The Golden Cocker Retriever is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Cocker Spaniel. He is a medium-sized mix standing at 14 to 28 inches and weighs 30 to 45 pounds. This Golden Cocker Retriever crossbreed is friendly, lovable, and eager to please.
The Golden Retriever Cocker Spaniel mix is perfect for families and is renowned for his cuteness hence the “forever puppy” reference.
These dogs seem like they never grow up.
Even when fully grown, they still retain those puppy looks, large adorable eyes and fluffy but floppy ears.
We will cover all that you need to know about this designer dog from his appearance, personality, care, and more that will help you decide if he the right dog for you.
-I guarantee your reaction will be “OMG, I need it now!“
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About the Golden Cocker Retriever
The Golden Cocker Retriever is a hybrid dog that was created as a result of crossbreeding a Golden Retriever and a Cocker Spaniel.
Both the Cocker Spaniel and Golden Retriever are 2 very popular breeds that also extends to this hybrid.
When fully grown this mix is usually smaller than an actual Golden Retriever.
They are an affectionate and friendly dog that loves people, children, adults, and strangers which makes them perfect companions and family dogs. Golden Cocker Retrievers are great for new dog owners.
Since the parent breeds are classified as sporting dogs, you can expect the crossbreed to be highly intelligent.
This crossbreed loves human interactions and outdoor activities such as swimming and hiking.
First seen in the early 2000s, this dog is not recognized by any of the major kennel clubs but is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club.
Since the parent breeds are classified as sporting dogs, their crossbreed tends to produce highly intelligent and active hybrids.
Cocker Spaniel Golden Retriever mix fun facts
- This crossbreed can come from either an American or English Cocker Spaniel which are two different dog breeds.
- Golden Cocker Retrievers have soft mouths which makes them perfect for retrieving game without damage for their owners.
- Coming from 2 breeds known for their affinity to water, this cross loves to swim and play in muddy water.
- Their gentle and loving nature makes them great therapy and assistance dogs.
- Golden Retriever Cocker Spaniel mixes have a litter size of 4 puppies.
- In the breeding of this hybrid, the Cocker Spaniel is used as the sire (father) while the Golden Retriever is used as the dam (mother). This is done to avoid birth complications due to their size differences.
Pros and cons
Pros:
✓ Great for first-time dog owners.
✔ They are perfect dogs for moderately active individuals.
✓ Loving and affectionate.
✔ Have a cute appearance and great fluffy coats.
Cons:
✗ Are known shedders.
✘ They are not very tolerant of rough play.
✗ These are high maintenance dogs.
✘ They don’t along so well with larger dogs.
Golden Cocker Retriever Size, Appearance, Coat
Cocker Spaniel Golden Retriever mix summary table | |
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Height | 14 to 24 inches |
Weight | 30 to 45 pounds |
Lifespan | 11 to 14 years |
Breed Type | Mixes and more |
Purpose | Family and companion dog |
Suitable For | Families in general |
Grooming requirements | Moderate to high |
Color Variations | Gold, Yellow, Brown, Black, and Merle |
Health concerns | Joint Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Hypothyroidism |
Temperament | Intelligent, Affectionate, Friendly, Devoted, Loving, and Gentle |
Other Names | Golden Cocker Retriever |
Height and weight
A Golden Cocker Retriever will be smaller than a typical Golden retriever. It would be about 14 to 24 inches tall and may weigh between 30 and 45 pounds.
Physical Appearance
The appearance of the Golden Cocker Retriever can vary from one puppy to another even for puppies in the same litter.
However, this crossbreed is known for his brown puppy eyes and big floppy ears.
These dogs also have broader heads than those of Cocker Spaniel and mostly resemble those of the Golden Retriever.
Their paws are strong with a thick fluffy and curved tail.
They have a smooth coat that is normally medium in length, straight and water-resistant with some feathered trimmings around the legs, stomach, and ears.
Colors:
Brown | Black | White |
Golden | Orange and white | Tri-color |
Red | Liver | Silver |
Orange roan | Cream | Lemon and white |
Is a Golden Cocker Retriever Hypoallergenic?
The Golden Cocker Spaniel mix has a long and silky coat that is not considered hypoallergenic. They are known to shed and in the process release dander which is responsible for most dog-related allergies.
The Golden Cocker Retriever will shed moderately throughout the year.
Golden Cocker Retriever Temperament
This breed tends to be social, energetic and eager to please.
They have a natural playful instinct to chase and fetch.Adventurous and outgoing dog lovers will enjoy having this dog around.
