounds. They grow relatively tall at fifteen to twenty inches. Females are smaller than males.