Lab Mix Cocker Spaniel Complete Breed Review

A Lab mix Cocker Spaniel, also known as Spanador, is a crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and a Cocker Spaniel. They are medium-sized, friendly, and energetic dogs that make great family pets. Their appearance and traits can vary, but they usually have floppy ears, thicker fur, and come in various colors. Owners should be aware of possible inherited health issues. It is recommended to avoid busy dog parks as a young pup to protect them from potential harm or negative experiences.

Origins of labrador x cocker spaniel

If you consider adding a new furry friend, the lab mix cocker spaniel might be a lovely dog. This adorable great dog comes from two of the most popular and beloved breeds worldwide. The result is a physically versatile mix, perfect for active families or highly athletic owners.

Cocker Spaniels

The Cocker Spaniel is a charming and affectionate breed. It has a rich history that dates back to its origins in the United Kingdom. It was initially bred there for hunting Eurasian woodcock.

These dogs come in two distinct types: the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. Cocker spaniel coats are wavy, silky coats. They also have immensely expressive eyes.

American Cocker Spaniels are smaller than their English counterparts. It makes them an attractive choice for breeding purposes – especially when creating designer breeds. They have gained widespread popularity in America due to their lovable personalities. They form strong bonds with family members.

Indeed, they were primarily bred as hunting dogs centuries ago due to their impressive agility skills and keen sense of smell. However, today’s Cocker Spaniels thrive in various settings besides the field.

These adaptable dogs excel at obedience training or more lighthearted pursuits like therapy work. They are truly versatile canines eager to please those around them.

The Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever, often called a Lab, is 2nd most popular dog breeds in the United States. Originating from Newfoundland, the Labrador retriever was originally bred to help fishermen haul nets and retrieve fish.

Labrador retriever history can be traced back to Canada in the 1800s. Labrador retrievers come in three standard colors –black, chocolate brown, and yellow. It leads to interesting variations when crossbred with other dogs.

Labrador Retrievers weigh 55-80 pounds (25-36 kilograms). Males are slightly larger than females. One should be aware of a Lab’s tendency toward weight gain if not properly managed through diet and exercise.

The Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix

The Cocker Spaniel Mix, Spanador, Cockador, or Cockerdor, is a delightful crossbreed. This blend results in a friendly good dog with a moderate size and an endearing personality.

Weighing between 20 to 50 pounds, the cocker spaniel mixes have the charming appearance of the Cocker Spaniel, along with the Labrador’s athletic nature.

The offspring of such pleasant parent breeds have loveable temperaments and loyalty towards family members.

They can inherit an active nature from both parent breeds, especially Labrador Retrievers, who were originally bred as working dogs. The Cocker Spaniel Labrador mix requires regular exercise like long walks or structured playtime events at home ( like most dogs)

Spandaor Complete Guide And Review

Are Designer Dogs Healthier?

There is a common belief that designer dogs are healthier than purebred dogs. While hybrid breeds may have unique traits and temperaments, they can still inherit health issues.

A recent study compared the expectations and realities of owning purebred pups, mixed-breed dogs, and designer dog breeds. The study found that owner experiences differed by type of dog breed.

Owners of mixed-breed or designer-breed dogs report more behavioral problems than those with purebred puppies. Whether a purebred or mixed-breed dog is right for you depends on your lifestyle and personal preferences.

Socialization Of The Spanador Puppies

Early socialization is crucial for any dog breed, and the Labrador retriever Cocker spaniel mix is no exception. These dogs are known to be friendly and loving towards people. However, it is important to expose them to different environments and situations from an early age.

1. Daily exposure to other dogs, people, places, sounds, and smells will ensure your Lab cocker spaniel mix adjusts well to new situations.
2. Proper socialization also prevents behavioral problems like aggression toward strangers or fear of loud noises.
3. Positive interactions with other animals or humans during the formative years from 8 weeks old upward are vital. It increases the chances of a happy dog enjoying being around family members and unfamiliar faces!

Avoiding The Dog Park As A Puppy!

Don’t take the Spandaor to the dog park as a puppy. It is to protect your Spanador puppies from potential harm and negative experiences affecting their future behavior.

Instead of taking your puppy to an overcrowded dog park, enroll it in a puppy class. You can also organize controlled play dates with other puppies around its age and size. You can also take it on walks in quiet areas where it can explore new sights, sounds, and smells.

spaniel mix temperament

The Spanador temperament is easy-going, with a loving personality. They are attentive dogs that thrive on human companionship, making them great family pets. This breed’s eager-to-please nature means they respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, making them easy to train.

They have also inherited Labrador’s love of playtime. Hence, plenty of daily exercise to release excess energy is of the order. The Spanador is an intelligent, gentle-natured breed that loves family. The cocker spaniel and Labrador retriever are smart animals, reflected in the crossbreed.

Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix Personality

The Spanador is one of the most affectionate and sweet-natured breeds. This hybrid dog is highly intelligent, playful, and eager to please. This breed has an even temperament and loves spending time with people. The Spanador is very sociable and enjoys interacting with both adults and children. They do not like being left alone for long periods.

Spanadors are known for their intelligence and willingness to please, traits inherited from the Labrador, making them relatively easy to train. However, cocker spaniel mixes display a stubborn streak, likely influenced by their Cocker Spaniel lineage.

Despite this, with consistent, positive reinforcement-based training methods, they respond well and enjoy the mental stimulation. Spanadors are usually great with children and can get along well with other pets, especially when socialized from a young age. They are quite energetic.

cocker cross labrador: Size, Weight, And Height

This labrador retriever mix can weigh between 20 and 47 pounds and have a 14-17 years lifespan. It is a small, medium-sized dog with an athletic frame. Males are slightly larger than female Spanador. Male Cocker Spaniels can grow to about 15.5 inches, while females grow to about 14.5 inches.

No matter their gender or which parent they take after, these pups tend to adapt to living situations. From city apartments to a sprawling country farm that provides enough room, the breed reflects versatile physical accommodation. Even if the space is tight, the dog will do well till their exercise needs are met via long walks.

Male Vs. Female lab cocker spaniel mix

Both male and female Spanadors have loving and friendly natures. However, a male Spanador exhibits more dominant behavior and require extra training. Especially when interacting with other pets or children in the household.

Food & Diet Requirements

Spanadors have specific food and diet requirements.

1. Spanadors must have a balanced and nutritious diet. It must consist of high-quality dog food that meets their recommended daily calorie intake. Ensure it is based on their size, weight, and activity level.
2. Their diet should consist of 20-30% protein, 10-15% fat, and carbohydrates from whole grains or vegetables.
3. Avoid feeding them human food or table scraps. It can lead to obesity and other health issues.
4. Control their portions and feed them small meals throughout the day instead of one or two large meals.
5. Spanadors love eating and may overindulge if given a chance. Monitor their food intake and treat them with healthy snacks in moderation.
6. They need plenty of fresh water available at all times to stay hydrated and support healthy digestion.
7. Not sure what to feed your Spanador or how much they should eat? It is best to consult a veterinarian for professional advice.

cocker spaniel lab mix: Exercise

The Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix is a high-energy dog that needs plenty of exercises to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks, runs, and playtime in the yard are necessary for this active breed.

Fetch with a Twist:

Both Labradors and Cocker Spaniels love to fetch. For Spanadors, you can add a twist to this game by using items that float in water. Given their potential love for water inherited from the Labrador side, they will enjoy fetching a floating toy from a safe body of water.

Scent Tracking Games:

Labradors were originally bred to retrieve game, which makes them excellent at scent tracking. Hide treats or their favorite toy around the house or yard, and let your Spanador find them using its nose.

Bird Simulation Toys:

Cocker Spaniels were historically bird dogs, so your Spanador may enjoy toys that mimic birds. There are specific dog toys on the market that simulate the fluttering of a bird.

Agility Training:

Cocker Spaniels are known for their agility and Labradors for their trainability. Agility courses that involve running through tunnels, weaving through poles, and jumping over hurdles will cater to the Spanador’s physical and mental stimulation needs.

Interactive Puzzle Toys:

Capitalizing on the intelligence of both parent breeds, interactive puzzle toys are an excellent way to challenge your Spanador mentally while also providing them with physical engagement.

Tug-of-War:

A game of tug-of-war will appeal to the Labrador’s love for games and the Cocker Spaniel’s enthusiastic spirit. Use a sturdy dog toy designed for tugging, and remember to let your dog win sometimes to keep them motivated and excited.

Training for cockador dogs

Training a Cocker Spaniel Labrador mix requires patience and consistency. Positive reinforcement techniques like treats, praise, and toys work best with this new breed due to their eagerness to please. A proper training regimen might look something like this:

Weeks 8-10: Socialization and Basic Commands

Focus on socializing your Spanador puppy with different environments, people, and animals. Start with basic commands such as “Sit,” “Stay,” “Come,” and “No.” Use positive reinforcement, rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or toys.

Weeks 10-14: Leash Training and Recall

Begin leash training with short, daily walks, allowing them to get used to wearing a harness and leash. Start training recall using the “Come” command in a secure and familiar environment, slowly increasing the distance as they improve.

Weeks 14-20: Scent Tracking and Fetching

Introduce scent-tracking games to stimulate their Labrador’s tracking instincts. Start training them to fetch, using toys that interest them, and always rewarding the return.

Weeks 20-26: Basic Agility and “Leave it” Command

Introduce basic agility exercises like small jumps or running through tunnels. Work on the “Leave it” command, which is particularly useful for breeds with strong chase instincts like Spanadors.

