Cockalier vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison

Known also as the Cockalier Spaniel, the Cockalier is a sweet crossbreed – a mix between the Cocker Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles spaniel.

Both of these spaniels do have some differences. The Cockalier is a designer breed that hails from the USA. Because he is a hybrid breed the Cockalier isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club, but as a hybrid, it is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC).

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was first developed in the northern sections of Birmingham and in Staffordshire, England. The Staffie is a cross between a Black and Tan Terrie and the Bulldog, but had other breeds crossed in over time in order to create a bull-baiting dog and a fighting dog. In the Victorian age these sports were banned but dog fighting went underground and continues on some level today.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was exceptional at these “sports” due to his build, power and jaw strength. Today’s Staffie is a descendent of those early Bull Terrier crosses. Together with the Bull Terrier and the American Pit Bull, the Staffie also traces its roots back to those original English Bully dogs. All three breeds have the Bulldog in common.

After dog fighting and bull baiting were banned the Stafforshire Bull Terrier was further developed as a companion and pet. Still their reputation as fighting dogs cost them recognition in the official kennel clubs for some time. They finally made the UK registry in 1935, but it was not until 1974 that the American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted them.

The Cockalier is a medium-sized dog standing at between 30 and 38cm in height and weighing roughly between 5 and 12kg.

The coat of the Cockalier is silky and wavy. The coat is medium length and can be in colors such as golden, red, black or maybe white and brown.

The ears are fairly long and floppy, the eyes brown and expressive and the tail docked. If left, the tail is long and feathery.

Temperament:

The Cockalier is lively, gentle, intelligent and friendly with his human family, though he can be a little bit aloof with strangers.

He bonds very strongly with his family. They’re robust and are playful with children. They’re active dogs too and love nothing more than a hectic ball game. They don’t know when to stop and can become utterly exhausted if you don’t stop the game.

Have him trained and socialized and then he becomes even more amicable and he’s smart enough to learn basic commands without any trouble.

Description

The Staffordshire is a muscular, stocky and unusually strong breed, small to medium size in height and build. They have broad, powerful chests, wide set, strong legs, strong shoulders, broad head with a fairly short muzzle. Their ears are not cropped but they are short and fold over. The coat is stiff, close and short and the tail is medium and carried low. Most Staffies are brown, but they can be red, brindle with white, fawn, black, white or blue.

The Cockalier is such a clever dog and he wants to please. He just loves his human owners, protecting them against strangers. He doesn’t take too kindly to strangers, preferring to devote all his love and loyalty to those he knows.

He just craves attention and wants to be in your vicinity all the time. He is also good with children and will get on well with other pets in the home.

Once you’ve had a Cockalier in your life, you’ll want to reconsider having one of them again as they make awesome pets and companions.

1.Children friendliness The breed adores children but care should still be taken because they are so strong and their jaws are so powerful.

2.Special talents they adore children and they one of the most powerful jaws among canines.

3.Adaptability they need exercise and space, they are not apartment dogs.

4.Learning ability very smart, but very stubborn

The Cockalier is a healthy dog breed and can reach between 12 and 15 years of age. Look out for common canine health issues such as hearing loss and ear infection and vision issues.

Ear Infections:

Cockaliers that have an ear infection will shake their head and scratch their ears. The inside of the ears may be red and there may be an unpleasant smell coming from the ears. Your pet will need to see the vet.

Mitral Valve Disease:

This is a common disease with King Charles Spaniels where the mitral valve wears out and leaks and is associated with a heart murmur.

The earliest sign of a leaking mitral valve is normally a heart murmur, but it doesn’t mean heart failure is imminent, but congestive heart failure will eventuallt occur. Your dog will tire when walking, be lethargic and also have a cough. It will definitely be time to see the vet.

The breed is basically healthy, but they do have some hereditary health issues.

• Hip and elbow dysplasia- can cause arthritis.

• Patella luxation otherwise known as a slipped kneecap- can cause pain and some lameness.

• Skin allergies and even a tendency toward Mange which is chronic in some forms and fatal in others.

• Heat issues and breathing issues due to their short, compressed faces.

• Like most active dogs their size, they are susceptible to bloat which can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Diet:

When you choose one of the commercially manufactured dog foods there are, you want to avoid those more inferior ones that have ingredients in them that can cause your dog to get sick.

Look for the high-quality ones and choose the foods that have natural, wholesome ingredients in them. The vet can always help you with your decision to select a food that will of benefit to your pet.

Try to give your pet some good homemade food too such as some raw meat occasionally as well as boiled chicken, vegetables and brown rice. Fresh, cool water should be constantly available.

Grooming:

The Cockalier is going to require some brushing because he sheds quite a bit. Some dog owners prefer to get the Cockalier professionally trimmed. During grooming, check your pet over for any unusual lumps.

Your Cockalier will also need to have his nails trimmed, and because of the long ears, you will need to look inside the ears to ensure there is no redness and signs of infection.

Also, the teeth should also be checked.

Some dog owners don’t have the time or they don’t want to probe inside their pet’s ears and then a doggy-grooming-parlor can be a good idea as they do all this for you.

Exercise:

The Cockalier is an energetic dog, requiring a lot of exercise and games. These dogs love water games and will love you spraying him with water from the garden hose. Failing that, he’ll jump right into the swimming pool with you. Ball games are just up his street, and he will remind you every day that it’s time for his walk.

1.Feeding the puppy Don’t over feed as he grows fast. Feed a high quality dog food for medium size puppies. Feed 1-2 and a quarter cups in 3-4 meals per day.

2.Feeding the adult Don’t exercise right before or after eating due to potential for bloat. Feed 1-2 times a day a high quality medium breed dog food.

3.Points for Good Health immense strength and power.

4. Games and Exercises They are terriers after all and they dig. Need a fairly large yard with a strong fence. They love to play ball, frisbee and can excel at cart pulling.