Because the Cocker Pug is a new designer breed, their documented history is limited to none but we can look into his parent's origins for insight into this attractive hybrid. The Cocker Spaniel’s roots date back to the mid 1800’s in the United Kingdom. The Cocker Spaniel was trained as a hunting
dog who would flush out the Eurasian Woodcocks from their hiding place so that the hunter could shoot the bird. Because they hunted the Woodcocks they were called the "Cocker". It
is believed that the first Cocker Spaniel came to America on the Mayflower in
1620 with the Pilgrims. When the Cocker Spaniel was bred in the United States, their standards were different than the English Cocker Spaniel. The Cocker Spaniel was officially recognized by the
American Kennel Club in 1878 and is the smallest member of the "Sporting Group".
The American Spaniel Club was formed in 1881 and is considered the oldest canine breed
club in the United States. In 1946, the American Cocker Spaniel was recognized as separate from the English Cocker Spaniel. The Cocker Spaniel has won the
Westminster’s Best of Show award 4 times and have been beloved companions to Hollywood icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and Rita Haywood. They also have been featured on billboards and in Disney movies. The Pug is an ancient dog breed that dates back to 400 B.C. and it is believed the breed
originated in China. Pugs were bred to be companions for the royal family and
were guarded by the emperor's soldiers. Tibetan Buddhist monks also kept Pugs as their companions in their temple. Brought into Europe in the sixteenth century, they became quite popular in the European courts. During the nineteenth century, Queen Victoria bred her Pugs and gave the puppies as gifts to other members of royalty. Because of her love and involvement with the breed, the United Kingdom Kennel Club was formed in 1873. Pugs first came in to the United States during the
nineteenth century and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885. Pugs have been loving companions to celebrities, writers, designers and artists such as Robin Williams, Billy Joel, Hugh Laurie, Valentino, Andy Warhol, Norman Mailer, George Clooney and Paul Smith.
