The Golden Cocker Retriever is a loving and playful mixed breed, formed from the blending of both the Golden Retriever and the Cocker Spaniel. While the original intent for mixing these two breeds is unknown, what we can be sure of is that the Golden Cocker Retriever is one of the most intelligent and fun loving dogs to have around. They are especially ideal for families, as they tend to be quite playful and energetic, but they can also be beneficial to any person or couple with enough time on their hands. Simply put, the Golden Cocker Retriever is a great dog to have around, but it is important to understand the history of this hybrid to make a decision on whether or not he is the right fit for you.
The Cocker Spaniel
Known for their silky smooth looking fur and their long drooping ears, the Cocker Spaniel has cemented its place as a favourite in the dog world. Fortunately, they are as cuddly as they look, and though originally bred as a hunting dog, they have become one of the best companion dogs to have. He is alert, active and very playful, and enjoys taking part in family activities, but he is also highly intelligent which makes training and socialisation ideal. Despite their size however, they are extremely gentle creatures that need to be handled well to react well.
The Golden Retriever
Known worldwide as one of the best dogs for your family, the Golden Retriever is an energetic and highly intelligent pup, that enjoys being around people. They are friendly but tolerant, and tend to be very loyal to their owners. They take pleasure in causing delight to their owners, and are mainly as popular for their character and personality. Like many other dogs however, it is best that they go through socialisation and training in their earlier years to prevent any issue from developing, even though that is highly unlikely.
The Golden Cocker Retriever
Ultimately, the Golden Cocker Retriever is a combination of two dogs that are similar in personality, therefore it is not hard to guess or even estimate what the character of your dog will be. There are however, still a number of characteristics that need to be explored before you decide to adopt, such as the appearance of your dog, and more serious and complicated issues such as the health of your dog. Listed below are the major characteristics that make the Golden Cocker Retriever the dog that it is.
Appearance
On average, these dogs tend to be relatively big, ranging in different sizes in weight and height, but there size is manageable.They normally weigh anywhere from 30 pounds up to 45 pounds, but there have been reports of Golden Cocker Retrievers weighing up to as much as 65 pounds. They usually stand quite tall at the shoulders, ranging from the shortest possible height of 15 inches, to the taller height of 17 inches. Overall, this medium sized pup is quite a good size for this hybrid dog breed.
While this hybrid normally takes its appearance and physical attributes from the Golden Retriever, there has been instances here the genes of the Cocker Spaniel were more dominant, but these cases are not nearly as prevalent as they are expected to be. They also have a very long, dense and furry coat which can make grooming an issue, but it does come in a variety of different colours. These include but are not limited to cream, gold, black, tan, white and brown.
Grooming and Maintenance
One of the major issues facing this breed is the complications that can be faced when it comes on to grooming. Both the Golden Retriever and the Cocker Spaniel are very hairy dogs, and the Cocker Spaniel generally has hair that can grow very long. The main issue with these long and dense hairs however is that they can shed a lot, resulting in a lot of clean up and also a lot of maintenance for your dog. Their fur also tends to become matted easily so brushing to 3 times per week is ideal for keeping both your dog and your home clean.
Apart from their fur, Golden Cocker Retrievers don’t need a lot of maintenance like other dogs, but they do need to be checked for health issues regularly. They should be bathed as necessary, and be sure to use a dog shampoo to prevent allergic reactions and irritation. Other than this, pay attention to key things such as their dental health, making sure to brush regularly, and their ears, making sure to cleanse regularly to prevent infections. This can be done by using a damp cloth to clean the outer parts of the ear.
Temperament and Personality
While temperament is largely inherited, it is important to note that good treatment or maltreatment in a puppy’s early years can determine how they turn out, so be sure to keep filling your pup with good experiences. Generally, Golden Cocker Retrievers tend to be one of the friendliest dog breeds out there, and are very energetic and playful. They are generally people pleasers, and react well to strangers more times than not.
They do however tend to form very strong ties with their owners, and become easily attached. They are generally very social creatures, and though they can spend small amounts of time by themselves, they tend to prefer being in lively environments with lots of people. They tend to get along fairly well with other pets and animals, but be careful with these dogs around small children, as the smaller children may hurt the dog because of its gentleness.
Health Concerns and Lifespan of the Golden Cocker Retriever
They generally live pretty long lives, with an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. They are however at risk of developing certain health issues that may either be through genetics or deterioration over time. These include but are not limited to hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and allergic reactions.
Overall, the Golden Cocker Spaniel is a great pet that will add light and joy to any family that it encounters, and is a delight to have in your home.