Thinking of getting a Border Collie Cocker Spaniel Mix, but not sure if he is the right pet for you?
View pictures and read on to learn everything you need to know about this mixed breed dog.
Reading this complete guide will hopefully help you to make the right decision.
Table of Contents
Some Quick Facts About The Border Collie Cocker Spaniel Mix
| Breed Type: | Crossbreed/Mixed Breed |
| Size: | Medium |
| Other Names: | Collie Spaniel Mix |
| Good Guard Dog: | No |
| Intelligence: | High |
| Average Weight: | 27 to 50 Pounds |
| Average Height: | 15 to 23 Inches |
| Suitable for first time owners: | Yes, if you are prepared to be highly active every day (In most cases they do best with experienced dog owners) |
| Ideal for: | Active individuals and families who want an intelligent and loyal canine friend at their side |
| Lifespan: | 11 to 17 Years |
| Suitable for apartment living: | No |
| Coat: | Medium to long-length, dense, double coat, smooth or wavy, and is not water-repellent |
| Coat colors: | Brown and White, Black and White, Red and White |
| Eye Color: | Brown |
| Trainability: | Moderate difficulty |
| Level of Shedding: | High |
| Grooming Needs: | High-maintenance dogs, Should be brushed on a daily basis |
| Hypoallergenic: | No, not good fit for allergy sufferers |
| Energy Levels: | High |
| Exercise Needs: | High, at least 60 to 120 minutes of exercise every day is required |
| Feeding and Diet: | 2.5 to 3 cups of high quality dog food each day, divided into two to three meals |
| Possible Health Issues: | Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, patellar luxation, seizures, epilepsy |
| Temperament: | Active, Intelligent, alert, friendly, protective, loves being the center of attention |
| Cat Friendly: | Due to their herding and hunting background, they have tendency to chase small animals, so early socialization is must |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, with early socialization |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, with early socialization |
| Family Friendly: | Yes |
| Barking: | Frequent |
| Price: | Anywhere from $750 to $2000 |
An Overview
The Border Collie Cocker Spaniel Mix is a cross between a purebred Border Collie and a purebred Cocker Spaniel.
This mixed breed dog is also commonly known by the name Collie Spaniel Mix.
This hybrid has inherited most of his physical characteristics and personality traits from his parent dogs.
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Nonetheless, puppies from the same litter may be quite different. This is because each puppy may take after the Collie or the Spaniel breed with one of the common traits being that they are active and intelligent dogs who love being around their owners.
The Border Collie Cocker Spaniel Mix is a popular choice among dog owners who lead an active lifestyle and those who want an intelligent and loyal canine friend at their side.
The History of the Border Collie Cocker Spaniel Mix
The actual origins of the Border Collie Cocker Spaniel Mix remain unclear and these cute, charming dogs have not yet been recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
However, many mixed breed organizations have been established in the United States and other countries around the world with the aim of encouraging the breeding of healthy Collie Spaniel Mix dogs.
What is clear is that Cocker Spaniels have been crossed with Border Collies for several decades now. In recent times, people have kept these dogs as family pets and companions as well.
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To get a good understanding of where the Border Collie and Cocker Spaniel Mix came from, let’s delve into the histories of both parent breeds.
So, here we go: the origins of the Border Collie and Cocker Spaniel breeds.
The History of the Border Collie Breed
The Border Collie originated in a place called Northumberland, on the border between England and Scotland.
The name “Border Collie” was aptly given to the breed due to the fact that these dogs were bred on the Anglo-Scottish border. These dogs were bred to help with herding livestock.
The modern Border Collie is believed to be a descendant of the Old Hemp, a multicolored dog that was developed by Adam Telfer.
The term “Border Collie” was first used in 1915. Although this name hadn’t been used until then, these dogs were already being used by many shepherds near the border between England and Scotland.
The popularity of Border Collies skyrocketed near the end of the 19th century when they started winning competitions. People began adopting Border Collies since they were intelligent and they had an intrinsic desire to work with people.
The History of the Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are descendants of the ancient Spaniel, one of the earliest breeds to be domesticated. These dogs were originally developed for the purpose of hunting woodcocks.
Cocker Spaniels come in two different breeds: the American and English Cocker Spaniels.
Historians believe that the American Cocker Spaniel originated from the English breed, which arrived in America in the 17th century on the Mayflower ship.
Evidence suggests that the English breed was crossed with smaller Spaniels to create the American version.
