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Cocker-Pei |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Great Britain <> China -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Cocker-Pei |
| The Cocker-Pei is a specific designer breed resulting from the crossing of the English Cocker Spaniel and the Shar Pei. It's a big, stocky dog with a short, smooth coat. Its soft, wrinkled face will melt your heart. It's a low-maintenance dog in terms of grooming and care, and sheds very little. The Cocker-Pei has a low to moderate energy level. Because they are a mixed breed, they cannot join the American Kennel Club. Because of its size and unpredictability with young children, it must be supervised when interacting with children. Cocker-Pei owners say he's a joy to own, but shouldn't be considered if you're adopting your first dog. |
History of the Cocker-Pei |
| Because the Cocker-Pei is such a modern breed, documentation on its history is limited to none. |
A little of the English Cocker Spaniel |
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| The Cocker Spaniel's roots go back to the mid-1800s. The Cocker Spaniel was trained to flush woodcock from its hiding place. The first Cocker Spaniel arrived in the United States in the early 1600s, and was officially added to the American Kennel Club's roster in 1878. It is the smallest member of the Sporting group. The American Spaniel Club was formed in 1881 and is considered the oldest breed club in the USA. The Cocker Spaniel was the most popular dog breed in the USA in the 1940s and 1950s. The Cocker Spaniel won Westminster's Best of Show on 4 occasions. In 1944, a Cocker Spaniel image was used on Coppertone billboards. Disney's animated classic Lady in the Tramp was released in 1955, Lady was a magnificent Cocker Spaniel. | ||
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| Standard of the English Cocker Spaniel | ||
A little of the Shar Pei |
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| The Shar Pei is an ancient breed originating in China. During the Han dynasty, they were used as fighting dogs. Eventually, they became the beloved companions of Chinese emperors. When the People's Republic of China was established, Communist leaders were against their people owning dogs as companions. They demanded that all pets be put down. Fortunately, some Shar Peis survived, and the breed has survived in British Hong Kong and Taiwan. A few Shar Peis have been imported to the USA from stocks registered with the Hong Kong Kennel Club. The Chinese Shar Pei Club of America was organized in 1974. The Shar Pei was accepted into the American Kennel Club's in 1988. | ||
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| Standard of the Shar Pei |
Appearance of the Cocker-Pei |
| The Cocker-Pei will have the physical characteristics of both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Shar-Pei. It will be a medium to large dog, weighing between 18 and 29.5 kilos. Most hybrids will have a cute, wrinkled face and a short, smooth coat. They may have a black or pink nose. Their eyes may be dark or green. The Cocker-Pei has floppy ears. If they take more after their Shar-Pei side, they will have a strong bite and large webbed paws. The tail can be medium to long. |
Temperament of the Cocker-Pei |
| Cocker Spaniels are social, friendly and affectionate. They are gentle, kind and good with children. If socialized at an early age, they are generally good with other dogs. Cocker Spaniels are eager to please and easily trained. Cocker Spaniels are energetic, curious and love to explore. Shar Peis are independent, confident and strong-willed. They don't need much attention or exercise. They're content to play with their chew toys in the comfort of home. The Shar Pei may have a hunting instinct, so your Cocker-Pei should not be walked off-leash. Early socialization with other dogs and children is important. Because the Shar Pei parent can be aggressive towards dogs and wary of strangers, precautions should be taken when introducing them. The Shar Pei is best suited to older children, not toddlers. Your hybrid, being a combination of these personalities, should be socialized to accept children of all ages but should never be left alone with them. Your Cocker-Pei should be a good watchdog as well as a companion. |
Needs and activities of the Cocker-Pei |
| The Shar Pei tends to have low energy levels, while the Cocker Spaniel is more energetic. Your Cocker-Pei may have low to moderate energy levels, but as a puppy it will be more energetic and need more exercise. The Shar Pei side of the mix may be more laid-back, which can cause him to put on weight. Daily walks and exercise are necessary to prevent obesity. Both Cocker Spaniels and Shar Peis are sensitive to heat, and an overheated dog can suffer heatstroke. During the hot summer months, your hybrid should be walked on shady streets. The Cocker-Pei is happiest in a home with a fenced-in yard that allows it to enjoy the pleasures of digging and exploring. Don't leave your pet unattended, as it may dig its way out. |
Maintenance of the Cocker-Pei |
| The Cocker-Pei generally has a short, smooth coat. A smoother brush will work well to remove loose hair. If the coat is a little longer and tends to tangle, a pincushion brush can be used. Depending on the length of your hybrid's ears, he may need to have them cleaned and checked for debris every week, as some Cocker Spaniel dogs tend to get ear infections. Also, the skin can be sensitive, so when bathing, use a mild shampoo approved by the vet. Trim your hybrid's nails as needed, usually twice a month, unless they wear down naturally. Teeth should be carefully brushed two or three times a week. |
English (United Kingdom) 
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