Border Collie Cocker

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27-30 lbs
16-23"
United States
Border Collie
Cocker Spaniel
Border Spaniel

Always on the move, the Border Collie Cocker is an intense hybrid breed with high stamina. Its loud, deep bark is characteristic of this breed which may become a nuisance if early training is not provided. The Border Collie Cocker's origin is unknown but it is suspected that it originated in the United States. This energetic breed is likely to resemble its parent breed – the Border Collie – in appearance, with a Cocker Spaniel head and face. Its a medium-sized breed with a medium-to-long coat that varies from black to brown to white. Its purpose is to herd, protect, and provide companionship to its family. This lively canine is often described as intelligent, active, and responsive. Maintenance for the Border Collie Cocker may vary depending on which dominant traits it inherits. Generally, daily brushing will be needed to avoid mats from developing. Daily exercise will be required to maintain its active lifestyle.
purpose Purpose
Guard dog, Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Border Collie, American Cocker Spaniel

Border Collie Cocker Health

Average Size
Male Border Collie Cocker size stats
Height: 16-23 inches Weight: 27-30 lbs
Female Border Collie Cocker size stats
Height: 16-23 inches Weight: 27-30 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Glaucoma
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Minor Concerns
  • None
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Epilepsy
  • Allergies
  • Primary Seborrhea
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Physical Examination
  • Optical Examination
  • Electroretinogram (ERG)

Border Collie Cocker Breed History

While the Border Collie Cocker's history is not well-documented, it is believed that the breed originated in the United States in order to improve health in these breeds. Its parent breeds – the Border Collie and American Cocker Spaniel – are both energetic, lively dogs with much spunk in their personalities. The Border Collie was originally developed to help herd sheep in the rural areas between Scotland and England. Farmers were attracted to the Border Collie's unlimited energy and high working drive. The breed was loved for its ease in being trained and for excelling in obedience, agility, tracking, and flying disc competitions. In 1906, the Border Collie's first standard was made public. This working canine can be traced to Wiston Cap, a stud dog from the 1960s. In 1995, the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. The American Cocker Spaniel originated from the English Cocker Spaniel. The word “cocker” stems from “woodcock”, which was a game bird the Cocker excelled in capturing. Experts believe that the English Cocker Spaniel was cross-bred with the smaller toy Spaniels in order to create the modern-day American Cocker Spaniel. In 1935, the AKC created two separate categories to distinguish between the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. This lovable dog continues to be one of the most popular dogs in the country today. In 1968, the English Kennel Club officially recognized the American Cocker Spaniel. Due to the Border Collie Cocker's hybrid status, the breed is not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. 

Border Collie Cocker Breed Appearance

The Border Collie Cocker resembles a combination of both parent breeds – the Border Collie and the American Cocker Spaniel. Exact appearance can vary depending on the litter as there is no set standard for the breed. Its body is long with short legs. Its ears are long and consist of a thick coat. The feet of the Border Collie Cocker are large in size and most closely resemble the Cocker. The muzzle is relatively average and resembles the Cocker as well. The coat is described to have long, dense, silky waves and is not water-repellent. Color combinations can vary between brown and white and black and white.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Border Collie Cocker eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Border Collie Cocker nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
brown Border Collie Cocker coat
Brown
white Border Collie Cocker coat
White
black Border Collie Cocker coat
Black
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Border Collie Cocker wavy coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Border Collie Cocker Breed Maintenance

The Border Collie Cocker is not a hypoallergenic dog and is known to shed extensively. Brushing is recommended to be completed daily with a firm bristle brush and a comb to brush out mats. Trimming of its coat is highly recommended if you would like to maintain an easy grooming routine. If not, you should have your Border Collie Cocker professionally groomed every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the coat looking smart and to prevent tangles. Bathing your dog should be limited to every 6 to 8 weeks to prevent overproduction of oil; your groomer can help decide if it needs to be done. Don't neglect the teeth or nails; brush teeth a few times a week at minimum and check the nails often for breaks, trimming every few weeks.