He is the perfect companion for first-time dog owners and a great family companion.
They are great with young children due to their calm and gentle nature and make perfect playmates for them without getting overly excited which most playful dogs tend to be.
Golden Cocker Retrievers also get along well with other household pets including dogs.
He may bark at visitors from time to time but that does not make him a nuisance barker and is also not aggressive.
It is paramount to socialize your Golden Cocker Retriever at an early age so that he may be welcoming to those he does not know.
Socializing and training this dog will go a long way in managing how much this dog barks and ensuring that he is ever-friendly with everyone he meets.
Golden Cocker Retriever anxiety
Their loyal nature means that they get attached to people easily and may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods unattended.
The Golden Cocker mixed breed is at its best in a busy household with constant human interactions and someone to watch them and play with during the day.
This helps reduce boredom and prevent the dog from getting frustrated which in turn reduce the risk of separation anxiety and stress. He is not suitable for people who work long hours.
Breed Origin Of The Golden Cocker Retriever
This dog’s history and origin are not well documented but it is believed to have first appeared between the late 1990s and the early 2000s when the designer dog trend was fast on the rise.
Golden Retriever: Overview
The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breed.
This is a medium-sized dog with a dense, feathery, wavy, and water-repellant golden coat. He is a good family dog that get along well with children.
They were first developed in Scotland at the estate of Lord Tweedmouth. The name retrievers come from their ability to retrieve shot game undamaged.
At around 1868 and 1871, Tweedmouth bred a female Tweed Water Spaniel to a Golden a yellow puppy he had bought from a cobbler for a loyal and efficient hunting partner.
There were four resulting pups that were then breed with the Irish Setter, St John’s Water Dog, and a Sandy-colored Bloodhound to create a loyal and efficient hunting partner also known as the Golden Retriever.
Other popular Golden Retriever Mixes
- Golden Retriever Corgi mix is a good-natured pup with the genes of both the Golden retriever and a Corgi.
- Combining a Poodle and a Golden Retriever gives you a Golden Poodle.
- Beagle Golden Retriever Mix is also called Golden Beagle
- St. Bernard Golden Retriever Mix is also called Golden Bernard
- American Bulldog Golden Retriever Mix is also called Golden American Bulldog
- Shar-Pei Golden Retriever Mix is also called Golden Shar Pei
Cocker Spaniel: Overview
There are 2 breeds that fall under the Cocker Spaniel classification.
- American Cocker Spaniels are smaller and have shorter muzzles.
- English Cocker Spaniels are taller and have narrower heads.
These dogs are classified under the sporting group and are small in size weighing between 20 and 30 pounds which makes them perfect for apartment dwellers.
They always enjoy being around family and are eager to please, intelligent, active and alert.
He is easy to train and can be quite obedient with great agility for competitions and fieldwork.
However, American Cocker Spaniels are said to be better family companions when compared to the English Cocker Spaniel counterparts.
They were originally bred as hunting dogs in the United Kingdom back in the 14th century.
Other popular Cocker Spaniel Mixes
- Mixing a purebred Cocker Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle gives you a Miniature Cockapoo
- Cocker spaniel and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mix is also called a Cockalier
- A cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Cocker Spaniel gives you a Corkie
- The result of crossing a Cocker Spaniel with a Shar-Pei gives you a Cocker Pei
- A Golden Retriever with a Cocker Spaniel gives you a Golden Cocker Retriever
- Crossing a Cocker Spaniel and a Beagle gives you a Beaker
- A cross between a Labrador Retriever and an American Cocker Spaniel gives you a Cockerdor
Golden Cocker Retriever Puppy
Cost:
The Price of a Golden Cocker Retriever can range anywhere between $800 – $2,000 depending on the breeder, location, coat color, and even time of the year.
There are also costs that you will incur as you bring up the puppy which most people tend to overlook. These costs could reach up to $1000 per year.
The litter size of dogs usually depends on the mother breed size. If the dog is large it will have a large litter size, if it is small the vice versa.
With this particular crossbreed, the expected litter size should range at about 4 and 7 puppies.
This dog is known to maintain the look of a puppy even in adulthood. With that in mind dog owners should note that it is a crossbreed hence its appearance can differ grately.
Growth rate
As with all crossbreeds, it is not easy to predict the size of the dogs in different phases of growth to adulthood.
- It takes generally around 18 – 24 months for Spaniels to mature
- Golden Retrievers could take about 24months to physically mature
Both females and males usually weigh between 30 to 60 pounds and are about 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder.
If they end up taking after the spaniel they may be a bit smaller than 20 inches.
