Cockaliers are a true companion and lap dog. They tend to have a friendly disposition and are social, which means they bond closely with their families. They love spending time with their families and love to play.

They also get along fabulously with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their small size, they can be easily injured by accidental falls or rough play. So, any playtime with children should be supervised. The Cockalier tends to have a calm nature and does not tend to bark a lot. Although they are friendly, they may be wary of strangers at first.

The Cockalier is a highly adaptable dog breed. As long as they get enough attention, mental stimulation, and exercise, they do well in apartments and in larger homes. They also do well in most climates, but will be sensitive to very hot and very cold temperatures. Due to their small size, they may also need to bundle up with some winter dog products to stay warm on walks when the temperature drops.

Due to their Cocker Spaniel parent’s hunting background, these dogs can have a high prey drive and an urge to chase. So, they should only be let off-leash in securely fenced areas. Because they are very social and bond closely with their families, they don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time.

The Cockalier tends to be a healthy dog breed. As with all dogs, they can develop cataracts, arthritis, and other health issues as they age into their golden years. Potential health concerns for the breed include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, ear infections, and heart disease.

Reputable breeders will screen their stock to ensure nothing is being passed on to puppies. So, don’t be afraid to ask the breeder about the genetic and health history of the parents and to see any relevant health clearances. This information can help allay any concerns you may have about the genetic background of your Cockalier puppy.

The Cockalier is a highly trainable dog breed. They are intelligent and eager to please, which means they pick up on things quickly. They are also sensitive and tend to be in-tune with their owners. So, they respond very well to praise and rewards during training.

This makes the Cockalier a good fit for owners of any experience level. Puppy training and obedience classes are always an option. Plus, they can be a great way to socialize your puppy while also picking up some training tips.

The Cockalier coat will vary. They may have the finer coat of the Cavalier, the curlier coat of the Cocker, or something in between. Whether it’s kept long or clipped short, they will shed moderately year-round with slightly heavier shedding during seasonal changes.

Their coat is also prone to matting. Brushing their coat a few times a week will help remove tangles and loose fur to prevent matting. Plus, it will help keep your dog more comfortable and keep most of the loose fur on the brush instead of all around your house! Bathing is on an as-needed basis, but professional grooming should be done every 4-6 weeks.

In addition to caring for your Cockalier’s coat, you will need to care for their nails, ears, and teeth. Cutting your dog’s nails monthly is usually sufficient to keep them from growing too long.
Checking their ears weekly and carefully cleaning them as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal for helping to prevent painful dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay.

Cockaliers are a playful and energetic dog breed, which means they need a lot of exercise and activity to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity will usually be sufficient for this pup.

But, they love spending time with you and will likely be up for more activity if you are! Test out a bunch of different activities like going to the dog park or teaching your dog to play frisbee. You can also try taking your dog hiking or going for a swim.

A fully-grown Cockalier usually stands 12-15 inches tall and weighs 10-28 pounds.

A Cockalier generally lives for 12-15 years.