Cocker-Ton

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

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

A brief presentation of the Cocker-Ton

The Cocker-Ton is a hybrid of an English Cocker Spaniel and a Coton de Tuléar. Its coat is long, thick and feathered, and needs to be brushed regularly. Professional grooming may be required a few times a year. Cocker-Ton hybrids are gentle, intelligent and enjoy spending time with their owners. Their energy level is moderate to high and they can be stubborn, requiring patience and consistency in training. Cocker-Tons generally get on well with children and other pets. Because they are hybrids, they cannot be registered with the American Kennel Club. Those who own the Cocker-Ton say they are not a laid-back dog and are eager to be on the move at any time.

History of the Cocker-Ton

The Cocker-Ton is a modern hybrid that is thought to have originated in the USA in the 2000s. The breed's parental history will give a good insight into this happy breed.
        

A little of the English Cocker Spaniel

        
The English Cocker Spaniel was bred and trained to flush out woodcock, a dog that blushes, stalks the prey and then flushes it from the hunter's hiding place. First seen in North America in the 1600s, this member of the American Kennel Club's sporting group joined the roster in 1878. Well versed in the demands of the show ring, the breed also has a star in Hollywood. Disney's Lady and the Tramp featured the English Cocker Spaniel as the film's two main characters. The English Cocker Spaniel, as of March 2017, was the 29th most popular dog in the United States according to the American Kennel Club.
Standard of the English Cocker Spaniel

A little of the Coton de Tuléar

The Coton de Tuléar was developed on the island of Madagascar. It is thought that Coton de Tuléar's ancestors may have been brought to Madagascar by pirates in the 16th and 17th centuries. Pirates kept them as companions and to help control rats on ships. This cute little dog then became the beloved companion of Madagascan royalty. During a visit to Madagascar, a biologist named Dr. Robert Jay Russell discovered the breed and brought the first ones to America in 1973. He nicknamed them "Le Chien Royal de Madagascar". Dr. Russell founded the Coton de Tuléar Club of America in 1976. The Coton de Tuléar was recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club on July 1, 2014.
Standard of the Coton de Tuléar

Appearance of the Cocker-Ton

The Cocker-Ton is a hybrid dog that will have the physical characteristics of both its parents. They will be small dogs with long, thick coats, although their coats may look more like hair than fur. Because the Coton de Tulear is a hypoallergenic breed, the Cocker-Ton may have less dander. The Cocker-Ton can be white, buff, brown, black or multicolored. It will have a robust, compact body. The Cocker-Ton may have a lively, bright and cheerful expression. Its ears will be floppy, the tail will be medium-sized and may curl over its back. The Cocker-Ton may have a prominent black nose and large, expressive eyes. He will always have an alert, cheerful expression.

Temperament of the Cocker-Ton

The Cocker-Ton's temperament is a blend of English Cocker Spaniel and Coton de Tuléar. The English Cocker Spaniel is a social, friendly breed. They are gentle, loyal and kind. If socialized from an early age, they are good with children and other dogs. The English Cocker Spaniel is eager to please and craves attention. They are easily trained and listen to commands, doing their best to comply. The Coton de Tuléar is a playful, affectionate and intelligent breed. They are generally a calm breed, but growl and bark when they play. Most Coton de Tulear dogs are eager to please, but can sometimes be a little stubborn. A dog that loves to play, swim and run, a common trait of Coton de Tuléar behavior is that they are liveliest at night. Your Cocker-Ton is likely to be a happy dog, eager to please. He will need attention, constant training and exercise. If your Cocker-Ton is socialized from an early age, it will be good with children and able to mix with other canines in any environment, whether at home or at the dog park.

Needs and activities of the Cocker-Ton

The Coton de Tuléar is a high-energy dog, while the English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-energy dog. Your Cocker-Ton can be a medium-to-high-energy dog and will require daily walks and activities. This hybrid loves running, retrieving games and activities that allow him to use his intelligence. Obedience classes or agility training may be just what he needs to expend energy and feel like he's working. If a high-energy dog doesn't get enough exercise, he may become destructive or vocalize his lack of stimulation. Your Cocker-Ton will love to play and explore in a fenced yard or dog park. The English Cocker Spaniel side of the Cocker-Ton doesn't do well in extreme heat. During the hot summer months, they should be walked in the cool of the day.

Maintenance of the Cocker-Ton

The Cocker-Ton will have a thick, long coat that is best maintained with regular brushing using a pin brush, the ideal tool for removing tangles. Cocker-Tons need to be bathed monthly with a mild shampoo. His ears should be carefully dried inside and out to avoid ear infection, as the English Cocker Spaniel parent has a predisposition to ear disorders. Professional grooming may be necessary to keep the coat in elegant shape. Nails should be trimmed monthly to prevent tearing or cracking. To prevent tartar build-up and cavities, the Cocker-Ton's teeth should be brushed with canine toothpaste several times a week.

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