Photo from @jimmythepugboy (IG)
Cocker Pug is a product of breeding two different breeds together: Cocker Spaniel and Pug. They are small to medium-sized dog breeds with a smooth or wavy coat that comes in medium to long length.
Cocker Pugs make perfect family companions as they are friendly, adaptable, and love to spend time with people. They are also wonderful pets for families with children and babies.
To know what kind of hybrid dog you get, you can look at parent breeds first to get an idea of what kind of personality your mixed breed will have.
Facts About Cocker Pug’s Parents
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel used to be a hunting dog at the start. Nowadays, this dog breed serves the purpose of being family companions. They have a medium coat, which is either wavy or smooth and they are very loyal and love to chase you around the house.
If you are looking for a perfect friend for life, then this is the dog breed for you, and luckily, the Cocker Pug mix gets this nature as well.
Their average life expectancy is around 12 to 15 years. Love and care are in their blood, and because of these qualities, they are often used as therapy dogs. Cocker Spaniels are hunters by heart and exercise should be included in their daily routine to keep them healthy.
Pug
Pug is a small dog with large prominent eyes. Their coat is short, fine, and smooth. They have wrinkles on their face. Pug is a very loyal, loving, playful, and friendly dog.
They are highly intelligent and get bored very easily. A pug can be a stubborn dog if he senses that he is stronger-minded than his owner.
Pugs are very sensitive so a small change in your voice tone should be enough to keep them in control. They need an owner who is calm, confident, and consistent with training and rules.
If you want a pet dog and a watchdog together, then get this dog or its crossbreed.
Cocker Pug Breed Origin and History
The Cocker Pug could be a mix of an American Cocker Spaniel or an English Cocker Spaniel with a Pug. This mixed-breed dog has been in existence for two to three decades.
It is hard to say the exact time when this dog breed was developed. Some say that this dog breed was made in America but there is no evidence to prove it.
This mixed breed has limited information available so it might be better to look at the origin of its seed parents to get a better idea.
Cocker Spaniel – The Cocker Spaniel dated back to the 1300s and is believed to be from Spain. This dog breed was used as a hunting dog in history. But nowadays, this Cocker Spaniel is limited to being a life companion, although it is still widely used as a working dog.
Pug – The Pug has been around a lot longer than any other dog and especially Cocker Spaniel. Experts agree that Pug was found in China before 200 B.C. They were kept as a lapdog by the Chinese emperors and have been used widely for the same purpose in today’s age.
Cocker Spaniel and Pug Mix Details
Appearance
A Cocker Pug will have physical traits from both Cocker Spaniel and Pug. Even in the same litter, puppies can look different in appearance.
A Cocker Pug will be bigger in size than a Pug with a muscular body and a solid appearance. Their face could have wrinkles just like Pug and a squishy appearance. They have larger eyes than Cocker Spaniel.
Their coat is usually wavy or smooth and medium to long in length. Their nose and eyes will have a dark color and they have longer legs than Pugs. One thing is for sure whatever he looks like, he will be a sweet and admirable dog.
Color
Cocker Pug usually has only one eye color which is brown. Their nose could have either brown or black color and their coat is mostly fawn or black in color.
Size and Weight
Cocker Pugs are small to medium-sized dogs. Male and female Cocker Pugs weigh around 18 to 35 pounds on average and their height is between 12 to 18 inches. Because of their size, they can be kept in apartments and small houses as long as they get sufficient daily exercise.
Make sure to give them a proper diet to maintain their healthy weight. Irregular amounts of meals and lack of exercise can push them towards obesity, which can decrease their quality of life and lead to a shorter lifespan.
Personality and Temperament
It is a fact that the personality and temperament of Cocker Pug will be a mixture of his parent dogs. The Cocker Spaniel is a happy and social breed.
Cocker Spaniels are very good with kids and when they are introduced to other animals at an early age, they transform into super friendly and loving dogs towards people and other animals.
Cocker Spaniel is always looking to get his owner’s attention and ready to play and show tricks.
Pugs are usually referred to as clowns and they are highly intelligent. Just like Cocker Spaniel, they seek attention and love to be the life of the party.
Pugs can be a little bit lazy which can cause them to easily gain weight. They have a low energy level and are not as active as Cocker Spaniel.
Because of these two seed dogs’ quality, your Cocker Pug will be a friendly, loving, and playful dog. Cocker Pugs can be stubborn and hard to train sometimes because of their Pug’s genes.
Other than that, they will be perfect companions for your family with high intelligence. Your Cocker Pug will require daily training and exercise and will consume a good amount of your time.
If you are a busy person and cannot give your Cocker Pug the required time, then this dog breed might not be for you.
Cocker Pug has a lot to offer and they create an unbreakable bond between themselves and family. Love for children is in their blood and they are always ready to play and live a fun life.
They are confident and rarely get nervous. Adaptability is their quality and you will never see them acting out.
Lifespan
Cocker Pug has an average life expectancy of 10 to 13 years. Make sure that your Cocker Spaniel and Pug mix have a healthy diet.
