Cock-A-Chon

12-24 lbs
11-16"
United States
Bichon Frise
Cocker Spaniel

The Cock-A-Chon is a designer dog, an intentional hybrid of the American Cocker Spaniel, a game flushing gun dog turned family companion, and the Bichon Frise, a small, cheerful companion breed. The resulting hybrid is an engaging and affectionate animal with a high intelligence and a drive to please. They can come in several color combinations and may have either the coarse, curly coat of the Bichon, or the smoother silky coat of the Cocker Spaniel. Although their grooming requires daily attention and a little extra work, their exercise needs are fairly low, making them a suitable candidate for apartment living. 

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Bichon Frise, Cocker Spaniel

Cock-A-Chon Health

Average Size
Male Cock-A-Chon size stats
Height: 11-16 inches Weight: 12-24 lbs
Female Cock-A-Chon size stats
Height: 11-16 inches Weight: 12-24 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hemophilia
  • Eye Problems
  • Heart Problems
  • Platelet Dysfunction
Minor Concerns
  • Urolithiasis
  • Epilepsy
  • Skin Problems
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Blood
  • Heart
  • Liver Ultrasound
  • Physical Examination

Cock-A-Chon Breed History

The Cock-A-Chon is a hybrid animal, a cross between the Cocker Spaniel, a small flushing dog from England, and the Bichon Frise, an affectionate and entertaining companion animal. The Bichon Frise is a small white dog that is the descendant of an Italian Water Spaniel, the same Italian Water Spaniel that gave rise to the Poodle and the Maltese breeds. These small companion animals were known as the Bichon Tenerife and prized for their cheery and loving dispositions. They often travelled with sailors to be used as items of trade and from the 1300’s to the 1800’s they were favored by one royal family or another. After falling out of favor with the royals, these spunky little canines found homes working the streets with organ grinders and performing tricks at circuses and fairs. The breed was re-established after World War I, the first breed standard was developed in 1933, and they were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972. Spaniels are classified as a type of gun dog, but in truth, they have been assisting hunters since long before the gun was invented. The first Spaniels were divided into just two groups which were based on where they worked; the water Spaniels and the land Spaniels. Land Spaniels were originally bred to flush game out of the deep brush for bow hunters and in some cases, to retrieve birds and other animals from where they had fallen. Sometime in the 17th century a distinction began to be made between types of land Spaniels and they began to be classified as either Springer or Cocker Spaniel, based entirely on the size of the dog. The spaniels that were taller were named Springer Spaniels as they were used to “spring” game animal, the smaller dogs, however, were adept at flushing out woodcocks and other such birds for their owners, earning them the name of Cocker Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel Club was founded in England in 1902. Cocker Spaniels in America were bred to be companion animals and house pets and so they developed differently than the Cocker Spaniel in England; their backs lengthened, their heads became more domed, and their prey drive was greatly reduced. It was enough of a change that in 1935 a group was formed for those who preferred the traditional look of the English Cocker Spaniel and were adamant about discouraging interbreeding between the original English Cocker Spaniel and the newer Americanized version of the Cocker Spaniel and in 1946 the American Cocker Spaniel was recognized as a separate breed, which is the breed employed to develop the Cock-A-Chon.

Cock-A-Chon Breed Appearance

The Cock-A-Chon is a small but sturdy animal with a well-proportioned head and dark eyes with a soft expression that is also alert and inquisitive. Their eyes may be either round or slightly almond shaped and their ears typically drop down from the side of their head, although the length of the ears may vary. They are typically well built with a precise and effortless gait that is evenly balanced and firm, round paws that may be a little cat-like. This hybrid has a double layered coat consisting of an undercoat that is soft and downy covered by an outer layer that can resemble the soft, straight fur of the American Cocker Spaniel, the coarse, curly hair of the Bichon Frise, or anything in between. Although these canines can come in a variety of colors, light colors are more common than the darker colors and white markings are frequently seen as well. 

Cock-A-Chon Breed Maintenance

The Cock-A-Chon will require a moderate amount of attention given to their grooming regimen as their fur may become easily tangled in some cases. This hybrid should be bathed at least monthly, and depending on the coat type that your Cock-A-Chon inherits, they may require some shaping with the scissors at this time. Many owners of dogs that require scissoring on a regular basis choose to go to a professional groomer instead of doing it themselves. They will need daily brushing with a pin brush to remove both tangles and dead hair. A slicker brush should not be used to remove tangles, particularly if your hybrid’s coat favors the Bichon Frise; brushing with a slicker brush should only be done as a finishing step as it can remove too much of the undercoat if it is used as a detangler.

