Cairicocker

13-28 lbs
9-14"
Unknown
Cairn Terrier
Cocker Spaniel

The Cairicocker is a hybrid breed where the Cairn Terrier is crossed with the Cocker Spaniel. Relatively new on the scene, there is little information available about the Cairicocker; as a puppy he will inherit traits from both of his parents. With a weight of 13 to 28 pounds, the Cairicocker a small dog with short legs and a lot of spunk. Compact and sturdy, the this hybrid averages 24 to 28 pounds.  The Cairicocker  tends to be playful and sweet and enjoys pleasing his family.

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Cairn Terrier and Cocker Spaniel

Cairicocker Health

Average Size
Male Cairicocker size stats
Height: 10-15 inches Weight: 14-28 lbs
Female Cairicocker size stats
Height: 9-14 inches Weight: 13-28 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
Minor Concerns
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Allergies
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Problems
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
  • vonWillebrand’s Disease
Occasional Tests
  • Knee
  • Hip X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination
  • DNA Test

Cairicocker Breed History

The hybrid called the Cairicocker is a new breed of dog that does not have a detailed history, though the two breeds that combine to create the breed have long histories. In the case of the Cairn Terrier, the breed is thought to be one member of a group of short-legged terriers from Scotland’s Isle of Skye, thought to have existed since the 15th century when the breed was used to hunt the fox, badger and otter. It is believed that the name comes from the dog being particularly skilled at chasing otters from piles of stones, or cairns, that were used as landmarks or memorials during that time period. The dogs were seen in many colors, and all were considered to be Scotch Terriers. In 1873 the dogs were divided based on color into two groups: Dandie Dinmont and Skye Terriers, with the Cairn being a member of the Skye Terrier group. In 1881 the Skye group was further divided; one group for the Skye and a second for hard-haired terriers. The hard-haired terriers were then separated into Scotch, West Highland White and the breed now known as the Cairn. In 1912 the Cairn became known as the Cairn Terrier. A famous easily recognizable Cairn Terrier is the small dog Toto from the Wizard of Oz. The English brought their version of the Cocker Spaniel to the United States in the late 1800’s. As hunters in America sought a slightly smaller dog, the American version was created to hunt quail and other small game birds. The name “cocker” is from the word “woodcock” which is a type of game bird that the dog was successful at capturing. While it is not clear how the smaller version came to be, it is believed that the first (a dog called Obo 2nd) was born around 1880. Other evidence points to there being crosses of the English cocker with smaller toy spaniels in order to create the American version. In 1935 the American Kennel Club separated the English and American Cocker Spaniels into two different breeds.

Cairicocker Breed Appearance

The Cairicocker is a hybrid dog from the Cairn Terrier and the Cocker Spaniel. While information is not available about the appearance of the Cairicocker, one can consider the appearance of the hybrid’s parent breeds. The Cairn Terrier is a small dog, weighing an average of 13 to 14 pounds with short legs. Slightly longer than he is tall, his body is muscled and strong. The breeds front legs are completely straight with larger front feet than hind feet. The eyes of the Cairn Terrier are set widely apart and his eyebrows are shaggy and his ears are small and pointed. Medium in size, the Cocker Spaniel has a compact body with straight, muscled front legs. The hindquarters of the breed include wide hips and thighs that are muscled. The Cocker Spaniel has almond-shaped eyes and long ears that are well-feathered. Your Cairicocker will be a nice mix of both parents - his ears will either be erect or hanging low, his coat will be wavy or wiry. Most often, these hybrids have a long body with a tail that is upright when the dog is excited.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Cairicocker eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Cairicocker nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
brown Cairicocker coat
Brown
white Cairicocker coat
White
red Cairicocker coat
Red
cream Cairicocker coat
Cream
black Cairicocker coat
Black
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Cairicocker wavy coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Cairicocker Breed Maintenance

The coat of your Cairicocker should be combed or brushed once weekly and it is recommended that dead hair be stripped at least twice a year (if the texture is wiry). If the coat is longer like that of the Cocker Spaniel, clipping the fur will keep him looking neat and minimize maintenance. When the coat is not clipped, brushing or combing will need to take place three times weekly, with professional clipping and scissoring every two to three months. Bathing should occur as necessary. It is recommended that the cleanliness of your Cairicocker’s ears and eyes be maintained; he may be prone to ear infections if the ears are long and covered with thick fur. The eyes may run and have tear stains if not taken care of.

Brushes for Cairicocker
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Clipper
Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Cairicocker requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Cairicocker Temperament

The Cairicocker will inherit his temperament from his parents. The Cairn Terrier can be described as scrappy and spunky. While he has a strong personality, the Cairn Terrier is a sensitive dog that enjoys playing with children. Dogs of the breed may be aggressive toward other dogs and chase small animals. Without proper training, the Cairn Terrier may bark excessively. As the breed is bright, training is typically easy for this playful dog. The Cocker Spaniel tends to bark a lot, though is playful and good natured. The breed tends to be good with children and gets along well with other pets. Early socialization is recommended in order to ensure that your Cairicocker does not grow up to be timid. Your hybrid will be a sensitive breed who loves to spend time with people.

Cairicocker Activity Requirements

The Cairicocker enjoys walking on a leash or playing games in his yard. He can do well in an apartment as long as he gets sufficient exercise; though you can expect him to be active indoors as well. Ideally, a yard is what your Cairicocker needs. He has to expend his energy and due to his need for exploration could become a barker if his brain is not exercised along with his body. Your hybrid could do well in Earth Dog trials which could be a fun activity for you both.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
8 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Cairicocker Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Cairicocker Owner Experiences

Pickles
4 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Fetch
Walking,
Tug-of-war
Pickles is very energetic and friendly. He loves other dogs, and bounds around like a spring lamb when he is out walking. He can be a bit grumpy when he is tired but has a good temperament most of the time. His fur is very fluffy and requires regular brushing, but it doesn't seem to shed which is preferable. He responds well to treat based training, but a lot of persistence is required.
6 years, 10 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd