Sprocker Spaniel Dog Breed

As mixed breed, the Sprocker Spaniel is not an official member of any breed group--but both its parent breeds are spaniels, and both are in the Sporting Group in most clubs, so these hybrids would definitely fit in that category. And a Cocker Spaniel-Springer Spaniel mix has existed for centuries; while no breeder or breed club has claimed its true origin, hunters have been crossbreeding Cocker Spaniel and Springer Spaniel "types" since as early as the 1600s. With their heritage as hunting dogs, Sprocker Spaniels are excellent hunting companions, but they make for sensitive, energetic family pets as well.

A few Sprocker Spaniel facts: they're medium-sized, averaging 17 inches at the shoulders in height and 40 pounds in weight; they have medium-length, flowing double coats that shed seasonally; and they're highly energetic and will need a lot of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Springer Spaniel-Cocker Spaniel mix:

Sprocker Spaniel wiki: the name "Sprocker Spaniel" is fairly new--but this mixed breed is centuries old. Until 1900 or so, different spaniel types were classified by use rather than by breeding. The different types--including "springers" and "cockers"--were often born in the same litter; this means that before the "Springer" and "Cocker" spaniel breeds even existed, these spaniel types were common. The Sprocker Spaniel moniker became popular in the 20th century.

Whatever the case, this medium-sized spaniel breed is sensitive, athletic, and enthusiastic. One important piece of Sprocker Spaniel information is that these hybrids need frequent company! They'll be miserable if they're shut up in the house (or locked in the back yard) all day while their owners are at work. Note, though, that even a well-cared-for Sprocker will frequently pee when excited; owners say this happens most frequently when their owners first walk through the door. It may help to provide training and socialization starting when the dog is a puppy--but Sprocker owners should prepare for this "submissive urination" being a fact of these hybrids' lives.

And with their history as hunting dogs, Sprockers are used to a lot of physical activity, so they'll need exercise on a daily basis. Without it, owners say, they'll become frustrated, disobedient, and destructive.

Energetic, sensitive, intelligent, playful, and sometimes fearful, The Sprocker Spaniel temperament is one of both activity and delicacy. These hybrids will be very friendly with and devoted to their family members, and will need a lot of attention paid to them. Sprocker Spaniels' temperament also makes them good playmates for children--but they don't handle harsh treatment well at all, so younger kids will need to learn not to play too rough with these dogs. Sprockers will also socialize well with other pets, though their high prey drives mean they might instinctively chase small animals like cats and birds. In any case, it's best if your Sprocker grows up alongside any children or other pets, so they'll become familiar with one another.

Another of the positive Sprocker Spaniel characteristics is their intelligence--which makes them pretty easy to train. These hybrids should be able to learn tasks, tricks, and commands without too many repetitions; because of their sensitivity, trainers will need to be very gentle. As with other breeds, patient, positive, reward-based training methods are best.

And Sprocker Spaniels make decent watchdogs. While they certainly won't be anyone's guard dog, Sprockers are alert and loyal, and will usually bark at and investigate any unknown sights or sounds.

The Sprocker Spaniel, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is pretty healthy. Even so, these dogs may suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip dysplasia, various eye issues (the most serious of which is Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or PRA), and assorted allergies. Because of their long, hanging ears, Sprockers often collect dirt and debris there, so owners will need to check and clean these dogs' ears regularly.

Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Sprocker Spaniel is 11-15 years.