Cocker Spaniel vs Cockalier

If you appreciate the friendly loving personality of a Cocker Spaniel but are concerned about the potential serious health issues of this breed, a Cockalier may be a great choice for you!

A Cockalier combines the spunky fun personality of a Cocker Spaniel with the endearing sweet nature of a Cavalier King Charles to produce an amazing hybrid that keeps the signature look of the Cocker Spaniel and combines it with the smaller stature of the Cavalier King Charles but with far less likelihood of the common health issues they face.

Benefits of a Cockalier:

• Cockaliers are excellent with children.
• Cockaliers–although energetic–adapt well to apartment living with adequate exercise.
• Cockaliers are incredibly intelligent, loving to learn new tricks.
• Cockaliers are rarely aggressive. They have a gentle disposition.
• Cockaliers have hybrid vigor.
• Cockaliers are generally very healthy.
• Cockaliers are excellent companions.

Cocker Spaniels and Cockaliers are very similar. Similar in looks and personality. But, besides the Cockalier being healthier because of its hybrid vigor, there is still one major difference between a Cocker Spaniel and a Cockalier.

Cocker Spaniels are considered high-energy dogs. They are, after all, spaniels and bred to be hunting dogs. Cocker Spaniels make great family pets, but they need a lot of exercise. Some families find it hard to compete with the exercise that a Cocker Spaniel demands.

Although Cockaliers are also considered higher-energy dogs, they are much more adaptable than Cocker Spaniels. With proper playtime and walking, a Cockalier can easily live the apartment lifestyle. If you find yourself too busy to go for long walks, you can substitute with playing inside your apartment; just be sure to be aware of your other neighbors, especially if you are in an upstairs apartment.

Although the weight of a Cockalier–since they are a fairly new mixed breed–is a little more unpredictable, Cockaliers are typically a little smaller than a Cocker Spaniel. They’re usually smaller because Cavaliers are smaller than Cocker Spaniels. Their size aids in their adaptability to lower-energy households. It’s also much easier to play fetch indoors with a smaller-sized dog.