As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Our Associate portal can be found here
Designer dog breeds have become more and more popular as people seek to have a mix of the best traits from different dogs in a single dog. One of the greatest successes is the Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix which is commonly called Spanador, Cockador, or Cockerdor. If you are looking to buy one, then some of the questions you might have include:
- What is a Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix?
- What are the characteristics of a Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix?
- Why would you want one?
- Is it good for hunting?
- Where can you get one and the cost?
What is a Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix?
The Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix is a dog that results from the crossbreeding of the American Cocker Spaniel with the Labrador Retriever. As you may already know, these two parent breeds have some of the best traits among dogs, and a mix gives the Spanador a significant advantage in terms of characteristics.
What are the Characteristics of a Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix?
Given that it’s a designer dog, its characteristics are a mix of those of the parent breeds. Both breeds are very popular, highly active, energetic, friendly, and easy to train, traits that they pass on to this designer breed.
With the Cocker Spaniel and the Labrador Retriever breeds registered with AKC and classified in the Working Group of dogs, the resulting crossbreed is excellent for outdoor needs. Its instincts in the woods and water are incredible.
Working Ability
A Labrador Retriever is bred for pick up game. It is excellent at following an owner’s verbal, hand, and whistle cues when used in hunting or other activities.
On the other hand, the Cocker Spaniel is a hunting dog. Its bred to flush out game from thorns, bushes, and brackets. It will fearlessly dive into these places to flush out birds, rabbits, and other wildlife species for the owner. Additionally, it also has some retrieving uses when out hunting. This breed is highly responsive with impeccable working cooperation.
A Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix, therefore, benefits from both sides which make it excellent for all outdoor needs.
Physical Characteristics
When it comes to physical appearance, it lies on a spectrum between those of the parent breeds. That means that your Spanador will fall anywhere between the following characteristics:
Cocker Spaniel
Male: Weight 25-30lbs, Height 14.5”-15.5”
Female: Weight 20-25lbs, Height 13.5”-14.5”
Lifespan: 12 years
Coats: Two; a shorter undercoat and an outer coat that is longer, silkier and may be straight or wavy plus feathering (longer hair) around ears, chest, belly, and legs
Labrador Retriever
Male: Weight 65-80lbs, Height 22.5”-24.5”
Female: Weight 55-70lbs, Height 21.5”-23.5”
Lifespan: 10-14 years
Coats: Two; an undercoat and a coarser outer Guard coat that repels water and protects its skin
Remember, it’s not strictly a 50/50 inheritance of traits and therefore your dog may end up anywhere between the two breeds. Life expectancy, however, is often higher with the Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix living up to 17 years.
Personality Temperament
Given that both parent breeds have a stable and balanced temperament, are loving and friendly, the offspring ends up with one of the best personalities you can find in a dog. You will find it happy, friendly, outgoing, and easy to train and loves to play with people and other dogs.
Why Would You Want One?
If you have been looking for an excellent family dog, then the Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix is your ultimate choice. That’s especially if you spend a lot of time at home and love long walks. It’s a friendly outgoing dog that will give you a lot of attention.
In addition to being a family dog, it doubles up as a great outdoor companion. You will love how it serves you well.
Is it Good for Hunting?
Now that the Cocker Spaniel is a great hunting dog while the Labrador Retriever is bred to pickup game, their combination results in the ultimate hunting dog. The Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix has a high enthusiasm for finding prey, chasing and catching before bringing it to you if trained well.
Where Can You Get One and the Cost?
Puppies are readily available from reputable designer dog breeders. You can find these breeders online, and some may be listed on platforms like PuppyFind.com. You can also find them on animal sales and adoption websites.
The cost is around $800, which for the quality of this designer breed, is a fair price. It lies between the cost of Cocker Spaniel, which is $700 and that of a Labrador Retriever, which is $1000.
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt the Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix is one of the best designer breeds. Being excellent as a family dog and hunting dog, it is the ultimate companion to all your needs.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.
36 years old, been hunting and fishing my entire life – love the outdoors, family, and all kinds of hunting and fishing! I have spent thousands of hours hunting hogs and training hunting dogs, but I’m always learning new stuff and really happy to be sharing them with you! hit me up with an email in the contact form if you have any questions.
