What Is A
Cockalier?

Cockaliers enjoy being around people. They like to follow their owners from room to room. They also do well in small homes or big houses. Many love cuddles, but they also enjoy a walk outside.

At Best Cockalier Pups, we have raised many of these dogs. We know how they act. We know what makes them thrive. We also know what kind of homes they do best in. We help each puppy grow in a calm and loving space.

These dogs are great for:

• New pet owners
• Homes with kids
• People who work from home
• Seniors who want a quiet friend

They are fun, kind, and not too loud. They like to please and are easy to train. If you want a dog who loves you and fits your life, a Cockalier may be perfect.

What Exactly Is a Cockalier?

The Cockalier is not a random mix. It is a planned cross between two pure breeds. This breed joins traits from both the Cocker Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The goal is to keep the best parts of each dog.

The Cocker Spaniel is smart and active. The Cavalier is calm and sweet. When bred with care, the breed has the best of both. The result is a dog who is alert but not too busy. It is loving but not clingy.

Some people ask if Cockaliers are a real breed. They are not listed with big dog groups like the AKC. But that doesn’t make them less special. A Cockalier is a “designer dog.” That means it was bred for traits people want. Not for show, but for a happy home.

Why Was the Cockalier Breed Created?

The Cockalier was made to be a great pet. Breeders wanted a dog with a sweet nature and a soft coat. They also wanted a dog who fits well in both small homes and big ones.

Both parent breeds are friendly. Both are easy to train. When paired, they create a dog who is calm, playful, and loyal.

Another goal was to lower health risks. This can happen when you mix two strong bloodlines. It’s called “hybrid vigor.” It means the dog might avoid some of the health issues seen in pure breeds. This doesn’t mean perfect health, but it may lower the chance of serious issues. But it can help.

We breed with care. We only use parent dogs who are healthy and calm. We match them based on traits, not looks. We focus on the dog’s health, mind, and heart. That’s how we raise happy, well-rounded pups.

Is the Cockalier a Purebred or a Designer Dog?

A Cockalier is not a purebred dog. It is a hybrid. This means it comes from two purebred parents. But it is not a registered breed. That doesn’t change its value. Many hybrids are smart, sweet, and great to live with.

Some groups do track Cockaliers, but they are not in big kennel clubs. What matters more is how the dog acts and feels. A dog can be great without a pedigree.

We raise our Cockalier pups to be healthy and kind. They grow up in a clean and quiet space. They are used to being around people from a young age. This helps them feel safe and calm when they go to a new home.

Breed Overview: Size, Appearance, and Coat

These family-friendly hybrid breeds are small to medium in size. Most stand about 12 to 15 inches tall. They weigh between 12 and 28 pounds. Their size makes daily care like walking and grooming simple and stress-free.

Their lifespan is about 12 to 15 years. This means they stay with your family for a long time. With good care, they often live full and happy lives.

Their coats are soft and often wavy. It may be long or short. It depends on which parent the pup takes after. The color also varies. Common colors include:

• Tan and white
• Black and white
• Brown or chestnut
• Red or golden
• Tri-color

Each Cockalier looks a bit different. But they all have sweet eyes and soft ears. It’s easy to adore their sweet faces and soft expressions from the moment you see them.

Temperament and Personality Traits

Cockaliers love people. They like to be close to their owners. They follow you around, sit at your feet, and want to be part of your day. This dog is not one to stay in the other room. It wants to be near you.

They are gentle with kids. They are also good with other pets. If raised with care, they fit well into many types of homes. This makes them a good choice for families of all sizes.

One thing to know

They do not like being alone for long. If you leave the house for many hours each day, this may not be the best breed for you. They need time, love, and attention.

At Best Cockalier Pups, we start early. We help each puppy build trust. We use soft voices, calm hands, and steady care. This creates dogs who are calm and ready to bond.

They are also easy to train. They like to learn, and they enjoy praise. They do well with clear rules and kind words. Harsh tones can scare them, so gentle training works best.

Is a Cockalier a Good Fit for Your Lifestyle?

The breeds are flexible. They adjust easily to both small apartments and larger living spaces. They are small enough for apartments . But they also love yards if you have one. What matters most is time—not space.

These dogs enjoy walks and play, but they do not need hours of exercise. A short walk twice a day is enough. Add some indoor play or puzzle toys, and they’ll be content.

They are great for:

• Busy families who want a dog that’s easygoing
• Single people who want a close bond with a pet
• Older adults looking for a calm, loving companion

They may not be the best choice for people who are away all day. They want to be near their people. If you work long shifts, make sure someone can visit or check in during the day.

Grooming Needs: How to Care for Their Coat

They have soft coats. Some are long and wavy. Others are a little shorter and straight. No matter the type, the coat needs regular care. This helps avoid knots and keeps the dog clean.

Brush them a few times each week to prevent tangles and keep their coat in top shape. A gentle brush works well and turns into bonding time.

Check their ears often. Their floppy ears can trap moisture and cause infection. Clean them with a soft cloth or cotton pad. Ask your vet to show you how if you are unsure.

Nail trimming is also key. Long nails can hurt their paws. Trim them every few weeks or ask a groomer for help. Teeth should be brushed two to three times a week to stop plaque and keep their breath fresh.

Exercise and Activity Requirements

The breed enjoy daily activity. But they are not high-energy dogs. A brisk walk in the morning and a gentle one in the evening is enough. Add a few short playtimes, and your dog will stay happy.

They enjoy:

• Walks around the block
• Fetch with soft toys
• Puzzle toys that hide treats
• Training games that use commands

These dogs love to please. Use that to your advantage. Teach them simple tricks like “sit,” “stay,” or “shake.” Training builds their mind and strengthens your bond.

Keep in mind—they can be sensitive. Yelling or harsh tones do not help. Instead, reward calm behavior with praise, touch, or a small treat. This builds trust and confidence.

Cockalier Training: How Easy Are They to Train?

They  are smart. They pick up new things fast. They want to please their owner. This makes training smooth and fun. Most learn basic commands within weeks if the training is clear and kind.

Start training early. Use short lessons each day. Keep things simple at first. Reward good behavior with gentle praise or a healthy treat. Avoid long sessions. Short, simple sessions spread throughout the day work better than long ones.

They respond well to:

• Positive feedback
• Clear, calm voice
• Routines and steady rules

Some dogs may bark if left alone too long. Others may chew when bored. These behaviors are easy to guide if caught early. Give them safe toys, structure, and daily attention.

Diet and Nutrition for a Healthy Cockalier

Good food is key to a healthy life. Choose a high-quality kibble made for small to medium dogs. Look for real meat as the first ingredient. Avoid fillers like corn or by-products.

Cockalier puppies eat more often. Feed them three to four small meals a day. Adult dogs usually do well with two meals—one in the morning and one at night.

Freshwater should always be available. Change it often and clean the bowl daily.

Some Cockaliers may have food allergies. Watch for signs like itching, gas, or ear problems. If needed, talk to your vet about switching to a different food or adding supplements.

Foods rich in omega fatty acids can help their coat stay soft and shiny. You can also offer small pieces of cooked chicken or carrots as treats—but do not overdo it.

Common Health Issues in Cockaliers

This breed is often healthy. But like all dogs, they can face some health concerns. These come from both parent breeds.

Some common issues include:

• Ear infections (due to floppy ears)
• Eye problems like dry eye or cataracts
• Heart disease (mitral valve disease)
• Hip or knee joint issues
• Syringomyelia (a nerve condition seen in Cavaliers)

These don’t happen to every Cockalier. But knowing the risks helps you stay prepared. At Best Cockalier Pups, we screen our parent dogs for common issues. This helps reduce risk in puppies.

Yearly vet visits are key. So are vaccines, dental cleanings, and a balanced diet. Keep your dog at a healthy weight, and you’ll avoid many problems.

Buying or Adopting

Cockaliers can be found through breeders or rescue groups. But not all breeders are the same. It’s important to choose one who cares about health and behavior—not just looks.

At Best Cockalier Pups, we breed for temperament, health, and family fit. We test our parent dogs and raise puppies with early social time. Our goal is to help you find a lifelong match.

Ask your breeder:

1. Have the parent dogs been health tested?
2. How are the puppies raised?
3. Can I visit the dogs or meet the mother?
4. What is included in the adoption package?

Also check your local rescues or spaniel mix groups. While rare, some Cockaliers may be looking for new homes.

Why Choose Best Cockalier Pups?

We are not just breeders. We are dog lovers who care deeply about each puppy we raise. Our puppies grow in a home setting—not a kennel. We focus on early bonding, safety, and training.

We provide:

• Health-tested parents
• Socialized puppies
• Support after adoption
• Clear contracts and health guarantees

We’ve helped many families find the right puppy. Our Cockaliers grow into stable, loving adult dogs. We’re proud of that.

Final Thoughts

Cockaliers offer the best of both worlds. They are loving, loyal, and full of heart. They need care, time, and love—but they give much more in return.

If you want a dog who stays close, learns fast, and loves deeply, the Cockalier could be your perfect match.