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Cock-A-Chon Temperament

This energetic little dog has all of the charm and intelligence of its parent breeds, is easily trainable, and tends to get along well with adults, children, and other animals. Even though they do get along well with others, interactions between these dogs and younger children should be closely supervised to ensure that contact remains peaceful and neither dog nor child is accidentally injured. They tend to be gentle, affectionate, and cheerful, they love to be the center of attention, and they often excel at trick training and advanced obedience due to their high intelligence and their drive to please. Their intelligent and curious nature requires frequent mental stimulation and they have a tendency to develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long and Cock-A-Chon’s that are anxious or bored may become overly vocal or destructive.

Cock-A-Chon Activity Requirements

The activity requirements for the Cock-A-Chon are relatively undemanding and they are usually content with forty to sixty minutes of vigorous activity a day although it is typically best to break these sessions up into several smaller chunks of time. These little canines are quite happy living in smaller spaces with a few short walks or energetic indoor play sessions a day, and many of them may excel at scent hound activities and advanced obedience training as well. They are quite intelligent however, and some sort of mental stimulation should be provided in order to prevent destructive behaviors caused by boredom. These dogs are naturally fairly quiet and tend to make pleasant and polite roommates, making them a suitable choice for apartment living.

Cock-A-Chon Owner Experiences

Daisy
7 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running
Walk
I got Daisy when she was rehomed at nearly 6 years old. She is a lovely pup, really friendly and always happy.
3 months, 2 weeks ago
Daisy
7 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running
Walk
I got Daisy when she was rehomed at nearly 6 years old. She is a lovely pup, really friendly and always happy.
3 months, 2 weeks ago
Daisy
7 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running
Walk
I got Daisy when she was rehomed at nearly 6 years old. She is a lovely pup, really friendly and always happy.
3 months, 2 weeks ago
Ace
3 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cuddles
Play
Chasing ball
zoomes
I love cockachon ace is a happy energetic dog.
8 months ago
Bailey
7 Weeks
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running up and down the hall after family members
Playing with her toys
Evening cuddles
training
This is my first time looking after this dog breed, I have owned others in the past but these cuddly playful and gentle animals are a great addition to a family and easy to train
11 months ago
Pickles
4 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I got Pickles at 7 weeks old and weighing 4 pounds. He is absolutely the best, smartest and most loyal dog I’ve ever owned. He actually owns me. Easily trained immediately and very intelligent and sweet and loving. Very sensitive and suffers separation anxiety since day one. I’m retired abs he literally goes everywhere with me and is always the perfect gentleman. Doesn’t mind me grooming him or trimming his nails. He is literally at me feet or beside me at all times. Never leaves the yard when outdoors with me but detests squirrels. Adores both of the cats but jealous as well. I love him more than most adults.
3 years, 3 months ago
Tubby
12 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tubby looks like a cocker with the leg size of a Bishon he is black with white facial and feet markings. He is lovable!!
6 years, 9 months ago
gigi
11 Years
7 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
walking and playing in the backyard
She is a loving, sweet and get along with my kids and other dogs
6 years, 6 months ago
SnoopDogg
8 Years
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
The best dog I’ve ever owned. We thought he was a cockapoo for the longest time until the DNA test. Very well demeanored and great with other animals, babies, toddlers and children. Loves affection and a perfect sized lap dog. Does not like being left home alone for long periods though he’s used to the workday routine and fine with that because he recognizes this daily. Play soft, relaxing music when you leave him alone. My guy does not destroy home. Because he is a rescue and lost his family, he feels most comfortable when he knows I’m present. I can leave him with familiar people in homes he’s been to but I would never leave him to be dog sat in an unfamiliar home or with unfamiliar people or even a doggie hotel when traveling. He is an emotional support animal and AMAZING on the plane. He curls into a ball on my lap and bothers no one; he’s better behaved than most peoples’ kids. Not a big barker, but he’ll woof at sounds outside the door, barks at the doorbell (that we don’t have in our condo but hears on tv shows) and howls at fire trucks which is pretty cute. When you’re home, you don’t know he’s there. He’s content lounging or snuggling. Very low maintenance and zero shedding/hypoallergenic. I’m so glad I know his breed because I want another.
6 years, 6 months ago
Keiko
