Cocker-Pei Basics
Also known as the Cocker Shar, the Cocker-Pei is a great designer dog breed for anyone who is looking for a canine companion who will be devoted and protective of his human family. Although they can be stubborn, these pooches make wonderful family pets because they will get along well with other animals and with kids.
Even though Cocker-Peis have a fantastic personality and an equally attractive appearance, there are some things that you should know about this breed before you decide to bring one of these adorable dogs home. Check out the facts below to get to know the Cocker-Pei a bit better.
The Cocker-Pei is a cross between a purebred Shar-Pei and Cocker Spaniel.
Origin
The Cocker-Pei is a designer crossbreed from the United States.
Pedigree
The Cocker-Pei is a cross between a purebred Shar-Pei and Cocker Spaniel.
The Cocker-Pei can be stubborn and strong-willed, but these dogs will respond well to positive reinforcement training.
Food / Diet
You should feed your Cocker-Pei a high quality canine-appropriate food in order to ensure he will get all of the nutrition he needs to be healthy and energized every day. A good place to start is 2½ to 3 cups of a dry dog food each day, but divide this amount into two meals per day.
You can talk to your vet if you think your dog should be eating more or less. And if you’re planning on feeding your pooch a high quality canned dog food as well, you’ll need to reduce the amount of dry food that you’re providing so that your dog doesn’t end up overeating and gaining too much weight.
Training
The Cocker-Pei can be stubborn and strong-willed, but these dogs will respond well to positive reinforcement training. Establish yourself as the leader of the pack, and stick with routines that will include a firm and patient attitude, along with treats, praise, and other rewards. The key is to be consistent and calm, as these dogs will want to please you if you take the right training approach.
To get the best results, start training your puppy as soon as possible. Socialization is also important with the Cocker-Pei, as these dogs will need to interact with a variety of people and other pets in order to be comfortable around all of them.
These devoted dogs can even be trained to work in military, herding, sighting, and racing, so they’re versatile and do outstanding work when properly trained and cared for.
Weight
A medium to large-sized breed, the Cocker-Pei weighs between 40 and 65 pounds.
Temperament / Behavior
Cocker-Peis are known
for being highly social dogs with friendly personalities. They are levelheaded, gentle, and tender around kids, other dogs, and other pets, and they’ll enjoy being around other dogs in the household who can keep them company.
When your Cocker-Pei is unhappy or bored, he can become noisy and start barking. However, these dogs are also known for barking sometimes while they play. This dog’s bark is loud and deep, and your pet will alert you to suspicious activity and to people walking near your home, so he can make a good watchdog as well.
A Cocker-Pei can become a bit too possessive of his human family, and might even feel jealous if he isn’t getting enough attention, so before introducing one into your home, make sure you have the time to devote to this loving and loyal pet.
Common Health Problems
As with all other hybrid canine breeds, the Cocker-Pei may be susceptible to the health conditions that most commonly affect its parent breeds. However, there’s no way to determine what an individual dog’s health will be in the long run, and there’s no guarantee that any particular dog will inherit health problems.
Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to at least be aware of what problems commonly affect the Shar-Pei and Cocker Spaniel so you can keep an eye out for them in your Cocker-Pei. These ailments include patellar luxation, bloat, cancer, skin problems, epilepsy, eye issues, hypothyroidism, joint dysplasia, swollen hock syndrome, allergies, autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), and ear infections.
Life Expectancy
The Cocker-Pei has an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Exercise Requirements
Cocker-Peis require a moderate amount of exercise each day. Taking your dog for a walk or a jog will allow him to release his energy in a positive way while staying in shape.
Taking your pet to a dog park can be a lot of fun for him, but you can also allow your dog to run freely in your safe and enclosed backyard space.
Just be aware that these dogs can tire quickly and overheat easily, so you may need to give your pooch a short break in the middle of exercise or playtime.
Cocker-Peis are known for being highly social dogs with friendly personalities.
Recognized Clubs
The Cocker-Pei 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), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Coat
A Cocker-Pei’s coat could be rough and short like that of a Shar-Pei, or soft, wavy, and short like a Cocker Spaniel. Shedding will be low to moderate, and grooming needs are moderate.
To keep the coat clean and smooth, brush your dog two to three days a week. Make sure your dog’s wrinkles remain dry, and bathe your dog when he gets too dirty.
Puppies
Cocker-Pei puppies are absolutely adorable, making them hard to resist. Children, especially, will want to grab these dogs and start petting them and playing with them, but you need to teach your kids to handle these pets with care.
Socializing and training your Cocker-Pei at a young age will ensure that he’ll be comfortable around a variety of people and pets, so start as soon as you can.
Photo credit: AppleBlossom12/Flickr
