The Furry Critter Network

Cairicocker Hybrid Description

Hybrid Description

The Cairicocker is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Cairn Terrier and the Cocker Spaniel. The best way to determine the temperment of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross. It is possible you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. Not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generational crosses. Please review individual breeds for potential health issues.

Cairn Terrier Breed Description - Cross #1

Although the breed had existed since at least 1500, the name Cairn Terrier was a compromise suggestion after the breed was originally brought to official shows in the United Kingdom in 1909 under the name Short-haired Skye terriers. This name was not acceptable to The Kennel Club due to opposition from Skye Terrier breeders, and the name Cairn Terrier was suggested as an alternative. In Scotland they would search the cairns (man-made pile of stones) for rats and other rodents. Thus if one is kept as a household pet it will do the job of a cat, specifically catching and killing mice and rats.

The Cairn Terrier has a harsh weather-resistant outer coat that can be black, cream, wheaten, red, sandy, gray, or brindled in any of these colors. Pure black, black and tan, and white are not permitted by many kennel clubs. While registration of white Cairns was once permitted, after 1917 the American Kennel Club required them to be registered as West Highland White Terriers. A notable characteristic of Cairns is that brindled Cairns frequently change color throughout their lifetime. It is not uncommon for a brindled Cairn to become progressively more black or silver as it ages. The Cairn is double-coated, with a soft, dense undercoat and a harsh outer coat. A well-groomed Cairn has a rough-and-ready appearance, free of artifice or exaggeration. A trait that isn't in the majority of breeds is their purple tongue. Since not many people know of this trait, a purebred can be confused for a mixed breed. The cairn terrier was registered into the American kennel club in 1903.

Behavior

Cairn Terriers exist happily in an apartment when sufficiently exercised. They are very active indoors and suffice even without a yard. Daily walks help keep Cairn terriers happy and healthy. Fenced-in yards are strongly recommended for safety and well-being as well as being kept on leash when not in the yard.

Cairn Terriers are particularly easily trained; ethical breeders strongly suggest obedience school or some other type of training to direct Cairn Terriers's focus on the owner as the one in command if they are going to be used for hunting. If allowed to take control of the household, behavior problems may develop that only can be resolved by hiring a professional dog trainer. Many breeders only sell puppies to dedicated dog owners who agree to basic obedience school.

Cairns are active dogs, thus need a daily walk. Play takes care of a lot of their exercise needs; however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs which do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off leash, such as a large, fenced yard.

Health

Cairn Terriers shed very little, but always should be hand-stripped. Using scissors or shears can ruin the dog's rugged outer coat after one grooming. Hand-stripping involves pulling the old dead hair out by the roots. If done incorrectly, this can cause discomfort to the dog, causing it to shy away from future hand-stripping. Removing the dead hair in this manner allows new growth to come in. This new growth helps protect the dog from water and dirt.

Cairn Terrier ancestors are from Scotland, where the wire coat repels water and keeps the dog dry even in rainy or damp climates. Keeping the Cairn Terrier coat in its original state will prevent possible skin irritations. As dead hair is removed by stripping the coat, new growth comes in, and the skin and coat remain healthy. Clipper-cutting a Cairn might destroy the protective wire coat unique to this breed.

It is wise to have a pet examined to rule out heritable skin diseases when a Cairn is obtained from unknown sources (i.e. pet stores, rescues, or puppy mills).

Breeders, owners, and veterinarians have identified several health problems that are significant for Cairns. Some of these diseases are hereditary, and others occur as a result of nonspecific factors (e.g., infections, toxins, injuries, or advanced age).

Currently, the Cairn Terrier Club of America, along with the Institute for Genetic Disease Control in Animals, maintains an open registry for Cairn Terriers in hopes of reducing the occurrence of hereditary diseases within the breed. Breeders voluntarily submit their dogs' test results for research purposes as well as for use by individuals who seek to make sound breeding decisions.

Some of the more common hereditary health problems found in the Cairn are:

Bronchoesophageal fistula

Cataracts

Corneal dystrophy

Craniomandibular osteopathy (lion jaw)

Diabetes mellitus

Entropion

Hip dysplasia

Hypothyroidism

Krabbe disease (globoid cell leukodystrophy)

Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease

Lens luxation

Luxating patella

Ocular melanosis

Portosystemic shunt

Progressive retinal atrophy

Soft-tissue sarcoma

Von Willebrand disease

These dogs are generally healthy and live on average about 12 to 17 years.