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Brushes for Border Collie Cocker
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Scissors
Scissors
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Border Collie Cocker requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Border Collie Cocker Temperament

The Border Collie Cocker can be described as an incredibly active and athletic dog that will run laps for hours. This loving breed is known to be pleasant, eager, and willing to be part of a family. Being the center of attention is this breed's mission as it will crave affection from its owners in order to remain happy. This pleasant breed has been known to be welcoming towards families and children. Early training will teach it to know how to discern between friendly strangers and intruders. Behavior with other animals will vary on which traits your Border Collie Cocker inherited. The Border Collie tends to be more guarded and protective against others but the Cocker is more welcoming. With training, it can learn to accept unfamiliar situations. This devoted canine is relatively easy to train with the proper positive reinforcement techniques. It is important to be able to remain firm with commands. The Border Collie Cocker's energy levels are high due to its original purpose of herding sheep so remember to keep this in mind when exercising your dog.

Border Collie Cocker Activity Requirements

The Border Collie Cocker is considered to have high energy levels and can run free for hours. Daily exercise is a must in order to maintain this breed's weight and give him the lifestyle he craves and deserves. Intense play is recommended daily for both mental and physical stimulation and satisfaction. It is recommended to provide your Border Collie Cocker with at least 60 minutes of exercise per day to prevent property destruction and anxious behavior caused by boredom. Some hybrids will  require more, perhaps 120 minutes per day. This dog is no couch potato, his mission is to run - be prepared to run alongside him.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Border Collie Cocker

Similarly Sized Breeds to Border Collie Cocker

Border Collie Cocker Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost
author-img

Written by Kathleen Egger

Published: 11/02/2017, edited: 12/09/2021

More articles by Kathleen Egger

Border Collie Cocker Owner Experiences

Prince
9 Weeks
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
He is very energetic and is also calm when you calm him down he is a swift learner and loves playing and running around
2 years ago
Joe and Josie
16 Months
7 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Both dogs are very loving. Josie is not as loveable she likes to be pet but likes her own space. Joe feeds on attention. He gets jealous when Josie gets attention. He is so smart learns new tricks fast. Josie sits and looks st you like “don’t think about it.” She can be bribed but only when she wants. Need to be more socialized but I don’t mind the barking for security I feel safe when their in the house. They let me know when anyone is near by. Very nice coats. Doesn’t get as matted as the cocker spaniel but still the curly hair on the ears. Beautiful Shiny coats.
4 years, 6 months ago
Dutch
4 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
daily walks
Dutch is a loving dog who enjoys going for walks and swims. He does seem to struggle with anxiety though.
6 years, 1 month ago
Stitch
15 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Stitch is by far the best dog! He loves chasing tennis balls in the yard for hours (even at his 15 years of age!), he also loves to sun bathe or hang out with his younger sisters. LOVES people and other dogs.
5 years, 5 months ago
Elvis
10 Months
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Our Collie Cocker is a lovely natured dog, he is very affectionate but not too excitable. However, he has an issue with one of his eyes, the vet is still unsure what the issue is after months of trying to understand what is wrong.
5 years, 5 months ago
Eddie
20 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very intelligent and affectionate dog
4 years, 11 months ago
Baby Belle
8 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Throwing a frisbee
I am very grateful that I also own a doxy/german shepard mix. My Sally runs Belle from one end to the other in the yard. They are out there almost all day playing. When they come in, both tongues are hitting the floor lol.
4 years, 6 months ago
Bruno
2 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Throwing the ball
Tug-of-war
Walk
Very loving and Affectionate,but very hyper when guest call round
3 years, 11 months ago
Poppy
6 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
training
Play
Fetch
Cuddling
Running
We could not have asked for a better dog! This is definitely a superior breed and ours is so so so lovely. Has never been aggressive (I know she’s 6 months, but I could not imagine her doing it at all) and is the cuddliest dog ever! She loves going for walks and loves running in the fields. She is so clever and picks training up super quick. She is really responsive and well behaved. I will say that she does have a ridiculous amount of energy even for a puppy, but she is easily calmed down too! The answer to most problems with her seems to be exercise. Amazing breed!
3 years, 11 months ago
Geordi
2 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Geordi has been a delight since he came home to us! He’s full of energy. Geordi enjoys lots of running and attention/affection. He’s very dedicated to our 3 boys (13,10,&9). He can get down if he’s not tended to regularly. He had a doggy brother named Wilson (Scottish terrier breed) and a cat brother named Spock (Russian Blue). All 3 play outside regularly. Geordi loves doggy play dates and visits to the dog park!
3 years, 3 months ago
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