Cairicocker

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.

Origin
Great Britain -> U.S.A.
Translation
Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Cairicocker

The Cairicocker is a hybrid breed in which the Cairn Terrier is crossed with the English Cocker Spaniel. Relatively new to the scene, there's little information available on the Cairicocker, as a puppy it will inherit traits from both parents. Weighing between 6 and 13 kilos, the Cairicocker is a small dog with short legs and plenty of determination, compact and robust. Cairicockers tend to be playful and gentle, and love to please their families.

History of the Cairicocker

The hybrid known as the Cairicocker is a new breed of dog with no detailed history, although the two breeds that combine to create the breed have a long history.
        

A little of the Cairn Terrier

        
In the case of the Cairn Terrier, the breed is thought to be part of a group of short-legged Terriers from the Isle of Skye in Scotland, which is thought to have existed since the 15th century when the breed was used to hunt foxes, badgers and otters. The name is thought to derive from the dog being particularly adept at chasing otters from stone piles, or cairns, which were used as landmarks or memorials during this period. The dogs were seen in many colors and all were considered Scotch Terriers. In 1873, the dogs were divided according to color into two groups: Dandie Dinmont and Skye Terriers, with Cairn a member of the Skye Terrier group. In 1881, the Skye group was further divided: one group for Skyes and a second for Wirehaired Terriers. The Wirehaired Terriers were then separated into Scotch, West Highland White and the breed now known as the Cairn. In 1912, the Cairn became the Cairn Terrier. A famous and easily recognizable Cairn Terrier is the little dog Toto from the Wizard of Oz.
Standard of the Cairn Terrier

A little of the English Cocker Spaniel

The English brought their version of the English Cocker Spaniel to the United States in the late 1800s. While American hunters were looking for a slightly smaller dog, the American version was created to hunt quail and other small game birds. The name "cocker" comes from the word "woodcock", which is a type of game bird that the dog was able to capture. Although it is not known how the smaller version came into being, it is thought that the first, a dog called Obo 2nd, was born around 1880. Other evidence points to cross-breeding of the English Cocker Spaniel with smaller Toy Spaniels to create the American version. In 1935, the American Kennel Club separated the English and American Cocker Spaniels into two different breeds.
Standard of the English Cocker Spaniel

Appearance of the Cairicocker

The Cairicocker is a hybrid of the Cairn Terrier and the English Cocker Spaniel. Although no information is available on the appearance of the Cairicocker, we can consider the appearance of the hybrid's parent breeds. The Cairn Terrier is a small dog, averaging 6 to 13 kilos with short legs. Slightly longer than it is tall, its body is muscular and strong. The breed's front legs are completely straight, with the forelegs larger than the hind legs. The Cairn Terrier's eyes are set wide apart, its eyebrows are shaggy and its ears are small and pointed. Of medium size, the English Cocker Spaniel has a compact body with straight, muscular front legs. The breed's hindquarters include broad hips and muscular thighs. The English Cocker Spaniel has almond-shaped eyes and long, well-feathered ears. Your Cairicocker will be a lovely blend of the two parents, with either erect or hanging ears, and a wavy or wiry coat. Most often, these hybrids have a long body with an erect tail when the dog is excited.

Temperament of the Cairicocker

The Cairicocker will inherit its temperament from its parents. The Cairn Terrier can be described as rambunctious and courageous. Although it has a strong personality, the Cairn Terrier is a sensitive dog that loves to play with children. Dogs of this breed can be aggressive towards other dogs and chase small animals. Without proper training, the Cairn Terrier can bark excessively. As the breed is bright, training is generally easy for this playful dog. The English Cocker Spaniel tends to bark a lot, although it is playful and good-natured. The breed tends to be good with children and gets on well with other animals. Early socialization is recommended to ensure your Cairicocker doesn't become shy. Your hybrid will be a sensitive breed that enjoys spending time with people.

Needs and activities of the Cairicocker

The Cairicocker enjoys walking on a leash or playing games in its yard. He can do well in an apartment as long as he gets enough exercise, although you can expect him to be active indoors too. Ideally, a yard is what your Cairicocker needs. He needs to expend his energy and because of his need to explore, he could become a barker if his brain isn't exercised along with his body. Your hybrid may well do well in Earth Dog trials, which could be a fun activity for both of you.

Maintenance of the Cairicocker

Your Cairicocker's coat should be combed or brushed once a week, and dead hairs should be stripped at least twice a year if the texture is stiff. If the coat is longer than that of the English Cocker Spaniel, trimming the fur will keep it neat and minimize maintenance. When the coat is not trimmed, brushing or combing should take place three times a week, with professional clipping and scissoring every two to three months. Bathing should be carried out when necessary. We recommend keeping your Cairicocker's ears and eyes clean, as they can be prone to ear infections if the ears are long and covered with thick fur. Eyes can be runny and tear-stained if left unattended.

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