Cocker Spaniel Breed Description - Cross #2

The signature trait of the American Cocker Spaniel Spaniel is it's dark, expressive eyes that reflect a happy, loving, and active nature. American Cocker Spaniels are a dropped eared breed (pendulous ears) and the mature American Cocker Spaniel is shown in a full feathered, silky coat. After its show career ends, the fur is often trimmed into a "puppy cut", shortened on the legs, sides and belly, that is easier to keep whether as a pet, performance dog, or hunting companion. It is important to keep the hair clipped from both sides of the ear about one third down the ear flap. This helps to keep air flowing through the ear canal and reduce risk of ear infections from bacteria, injury or parasites.

American Cocker Spaniels weigh an average of 18 to 28 pounds. For show dogs, the ideal height of a American Cocker Spaniel Spaniel is 15 inches for dogs and 14 inches for bitches at the withers. An adult male who is over 15.5 inches, or an adult bitch over 14.5 inches would be disqualified in a conformation show. Bone and head size should be in proportion to the overall balance of the dog.

Behavior

With a good level of socialisation at an early age, an American Cocker Spaniel can get along with people, children, other dogs and other pets. This breed seems to have a perpetually wagging tail and prefers to be around people; it is not best suited to the backyard alone. American Cocker Spaniels can be easily stressed by loud noises and by rough treatment or handling.

He can adapt to apartment life, as long as he is taken on daily walks. He requires daily brushing and combing, bimonthly bathing, and monthly grooming. His ears need regular attention.

Their temperament is typically joyful and trusting. The ideal American Cocker Spaniel temperament is merry, outgoing, and eager to please everyone. They can be good with children and usually sociable and gentle with other pets. They tend to be soft dogs who do not do well with rough or harsh training. The popularity of the American Cocker Spaniel Spaniel led to a considerable amount of irresponsible breeding in an attempt to keep up with the demand. The results have included fearful or aggressive behavior in some of the dogs, submissive urination, and resource guarding. Responsible breeders have worked diligently to eliminate these negative characteristics while trying to educate the public regarding responsible breeding. Temperament of the American Cocker Spaniel Spaniel should always be the primary concern when breeding these dogs. As with all puppies, owners are advised to choose their breeder carefully.

Health

American Cocker Spaniels are susceptible to a variety of maladies, particularly infections affecting their ears and, in some cases, their eyes. As a result, they may require more medical attention than some other breeds. Common eye problems in American Cocker Spaniels include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), glaucoma, and cataracts. The American Spaniel Club recommends annual eye exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist for all dogs used for breeding. Autoimmune problems in American Cocker Spaniels include autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and ear inflammations. Less common are luxating patellas and hip dysplasia. Dogs used for breeding can be checked for both of these conditions, and dogs free of hip dysplasia can be certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

Back to Canine Hybrid Menu

Featured Rescues

"Don't Shop ... Please Adopt"

ASPCA

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) was the first humane society to be established in North America and is, today, one of the largest in the world.

Our organization was founded on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment at the hands of humans and must be protected under the law. Headquartered in New York City, the ASPCA maintains a strong local presence, and with programs that extend our anti-cruelty mission across the country, we are recognized as a national animal welfare organization. We are a privately funded 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, and are proud to boast more than 2 million supporters across the country.

The ASPCA’s mission, as stated by founder Henry Bergh in 1866, is “to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.”

Petfinder

If you can’t find the pet you’re looking for on Petfinder, don’t give up. Some shelters maintain waiting lists for specific breeds, so don’t be afraid to ask! There are also breed-specific rescues for just about every breed, and most of them post their pets on Petfinder. (Petfinder can even e-mail you when a pet that fits your criteria is posted — just click “Save this Search” at the top of your search results page.)

Rescue Me

Jeff Gold, Founder, Rescue Me! Animal Rescue Network

Jeff Gold lives in Watkinsville, Georgia on the same property as Rescue Me's Animal Rehabilitation Center, with 18 rescue animals. Shown with him in the photo to the left are Maggie, Izzie and Cortez. In 2003, after learning there was nobody doing boxer rescue work in Georgia, Gold founded Boxertown, an organization which helped find homes for over 500 boxers during its first two years. Based upon this success, Gold came up with the vision for Rescue Me! ― a network which helps all breeds of dogs, cats and other animals find good homes, anywhere in the world. RescueShelter.com is also a free service of Rescue Me! and provides the world's largest and most up-to-date directory of animal rescue organizations for all breeds of dogs, cats and other animals, including a comprehensive directory of wildlife rehabilitators in over 150 countries.

Top

Home » Contact » Service Terms » Privacy

Site Map

thanks for browsing!

Birds/Avian

Cats/Feline

Guinea Pigs/Cavy

Dogs/Canine

Dogs/Canine/Hybrid

Horses/Equine