Weeks 26 onwards: Advanced Training

Continue to reinforce previously learned commands and behaviors. Introduce more complex agility exercises and other advanced commands as appropriate. Always ensure training sessions are fun, varied, and rewarding for your Spanador.

Grooming requirements

Regular brushing keeps their medium or long straight coat looking shiny and healthy. It also prevents knots from forming close to the skin. However, it’s important to use the right type of brush for their hair.

1. Do not bathe your Spanador too often; once every three months should suffice.
2. Bathing them too frequently can strip their skin and coat of natural oils.
3. Ensure to use dog shampoo rather than human shampoo.
4. Brush your Spanador every three to five days. 
5. Feed your dog a spoonful of yogurt or coconut oil to prevent dry skin

You may experience too much loose hair during the spring and fall. However, it will be manageable during the summer and winter. The Spanadors have long hairs, so trimming them is the best grooming method. The coat and hair may vary from one dog to another, and so will the grooming regime. Consult your vet for your dog’s specific needs.

Health Problems

The Cocker Spaniel and Labrador Retriever mix is generally a healthy breed. One of the major health problems associated with Spanador’s health is hip and elbow dysplasia. A mix prone to hip and elbow dysplasia must be on fish oil for significant benefits.

Besides joint problems, some Cocker Spaniels are prone to allergies that can cause ear infections or skin irritations in the Spanador mix. Eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal dysplasia could also be inherited from either parent breeds.

PRA, or Progressive Retinal Atrophy, is another condition these dogs are predisposed to. It is a painful condition that may lead to blindness.  Cocker Spaniels and Labs also have a high risk of IMHA or immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.

The Ideal Home for Cocker Spaniel Labrador Mix

The Cocker Spaniel Lab mix puppy is a high-energy, affectionate breed that requires ample space to play and run around. It makes them ideal for families with big yards or near dog parks.

Ideally, the perfect home for a Cocker spaniel lab mix is with owners who lead active lifestyles. These outgoing dogs require lots of exercise every day. A long walk in the morning, followed by some free time in an enclosed backyard or at the dog park.

The ideal home would be one where someone is available most of the day. Consequently, the dogs will not get lonely while their humans are away from home.

 How To Choose A labrador cocker spaniel mix Puppy?

Choosing a Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix Puppy is an important decision that should not be rushed. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your new furry companion:

• Research a reputable breeder that offers a health guarantee and avoid puppy mills.
• If possible, meet the puppy’s parents to check for temperament and health issues.
• Observe the litter and choose a healthy, active, and friendly puppy.
• Look for a puppy with bright eyes, clean ears, a smooth coat, and no signs of discharge or parasites.
• Get information about the puppy’s vaccination history and health clearance from the breeder.
• Ask the breeder about behavioral or health issues in the parent dogs to prepare for potential risks.

Is A lab spaniel mix Right For You?

These highly trainable dogs make an excellent choice for first-time dog owners. Ultimately, whether or not a Cocker Spaniel Lab mix is right for you depends on your lifestyle and personality.

1. Speaking of exercise, these dogs got energy to burn, so if you’re the active type, a Spanador could be right up your alley
2. Time is another factor. They don’t take kindly to being left alone for hours on end. A Spanador might not be the best fit if you’re always out and about.
3. Training, ah, the big one! These dogs are as bright as a button, but sometimes they can be a bit stubborn. You’ll need a hefty dose of patience and consistency in your training.
4. Grooming is a bit of a wild card with Spanadors. They might inherit the Lab’s wash-and-go coat or the Cocker Spaniel’s flowing locks.
5. Healthcare is another factor you can’t afford to overlook. So, it’s important to have your ducks in a row regarding potential veterinary costs.
6. Spanadors can be a bit chatty. If your living situation calls for peace and quiet, this breed’s occasional bout of barking could interfere.
7. Finally, the cost. Owning a dog isn’t exactly cheap. There’s the cost of the dog itself, food, grooming, vet bills, the works.

cocker spaniel lab mix lifespan

Generally, a Lab Cocker Spaniel Mix puppy range between $600 and $2000, with an average of around $800. It is always best to go through reputable breeders who prioritize their dogs’ health and well-being. The dog breed magazine Dogbible provides information on Spanador breeding, price, temperament, education, care, and character assessment.

FAQs

Is A labrador Cocker cross A Good Pet To Have?

A Cockador is an intelligent dog for the right owner. They are loyal and loving dogs and have a strong desire to please their owners, which makes them relatively easy to train. They also excel in obedience training and agility competitions.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

A family environment makes a perfect setup for the Spanador.  These dogs seek constant love and care. Besides, their continuous need for attention and play makes them a family dog. They are extremely loyal and will protect you from strangers at all costs.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Proper socialization ensures Spanadors get along with fellow pets. This mix does not fall under the list of aggressive breeds. However, they sometimes get excited and intrude on another pet’s personal space.