20-47 lbs
18-20"
United States
Wonderfully loyal and affectionate, as well as being intelligent and very playful, the Spanador is the result of crossing the pure bred Labrador Retriever with an American Cocker Spaniel. It is a relatively new hybrid that is becoming very popular as a family dog and companion. The Spanador combines the sweet loving nature of the Labrador with the smaller attractive Cocker Spaniel which produces a smaller dog for families. Good looks and endearing personality combine to make one attractive dog.
They are ideal to train as they love to please and will try hard to do what you ask. Combine loads of praise and a few treats and you will have a dog that will do anything for you. They thrive on affection and praise, and they love their people! Ideally they will live inside with you, they won't take kindly to a kennel away from its people. Even when they are grown up they will still try to sit on your lap or at least as close as they can to you. Children and the Spanador are a natural mix, they get on well and make fun playmates. But they are suspicious of strangers and will bark to alert you to any suspicious activity.
A good all rounder, the Spanador is a beautiful dog with a kind gentle but active nature who makes a perfect lifetime companion.
Lets look at the history of the parent dogs to determine what characteristics are going to pass onto the Spanador. The first Cocker Spaniel in America arrived on the Mayflower with the Pilgrim Fathers in 1620. They were brought as both companion and working dogs for the new settlers. They were great to retrieve water fowl for the hunter, and became their trusted companion. As settlers poured into America these dogs helped them to explore and exploit the wild lands they found there. Developed from the English Cocker Spaniel in the 19th Century, the American Cocker Spaniel was at first just diffent in size only as it was a smaller dog. As the years passed and the breeding was perfected, the American Cocker was so different in so many ways that in 1945 it could no longer be judged as one breed and the American Kennel Club recognised the American Cocker Spaniel as its own breed in 1873.
The hard working American Cocker Spaniel was an ideal hunting dog, able to work in difficult terrain, and in all types of weather. They excelled at flushing out and retrieving game with a gentle mouth that didn't damage the game. Their skills are renown for agility, tracking, retrieving, watchdog and competitive obedience. The Labrador Retriever or Lab as they are affectionately known, originated in the Island of Newfoundland, off the coast of Canada. They were used to help fishermen retrieve fish that had escaped hooks and towing lines, often swimming in the freezing waters to assist. Originally called the St. John's dog after the capital city, they became valuable companions and working dogs for their owners. English sportsmen soon began importing them to England around 1830 and it was the third Earl of Malmesbury who first referred to these dogs as Labradors. In the 1880's they were almost extinct, but the Malmesbury family was credited with the saving of the breed.
Sadly the breed disappeared in Newfoundland because of government restrictions and tax laws that only allowed one dog, and female dogs were highly taxed, so female pups were culled from litters. The American Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1917 and the Lab's popularity really took off, then after the war and in 1991 the Labrador Retriever became the most popular dog registered with the AKC. To this day they have held that position. Today the Labrador works in drug and explosive detection, search and rescue, therapy, assistance for the handicapped and as retrievers for the hunter.
This well loved and loyal animal is still as popular as ever, and makes a perfect companion.
The Spanador is an attractive dog, solid and yet athletic in build with a strong legs and large padded paws. The chest is deep and wide, and their strong neck supports the wedge shaped head and pointed muzzle. The top of the head is slightly rounded, with the ears set high but flopping over to hang down the side of the face. The ears may be fringed from the influence of the American Cocker Spaniel. Slightly smaller in size than the average Labrador Retriever, the Spanador is a good size for a family pet. Their large round eyes express both love and mischief, and their nose is usually a glossy black. The coat of a Spanador is medium to long and is quite dense, with feathering around the legs, ears and chest from the Cocker Spaniel. Attractive in both looks and nature, the Spanador is a hard dog to ignore.
The Spanador has a medium to long coat, depending on the genetic influence of the parent dogs. It sheds moderately, and at certain times of the year - especially the with the onslaught of summer. A good brushing will be required on a weekly basis, although it may need it twice a week during summer. Be prepared to vacuum often at this time to pick up the cast-off hairs. Using a comb will help remove the excess hair and prevent matting. Your Spanador may have longer hair or fringing around the legs, ears and chest as a gift from the American Cocker Spaniel parent. Comb or brush these to prevent tangles.
This dog only needs a bath when required, that is - when they have rolled in something unpleasant smelling (which they will given a chance) or have run through the mud. Use a dog shampoo that will be kinder on their skin, as these dogs can suffer from dry itchy skin. Make sure you rinse them well and remove all soap suds too. Check their ears for infection and clean when necessary, and brush their teeth twice to three times per day. Finish off the grooming with a nail clip if required and remember to praise them profusely for being so good.
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Lively, curious, loyal, fun and slightly goofy, the Spanador has a love of life that is hard to ignore. Everything you do together will be enthusiastically embraced, whether you are going for a trek or just putting out the rubbish. Life is an adventure to these active dogs and they don't want to miss any of it. As a puppy they will curl up on your lap and refuse to move, they love being with you. Even as they mature they will still try to climb into your lap which can be a 50 pound problem! But it is hard to refuse such a good natured dog. Of course nothing is perfect and that can apply to the Spanador, with its need to be with you, its love of food (they can eat too fast and get bloated) or they can just have so much energy you wish you could unplug them for a while.
Your children will love this happy pooch, and even the cat will be considered a friend. They are mellow, although a little reserved with strangers (a trait from the American Cocker Spaniel); this can slow this dog down a bit, but not for long. They love attention and will do almost anything to get it. They adapt well to country or town living, and if you have a yard, then that is the perfect lifestyle. Ensure the fence is secure as they can get distracted and wander away. They are adaptable to a variety of climates and situations, as long as you are there, they are happy. When you are choosing a puppy, try to meet the parent dogs. If the American Cocker Spaniel is an outgoing friendly dog so much the better. Some Spaniels can have a streak of aggression but usually the Labrador influence will smooth that out.
Training will come easily to the Spanador, they love to please and learn with fewer repetitions than other dogs. A newcomer on the dog breed scene, the Spanador is poised to become a favourite, taking after its parent dogs.
The Spanador is an active dog, especially when they are young. They are enthusiastic about everything, even just going outside to pick up the paper. These dogs love life and show it. They will love to be your jogging or walking mate, although use a leash as they have an avid curiosity and may wander off ignoring your calls if they are not restrained.
The Spanador loves water, so if you are near the sea or a river, they will be in their element splashing around and swimming about. They will benefit from a safe enclosed yard to run around unrestrained, playing with their doggy toys or the family. A young Spanador needs to be introduced to exercise slowly, allowing its legs and muscles to strengthen before taking on any arduous treks. This precaution will save aches and pains as they age. The Spanador is not really suited to apartment living, unless it is an older dog who will be more mellow (hopefully) by then. They are too active and boisterous otherwise but that what makes this dog so appealing.
Written by Darlene Stott
Published: 12/15/2017, edited: 09/10/2021
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Hello there I have a six year old spanador and would like to let her have a litter. Would you recommend a particular breed for her ? We are thinking a labrador, springaspaniel or German shepard.
Hi, I'm going to buy a puppy of Labrador father mix with cocker spaniel mother. What do you think about them. I would like to How big will they grow, appearance and attitude. I have mention my WhatsApp number below. Thanks
Do you have information on where in the USA we can find the Spanador breed?
