Bocker Basics
Both the Beagle and Cocker Spaniel are well-mannered, sweet dogs who would love to spend endless hours cuddling and playing with you. So you can imagine what a mix of these two dogs would be like – it’s a good thing there’s the Bocker! A designer dog with two purebred parents, this loving hybrid might not be one of the best known mixes out there, but he is rapidly gaining popularity. And for all the right reasons, too!
The Bocker dog is sweet, easy going and relaxed. They make a perfect companion, family pet, and a cute little watchdog- all bundled up in one furry package. Of course, when it comes to designer breeds, every dog is different – your Bocker dog may look more like a Cocker Spaniel but their personality is like that of a Beagle’s, or vice versa. This is just a part of their unique charm- each Bocker is truly one of a kind!
However, no matter how cute and sweet the Bocker is, these dogs are not a perfect fit for every dog owner. Like all breeds, this hybrid also has unique needs and quirks and will require a family that can provide him with the best life possible. To make sure that the Bocker really is the right dog for you, read on!
Despite being sweet and easy going, training a Bocker may be a challenge as they like to do things their own way.
Origin
It’s hard to track the origin of this designer dog breed, but it this is a common occurrence for all hybrids. You see, while the term designer dogs has been in use only for the last couple of decades, mixes of purebred dogs have been around for- well, forever. The only difference between the two is that the designer dogs are developed intentionally, and mixed breed dogs can be a result of unplanned matings between two different purebreds. Crossbreeding of purebreds in an effort to create a new designer dog breed became a trend in the late 1980s, and there have been countless hybrids created since. While there is no precise information about the origin of the Bocker, it’s safe to assume that this breed also had its start during the designer dog craze. In other words, Bocker was probably developed in the United States, sometime in the last 20 years. Naturally, just because this mix doesn’t have a long, documented history, it doesn’t mean his parents don’t have one.
The Beagle is an old breed of dog, dating back to the 5th century Greece. Here, they were used mostly as hunting and tracking dogs. A Southern Hound (the Beagle’s ancestor) was brought to England by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. In 1884, General Richard Rowett imported the first Beagles to America where it is not only still used as a tracker and hunter, but now also as a loving family companion. Cocker Spaniels also have a long history, the name “Spanyells” going as far back as 14th-century Spain. Once used as hunting companions, this breed as made the transition to family pet and is a popular breed with families.
Pedigree
The Bocker dog is a mix of a Beagle and a Cocker Spaniel. This is a first generation hybrid, or a dog with 50-50 percent of each of the breeds in the mix. As a result, they will inherit traits from both of the parental breeds, but it’s impossible to predict in what ratio. For instance, some Bockers can inherit the typical Beagle coloring but the silky wavy hair of the Cocker Spaniels, etc. You can never know which traits will be passed on to the litter and each puppy really ends up being unique- it is definitely the part of the charm when it comes to designer dogs such as the Bocker.
Unfortunately, as a dog of mixed lineage, the Bocker is not eligible for registration with the American Kennel Club or its international counterparts. Smaller clubs do offer certifications for hybrids- there are many clubs enthusiastic about designer dog breeds in general.
Food / Diet
Not unlike most dogs, the Beagle and Cocker Spaniel mix does well on high-quality dry food. However, the trick is knowing how to choose the right kibble! First, opt for dry food made from natural, high-grade ingredients. Meat (not meat meal) should be the first ingredient on the list, followed by healthy fats and fiber. Avoid cheap kibble full of fillers that is nutritionally poor and won’t keep your pet full or healthy. Pick food that is suitable for your pet’s age, activity levels, and size- usually, medium dog formula is a good choice.
Bockers require about 1.5-2 cups of high-quality kibble per day (spread out between 2-3 meals) to keep them in top form. Don’t overfeed them as they are prone to obesity.
The Bocker dog is a friendly, well-behaved dog.
Training
Despite being sweet and easy-going, training the Bocker dog may come as a challenge, as they like to do things their own way. With a firm, patient trainer they should be able to learn basic commands. The Bocker would also do well in obedience classes.
Weight
The Bocker dog is a medium-sized breed and can weigh anywhere from 20-30 lbs.
Temperament/Behavior
Overall, the Bocker dog is a friendly, well-behaved dog who will bring their owners lots of joy. They are great companion dogs for singles, couples and seniors who are looking for a four-legged friend who will keep them active, but will also happily snuggle up after a long day. They are creatures of habit and will be more at ease with being fed and walked around the same time everyday, which is good news for those who already have a regular routine. Bockers understand the concept of personal space and won’t mind sleeping in their crate at night or relaxing in their bed playing with a toy while you’re busy.
The Bocker dog will alert their owners of any newcomers entering the house, a knock at the door or any strange noises outside. They tolerate the heat, but dislike the colder climates. If you live in an area that sees its share of snow, you’ll need to invest in good-quality winter doggy gear.
Common Health Problems
The Bocker isn’t prone to particular health problems, but it may inherit some from either of its parent breeds. The Cocker Spanielis susceptible to ear and eye problems, as well as otitis external. They are also at-risk for progressive retinal atrophy and Canine glaucoma.
Beagles can develop problems such as cherry eye, ear infections, heart disease, glaucoma, epilepsy, hypothyroidism and intervertebral disc disease.
Life Expectancy
The Bocker dog is expected to live anywhere from 11-13 years.
Exercise Requirements
These dogs are not recommended for apartments mostly because they require regular exercise to kept happy and healthy. Bockers are particularly attuned to daily routines and will feel out of place if they do not play, eat or go outside at the same time everyday. Having a home large enough for them to run around at their own pace (or even have access to a fenced yard) would be sufficient to make sure they have enough daily exercise. If you live in an apartment, a Bocker would need 1-2 walks a day for an hour or more to ensure they exert their daily energy.
The Bocker dog will alert their owners of any newcomers entering the house, a knock at the door or any strange noises outside.
Recognized Clubs
The Bocker is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC, known as the Bocker), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC, known as the Bocker Spaniel), Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR, known as the Bocker) and Designer Breed Registry (DBR, known as the Bocker Spaniel).
Coat
Bockers can either have the curly hair of the Cocker Spaniel, the short, coarse coat of the Beagle or a combination of both. The Bocker doesn’t shed much, so it won’t need more than a daily brushing to keep its coat in good condition. Baths should be given as-needed, or every 2-3 months (depending on how often they go outside and roll around in the mud). They come in a variety of different colors include golden, white, black, cream, brown, dual-colored (such as white and brown) or even tri-colored (such as brown, black and white).
Puppies
Be sure to socialize your young pup to children and other dogs (both small and large) at a young age, as they will be accustomed to them and understand that they mean no harm. As always, small children should always be supervised when playing with or handling a puppy.
Photo credit: aconk sukawinata/Flickr; eriklam/Bigstock; elizabeth_s/Bigstock