For American hunters looking for a smaller dog that would help with hunting small birds, the American Cocker Spaniel was a popular choice.
The AKC registered the English version in 1946 with the UK Kennel Club following suit by recognizing the American version as a separate breed in 1968. This marked the end of the long-lasting debate on which version would bear the title “Cocker Spaniel”.
Whether it is called Cocker Spaniel or the American Cocker Spaniel, this breed is now very popular in the United States and is known for its charming personality and cute looks.
Physical Characteristics of the Border Collie Cocker Spaniel Mix
The Collie Spaniel Mix looks like a perfect blend of his parents, the Border Collie and the Cocker Spaniel.
The exact physical traits can vary based on the dominant genes.
This cross has a long body with shorter legs. His ears are quite long and he has a thick coat. They have a medium-sized muzzle that resembles that of his Cocker Spaniel parent.
Coat colors can vary from black and white to brown and white.
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Border Collie Cocker Spaniel Mix Size, Height and Weight
How Big Does a Full Grown Collie Spaniel Mix Get?
Border Collie Cocker Mix dogs can grow to a height of around 16 to 23 inches.
Their average weight is around 27 to 50 pounds.
Border Collie and Cocker Spaniel Mix – Image Source
Border Collie Cocker Mix Behavior & Temperament
As with all crossbreeds, you need to study the personalities of both parent breeds to know what to expect of a Border Collie Cocker Spaniel Mix.
Since both parents are great family pets, your Border Collie Cocker Spaniel Mix puppy should make an excellent companion.
They are very active and energetic dogs who enjoy quality playtime with their owners. These friendly dogs are also known to be pleasant and eager to please.
They also crave attention and affection from their owners. They tend to be more protective and will alert you whenever they sense danger.
He is an active dog who can be aggressive if provoked, but he is definitely one who will bring a lot of joy to your home.
Does Collie Spaniel Mix Get Along With Kids?
Yes! The Collie Spaniel gets along well with children. They also make excellent playmates for kids since they are gentle and tolerant of them.
However, you should teach your children how to behave around all dogs. Adult supervision is important when allowing your children to interact with your dog.
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Does This Dog Get Along With Cats And Other Pets?
Due to the herding and hunting background of the parent dogs and in most cases, they may not get along well with cats and other pets.
Fortunately, you can socialize your pet to get alone with everyone and ensure they are not aggressive towards other animals. However, it can be hard for first time dog owners to eliminate the breed’s herding instincts, so they do best with experienced dog owners.
Are They Suitable For First-Time Owners?
Some people say that the border collie Cocker Spaniel mix is not the best breed for first time owners due to their high energy levels. However, if you’re familiar with, and accept, any negative traits, the positive traits can make Collie Spaniel mix dogs ownership a worthwhile experience.
With proper exercise training and care, a Cocker Spaniel Border Collie Mix can be one of the best dogs you’ll ever own. With a lack of exercise, training and care, however, they could turn out to be one of the worst dogs for a first time dog owner.
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Training
Start obedience training as soon as you bring your puppy home and seek the help of an experienced dog trainer if you’re not sure about any aspect of dog training.
A Border Collie Cocker Spaniel Mix usually needs an experienced trainer and obedience training requires patience and persistence.
Learning even basic commands, such as come, sit or stay, can be difficult for your dog if you don’t handle him properly. You should learn to read your pup’s body language and speak to him in a positive manner.
Thankfully, your Border Collie Cocker Spaniel Mix is intelligent and has a strong desire to learn and please. Therefore, Avoid being harsh with your pooch and use positive reinforcement training methods that include food rewards, treats and praise words to encourage your furry friend every step of the way.
It is also important to socialize your dog from a young age with children and other dogs or pets. Puppy obedience lessons are a great way to socialize your puppy with other pets.
While the Border Collie Cocker Spaniel mix can be playful and lively around children, make sure to teach your kids how to interact with your pooch without hurting or teasing him.
Exercise Requirements
Tailor your pup’s exercise regimen to his size, energy and activity levels.
If your dog is more Collie than Cocker, a few daily walks simply won’t be enough. Border Collies were designed to work throughout the day herding livestock in mountainous regions. It is difficult to ignore those high energy genes.
Under-exercised pups often become destructive, so be sure to keep your pup busy and provide the mental stimulation he needs.
Your Collie Spaniel Mix will need a good place to play and run around several times each day and will happily chase around a Frisbee or a ball instead of lying around.