Regular check-ups to the vet and daily exercise with consistency will only ensure your Cocker Pug long and healthy life.
Cocker Spaniel and Pug Mix Basic Needs
This small playful dog requires your attention and time. Your Cocker Pug will always want to be the center of attention and will love to entertain you.
Let’s have a look at what Cocker Spaniel and Pug mix requires from its owner.
Training Requirements
Cocker Pug is full of energy and enthusiasm and they are eager to please you. But at the same time, they can be stubborn and hard to train because of their strong will.
Pug’s side makes them a little more independent. You might find that instead of obeying your commands, they will prefer to do entirely opposite.
They can be easily distracted while training. Their training session must be kept small and interesting and you need to provide them with lots of stuff where they can be occupied.
Food is the thing that motivates them. This thing can go in the owner’s favor while training. But keep in mind not to overfeed them. Try to give positive reinforcement and treats to reward them.
A positive tone of your voice is enough to encourage them. Do not use punishment or hard methods in training. They do not respond well to these tactics and you will notice this as they might lose interest at all if you use negative reinforcement.
Tips To Train Your Cocker Pug
Try to socialize your Cocker Pug from the very start. Expose him to new animals and people so that he becomes friendly towards them.
Cocker Pugs can easily get bored. Make sure they have enough exercise and activity on a daily basis.
Use positive reinforcement while training. Giving them their favorite toys and treats is a good idea as a form of reward.
Cocker Pug owners should approach them with confidence. They will become stubborn if you are not consistent with training.
They might get distracted very easily so make sure that they follow your commands.
Exercise Requirements
Cocker Pug can be a little bit lazy because of the Pug’s genes. They have a low level of energy and can be lazy sometimes. You will have to work a little bit extra otherwise they can easily become potato couch. Playful interaction and exercise is their daily need.
Cocker Spaniel and Pug mix requires at least 45 minutes of exercise or walking each day. They are social dogs and would love to make new friends outside of the home and in the park.
Daily walks and exercise are a must for your Cocker Pug to prevent them from gaining weight. Here are some useful tips on exercising your Cocker Pug.
Tips on Exercise Your Cocker Pug
They need a minimum of 45 minutes of exercise or walk on a daily basis.
During hot summer months, take them on a walk in the morning or after sunset.
They are very friendly and would love to play with other animals or kids.
Some Cocker Pugs can be good swimmers while others would not even touch the water. If your Cocker Pug likes to swim, take them to the lake or seaside.
It is a good idea to let them play in the back or front yard. Make sure it is fenced and secure.
Basic games like throwing and fetching will keep them occupied for a long time.
Make sure you spend a good portion of time on their exercise to avoid any chance for them to gain weight.
Space Requirements
Cocker Spaniel and Pug mix are going to be small to medium-sized dogs. Don’t worry as they do not require a lot of space but daily exercise is a must. They can be kept as apartment pets as long as their exercise demands are met.
Cocker Pug can become a lazy potato couch. If they do not have enough space to play or if they do not get enough exercise, there is a high chance of developing obesity.
They are small dogs and can easily gain weight. Some owners like to keep their dogs in a cage or small spaces. Always keep in mind that this will impact your dog’s health.
A dog without a proper space to run or play will become highly destructive, they can develop a habit of barking and start to chew and destroy your stuff. A reasonable space must be provided to meet your dog’s needs.
Food Requirements
Protein is one of the main ingredients your Cocker Pug needs in his diet. About 22% of protein is recommended in the Cocker Pug diet when they are puppies. It is essential for their growth.
While 18% of protein is recommended for adult Cocker Pug to maintain their health. You do not need to worry about it as most of the good dog foods out there will exceed this percentage. But it is always a good idea to check before buying.
Fat is another important component that should be added to any dog’s diet. Fat adds flavor to your dog food and your dog will love the taste of it as it is very appealing to them.
A small Cocker Pug puppy requires 8% of fat and adult Cocker Pug will need 5% of fat in his diet. Omega-3 and Omega-6 can be found in fat which is excellent for your dog’s brain, coat, skin, and heart.
A Cocker Pug should be provided 2.5 cups of food per day in two meals. Like any other dog’s food, Cocker Pug meals should be free from chemicals and artificial flavor and coloring.
Make sure to check the labels of all dogs’ food before buying. Some cheap dog food might look appealing but it can be harmful to your dog’s health. Your dog should be provided only with natural ingredients.
Cleaning and Grooming Needs
Most of the Cocker Spaniel and Pug mix has a medium to large size coat while some can have short which is rare. You will need to brush their coat twice a week or at least once a week.
You might need to get their coat trimmed by a professional groomer occasionally. If you are not confident to cut his nails, then you should ask the professional groomer to do it for yourself.
One of the biggest grooming issues is their ears. Floppy ears need to be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid building up any wax.
Ear cleaning is also required to prevent any bacterial build-up and to prevent infection. Your vet might recommend using an ear wash to use for your Cocker Pug.
Cocker Spaniel and Pug mix should be bathed at least once a month, especially if he loves to roll around in mud or grass.