Physical maturity could be expected to be anywhere around 18 and 24 months.
How to Care For A Golden Retriever Cocker Spaniel Mix
Not necessarily a high maintenance dog but there is still much to consider when caring for a Golden Cocker Retriever on a daily basis; his food, exercise, and grooming are of importance to their happiness and general wellbeing.
Due to their long coats, you will be required to spend a bit of time during grooming sessions.
This dog will also require a lot of exercises, this is because it is classified in the sporting group just like its parent breeds of which are both highly energetic dogs.
They are quite easy to train hence even first time owners will find it easy to care for them.
Grooming needs
As an owner, you should aim to make sure that your dog is always at its best.
Their coat should be trimmed (not shaved), clipped at least every 3 to 4 months to ensure that its tidy and well maintained.
This dog requires a lot of grooming due to its long fur that may be prone to matting in some areas which may be uncomfortable and even painful to the dog.
To ensure a smooth coat the dog will require regular brushing every week.
More thorough grooming with a slicker brush may be required if your dog has inherited more of the Golden Retrievers phenotype.
It is recommended to clip put sensitive areas like the armpits, groin, and stomach to avoid matting that may hurt the dog.
Trim the nails every 2 to 3 weeks, and consider brushing your dog’s teeth daily so as to avoid any diseases in your dog’s gums.
When your dog is shedding heavily a thorough body brushing at least once a week is necessary.
Every 6 to 8 weeks professional grooming may be included.
It is also recommended to bathe your dog every 6 to 8 weeks.
Make sure you also check around the ears for yeast or bacteria growth.
Feeding a Golden Cocker Retriever – Diet Requirements
As a dog owner, you should always ensure that the food you are feeding your dog is of high quality and that it meets his daily nutritional requirements.
Cocker Retrievers love their food and are prone to obesity.
Knowing the exact weight of your dog will help you to determine and calculate the exact food required for them so as to not overfeed or underfeed them.
Dogs have different sizes, dog food brands are also different in their recommendations which is determined by the contents of food being served.
In general, a dog weighing about 40lb would need about 900-1,000 calories per day that should hat at least 13% fat and 25% protein.
Nutritional needs
To make sure that your Cocker Retriever is at its best and to satisfy his nutritional needs and keep his coat lustrous, feed him a high-quality diet that provides all the nutrients he needs.
Dry kibble is a good diet for the Golden Cocker Retriever as it helps keep his teeth by scraping the tartar off the surface of the teeth.
Canned food is good to help in adding moisture to his diet during his feeding time and can be mixed with dry food to make him more excited about eating because of the aroma.
Be sure to check on the calorie intake when mixing foods, make sure that they meet his recommended daily calories.
Make sure that what your dog eats contains a proper balance of nutrients, you may consult your veterinarian to assist you in choosing the best diet for your dog.
It is crucial to check with your veterinarian before feeding your Golden Cocker Retriever raw meat.
Be sure to observe your Golden Cocker Retriever on the diet you select to avoid any issues.
You may want to consider switching dog foods if your dog gets loose stools or develops flatulence.
Golden Cocker Retriever Exercise
Exercise Required | |
---|---|
Minutes | 45 to 60 minutes |
Number of walks | 2 (20 minutes each) |
To meet his exercise requirements your Golden Cocker Retriever will need daily walks to match his energy levels.
There should be daily walks of about 1 hour.
Walks can be either one long walk or they can be split up into two walks of 30 minutes each a day.
The Golden Cocker Retriever enjoys playtime and you could use this time to get him the exercise he needs.
Since he likes to fetch throw around a frisbee and take him out with you when you go jogging or running.
Having a backyard where he can be able to run around without getting out of the compound is a plus.
They are highly trainable dogs which makes them the perfect outdoor companions as their recall off the leash is good.
Them being small in size is also an advantage as they are very agile you may easily play fetch and have them run around with the children.
Being an intelligent breed some brain-stimulating exercises may be of benefit, creating a homemade agility style obstacle course can be a great way to stimulate his brain as well as have a fun activity for you to engage in while exercising your dog.
If your dog does not get enough exercise it can lead to destructive behavior and hyperactivity so it is paramount that your Golden Cocker Retriever gets at the very least one walk a day.
How to Train a Cocker Spaniel Golden Retriever
The Golden Cocker Retriever is an intelligent dog that has an inherited trait of pleasing its owners, the same characteristic is found in the parent breeds the Cocker Spaniel and the Golden Retriever, the inherited traits make for a dog that is easy to train and obedient.
