Are you wondering what it’s like to raise a Cockalier? I got three of them and learned a lot. Cockaliers are a mix between two other dogs – the Cocker Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They make great pets but they are also part of the family!
Each one has their own personality too. So I thought I’d share 10 things I noticed about mine. Maybe they can help you with your pup!
A Blend of Two Worlds
When I first got my Cockalier puppies, I wanted to know more about where they came from. Their parents are two other kinds of dogs – Cocker Spaniels and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Cocker Spaniels are really playful and energetic. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very loving and gentle. My Cockaliers get the best of both!
They have traits from both dogs. Some act more like the Cocker Spaniel. They love to run and play fetch. Some are sweeter like the Cavalier. They just want snuggles! It’s cool to see the different personalities. Knowing about their parents helps me understand why my puppies act the way they do. At first, I thought my three Cockalier puppies would look alike since they are brothers and sisters. But they sure don’t!
One has wavy fur like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Another has pointy ears like a Cocker Spaniel. They are also different sizes. This makes them more interesting. I can spot which puppy is which easily. And it’s fun trying to guess which breed they take after more.
A Personality to Love
My Cockalier puppies sure have interesting temperaments. They love snuggles and playing, just like their Cocker Spaniel side. But they can also be a bit stubborn, like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. They are quite friendly and want to be with people all the time. Great with kids and other animals too. They just love attention and to make friends.
Teaching them tricks is lots of fun, but also a challenge because they don’t always listen! They want to do things their own way. This stubborn side is part of what makes them so unique.
Training and Play – A Daily Routine
Teaching my puppies new things has been really fun. They learn fast when I show them tricks. Sit, stay, come – they get it quick! But I had to be patient too. I need to use the same words every time. And be consistent with rewards when they do good. Snacks help!
Daily walks in the park and playtime are important. They have lots of energy to burn off. We play fetch, tug-o-war, anything to get wiggles out! Each pup likes something different best. Finding their favorite helps with training. Playing is also how we bond. I’m glad we have fun together while they learn. Training is rewarding but does take time. Sticking with it and keeping them busy pays off.
Grooming – More Than Just Looks
Taking care of their coats is a big part of having Cockalier puppies. Their fur is super soft but can get messy fast! I brush them at least once a week. This helps detangle knots and keeps their fur shiny. Their ears are long too, so I clean the insides gently with a wipe. Every few months I take them to a pro groomer. They get a haircut and bathe there. This really makes their fur look nice!
The groomer checks ears and nails too. It’s good for the puppies to get used to it. Grooming keeps skin and fur healthy. Brushing at home in between keeps them fresh. Clean ears are important too since they can get dirty fast.
Adapting to Any Lifestyle
If we relax on the couch, they cuddle right up. But they also love hiking trails and going to the beach. Wherever we go, they come along happily! The puppies have fit right into our busy family. We travel sometimes and they handle staying with sitters well. Or going to new places like the vet without a fuss.
It’s great to have pets that roll with whatever we do. They never seem bored or complain. Just happy to be with us and see what’s next.
Dietary Needs – Keeping Them Healthy
I look for food made for their age and size. Puppies need food for growing, adults need less fat. The bags tell me how much to feed at each meal. Weighing them helps me make sure no one gets too chunky. Cockaliers can get overweight easily if you overfeed. I don’t want that!
Some like crunchy kibble, others like soft bites better. As long as it’s high-quality food, I let them choose. As long as they stay a healthy weight, that’s all that matters.
The Joy of Companionship
When I’m sad or stressed, petting their soft fur calms me down right away. They know just how to cheer me up. We have so much fun together on walks, at the park, or just hanging out at home. Time passes quickly because I’m too busy laughing at their antics!
They greet me at the door so happy every time, like I’m the best thing ever. That kind of love and loyalty is special. Cockaliers aren’t just pets – they feel like family to me. My home feels empty on the rare days they stay with sitters.
Finding Your Cockalier
These dogs are still not too common. I had to search a good while to find someone breeding them. Lots of research was important. I wanted to make sure the pups would be healthy and cared for properly.
Some breeders just see dollar signs. But the best ones put the dogs first. Things like vet checks, clean cages, and nice socialization. Asking the right questions helped me know who to avoid. Finding someone who loved the breed was key.
Final Words
My Cockalier puppies make life so much fun! Being around them every day is always something new and exiting! Their happy personalities just make me smile all the time. Laughter fills my home now.
Each one is so special in how they look and act. I love learning about their quirks and the breed. As their owner I still got things to learn. But these furry friends make any mistakes worth it. You want love and joy every single day, Cockaliers are it! They fill my world with so much light and happiness like nothing else ever could.
