Cockapin

Until the Cockapin can boast about its own history over time, it is advisable to look at the history of the parent breeds to see what influences that may have on your dog. The Cocker Spaniel dates back to the 14th Century and originated from the English Cocker Spaniels that were bought to the United States of America. Once in the USA, breeders bred the Spaniels down in size and called these smaller dogs the American Cocker Spaniel. These small Spaniels were used in hunting and retrieving game and became known as ideal to work in difficult terrain – both wet and dry areas. The Cocker Spaniel excelled at flushing out and retrieving game using their soft gentle mouths. The name ‘Cocker’ comes from the Woodcock which is a game bird that the dogs were known for flushing out. The American Cocker Spaniel was first recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1873. These dogs are excellent for tracking, hunting, retrieving, agility and competitive obedience. The Miniature Pinscher is a breed with origins in Germany. They were a result of cross breeding the Dachshund, Italian Greyhound, and the shorthaired German Pinscher. It would be fair to say that the Miniature Pinscher looks like a mini Doberman, as they both were developed from the German Pinscher. This active little dog was used to rid the barns from rats, and controlling the rodent population in the stables. They are alert, agile, full of energy and made ideal watchdogs. The breed was recognised in 1929 by the AKC but reclassified in 1930 as Toys and called Pinscher (Miniature). Finally, in 1972 they were once again renamed to Miniature Pinscher.