11 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
cuddle
Therapy Training
I've had Keiko for over 11 years. He is an awesome therapy dog with hospital patients young and old. He is great with babies, can play a little vigorously with toddlers. He is easy to train, loves to cuddle, play in the snow, chase squirrels and such, rarely barks, very affectionate, and has the cutest expressions. Not a good swimmer and tends to be on the shyer side.
6 years, 1 month ago
Bear
13 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Tug-of-war
Playdate
Tricks
Fetch
My bear has turned out to be a wonderful family dog. He is great with kids and other pets. He is becoming more gentle in his older age. He is very vocal. He used to be very grumpy and snippy when he was younger. Now he is a sweet boy. The neighborhood kids love him.
6 years ago
Hamlet
11 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
This breed is highly intelligent and lovable. They are super loyal and love people. Although he doesn't get along with cats because of his high drive, but he makes an excellent ratting dog. He smells out any rodents in the household and will kill them on sight.
6 years ago
Oscar
9 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My dog has been the best dog I've ever had. Ready to cuddle when you are, and ready to play whenever you say the word. He occasionally barks at outside noises, LOVES toys, keeps up with my 2 labs, and loves food.
5 years, 8 months ago
Lucy
17 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Lucy has been the best dog! Low maintenance, listens well, hearty appetite and great around our children when they were growing up. She's 17 now and starting to show her age but still gets excited when seeing loved ones or at dinner time.
4 years, 9 months ago
Saint
9 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Saint was a rescue from the local dog pound. We just happened to come upon him right after Christmas holidays, or I think he would have been gone! What a love! He is happy and lively. He always puts a smile on our face. He does need to burn off energy & does much better if given a good rolicking play session or awalk. He loves the tug rope or to solve getting a treat out of his Kong toy. He amuses himself at times with keeping up with all the humans in the house... or playing tag with the cat. He is never rough with the cat...but DOES get a bit excited at times. When that happens, I just separate them for a while. He surely has prey drive!!!
4 years, 9 months ago
Tucker
11 Weeks
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Well Tucker is just a puppy he definitely is very energetic. He is in the chew everything phase especially on people we are working on that! He loves to chase my 9 year old when she runs through the house. He definitely loves being outdoors except when it rains he is a big baby when it’s just sprinkling does not like it at all!!! I have to say he is quite the entertainer also he has a personality that’s for sure!! So that’s all I can say since I’ve only had him a few weeks
4 years, 7 months ago
Darla
13 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Darla has been the best dog for us! She is super chill and loves to be inside with with us. She does enjoy her daily runs around the pool as her exercise as well. She doesn't do very well on long walks, so running around the pool is good enough for her. She is playful for about 5 minutes and then she is over it and just goes to her bed to relax. She has always been this way since we got her, she was 2 years old at the time. Love her!
4 years, 7 months ago
Boba
16 Weeks
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We love our dog and he is the best dog anyone could ask for. He’s friendly, listens, and loves playing.
4 years, 4 months ago
Bailey
1 Year
7 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Fetch
Swim
Tug-of-war
Hide & Seek
We got Bailey at 15 weeks and he has been the best addition to our blending family ever since. He’s extremely happy and playful and very energetic which is good with children. Bailey is great with children but from time to time he can get over excitable but with a command he does stop. He was toilet trained within the week of being with us. The only thing I can fault is when around people and other dogs he doesn’t follow instructions but apart from that I could imagine our home without him.
4 years, 3 months ago
Cash
5 Months
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cash is very energetic, very playful, so lovable, he is fun and very smart. I love to come home and he comes running to me, jumping up on me.
4 years, 1 month ago
HoHo
14 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
HoHo has been the absolute best dog in the world! EVERYONE loves HoHo. She rarely barks, is super playful and loving, and very obidient.
4 years, 1 month ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

I am interested in purchasing a Cock a shon. I love what I have read so far. thank you for that! How do I minimize the chances of buying a dog with many health problems? I heard smaller dogs have more health issues than larger dogs. only owed big dogs in my past. I dont have a pet now and miss having one in the house.

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
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