Watch for obvious signs of frustration or boredom, which may include chewing or excessive barking.
With his excellent IQ and thinking ability, your Border Collie Cocker puppy needs mental stimulation. Many athletic activities can allow you to work your dog’s mind and body. These include agility activities that require him to determine the correct path at high speeds as he moves through tunnels.
Your dog will need your assistance to find the perfect balance between training and exercise to keep his mind and body in good shape.
Since both parent breeds are very intelligent, you also need to find good ways to keep his mind active. There are quite a variety of interactive dog toys available out there, and these pups simply love them.
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Grooming
Start grooming your Cocker Spaniel Collie mix early. These active pups sometimes hate standing for long, so the earlier you start grooming him, the easier your sessions will be.
This dog is not hypoallergenic and heavy shedding is not uncommon. Brushing him with a quality bristle brush is recommended. Trimming his coat is also recommended if you want to make your grooming sessions easier.
Bathing your pup should be done on a monthly basis. Alternatively, you can get the best deodorizing wipes for dogs, which help to remove dirt and dander. These pet wipes provide a convenient way to clean, deodorize and condition your canine friend each day.
Remember to brush his teeth several times each week and cut his nails to lower the risk of having them split or break.
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(@lottiethebordercolliecocker)Feeding Information
When it comes to diet and nutrition, the most important thing is to feed your pet high quality dog food.
Since the Border Collie Cocker Spaniel Mix is a medium-sized dog, it is easy to find many quality foods that are ideal for dogs of his size. Foods that are rich in protein are normally the best choice.
You can feed this dog foods with or without grains. If your dog has allergies to certain foods, however, you may need to choose a special diet for him. Otherwise, there are many quality dog foods to choose from.
Generally, Border Collie Cocker Spaniel Mix dogs require around 3 cups of good food each day. These dogs also do well eating two to three meals each day.
Also, give your dog probiotics and supplements like wild Alaskan salmon oil to help keep them healthy. Your dog should also have access to fresh water each day.
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Border Collie Cocker Spaniel Health Problems & Lifespan
The lifespan of a Collie Spaniel Mix is around 11 to 17 years. This mixed breed dog is generally considered to be healthy, but as with other hybrids, they can inherit certain health issues from their parents.
Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and patellar luxation are common issues among Cocker Spaniels.
Meanwhile, Border Collies are prone to seizures, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy and hip dysplasia.
Before adding this dog to your family, it is important to research these health issues so you can give the best care to your canine friend at the right time.
Despite these health concerns, don’t be discouraged from adopting or buying a Collie Spaniel Mix as a pet. Some problems are easy to prevent while others may require your vet’s expertise.
As with all crossbreeds, we also recommend using the Embark Dog DNA Test Kit to learn more about your pup’s genetic heritage, potential health problems and what personality traits to expect.
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Border Collie Cocker Spaniel Mix For Adoption
If you are looking for a Collie Spaniel Mix, make sure to check a nearby animal shelter or rescue center before checking out breeders.
There may be some abandoned Border Collie Cocker Spaniels at a shelter or rescue center that need a loving home.
Your veterinarian can be a reliable source of information about adoption centers near you.
Finding Border Collie Cocker Spaniel Mix for Sale
The price of a Collie Spaniel Mix puppy ranges from $750 to $2000.
There are many dog breeders out there, but only a few create healthy Border Collie Cocker Spaniel Mix puppies. The main reason for buying a puppy from a reputable breeder is that such puppies are healthy.
A good way to find Border Collie x Cocker Spaniel puppies for sale or adoption is to read reviews online and find out which breeders are reliable. Good breeders often have referrals and positive reviews from past and current customers.
Reliable breeders will allow you to meet and spend a reasonable amount of time with the parent dogs. They will also show you the necessary health clearances to prove that your desired puppy does not have any health problem.
Last but not least, avoid getting your puppy from puppy mills or pet stores no matter the price. You’ll bear more costs if your puppy mill or pet store puppy has a lot of health issues.
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Conclusion
So are you now satisfied that a Border Collie Cocker Spaniel Mix is the right pet for you?
In any case, this dog’s charming personality and cute looks is more than enough to make you fall in love with him the moment you see one. Indeed, these dogs can bring a lot of fun and joy to any home.
Even your other family pets will enjoy being around this dog. So you can now go ahead and buy or adopt one of these lovable puppies.
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