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Cockapin |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
U.S.A. <> Germany -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Cockapin |
| Cockapins are friendly, loyal and affectionate companion dogs that are good with children, very active and enjoy being part of family life. While they are playful and energetic, they can also be proud and sensitive by nature. The Cockapin is a devoted dog that will show exceptional loyalty and compassion to its owner's moods. Although small, they are robust, with compact bodies and attractive coats. They are intelligent and will respond well to training, although they can sometimes become a little stubborn and it will take patience and calm to get them through. They need an owner who is the pack leader; a weaker owner will be taken advantage of and this little dog will then think he's the boss. This kind of situation can lead to behavioral problems, so avoid it by starting to train your dog as a puppy, and you'll be rewarded with an obedient, loving little dog glued to your side. |
History of the Cockapin |
| Until the Cockapin can boast its own history over time, it's a good idea to look at the history of the parent breeds to see what influences this may have on your dog. |
A little of the American Cocker Spaniel |
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| Spaniels are classified as a type of hunting dog, but they have been helping hunters long before the invention of the rifle. Initially, these dogs were bred to chase game from deep brush for bowhunters and, in some cases, to retrieve birds from where they had fallen. Early Spaniels were divided into two groups according to where they worked: Water Spaniels and Land Spaniels. At some point in the 17th century, a distinction was made between types of land Spaniel and they began to be classified as Springer or Cocker Spaniel, based entirely on the size of the dog. The smaller Spaniels were used to flush out both furred and feathered game such as woodcock, giving them the name Cocker Spaniel, and the larger ones were given the name Springer Spaniel for their ability to flush out game for hunting. The larger Spaniels were named Springer Spaniels as they were used to spouting game, the smaller dogs, however, were adept at hunting woodcock and other such birds for their owners, earning them the names Cocker Spaniel and Cocker. The Spaniel Club was founded in England in 1902. American Cocker Spaniels were bred to be pets and domestic animals and so developed differently from the Cocker Spaniel in England. their backs became longer, their heads more domed and their prey considerably smaller. 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 crosses between the original English Cocker Spaniel and the new Americanized version of the Cocker Spaniel and in 1946 the American Cocker Spaniel was recognized as a distinct breed, which is the breed used to develop the Cockapin. | ||
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| Standard of the American Cocker Spaniel | ||
A little of the Miniature Pinscher |
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| The Miniature Pinscher is a breed that originated in Germany. They were the result of a cross between the Dachshund, the Italian Greyhound and the German Shorthaired Pinscher. It would be fair to say that the Miniature Pinscher resembles a mini Dobermann, as they were both developed from the German Pinscher. These active little dogs were used to rid stables of rats and control the rodent population. They are alert, agile and full of energy, making them ideal watchdogs. The breed was recognized in 1929 by the AKC, but reclassified in 1930 as toys and called Miniature Pinschers. Finally, in 1972, they were once again renamed Miniature Pinschers. | ||
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| Standard of the Miniature Pinscher |
Appearance of the Cockapin |
| The Cockapin is a visually appealing dog with a short, low-maintenance coat. They reach a maximum height of around 38 centimeters and have a well-proportioned body with short but strong legs. Their skull is slightly rounded with a strong muzzle in proportion to the head. The teeth should meet in a scissor bite. The eyes are often doe-shaped and expressively dark. Ears may vary according to the predominance of the parent breed. They can be long, feathered and supple like Cocker Spaniels, or they can follow their dwarf Pinscher parent with high ears that are held straight or slightly folded and high on the head. The dewclaws can be removed and their feet are rounded and can be lightly feathered. The Cockapin is an attractive little dog that is very people-oriented. |
Temperament of the Cockapin |
| Cockapins are intelligent, friendly dogs that are ideal as pets. They get on well with children, being a sturdy little dog, but they can be reserved with other dogs or pets unless they are raised with them or well socialized as puppies. The Cockapin is a true companion dog, loving to be with his family and not to be left alone. These dogs are not kennel dogs, their home is inside with you. These dogs make ideal apartment dogs, but will need a daily outing to use up some of their energy. Fortunately, their active nature indoors with the family will meet most of their activity needs. The Cockapin also loves to snuggle up and lie on your lap, and will gladly receive all the attention you can give them. Although they love to please, they tend to have a stubborn streak that will test your patience during training, but with patience and good handling, they will eventually respond and obey. They are very alert little dogs that make good watchdogs, no one can escape their vigilant observation. |
Needs and activities of the Cockapin |
| The Cockapin is an active little dog that needs a daily walk and time to explore in a well-fenced yard or at the dog park. This outing gives your dog valuable time to socialize with other people and pets, ensuring a happy, well-balanced pet. They have the instinct to hunt still deep inside them, so make sure they're in a secure area or keep them on a leash otherwise your dog can disappear over the horizon while chasing birds or small creatures. These dogs can adapt well to the country where they like to chase birds all day, or to the city where they'll keep an observant eye on your home. While they don't necessarily need a house with a garden, having that extra space will give your active friend plenty to explore, while keeping an eye on you to see what you're up to. Adaptable is a word that sums up the Cockapin, they adapt beautifully to most places and warmer climates as long as you're there too. |
Maintenance of the Cockapin |
| The Cockapin is easy to care for, requiring only an occasional brushing with a firm brush to keep its coat silky smooth. Rather than bathing him constantly, this dog will do well with a soft, damp scrub to keep him smelling sweet. It's a good idea to make sure your Cockapin puppy is trained to have his teeth brushed from an early age, as well as training him to sit quietly while you gently wipe and inspect his ears. This practice will soon become the highlight of her day as she gets your undivided attention. Grooming time is ideal for checking for cuts or sores, infections or parasites. Complete the inspection with nail clippers if necessary. The Cockapin sheds little or no hair, so it's a good dog if you don't want to vacuum the house every day. |
English (United Kingdom) 
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