The Bocker: A Beagle & Cocker Spaniel Mix
Today we will be talking about another designer dog breed, the Bocker. A Bocker is what you get if you breed a Beagle with a Cocker Spaniel. It's one of these new cross-breed dogs and is quickly building a strong reputation for being an excellent family pet. The result is a blend of the best traits of both breeds. Something that has made this Beagle Cocker Spaniel mix a very desirable hybrid companion. This article will be a deep dive into everything you could want to know about this cross-breed dog, so if you have just heard about the Bocker and your curiosity is piqued, this is the place for you. Sound interesting? Read on! Let's start by looking at a few pros and cons of this Cocker Spaniel mix. The Bocker is one of the newer hybrid dogs around being first bred in the late 1990s in America. It is possible there are Beagle x Cocker Spaniel pups before this time. However, this was the first time it was done on purpose. Even though they are a young designer breed, the Bocker already has a few different names. You might have heard this breed called a Beagle Spaniel or Beaker. The Bocker takes parts of its appearance from both of the parent breeds. Their head is a little smaller with a narrower muzzle like an English Cocker Spaniel but a bit shorter as you would expect from a Beagle. A Bocker's ears tend to look a bit more like a Beagle while they take their tail from the Cocker genetics. Very cute. Bockers is a small-sized dog, which isn't really surprising seeing it is half Cocker and half Beagle. This means they can easily live in smaller spaces such as apartments with no problems. Typically it will measure around 12 to 15 inches high and weigh between 9 and 13.5 kg. This should be fairly reliable seeing that both parent breeds are around the same size/weight. A Bocker's coat tends to be either short and fur-like or slightly longer and wavy like the Cocker Spaniel, depending on the parent it takes after. The colours are also quite similar to beagles, generally being with two or three colours. Nowhere near the number of Cocker Spaniel coat colours you can find. You do get solid colour Bockers too. However, these are very uncommon. With Beagles and Cocker Spaniels shedding a moderate amount, you can also expect your Bocker to be a bit of a shedder. More so if it has a more wavy coat. Bockers are known for their friendly, excitable, and playful natures. They make excellent companion dogs and that cheery Cocker nature does shine through, though they can be stubborn at times. These mixed-breed dogs are a solid choice for anyone looking for a new family pet. This breed gets along well with other dogs or cats and is suitable for a family will children too with supervision. Early socialisation can make a big difference in how well they integrate. This hybrid breed loves to bark, sometimes even for no apparent reason. This is a Beagle trait and might be worth considering if you are looking to get a dog and have several neighbours or a new baby who needs to sleep. At least you have a decent watch dog though, little wins! As with any designer dog the exact mix of traits you get will depend on how much of each of the parent breeds you get. It can be a bit of a dice roll. Overall it is a good choice for those looking for their first dog. A Beagle Cocker Spaniel mix is likely to be of about average intelligence when it comes to dogs. On one side Cocker Spaniels are very smart as the 21st most intelligent dog breed, while Beagles rank far lower on the list in 72nd place. Breeding both of these dogs together makes this hybrid breed reasonably smart. Basic dog training should not be a problem. However, that stubborn streak in their personality can slow the progress down. While treats can help with this, you may want to consider obedience classes for a little extra support. You should find a Bocker fairly easy to train. As a Beagle Cocker Spaniel mix, the Bocker can inherit genetic illnesses from both parent breeds. That isn't to say that they are guaranteed to present themselves as much as a predisposition to it genetically. On the Cocker Spaniel side, you have ear infections, canine glaucoma, hip dysplasia, and thyroid problems. Beagles also have their fair share of health concerns. This includes central progressive retinal atrophy (CPRA), intervertebral disc disease, cherry eye, and patellar luxation. All of this said Bockers are known for being a fairly healthy breed if well cared for. It is best to know about any health concerns you should have going in though. And I've had a Cocker Spaniel for seven years and only had to deal with ear infections, so don't let this scare you! If taken good care of you can expect your Bocker to live to around 13 years old. As a small to medium-sized dog, the Bocker's exercise requirements are only around one hour a day. You can split this into two parts if that is easier for your schedule with a quick trip to a dog park in the morning and a walk later on in the evening to keep your dog healthy. They will need daily mental stimulation too. As this Beagle Cocker Spaniel mix is quite energetic you will be able to sign it up for more exciting types of exercise such as dog agility or Flyball if you have some in your area. They are still little dogs so more adventurous sports would such as Bikjoring (cycling with your dog) wouldn't work. They'll get enough exercise from walking in dog parks or throwing a ball. With a bit of effort, you might even be able to get your Bocker to be a good running partner, not for very long distances though. If this is what you are looking for their parent breed the Cocker Spaniel is a good fit. As they are related to Cocker Spaniels who were originally bred as hunting dogs you will find they are quite high-energy dogs so a lack of exercise can leave your Bocker with no outlet to let off some steam. This Beagle Cocker Spaniel mix has steadily been gaining popularity over the past few years in both the UK and the United States. It is more popular in the UK right now. When you look at all of the brilliant traits this small dog brings this isn't really a surprise and even quite impressive if you consider how young the Bocker dog breed is. The popularity of the Bocker doesn't really compare to the interest in the English Cocker Spaniel or Beagle. Of course, purebred dogs have the big advantage here of being around for a very long time, Beagles are actually one of the oldest dog breeds! It can be an unfair comparison. As this Beagle Cocker Spaniel mix has only been around for a few decades it can be challenging to find a Bocker breeder. Particularly seeing that there are Cocker Spaniel mixed breed dogs who are far more popular and established such as the Cockapoo. Beagle Cocker Spaniel mixes just are not the first choice for someone looking at Cocker mixes. This isn't to say that you should give up hope of ever owning this designer dog breed, with patience and perseverance you will be able to find a litter. There are a few websites that you will be able to peruse to see any current litter with available Bocker puppies. In the UK you should check: And in America you have: If you don't see any litter currently available don't despair, just check again later or give them a call. You can also call your local breeders to see if they have any plans. You could always look for Cocker Spaniel or Beagle puppies instead which would be far easier to find. Hybrid dog breeds such as the Bocker are not recognised by major breeding clubs such as the American Kennel Club or the Kennel Club in the UK. This isn't to say that there is anything wrong with these dogs just that these clubs tend to not recognise mixed-breed dogs in general, even some who have been around far longer than the Bocker! It has been recognised by other breeding groups that focus on hybrids such as: Beagle Cocker Spaniel mixes are a brilliant choice for those looking for a sociable, affectionate and excitable breed for their next dog. They are one of the newer Cocker Spaniel mixes you will find, however, what they might not have in age they certainly make up for with the wide range of traits you would look for in a new family dog. Taking influence from both parent breeds who are highly desirable dogs, the Bocker is a great choice for your next canine companion.Bocker Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
History
Physical Appearance
Size
Coats
Temperament
Intelligence
Health
Exercise Needs
Popularity
Are Bocker Litters Hard to Find?
Is the Bocker a Recognised Dog Breed?
Conclusion
Hi, my name is Allan! I am the owner of Spaniel Advisor and I've got over seven years experience of owning Spaniels.
I hope this article was helpful for you!