Many Cocker Spaniels and Golden Retrievers are used in different applications such as:
- Guiding blind people or those that cannot hear
- They are also used by police departments as detection dogs
It is of the most important to use the early years of the dog for socialization, the first 6 to 16 weeks are of most importance to socialize your puppy to be at its best by the time it reaches adulthood.
Training tips
In this 2 months period, it is paramount to expose the puppy to a wide range of environments and things such as other animals, children, strangers, and different environmental experiences and noise.
Being exposed to a wide range of different environment things and people, the puppy should be able to cope with most of the new interactions that he will face.
It is important to expose them early so as to have a social and friendly dog.
Being an intelligent dog it is important to stimulate his brain with dog games such as puzzles so that he can develop better and reduce boredom.
Their obedience is undeniable and they’re easy to train nature is a breath of fresh air which makes them good for a family home.
They are highly obedient and are easily trainable for complicated jobs such as potty training due to their highly intelligent nature.
From potty training to basic obedience training should all be part of your routine as soon as your Pitsky puppy gets into your home.
Use positive reinforcement and a rewards-based approach, this will allow your Golden Cocker to be more corporative during training.
They are very quick learners hence this makes training a bit easier due to their intelligent nature.
It is important to be firm and consistent during training.
Known Health Problems
The Cocker Spaniel and Golden Retriever are prone to several health conditions that may, unfortunately, be passed down to the Golden Cocker Retriever.
There are always a few health concerns that you have to look out for even if the dog was crossed to outbreed any health issues.
The Golden Retriever mix is no exception to that as this dog is prone to inheriting some of the health problems from the parent breeds.
Luckily some of these problems can be treated as long as you keep a close eye on your dog.
You can schedule a test with your veterinarian to determine the possibility of any inherited health issues.
Some of these health issues include Hip Dysplasia, Cataracts, Hyperthyroidism, and Progressive retinal atrophy.
These diseases can be inherited from either parent breed.
Let’s take a look at these diseases in a bit more detail below.
Hip dysplasia
This is an inherited condition where the bone at the thigh fails to fit the hip joint snugly.
Some dogs will show signs of pain on one or both of the rear legs but others may not show any sign that they are not comfortable.
To diagnose the best thing you can do is to get an x-ray screening. As the dog gets older he may develop arthritis.
Elbow Dysplasia
This condition is very similar to hip dysplasia but it affects the forelimbs of the dog.
Elbow dysplasia is an elbow joint malfunction that occurs at the connection between the ulna and the radius.
Just like hip dysplasia, this condition causes uneven wear and a loose connection at the cartilage that pads this two-move and rotate.
This results in severe arthritis and lameness as the dog ages and can be a really painful condition to your dog.
During the young stages of the dog, examinations should be carried out to determine if your dog has elbow dysplasia.
Cataracts
This can be inherited from any of the parent breeds.
This is caused by old age or in some cases by disease.
It causes the discoloring of the dog’s eye lens.
Fortunately, this is not fatal.
To prevent blindness the dog needs to undergo surgery to remove cataracts.
Hyperthyroidism
This is also common in both parent breeds.
An increase in appetite and weight loss are some of the symptoms found with this disease.
This occurs when there is too much thyroxine produced by the thyroid glands of which in return affects the dog’s metabolism.
Progressive retinal atrophy
This leads to blindness as the eye retina just keeps shrinking
It is important to make sure that during breeding the parent breeds of the Golden Cocker Retriever are free from any of the above health conditions to ensure a healthier Golden Cocker Retriever cross.
Summary of Breed
We have reached the end! It is time now for you to decide if this is the right dog for you and your family.
It is important to make sure that this dog will be a good match for you or your family – they suffer from separation anxiety if left unattended for too long – this could lead to restlessness and destructing behaviors such as chewing.
The Golden Cocker Retriever is great for an active family.
They require a huge amount of exercise and playtime (around 60 minutes a day), meaning that you will need to be active to leave the house so as to meet these requirements.
The right owner for this dog is a dog lover that loves exercise.
Someone who has a bit of space like a backyard so that the dog can be able to run around and play.
It needs an environment that does not have small animals as it may chase them around thinking them as prey.
If trained well it gets along with other animals gracefully.
The wrong owner for this dog is someone who lives a relaxed lifestyle inside of an apartment.
Owners with allergies or sensitive noses should pick a different breed as it comes with a long coat and frequent shedding.
The Golden Cocker Retriever needs a playful and friendly owner.
If you meet any of the above criteria in the summary then this dog would fit in well with you and or your family.
Do you think this mix is your perfect match? Comment below!