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Cocker Westie |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Great Britain -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Cocker Westie |
| The Cocker Westie is a specific crossbreed of an English Cocker Spaniel and a West Highland White Terrier. It is considered a designer breed because two pure registered breeds were intentionally crossed to create the Cocker Westie. Their coats are generally medium to long and need to be brushed and combed regularly. Cocker Westies are curious, intelligent and very attached to their owners. They are quick to learn and very easy to train. Their energy level is moderate to high. They are agile and robust, and make excellent pets. |
History of the Cocker Westie |
| The Cocker Westie is a modern hybrid and has little documented history, although it is thought to have originated in the USA during the 2,000s. We have a history of both parent breeds. |
A little of the English Cocker Spaniel |
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| The history of the English Cocker Spaniel dates back to the mid-1800s. The English Cocker Spaniel was bred and trained to flush out woodcock. A blushing dog finds the game and then drives it from its hiding place. The first English Cocker Spaniel is thought to have arrived in America on the Mayflower in 1620. The English 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. The English Cocker Spaniel was the most popular dog breed in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s. This attractive dog won Westminster's Best of Show award 4 times. The English Cocker Spaniel has been a loyal companion to celebrities such as Jackie Onassis, Marilyn Monroe, Elton John, Ashley Judd, George Clooney, Charlize Theron and Oprah Winfrey. | ||
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| Standard of the English Cocker Spaniel | ||
A little of the West Highland White Terrier |
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| The West Highland White Terrier is commonly known as the Westie. It originated in Scotland and was bred to hunt rats, rabbits, badgers and foxes. Originally, their coat was black, creamy red or white. It is thought that a hunter named Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm, of Poltalloch, Argyllshire, Scotland, accidentally killed one of his terriers during a hunt. The dog had a red coat, which resembled a fox. The colonel was very upset that he had mistaken his dog for a fox. He decided to start breeding only white Terriers, which could be easily identified on a hunt. Eventually, he developed a pure white Terrier. The breed was originally called Poltalloch Terriers, after Colonel Malcolm's estate. The West Highland White Terrier Club was founded in 1905 by Colonel Malcolm. The first Westies arrived in America in 1905. The West Highland White Terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908. The Westie has become one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They excel in agility training, tracking and obedience competitions. They make excellent therapy and service dogs. Westies have been faithful companions to celebrities such as Alfred Hitchcock, Ashley Judd, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson and Betty White. | ||
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| Standard of the West Highland White Terrier |
Appearance of the Cocker Westie |
| The Cocker Westie is a hybrid dog that can have the physical characteristics of both its parents. They are small dogs with medium to long coats. Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Westie have double coats. The Cocker Westie can be black, beige, cream, white or brown. They will have a robust, agile body. The Cocker Westie will have a dark nose, dark piercing eyes and a gentle facial expression. Its ears are floppy and the tail is medium-sized. He may have a broad muzzle with a rounded head. The Cocker Westie may have a scissor bite, common in Westies. |
Temperament of the Cocker Westie |
| The Cocker Westie's temperament will be a combination of parental personality, disposition and character. The English Cocker Spaniel is a social and affectionate 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 easily trained. They're a curious, active breed. English Cocker Spaniels like to be part of their family's activities. Westies are generally friendly to strangers and get on well with children. They are energetic, curious, alert and inquisitive. Westies are confident and self-assured. Early socialization with other dogs is recommended. They can hunt prey and chase smaller animals. Westies are very alert and make excellent watchdogs. They like to bark and dig in the yard. A combination of two great dogs, your Cocker Westie will be a confident, energetic, courageous, curious and friendly companion. |
Needs and activities of the Cocker Westie |
| Your Cocker Westie may have a medium to high energy level. This will be a high-energy puppy. Daily walks and exercise are necessary. The Cocker Westie will appreciate playful interaction with its owners. The Cocker Westie is a social dog and will love to play in a dog park. He'll excel in puppy obedience classes. It's important to let him interact with you often throughout the day, and to make sure he has toys to chew on when you're not at home. His English Cocker Spaniel side doesn't do well in extreme heat. During the hot summer months, he should be walked in shady streets. |
Maintenance of the Cocker Westie |
| The Cocker Westie will have a double coat that requires regular brushing. Monthly trimming or stripping may be necessary. Nails should be trimmed monthly. Soft floppy ears should be cleaned once a week with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner. The Cocker Westie may need to be bathed monthly, so be sure to detangle its fur completely before bathing. Cocker Westies should have their teeth brushed weekly to prevent tartar build-up. It's a good idea to put your dog on a monthly flea and tick prevention program, especially if you frequent long grassy areas or if your hybrid attends doggy daycare. In addition, dogs should be seen by a vet once a year for a wellness check. |
English (United Kingdom)