You might notice that your Cocker Pug has folds on his face; they should be wiped and dried on a daily basis to prevent any bacteria growing there.
Cocker Pug’s teeth should be brushed at least once a week. This will help to stop building tartar and will keep their gums healthy.
Pros and Cons of Cocker Spaniel and Pug Mix
If you are planning to adopt this mixed breed, then it might be a good idea to have a look at its pros and cons. Let’s have a look at what things can go in your favor and what not.
Pros
They are small to medium-sized and can be kept in an apartment.
They are highly intelligent and loyal.
They are extremely friendly dogs and love to be around people.
They get along well with children and babies.
Cocker Pug is easy to train. All he needs is a confident and calm owner who is consistent with training.
They are highly adaptable to their environment
Cocker Pug is a stranger-friendly dog.
Cocked Pug has often been used as a therapy dog.
They make a perfect and lifelong companion.
Cons
They require a good amount of time to spend on their grooming.
They may become stubborn if they are not trained from an early age.
Cocker Pug needs daily exercise to prevent getting overweight.
They can be destructive if left alone for long periods of time.
They might bark and destroy things if left alone or if not getting enough exercise.
They have prey drive so they might run after a scent or cats.
They cannot be used as service dogs.
Prices and Expenses of Cocker Pug
The cost of buying a Cocker Pug puppy can vary. It all depends on your location and breeder. Typically, a Cocker Pug will cost you around $600 to $1100. Cocker Pug is a medium maintenance dog so you should be prepared for the expenses accordingly.
The daily cost of their food should be around $1.20 to $1.40. The monthly cost comes up at around $34 to $45. This does not include the prices and expenses of treats and toys.
A Cocker pug should be provided with enough toys to keep them busy and occupied. Treats should be given to them while training to boost their morale.
Be ready to spend on their cleaning and grooming. They might need to go to a professional groomer for the trimming of their coat. You will need basic stuff for cleaning as well.
Nail clipper, deshedder, slicker brush, and dematter are all the tools you need for Cocker Pug’s grooming and cleaning.
How and Where to Get One?
Generally, it is not a good idea to buy your dog from a pet store. Especially when the pet store is unable to tell you where the puppy came from.
A reputable breeder can be found in national kennel clubs like American Kennel Club (AKC). A recognized dog breeder should be able to provide you with all the health checks of the puppy.
Medical history and records must be looked at both seed parents before buying a crossbreed puppy. This rules out any health risk your pup might have from parents.
A good breeder will have all this information in hand and you might be able to meet the mother of the pup. Always meet the puppy before buying.
Online stores are selling different kinds of dogs nowadays. While it might be hassle-free and convenient, you should always take extra care when dealing with the internet.
One of the downsides of buying online is you are unable to see your dog physically. Take extra care in checking everything and always buy from a reputable breeder or adopt from an animal shelter where you can check things by yourself.
Common Health Risks of Cocker Pug
It is proven that mixed-breed dogs enjoy a healthier life than their parent dogs. But this does not make them immune to all other health risks out there.
Let’s look at the major and minor health concerns that your Cocker Pug may get in his lifetime:
Major Concerns
Ear Infections
Entropion
Cataracts
Canine
Hip Dysplasia
Seborrhea
Hypothyroidism
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Minor Concerns
Patellar Luxation
Diabetes
Heart Murmur
Mast Cell Tumors
All the listed diseases can be avoided by a healthy lifestyle and daily exercise. Although you can take good care of your dog, no one can guarantee your dog’s health.
But it is always recommended to take care wherever possible. Always make regular trips to the vet with your dog and get all the check-ups done.
Cocker Spaniel and Pug Mix Breeding Process
If you want to get the best result from a crossbreed dog, then you should get purebred seed dogs when breeding. This way, you can get the real characteristics and personalities of both parents.
The process of breeding a Cocker Spaniel and Pug mix is complicated and should only be done by professional breeders and vets.
Keep in mind that this is a sensitive and tricky process in which sometimes dogs can get hurt. Without the necessary training, you might push dogs into a situation where they might hit each other or can get seriously injured.
To begin the process, you need to know when your dam will be in heat. Usually, there are signs by which you can tell like bloody discharge or retinal swelling.
Once your dam is in heat, your stud will sense it and will be more attracted to the dam. This is when you should keep a close eye because if a dam is not ready, she will try to hit the stud to make him go away.
A heat cycle remains from 9 to 11 days for a dam. In this time period, a stud can mount and begin the breeding process. It is highly important that you get the medical history of both parents’ dogs before going through this process.
A thorough medical check-up of seed dogs will avoid any disease or health risk transferring into the offspring.
Final Thoughts
Cocker Spaniel and Pug mixes are friendly dogs who are loving and caring. Their qualities make them highly loyal and perfect companions.
You need to spend time with them as they are more suited to owners who stay with them most of the time. Training is a must in their life; otherwise, they will do what pleases them.
Overall they are clown, mischievous, and highly adaptable. They would love to entertain you all the time and they will be friendly towards children and other animals. If you like what you read, then this dog breed might be for you.
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